Helm Vision Group

Reviews 5

A

A Private User

I was referred to Helm Vision Group by my regular optometrist because I had an eye infection and needed oral medication which she could not prescribe. It was a second flare up of an infection I had had roughly 2 years before. I gave Dr. Gross all of the history and informed him that I was sent to him because I needed oral medication. He did not prescribe it and instead recommended that I wean off the eye drops that I was taking because the infection was gone. I paid (a lot) for the same test my optometrist had done about 45 minutes earlier and scheduled a follow up because He said it was necessary. The day after my scheduled appointment my eye felt like it was going to fall out of my head and I called for a check up. Dr. Gross prescribed another "new" and very expensive drop because NOW he could see the infection. I got the drops because I was already in pretty deep, I might as well ride it out so I could be pain free. A week later I was still seriously hurting and called Dr. Gross, his office wanted me to come in and pay for another (number 3) office visit to investigate my eye. At this point I returned to my optometrist and requested a different referral, she was appalled that Helm Vision Group had never prescribed oral medication. She sent me to a REAL specialist in Lancaster who prescribed me the anti viral I should have had 2 weeks before and within a day and a half I was finally pain free and the infection was on its way out. Dr. Gross and Helm Vision Group grossly misdiagnosed my condition and their judgement left me with eye pain and a bad infection for weeks longer than necessary. Helm Vision Group charges and wrongly prescribed medications total cost: $400 Cost to do it right the first visit with a real doctor and correct medication: $135

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AL

Alison Marlowe

This vision group is cold, poorly managed, and more concerned with making money than serving patients. Ive been seeing Dr. Engh for decades and moved to Helm Vision Group with him when he closed his private practice. When I visited the first time, I waited an hour and fifteen minutes to see a doctor. I had made an appointment and was not informed that they were running behind. I know three others who have had similar experiences. One coworker waited THREE HOURS once. When I was deciding between two pairs of glasses, the employee REFUSED to give me feedback. When pressed, she found another employee who would give her opinion. That was just weird. When selecting contacts, I was told "Dont bother trying to find this brand cheaper elsewhere. We price match." Turns out that was a lie. I later found the same brand for significantly less through 1-800-CONTACTS. And finally, as if the other issues hadnt sent me in search of a new doctor: today I received a letter from a debt collection agency for my unpaid balance of - wait for it -TEN DOLLARS. I received no bill, no phone call from Helm, absolutely no explanation for this "debt". I was in the office no more than three weeks ago, where I picked up and paid for my contacts. No mention of this supposed debt. I am beyond baffled why they opted to send this through a collection agency rather than call me, especially considering the paltry sum I somehow neglected to pay. Even if this debt were legitimate (which it is not), the fact that it was handled in this way reinforces the cold nature of this establishment. If you go here, you will not be viewed as a patient. As for me, Ive lost my patience. Thank you, Helm Vision Group, for opening my eyes. No more vision groups for me. Ill be moving on.

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BU

Buck Van Patten

I received cataract surgery from Helm Vision Group about 5 or 6 weeks ago and everything went fine. I discovered I needed that surgery after my regular eye Doc.gave me a new prescription that I could not use. I went back to my regular eye Doc. after my surgery & they gave me a new vision test & gladly changed my prescription @ no charge & am now waiting for them to arrive. I have a pair of older Oakley prescription sun glasses that I have had for a couple of years which no longer worked for me. So I thought I would have Helm replace the lenses so I would have a back up pair. Much to my surprise Oakley glasses can only be sent to Oakley (no outside lab).Mind you I only needed 1 lens changed but the Helm optometrist in formed me that they had to change both. It did not make sense to me but, ok I have Medicare to help off set the cost. Low and behold the out of pocket cost to me was a STAGGERING $434.00 and thats more than the original cost of the glasses with poly carbonate lenses .Obviously I can not afford that & probably would not pay it if I could, thats outrageous. So now I am disappointed because I can not afford this. Keep in mind my insurance company (through my wifes work) has picked up all the bills for my surgery, eye tests and anything else they are charging them for. At this point I ask the lady behind the counter & the female Optometrist to just give me a copy of my prescription and now the Optometrist tells me there will be an $80.00 charge. WTH I would think my Ins. company paid for it.This is ludicrous & in my opinion border line illegal. Obviously I will never return & surely never recommend Helm Vision Group. Harold Van Patten

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HO

Holly Hind

I went to Helm Vision Group for laysik eye surgery and had an amazing experience. Erica was a big help for me prior to my surgery day, helping me with timing and returning all of my calls promptly. She was so sweet, comforting and helpful with my questions. On my day of surgery, I was only under the laser system for about 13 minutes and under the actual laser for only about 6 seconds each eye! The experience was like going ludicrous speed, out of a so-fi movie. It was comforting knowing I was under the best laser system, the only laser system that is FDA approved with 400 pulses per minute (as compared to what my father had in 2001 of 200 ppm). I was getting anxious but Dr. Helm calmly walked me threw what he was doing before he would proceed, and comforted me the whole way. I felt no pain until taking off the tape from the mask I wore out. An amazing experience! I can see 20/15 now and was able to see the next day and drive home (Mammoth Lakes) , and went skiing/work that weekend. If considering laser eye surgery, I would recommend Helm Vision Group.

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AN

Anna Rast

Dr. Helm did an exceptional job for us on my daughters Lasik Surgery. I compared several choices and researched all the technology, and, in the Santa Clarita Valley, Dr. Helm was the only choice that made sense! He is the only doctor in the Santa Clarita who has the state-of-the-art laser, and his price was fantastic. I have gone to his offices for years for eye check ups and glasses for myself and for my family. Every visit has been quick, efficient, up beat, professional and pleasurable. Getting to have our daughters Lasik done at Dr. Helms "home" offices was just a wonderful treat- and at a better price than traveling over the hill! Why drive to the valley, when you can get the best, most professional, exceptional technology and service right here in Santa Clarita? I would without hesitation recommend Dr. Helm and his fantastic staff 100% and with no reservations!

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