Vision Center II

I’ve been going to Dr. Nelson for the last 16 years. My family goes to him as well. I’ve always enjoy my visits. He has a sense of humor and treats his patients like family. He and his staff always recognize my face and remember what has been going on in my life. My eyes have been well taken care of.

For starters, my brother, sister and I have been seeing Dr. Nelson since we were kids and I personally have been going to him exclusively for eye exams until last year when I went to see an ophthalmologist.
Disclaimer — If you do not know the difference, I’ll save you a google search:
Continuing, I’m writing this review because I don’t think it’s fair that the first reviewer seemingly did not understand the difference and posted out of feeling slighted. Yes, Dr. Nelson has an odd, sometimes stinging sense of humor. That’s kind of who he is. So if you do not have tough skin, can’t take a joke, don’t go to him. If you can laugh at your own expense, it should be an enjoyable experience if you need glasses or contacts.
Not to completely discredit any negatives, I have insurance that helps cover my eye care so I cannot speak to the pricing and in my opinion his joking CAN be taken as unprofessional. For this, I remove a star. But otherwise, my experiences here have ranged from mildly pleasant to fun.

I was very surprised to find that this business was not previously listed on Unilocal.I had my first and last experience here yesterday and, as an avid Unilocal!er, I’ve deemed it my responsibility to warn you of the shameless negligence you’ll find here.
To start, I woke up five days before I saw Dr. Nelson and my left eyelid was swollen and my eyes had an uneven appearance. Thinking it was allergies, I began taking Benadryl and Claritin. It did not hurt nor was it itchy. My eyelid appeared to be sagging, maybe a little puffy. Days later after seeing no change and with Labor Day quickly approaching, I decided I wanted peace of mind prior to the long weekend. Unable to get into my own stellar eye doctor, I called around the Marlton/​Voorhees/​Cherry Hill area checking availability to no avail. One of my very close friends recommended Vision Center II as a place she had been going since she was a child. I saw extended hours on the website (which, by the way, lists no phone number and really should have been an indication of the un-​professionalism that would greet me) and called to see if I could get in that day. I told the receptionist exactly what I was experiencing trying to deduce if Dr. Nelson would be able to help me. She was able to get me in later that day for the cash price of $ 79. Steep, but I was desperate.
I am one of the millions of uninsured Americans — zero coverage. It was a great debate between myself and my peers, prior to making an appointment, deciding what kind of specialist I should see or if I should just go to a GP. Dr. Nelson seemed friendly enough — although that doesn’t really matter when it comes to a doctor because all I want is efficiency, accuracy, and concern. I wanted to be sure that the visit would actually be of value in both advisement and monetary. Skeptical, I told the doctor this before he laid a hand on me or examined me in any way. I made it clear that I was there because I was worried, that while my peers had assured me that the difference was subtle, it was emotionally bothering me and that I was hoping for a diagnosis. I also told him that I recently (two months prior) had a complete eye exam and received new prescription glasses, and then began to describe my issue.
Perhaps a precaution, but he then went ahead and gave me a vision test and eye exam. After reaffirming that my eyes themselves were healthy, he began to talk to me about the actual problem with my eyelid. It was bad; by far, the very worst healthcare provider interaction I’ve ever had. Dr. Nelson told me that there was nothing wrong. He callously explained that sometimes «muscles just give out.» «I’m 28,» I said, «How is this possible?» Maybe I rubbed my eye «too hard.» He said that the eyelid «might return to normal,» but if not, he knows a «great plastic surgeon.»
Once he mentioned surgery, I really went into panic mode. I asked him if there was ANYTHING I could do for my eye, and he said «maybe apply a cold compress.» I asked him if any NSAIDs would help. «Maybe. You could try.» What’s worse, is that in the face of my panic, he was smiling the entire time. Almost as if he found it amusing. He told me that my eyes are healthy and that I’m «only worried because the damage is cosmetic,» as if that makes it less significant. He might as well have said, «Silly girl,» while shaking his head cynically. Yes, it’s cosmetic. It’s my face. I look different. I am worried. And after speaking to a healthcare professional, I was downright distraught, devastated. I left in tears.
To add insult to injury, I explained to him that my right eye was hurting and asked if he thought there was something happening there. He didn’t take another look at it. He said it was «fine.» Today I woke up with a painful stye. «Negligent» seems almost too light of a term in regards to this «doctor.» My suspicion is that he knew upon meeting me that he would not be of any use to me regarding my issue and I really wish that instead of scaring the hell out of me, belittling my problems, and infuriating me that he had been upfront with me instead of milking a free 8 minutes in his day for my money.
To be fair, I cannot speak in regards to Dr. Nelson as an actual eye doctor, someone who diagnoses issues with eyes and vision, but as far as his professionalism, concern, and bedside manner, I am appalled. I will not be back. I would advise you to stay away from this place and this man. I will get a second opinion, and even if it remains the same, it will come from a doctor I trust and one who will not scoff in the face of my concerns.