Shepard, Steven K, Od - Austin Vision Assoc

I was referred to Dr. Donna Shepherd about 6 years ago by a close friend and am I ever grateful! She provides the best care at a fair price. In these years I have been fitted for 2 pair of lenses/frames and countless boxes of soft contacts. She also recently found and cleaned a sore under my eyelid what was causing me pain. I though it was a piece of embedded sand or something. I have never been disappointed with the service including the technicians out front....... After seeing her for 3 years, I tried going to a local (Round Rock) doctor for about a year (I think it was 3 visits). I only did this because it was closer and I figured they were probably all the same. During my visits they got my prescription wrong, tried to upsell me in several areas, and overbilled me anyway. Not impressed at all and very disappointed. I'll never switch again as long as I live in central Texas.

I have been going to Dr. Shepard's office for a few years. I have keratoconus and the doctors that I have seen before have had a hard time fitting me with new lenses. I generally felt rushed through my eye exam and in the end would wind up with improper prescription. Dr. Shepard has been extremely patient during my exams and has been able to answer most of my concerns with my condition. She is also up-to-date with new products. She has fitted me with the new hybrid contacts so that I can get off using gas perms which are irritating and could be causing my condition to worsen. But above all, I think the best thing about Dr. Shepard is she has great people skills. I have worked in the customer service sector for a few years and I understand why great customer service is difficult to obtain. She and her staff are true professionals and seem to like their jobs.

I went in to see Dr. Shepard when I first came to Austin (6 months ago). I got glasses, which still make me nauseous to this day (progressive lenses). I went in two more times to get them adjusted to determine the issue. I was advised to keep wearing them; I would get used to them. I had to get my grandson glasses in another city. The optician checked my glasses against a chart and found that one of the lenses is 1/4 inch off on where the progression begins and to adjust them would make the glasses sit sideways on my face. The glasses should have been returned to the dispensing place and corrected. Now, that I know what is making me ill, I will get new glasses (elsewhere). I felt as though the optician did not take ownership of the issue.

I called several placed when looking for a new optometrist. Austin Vision Associates was very professional and more cost effective than any other place I called. The doctor was very knowledgeable, and the staff was quick and helpful. Michael, who helped me pick out new glasses, made the process painless. Hands down, they have great service and I will recommend them to everyone I know.

I have always had trouble getting the right prescription for my glasses and contacts. It always feels like I am being rushed to make split second decisions by the optometrist... then if the glasses make me dizzy and my contacts didn't fit, they act inconvenienced and like it is really not their fault. Finally, no mistakes with my glasses prescription and I had a little trouble with a new brand of contacts I was trying out and Dr. Shepard was so nice about it you would think I was doing her a favor. She and her staff also helped me choose glasses and I have had so many compliments on them. Refreshing to be treated with courtesy from beginning to end and walk out with the right product that works perfectly for me and looks great.

I saw Donna Shepherd, and she was great -- my first time with her office (new insurance), but I felt very comfortable and she answered all my questions & made me feel comfortable asking them. Also, she helped me figure out the best way to use my insurance -- great, as a first timer! Finally, i loved how I didn't even have to have my eyes dilated -- I don't know if it's just new technology, or my old office was ripping me off, but it was great to able to see without squinting in the harsh light. Evening and weekend hours available, too, I think.