I admit I was skeptical about this place. I had a hard time even getting through to someone on the phone to get details before making the appt. for my initial consultation. After 5 attempts calling I was put on hold forever, disconnected, and told that no one was available to talk to me, I was so irritated that I was on a mission to talk to somebody, even if it was to just tell them how bad their customer service was and why I would not be having my laser eye surgery with them. <br>I was finally put in touch with Marleney (sp?) who was very apologetic. Despite how irritated I was she talked me into coming in for my consult on a Saturday afternoon. I agreed, not planning to have my surgery there, but to use it for comparison to other centers. She told me that they get busy on Saturday's so I should make my appt late in the day, I showed up to my appointment 10 minutes early and was less than impressed to put it politely. The office was very plain and boring, kind of run down-Dr. Ellis could stand to decorate and paint the walls a warm tone to make it more inviting. I felt like I was in the waiting room of a free medical clinic in a third world country, there were crying babies, grandmas, and worst of all nowhere to sit, so I had to stand at the receptionist counter to complete my patient forms. When I asked if appts were running on time I was told that I would have to wait 45 minutes-I about flew off the handle at that point and told her that if that was the case I'm leaving. What irritated me even more was the receptionist's nonchalant attitude about this and not even attempting to keep me as a potential patient, she was just like okay then that's that-wow. Finally Marleney came out of her office, greeted me and took me under her wing. I got into my appt. on time without having to wait forever (I do feel bad about the others I passed up, waiting in the waiting room for various reasons, but it's not my problem). I had my pre-op appt with Dr. Chen who was wonderful and between her and Marleney reassuring me and giving me such great service I decided to go ahead and schedule my surgery with Dr. Ellis. Had Marleney not been there the office would have lost my business immediately. <br><br>The week before my surgery Marleney called to check in with me and go over prescriptions and asked if I had a chance to watch a video that I was not given. When I told her I never received it she actually dropped it off at my house one night on her way home from work! She is a true gem and asset to that office! The prescriptions that I picked up were a bit suspect as I was prescribed Imitrex to take an hour before the procedure. Imitrex is a migrane medication and is contradicted in laser surgery because it decreases blood flow to the head/eye area and can make recovery slower. I called Marleney to ask her why I was asked to take this and she said Dr. Ellis likes to prescribe it to help relax the eye muscles. I told her I did not want to take it because I am sensitive to meds and if that was the only reason I did not plan to take it since it is contradicted anyway, which was fine with her. <br><br>On surgery day everything seemed more organized and calm in the office. I finally met Dr. Ellis just before my procedure and he was so nice to talk to and get to know. My pre-op exams were right on time and I was whisked into the procedure room about 10 minutes behind schedule. Marleney knew I was a bit nervous about the procedure because I had been watching videos on YouTube of laser eye surgeries and came into the room to walk me through the procedure and held my hand at bedside throughout. Thank god she did because I was seriously thinking about backing out and continuing life with uncomfortable glasses and contacts to avoid a little discomfort once I laid under that laser. I never got a chance to back out because Dr. Ellis's assistant just started putting drops in my eyes with no warning and the procedure was then underway. The first eye (right) was done no problem, and with the left eye I felt a lot of pressure, but was so glad once it was just over and done with. I could see immediately after the procedure but it was blurry, almost like opening your eyes under water. I immediately had a post-op exam and all was good so I was sent on my way home. About ten minutes on the way home my eyes started watering and were later watering and felt scratchy (like an onion was right under them) to the point where I just wanted to sleep, so I took a few Tylenol (no Vicodin-it's all I needed) and took a nap for a few hours. When I woke up all was good again, I could see great and was seeing 20/20 at my post-op appt. the next day. <br><br>5 Stars for Marleney and Dr. Ellis, but only 3 for this review because of all the hassle, disorganization, and poor customer service prior to my surgery. I would go back again and will recommend to friends and family.

So I had my free consultation today at the WC office. Very comprehensive, lots of tests, etc. It took about 90 minutes, with lots of waiting while you go from staff to staff (I think I saw three in all). The end felt a bit used car salesmanly when they want to to schedule the appointment and talk about financing. <br><br>Also, surgery is only done in San Jo or El Cerrito, so keep that in mind.