Bennett Family Eye Care

I went to Bennett because friends had told me how wonderful the service is there. My current very old glasses were hurting and the pads were worn. I first had gone to Sears optical in Burlington Mall where I had gone happily for years. The staff had completely changed and even though I was there to buy glasses they refused to adjust my old ones so I would be less uncomfortable while waiting for the new ones. When the new ones arrived I returned them because of the terrible service and the fact the that the new ones had not been fitted right.
Thus my visit to Bennett. .I was greeted warmly and I explained I was looking for inexpensive frames as I don’t have insurance. This did not seem to influence the service I received. The woman who helped e showed me many frames unfortunately none of them was what I was looking for. Knowing I was not going to buy glasses there she offered to replace the nose pads on my old glasses to make them more comfortable and that has worked so I won’t need to buy new ones at this point.
So how much I was spending was not an issue. Top caring service whether I bought or not. This review is my gratitude to them.

My Name is Anne k. I have been going to Bennett family eye care for many years now. I have been seen by Dr Bennett and can’t say enough about her. She is an excellent doctor takes the time to listen to my needs and always steers me in the right direction with my eye care needs. I never feel rushed through my eye exam takes time to explain and answer my questions.
The staff is great and are all very helpful. I never feel like I am waiting for a long time when I arrive to be seen. I think they have an excellent system and are very coordinated. The office has come a long way since I started going years ago. I would definitely recommend and refer family and friends to Family Bennett Eye Care. !!! Thank You for the Great Care.

I would give 4 stars to the optometry side of the practice and 1 star to the optician side, but that’s not available, so 2 stars overall. For years, I went to Dr. Bennett’s for routine eye exams, until I got fed up with the optician. The eye exams are competent and professional, though I would prefer to have an O.D. do the whole exam start to finish and not an optical assistant (i.e. a trained monkey) who does most of the A-​B comparisons, then the doc comes in at the very end for 3 minutes of quality time.
But then when I went into the optician’s for new glasses, he tried to influence what type and shape of glasses I should get. I wanted larger lenses; he wanted me to get smaller ones, which I hate, and he was very pushy, saying «these are in fashion now, these look good on you, blah blah blah».
Then, to add insult to injury, he went on vacation for a couple of weeks. Now, I had told them that my old glasses were scratched and I badly needed new lenses as soon as possible, but I had to wait over two weeks for this character to return from his vacation and fill my prescription. I complained to the doc, and they did knock a few dollars off the price — didn’t make me pay for the «special coating» (which is just a rip-​off anyway; these special coatings don’t last and it’s pure profit for them).
From that point forward, I took my business elsewhere (Costco), where they didn’t harass me over my taste in eye glasses, and where the lenses were produced much more quickly for less money.
The medical aspect of this practice is OK, but the optical store is clearly just a profit center that distorts the integrity of the practice.

I’ve been coming to Bennett Family Eye for several years. I’ve even referred multiple family members to this practice. Unfortunately, over the last few years, I’ve noticed a change in this practice with my own visits and my family’s visits.
I’ve noticed on multiple occasions that my appointments were not starting on time. No communication about the late start time from the secretaries. I’ve noticed appointments lasting well beyond their quoted time frame. The secretary would tell me that the visit is scheduled for 30 – 45 minutes but I wouldn’t leave the room until well over an hour had passed. There are one, sometimes two assistants, sitting in the corner of the room with a computer on their lap typing everything the doctor is saying during the visit. It’s a little strange and incredibly distracting during the visit as I am not sure if the doc is talking to me or the assistants. At one point, I had a question to ask the doctor and left a message with the secretary. Multiple days passed before I received a call back.
I’m not sure what is happening with this practice, but I’m pretty disappointed.

Our family is really happy with the care that we received from this practice. Both myself and my daughter went in for an eye exam (at different times) and we were treated so professionally. From the moment I walked in, everything seem to flow so well. Didn’t wait long for the exam, which is awesome as I had that problem from a previous practice. The exam was the most comprehensive exam I’ve had. The details in the care was outstanding and they were very respectful. When it came to my daughter, we visited on a different time. My 8 year old has never had an eye exam but we needed to figure somethings out so we started with an eye exam. She was so relaxed and calm the entire time. They were patient with her and very understanding that she is a kid. I was so relaxed. Then when it was the doctor’s time to check on her, she explained things to me very patiently as I was wrapping my head around the situation we were in. Then she had to repeat it again for my husband as he came in late. Not once did we feel like we were being rushed or they were in a hurry. They were very helpful. I couldn’t be happier that we found such a place!

I arrived without an appointment because I had a lens fragment stuck in my eye and it was quite uncomfortable. The receptionist immediately spoke to the doctors and they were able to squeeze me in. Dr. Bennett quickly and professionally removed the lens piece and I was on my way. This office is terrific – organized, courteous, and kind. Over the last few years, I have had occasion to see Dr. Maida and Dr. MacBeth in addition to Dr. Bennett and I have found each of them to be competent and effective providers. I highly recommend this practice!

I am more of a taker of information than a giver but I have been carting my husband to this place following his PRK surgery and am beyond impressed with the professionalism, process, service, and ambience at this facility. I have ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision but would absolutely recommend this place to anyone in need of eye care.

Needed to go for an eye exam recently and didn’t want to go to the «big chain» eye care stores as I’ve had bad experiences in the past. I must say this office is not only extremely professional but also friendly. I went in for a routine eye exam and a contact lens fitting (which my insurance didn’t cover but was about $ 85 since I’ve worn contacts in the past). I was seen by Dr. Maida, who is friendly and listened to my concerns and was great at explaining my prescription and treatment (I have very dry eyes). I did have to come back a couple of times to find the right contact lens for my needs (dry eye/​astigmatism) but each time Dr. Maida asked questions and was concerned about my comfort level with the new lenses. I would definitely recommend this eye care provider if you are in the Watertown/​Belmont/​Cambridge area. Parking is on street and was not hard to find.

I love Bennett Family Eye Care! I have been coming here for about 10 years. They are super friendly, very knowledgeable and have so many appointment times/​days it is fairly easy to make an appointment or reschedule, plus they have an online appointment system which is helpful and convenient. I was in and out for my annual appt in about 30 minutes. I had Lasik done 5 years ago at TLC vision which BFEC recommended. I had a great experience and continue with my follow up appointments at BFEC every year and they have kept and confirmed my eyes are in tip-​top 20 – 20 shape!
And Linda’s donuts next door is a great diner you can hit up before or after your appointment :-)

This was hands down the best optometrist experience I have ever had! I came in last minute on a Saturday due to a foreign object in my eye. The place is very nice and very clean. All the staff there were professional and friendly. Dr. Macbeth and Dr. Bennett were both very knowledgeable and were very friendly. I was impressed with the level of care I received and would absolutely go back. I would also highly recommend them to anyone needing any type of eye care.

Last Saturday, I woke with a lot of discomfort in my left eye – it was similar to having eyelashes or dust stuck in my eye. After trying (unsuccessfully) to wash my eye out and locate the source of the discomfort, I decided to call around and find a local optometrist who may be able to help. Even though Bennett Family Eye Care wasn’t my optometrist office, AND they were fully booked, they squeezed in a last minute appointment to help me out. The waiting room was full, but my wait was minimal. The staff was personable and helpful; I really liked both doctors I met. After a thorough investigation of my eye, they found nothing major (no tears or infections) so they rinsed my eye until the problem (I’m guessing something deeply lodged in the back of my eye) was removed. I was so impressed with how quickly they were willing to help me and how friendly everybody was that I’m going to request them as my new optometrists.

The lens from my Ray Ban sunglasses fell out, as did the screw holding the frame together, and when I googled Optometrists in the Belmont area, I found Bennett Family Eye Care. I called them to ask if they might put the lens back in and fix or replace the screw, and how much it would cost, and they told me to come in, and that it would be free of charge. I was really surprised by their willingness to do that. When I came in, offered to pay them, but they refused. Kristen, the Op. Technician did a great job, including replacing the missing piece, and I just wanted to thank them for their kindness and work! Thank you!

I would highly recommend these doctors. They are top-​notch. They have impressive up to date equipment, they are kind and professional. If you have any hesitation in finding an optometrist, start here. I’ve sent several friends, all of them have also been very happy!

I’ve been going to Bennett Family Eye care for over 5 years and have always been impressed with their practice. I recently turned 40 and had Dr. Bennett give me an eye exam to update the prescription on my eye glasses. While she uses a lot of the latest technology, it is kept out of the way and Dr. Bennett performed a very thorough and in-​depth eye exam and took the time to explain every aspect. Her energetic and friendly manner made the entire process seem to go faster than it actually took.
I’ve also seen Dr. Macbeth in the past and have interacted with many of the staff members there to purchase eye glasses, prescription lenses, or just have my frames adjusted. Everyone has been extremely professional, thorough, and efficient.

I found Dr Bennett on Unilocal and I can say that I was happy with the complete eye examination I received. I was also happy with the glasses I was fitted for. The office is clean and nice and I felt it was a professional atmosphere. Dr Bennett is friendly and I felt welcomed. I would see her again for eye care.
I liked getting such high quality care locally. It was very convenient.

If this could be no stars, it would.
Very dishonest business practices. Went to a promotional Frame show that touted «25% off all frames purchased», which was perfect timing as I needed new glasses. Browsed the frames and selected a couple of pairs that I liked. I asked the list prices and discount prices and based on this decided to buy both.
Upon checking out, was told my insurance allowed me some additional discounts which I was happy to take. Having been there for a few hours, I was anxious to get out and asked for an itemized receipt, with the discounts, which was readily supplied.
After reviewing, I noticed that no discounts were applied, which I thought was an oversight. I called immediately to discuss and left a message to go over the billing. When called back, I quickly received an apology and was told the amount would be recalculated, which came to $ 15 cheaper, which wasn’t accurate. I asked again how that number was determined and it was reviewed with haphazardly numbers thrown out to which I explained what I thought they were supposed to be. After my explanation, I was told, that I would receive no discount because I had eye insurance. Confused, I asked to speak to the office manager and was told I would receive a call the next day.
The second call resulted in the same explanation. Although the promotion stated 25% discount for all frames purchased, they would not give the discount to anyone with insurance, even though this was never stated and even after asking for pricing, was told I would receive the discount while I was browsing frames throughout the show.
This felt like a bait and switch scam to me. Essentially they get you in the door to buy glasses at normal or list price.
Very shady.

I see Dr. Bennett and I like her a lot. I think she’s thorough, good at explaining things, and I appreciate that she encourages me to take good care of my eyes. I’ve never had to wait here, that I can remember.
Like other people mention, I am not sure what is with the contact exam. Is that normal? don’t know.
I did not buy my contacts or glasses here — so I can’t speak to the price! (but I guess I made a good choice!)

I’m a new patient of Dr. Maida’s and was really impressed! She & her staff were very friendly, knowledgeable, & efficient.
I’ll agree that they seem a bit expensive — I haven’t had to pay just for contact consultation before, and they took some images which was an additional cost (they let me know about that ahead of time, at least). But the quality of their exam & the rareness with which I visit justifies the cost.

My entire family and I go there. I like the Saturday hours, and they’ve always been able to accommodate my schedule needs. I find them very professional, and they take the time with each patient.
I think they are a bit pricey on the frames, and I’m not keen on the optimap upsell.
Even with those minor issues I would definitely recommend them and will continue to go back.

I’m a very satisfied new patient! Last year I had my first eye appointment in 15 years. I didn’t feel like the exam was thorough, the doctor was a bit curt, and everything in the office seemed like a trip back in time. This year I decided to try this office because it seemed more modern, participated in my insurance plan, and was close to home. When I called for the appointment, the person on the phone was very nice, and she set me up with an appointment with Dr. Maida.
Today was my appointment. The office is very nice with a lot of staff which made me a bit nervous because I was afraid I would be paying a lot of out-​of-​pocket expenses for their overhead. My appointment started on time which is a big win with me. Dr. Maida’s assistant ran the initial tests and she was very thorough. There was one test not covered by insurance for $ 34, but given I was going to use my flexible spending account, and it is my eyes, I didn’t feel like it was a big deal. I was asked if there were other services I would be interested in, but no one was pushy.
Dr. Maida was very thorough and she explained everything to me. After the exam, I started looking at eye glasses and again was a bit nervous about price because all of the glasses have designer names. The sales person, Despina, was very patient and helped me select the right pair for look and comfort. She also explained my options and told me what was covered and not covered.
In the end, I had a better experience, a more thorough exam, and ordered a nice pair of glasses for the same price that I paid last year.