The staff is very friendly and knowledgable. My dissatisfaction is with the never-ending emphasis on pushing clients to purchase lenses and frames (and procedures). What is supposed to be a medical exam always ends up feeling like a sales seminar. I understand that a large part of their profit comes from the sale of lenses and frames, but they don't take no for an answer; it's relentless.

I scheduled appointments for contact lense exams for my daughter's while they had a day off from school. Not to mention their contacts were in need of a new pair, to make long story short, this company tried to SCAM AN ADDITIONAL $100+ ON TOP OF WHAT THEY'RE INSURANCES WERE ALREADY COVERING. Then after i was suspect that something wasn't right, I asked for the exam prescriptions to go elsewhere since that part of their insurance was legit, they underhandedly without my knowledge gave me eyeglass prescriptions instead and told me that since i wouldn't pay the additional money they wanted, they would not release their contact exam prescriptions for me to go elsewhere. I immediately called my insurance company and sure enough GATEWAY EYE ASSOCIATES WERE TRYING TO SCAM ME FOR ADDITIONAL MONEY. I did not have copay for an exam, and i wwould never have known if i weren't suspicious that something wasn't right. If i were to have paid the additional money i wouldn't have gotten any of itback.

I really don't understand the negative reviews on here. I have been to this eye doctor multiple times and every time they were SO professional, nice and knowledgeable and to be honest it's probably hands down the best eye doctor I've ever been to. Which is great given how convenient it is to my office. It sounds to me like these people have issues with their eye insurance policies - not this eye doctor. Maybe they should go complain to their benefits department at work. So don't let their posts sway you. They are fantastic, super nice, and knowledgeable, genuine and really seem to want to do an excellent job.

I was a new patient and not only did the receptionist explain everything clearly to me, but she was a true sweatheart. It was easy to sched. and when I got there everyone greeted me with a smile. I enjoyed my entire visit and LOVE my glasses. I would recommend them to everyone I know!!

I was leary of going here for my eye exam and glasses but it was awesome. Everyone explained everything to me very thoroughly so there were no surprises. Not sure why previous reviewers had any problems. Maybe they didn't listen or ask all their questions they wanted answered. I don't know but I will be going here every year.

I've been looking for a new eye place for about 3 years because I keep having bad experiences. One place did nothing for a sty but tell me to "wait it out" and another place messed up my prescription completely. So I tried Gateway Eye this year and WOW what a difference! They explain everything - its a lot of info at once for a new person, but i asked questions and felt like they were willing to take time with me to answer. I just felt like they knew what they were talking about - not just the doctors, but everyone there. They said if I ever have problems with a sty again to make sure I call so they can help me, and I definitely will!



Also, my glasses are so nice and they helped me get what I wanted and stay under $100 with my insurance! Other places I've tried didn't even know how to use my insurance, so overall I am very happy with Gateway Eye.

Stay away from these crooks! They're unprofessional and thieves. They charged a $15 copay for "fundus photos" - not sure of that necessity and why it wasn't included in the exam - and never mentioned it. Now 2 months later they're charging $15 late fee - 100% interest! And they stamped Past Due on the envelope for everyone to see - to intentionally humiliate me in my building and embarrass me. And their latest bill said they'll keep on adding fees. They wanted to charge $30 for a glaucoma test, which I refused, since any other office would include it in the exam. They charged $300 for glasses, beyond what my insurance paid, and I didn't get expensive frames. The technician gave a high-pressure sales pitch to get me to order all kinds of extras I didn't want in my glasses. They wanted me to get an ultrasound as well, and who knows how much they would've charged me that my insurance wouldn't pay. Stamping Past Due on the envelope went too far, after all the money they got from me that I could ill afford. That's a breach of confidentiality, not to mention horribly unprofessional. And they're going to keep adding 100% interest fees every month on this bill?? I may seek legal counsel. Stay far away from these crooks!! I wish I had researched these reviews before going there. Bitter lesson learned.

I have never posted anything before good or bad but I had to post this so that other people do not make the same mistake as me. Beware of Gateway Eye Associates!! Three lessons I learned.

1) Don't ever prepay for glasses - Gateway makes you prepay before they will make your glasses

2) Ask if you can get a refund if the glasses don't work for you (especially custom made - this would probably include sunglasses too)

3) Also beware of a doctor office which states that if you do not call to cancel your appointment within 24 hours you will be charged (this sent up a red flag.. I ignored the red flag).

Here is my story... I ordered a pair of computer glasses. When the glasses finally came in I could not see a thing out of them. Twice the glasses were sent back to Davis Vision and came back and I could not see at all. They were going to send the glasses back a third time to be fixed (I was being patient) when I received a call from the assistant saying that doctor Mark Clement said I was not sitting at the proper distance when I tested the glasses (how would he know--he wasn't even there). This irritated me because I am trying to be patient and I tested the glasses sitting at a computer--now he is saying that I am lying!!! This is when I decided I did not want the glasses if I have to go through this nonsense. So I asked for a refund. Gateway Eye Associates told me I could not get a refund on "custom made" glasses (this is news to me!!). When I tried to dispute with my credit card company, Gateway Eye Associates lied and told them that I was fully aware that I would not get a refund before I purchased the glasses. This is a lie!! I was never told this... So in any case, they have in their possession the glasses that I never got and they also have my money. They did offer me anything that was the cost of my glasses in the store - but there is nothing I want in their store. Everything is way over-priced.

I should have done my research and read all of these reviews before going here but, like many others said, it was a convenient location so I went in for an eye exam last fall. The doctor was pushy about trying to get me to buy the most expensive lenses, even after I explained that I only needed the glasses for driving, so I decided to go elsewhere to have my glasses made.



I have since had the glasses remade 5X because Gateway Eye Associates could not get my prescription correct! They told me (in a rather rude way) that the "numbers don't lie" and the glasses should be fine, that I simply needed to wear them more often, and that the slight change in my prescription shouldn't matter. How are they going to question my ability to see? I think I know when I can see properly or not?!? I have never been treated so poorly as a patient by any doctor.



I could go into more detail about the 5+ visits to this office in an attempt to have my prescription corrected, but I'm afraid I don't have enough room here. I have since gone to another eye doctor and they corrected the problem in 1 visit and I now have a fully functional pair of glasses.



Stay away from this place!!

Most of the staff is very kind and friendly, but the "optical manager" ruined my glasses. When I asked them to make it right they refused, but they did offer to sell me a new pair of glasses at a 30% discount. They also refused to admit their mistake and tried to blame me as the patient. If you value your glasses avoid Gateway Eye Associates. I get the feeling they only want to sell glasses and they don't care about their customers. They were perfectly nice, but if you make a mistake you should correct it. From a customer service standpoint they are awful.

i went to this dr. since i work downtown, i have not needed glasses for the last6 yrs. when i say the dr he was very pushy and it felt like a used car salesman. i dont think it is the dr. who should sell to you and its down right creepy. when i picked out my glasses i was shown the most expensive even when i asked for what my insurance paid for. i spent the money for the glasses because i needed them. but i feel ripped off and taken advantage. if u have the money to throw away they go here. if your hard working like me and dont want to be ripped off then please!!! GO TO ANOTHER EYE DORCTOR THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT FOR YOU. I WOULD NEVER TELL ANYONE I KNOW TO GO HERE...

If you work in Downtown Pittsburgh, you may be tempted to try this place like I was but, I suggest you think about how much money you really want to spend, how much time you want to spend away from work, and how much you enjoy being lectured from your doctor before you give this place a try.



I decided to try Gateway Eye Associates with it being so close to my office. I had an eye problem and they are not my normal doctor. My first visit wasn't terrible.., the doctor I had was extremely young and seemed inexperienced. The nurse was too thorough. Took copious notes and I felt like I was answering the same question 6 different times.



My follow-up visit, which I was hesitant to attend becuase it was another $40 copay was less than desirable. I had a more experienced doctor who's comments were lacking. She took my glasses and made a face saying she wouldn't let her patients walk out of her office with the 'glare' my glasses had. My glasses are no more than 3 months old. She then asked me what medication I had been taking for my eye problem and I told her it was the generic. She lectured me about how generic is just not acceptable for eyes, and acknowledged that it is expensive to buy brand name eye drops. The brand name drop would have been $140!!! She then said I had to return for a THIRD followup. I did not make an appointment, and I am absolutely NOT returning to that office. There is no need for a THIRD followup. They are greedy and only want your copay and your money. Not to mention the receptionists are pushy to get that follow up appointment once you walk out.

I've been to several different eye doctors but have never been to one that was so thorough. Dr. Clement not only was extremely friendly, but he also explained the different procedures that I had no idea why they had been performed for the 15+ years that I've been wearing glasses. The equipment was state-of-the-art and the staff was well trained in the implementation of the equipment. They were extremely helpful in finding a pair of glasses and in fact are the best and most stylish glasses I have ever worn.



Dr. Clement also saw both of my children. My daughter needed glasses and she felt completely at ease with Dr. Clement and the staff who fitted her glasses were wonderful in finding a pair to fit her. My son didn't need glasses but said it was the best doctor's visit he had ever had.



I don't live in Pittsburgh, in fact I live 5 hours away. But I continue to come back to Gateway Eye Associates because I have never been anywhere that has given me the quality and care that I received in this office. From appointment confirmation to follow up a month later asking me if I still liked my glasses, the staff was amazingly caring. I highly recommend Gateway Eye Associates to anyone seeking an optometrist.

I am a pro in the camera business and I love the way these people at "Gateway" took care of me. They understood the type of work I do and the glasses I needed to do my job. The doctor took his time to explain every move he made and what every thing meant. I have worn glasses since coming out of the womb and I know a good group of people when I "SEE" them and this group is good, very good. I recommend them highly!!!

They are the best.

The optometrist was personable and the staff friendly. The eye exam was thorough and professional. However, the doctor followed the business practice of brand-hawking, and plopoed you down at their in-house super-expensive spectacle shop without even asking when/where/how you might like to buy glasses -- and without offering you your own prescription, invoice or other paperwork first. I consider this unethical for a health care professional. In the shop, which has a VERY limited frame selection, all the gimmicks and upgrades are recommended, all at top markup -- though there is no mention of price for these items unless you specifically ask. Some frames may have price tags, but who can read the tiny print with dilated eyes? To quote the doctor, my prescription is "very simple." I chose basic frames -- fashionable about 10-15 years ago. Yet the basic exam with a single pair of glasses totaled close to $1300. They are bifocals, but still -- this level of markup is higher than I've seen anywhere. At other standard optical chains (not online box-houses) I could buy at least three or four pair of similar prescriptions with all the same features for this price. I work with a lot of people and bring new employees to town. All my adult life people have asked me to recommend doctors, dentists, merchants, etc. This place will need to follow more ethical professional practices (starting by separating the medical mission from the sales mission), before I can ever recommend them.

Wow! This place has the best technology I've ever seen in at an eye doctors. Definitely no chance you are dealing with out-of-date eye exams or glasses or contacts. If you want the best in downtown, go here.

Dr. Clement is a good doctor, but let me tell you that this place feels more like a working college to me rather than a professional operation. Staff is NEVER on time -- their office hours start at 9 a.m., but staff do not arrive until 9 a.m. at the EARLIEST and doors/lights did not come on until 9:20 a.m. Their lunch hour is also never on time -- staff just takes their good old time and do things according to their own, personal schedule. In addition, you only see Dr. Clement after the staff checks you over. This is the ONLY optometry place I've gone to where technicians examined the patient. Great that this place is allowing students to shadow them, but they should seriously be SHADOWING, not doing diagnostics.



In addition to consistent tardiness, the staff is unprofessional. When you call in regards to an appointment, they are so unorganized that they tell you to go in a certain time but when you show up, they never put you in the calendar and are completely SHOCKED when you show up. The staff has no concern or decency towards their clients' time. All of these things happened to me over a course of various visits. If you work downtown, go to Dr. James Velicky in the Omni William Penn building instead. You won't feel like a guinea pig experiment and he is the only one who takes care of you -- not some technicians. After going to Dr. Velicky and comparing both doctors and their exams, Dr. Velicky's eye exams are less expensive AND more thorough! You really can't get a better eye doctor downtown. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

I had a horrible experience at Gateway Eye. I work downtown and the location is convenient to my office, so I thought that I would give it a try. However, it was one issue after another and it ended up costing me more time and money than if I went to another location. So learn from my mistake and save yourself a trip.

Been a professional here in Pittsburgh for over 30 years working in downtown and have been coming to Gateway Eye Associates for many years now because of the great selection of eyewear and unbelievable customer service. Whenever there's been a problem with glasses or contacts which has been rare, they have always fixed the problem quickly and perfectly. They are the best for eyecare in the city.

This is the only place I will ever go for eye care. I felt the focus was on me and not trying to get me out the door as fast as possible. It is well worth the trip downtown.