Complaint Review: GARRETT H ARIZALA OD - LAS VEGAS Nevada

 RE: COPY OF LETTER  SENT TO SAM'S CLUB, WALMART, DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LAS VEGAS, BBB AND FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION; letter condensed for lack of space

I was introduced to Sam's Club Vision Center and Garrett H Arizala, OD when I moved to SCAM CITY, LAS VEGAS NEVADA. I did not know such people existed anywhere.  At least I had not experienced such tactics, everywhere you turn.

I went to have an eye examination and CAUGHT AN EYE INFECTION which cost memoney and suffering. He did NOT offer to pay for the medication or help in any way.  I LET THAT SLIP BY and did not go back for a year or two.  In September, 2012, I was hit by a car and was not able to go searching for another Optometrist, so I went back to Arizala at Sam's Club.  When I went into his office, he was not friendly, but I assumed he was tired and busy.  But when I sat in his chair for an EYE EXAMINATION,  I saw that he was repeating the same routine that he did when I caught the EYE INFECTION.  

I said to him, "Dr. remember that I caught an EYE INFECTION here the last time, so will you please use a GERMACIDE WIPE to clean the equipment because I DON'T WANT TO CATCH ANOTHER EYE INFECTION.  He replied "Oh yes, you are the CLEAN FREAK, THE GERMOPHOBIC".  I said "No, I just know that germs spread as I worked in the hospital for 5 years".  He then reached a clean tissue (NOT A GERMICIDE WIPE) and wiped the equipment around the eye area.  I said to him "THAT DOESN'T KILL GERMS".

He didn't CARE!  He proceded with the Eye Exam and said "your eyes are fine, here is the prescription".  I asked him for TRIAL LENSES AND CLEANER, as it is a custom with Optometrist to give such samples and he did the first time when I went there.  However, he did NOT want to give me the kind that I am accustomed to using and works for me, he insisted that I take some kind of solution that "contains peroxide in it".  I TOLD HIM, "Dr. I don't trust that.  Please give me the other". He wouldn't and I used what he gave me, carefully following the directions.  It Burned my eyes.  Then about 3-4 days later, (not sure of the time) my eyes began to get RED, ITCHY AND BURN.  My friends told me to GO BACK TO HIM AS THEY LOOKED BAD. 

When I went back, he examined my eyes and said "YOU HAVE A VERY DANGEROUS EYE INFECTION THAT COULD CAUSE YOU TO HAVE TO HAVE YOUR EYE REMOVED FROM THE SOCKET.  THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THERE IS A MEDICATION THAT WILL HELP IT, BUT IT COST $100. A TUBE.".  I said "Dr. you know that I am NOT WORKING, can't work because of the accident and I can't afford that."  He said "Well, I don't know what you can do, but I will give you a medication that costs less and "it might help".  It ended up that I had to visit him several times and pay about $50. for 2 little bottles of medication.  It didn't seem to help, so I TURNED TO GOD IN PRAYER. THE IDEA CAME TO ME TO USE COLODIAL SILVER IN MY EYES, as new born babies have silver drops put into their eyes.  I used this and still do several times a week. 

About the first of May, when I went to him to see if he would GIVE ME SOME NEW TRIAL ACUVUE LENSES TO TRY AND SEE IF I COULD WEAR THEM, HE WOULD NOT GIVE THEM TO ME.  I ALSO HAD GONE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT AIR OPTIC GIVES FREE TRIAL LENSES FOR ONE MONTH.  I CALLED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO GO TO THE PRESCRIBING OPTOMETRIST TO GET THEM AND HE SHOULD GIVE THEM TO ME.  HE WOULD NOT CO-OPERATE WITH ME ON ANY ISSUE AND THEY WOULD NOT COST HIM ONE CENT.  I COMPLAINED AND EXPLAINED THAT I NEED MY LENSES SO I CAN TRY TO WORK.  Finally, he said, "I will order Acuvue and it will take two weeks for them to get here".

Last week, Carol, his assistant called me to come and pick up my Lenses.  I went there and she said "The doctor has them".  When I went to get them he handed me a paper and wanted me to SIGN IT TO RELEASE HIM FROM LIABILITY OR  HE WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE CONTACT LENSES!   He said "I want to give you back the $100. for your Exam and for you to GO AWAY".  I said "No, all I wanted in the beginning was three months of Contacts, If I could wear them and you refused.  I got counsel and was told that I should at least be compensated for my Pain, Suffering and Loss of Work.  I want to talk about that.  He then said "GO NOW OR I WILL HAVE SECURITY ESCORT YOU OUT OF MY OFFICE". 

HE WOULD NOT AND DID NOT GIVE ME THE CONTACT LENSES AND FURTHERMORE "LIED" SAYING THAT HE DOESN'T CARRY INSURANCE.  I am still without Lenses, a Paid for Exam, recovering Eyes and NO  JOB!  What an inconsiderate, Greedy, Lying, Unethical man calling himself a Doctor of Optometry.   

Incidentally, there was another girl that continued to "catch" Eye Infections everytime she visited his office.  She married a Military Service Man and moved from here, so I have lost contact with her.  There are probably others in the same position but DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT.  I feel the PRESS should be informed also and may do so if he doesn't take responsibility and reimburse me plus for pain, suffering and loss of work.  I will find his Insurance company in the coming week.

Thank you for helping all consumers in All Areas of Service. Life is a two way proposition and we should get what we pay for and if one cause another a problem, that one should make it right.

ADVICE TO ALL WHO GO TO OPTOMETRISTS, DOCTORS OR HOSPITALS.... "YOU ARE HIRING THEM AS PROFESSIONALS" THEY ARE TO "WORK" FOR YOU AND YOU SHOULD STUDY AND RESEARCH LIKE I DID ABOUT THE GERMS. BUT I SHOULD HAVE DEMANDED HE FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTION. HE INTIMADATED ME!