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Balin Eye & Laser Center Our patients deserve the best. That's why we are constantly investing in new technologies and treatment options. With a passion for improving lives through improving vision, Dr. Balin has created a facility that not only provides exceptional routine eye care but also offers the most advanced surgical treatments for vision correction including iLASIK laser vision correction, Refractive Lensectomy, Refractive Cataract Surgery with advanced multifocal lens implants, KAMRA Inlay, PRK and Cataract Surgery.
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The mission of the Balin Eye & Laser Center is focused on patient care and outcomes. Our patients deserve the best. That's why we are constantly investing in new technologies, advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Over 20 years ago, Balin Eye Center was established by board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Nancy Balin, to bring full-service eye care to the residents of western Massachusetts.
We do our best to respond to messages promptly, usually within 1-2 business days. If you need to reach us regarding a time-sensitive matter, please call us at (413) 584-6666. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. Medical website design by Glacial Multimedia, Inc. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 413.584.6666.
Nancy A. Balin, MD, FACS is a board certified ophthalmologist and surgeon. Dr. Balin's expertise and dedication to quality medical care has earned her unprecedented recognition throughout western Massachusetts as a leader in vision correction. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Balin was the first surgeon in western Massachusetts to perform Lasik and has performed over 8,000 procedures.
Dr. Kani Brown is a medically trained optometrist and has been providing exceptional eye care at the Balin Eye & Laser Center for over 5 years. As our doctor of optometry, Dr. Brown regularly sees patients for Routine Eye Care, Comprehensive Eye Exams, Contact Lens Exams, Contact Lens Fittings, and Ocular Disease Management.
Reviews (9)
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Brian V.
Feb 02, 2022
Been thinking how great its going to be Not to have to wear glasses anymore. I am ready for lasik! I saved my money, and with some blessings, I'm financially able to make this happen! But wait, this is where it derailed. After a half dozen (no kidding) attempts at scheduling a consultation, I've been lied to, left on hold, not replied to when told they would, and flat out ignored! Amazing, I wanted Dr Balin.

My mother is in the field and insists she's the best. Her office staff is pathetic, truly. I understand that it is very very nice difficult to find help with skills and tact these days but this is utterly ridiculous! To be told that someone is going to call you back, then nothing, no call, no communication of any kind is ridiculous. Funny thing is, before I decided to actually pursue the appointment, I checked the reviews.

I looked at all the local providers of corrective laser eye surgery. There were some incredible reviews. People whose lives had truly been changed by this amazing technology. BUT, that's when a glaring truth comes to light. Some of the reviews I read, at ALL THE LOCAL EYE LASER CENTERS, were dreadful. Long, ridiculously long wait times, appointments canceled without notifications, just poor customer service in general.

I was amazed. These are doctors. I would think they would accept nothing but the best from their support staff. So, thinking about how disgruntled people are, and how easy leaving a review is, I went ahead with trying to pursue the appointment anyway. So very disappointing. Listen to the reviews. At least I wasn't able to get booked, thankfully. That is apparently when the real fun begins.

Not for me thanks. I found a place where the reviews were incredible. I unfortunately have to drive almost an hour each way for appointments. However after reading reviews for how good this place is supposed to be, I figure I'm saving my time compared to all the terrible things that I read about. Wish me luck, I am super excited. Also, I will definitely be leaving a review for the other place, in Connecticut, as well as updating this review as necessary when I get done.
Dee Rex
Dec 03, 2021
Wonderful and knowledgeable team. Office staff professional and kind. Multi- faceted care.
Nosheen Omer
Aug 25, 2021
Me and my daughters are patient there for quite some time. We love our doctor. Doctors and nursing staff is good but I have two stars for their reception staff. They're not trained and well- informed. I called for contacts and one of the receptionist said and our insurance covers contacts. I was surprised and asked again. Actually I confirmed couple of times coz I had this idea that contacts usually not covered with insurance.

But she was persistent that it'll be a free visit. When we get there for an appointment, after all the fitting etc, at check out, she gave me a big bill for the visit. I was shocked but it wasn't the first time something like that happened. No apologies or compensation for their lack of information. Well, they should really need to revise their reception staff. It makes a huge difference.
Nita Tim
Dec 05, 2020
This office is full of rude and incompetent people. the doctor is good but many of the other staff members are just awful. do Not bring your loved ones here for treatment. Go somewhere else, ri 'nb
Judith Sullivan
Nov 30, 2020
Have worn glasses for as long as I can remember. I decided to look into lasik and so glad I did. The consultation was worth every penny. The staff are very thorough and competent. Felt very comfortable. I decided to proceed with the surgery and am so glad I did. I now have 20/20 vision without the use of glasses. I wouldn't recommend anyone but Balin for lasik.
Alana Shea
Nov 01, 2020
This office can't keep their appointments straight! Both my father and I have been patients here for years and recently scheduled visits to get an updated prescription for my glasses and a checkup for a problem he's having with his right eye. Mine was first, and was scheduled for 1:10pm. He drove me because I'm useless after I get my eyes dilated, and we arrived at 12:40.

I went to check in at 1. The receptionist (who was rude) informed me my appointment was actually at 1:45, but I had their voicemail still on my phone that confirmed my 1:10 time! I showed her and she STILL told me that I was going to need to wait. Well it's a pandemic so I said no, I'd like to be seen for the time I scheduled my appointment, and eventually managed to get seen when I was supposed to.

The rest of the appointment was fine. Fast forward two weeks later to my Dad's appointment. When he went to check in they told him his appointment had been cancelled! He said he hadn't and the receptionist (same one I dealt with, and still rude) clarified that THEY had cancelled his appointment. He asked why he wasn't contacted about it and she said she'd tried very hard to get in touch with him, but he has their number saved on his phone, and despite a search for any contact, we determined that they had not once actually reached out. (No email either).

He was turned away, and we decided at that point due to the multiple issues we'd had with no apology of any kind, it was time to look for a new eye doctor. He is retired so scheduling for him isn't a serious issue, but both of us felt that Balin Eye & Laser had no respect for anyone's time but their own! Especially considering we went out during COVID for these appointments! If you don't want to be cancelled on or get bounced around the schedule like a beach ball don't go here!
Sarah LaVertue
Mar 24, 2019
Staff is nice enough and my experience with dr. Brown has been great. It's just the long wait times that kill me. I have been to the office 5 or 6 times now and current I write this review after waiting 40 minutes to even see a tech after checking in for my apt. This is the average wait time every time I come with an appointment. Do not come for any routine eye matters on a Tuesday, that is their laser eye surgery days and my wait time in the lobby has been over 1hr on those days.
Shitski
Dec 06, 2018
I went in for a contact fitting, I have needed them for years but was too nervous to get them but I needed them for pool tournaments. I had an appointment at a different eye place last week and had a terrible experience, so i made an appointment here with Dr. Brown and they were able to get me in very quickly. I was very nervous especially given my experience at the other place, but i cannot say enough good things about how well it went and I wish I had gone to them to begin with! Dr.

Brown was amazing, and the technician who did my exam and taught me how to put the contacts in was equally amazing! I wish I could remember her name, she was so great. (If staff are reading this, it's the woman who says "ballerina hands" when showing how to put contacts in. She is awesome, and a great teacher!) My appointment ended up taking longer than usual, there was something with my eyes that was making it difficult to get my prescription correct.

But they stuck with it and i could tell they genuinely wanted to figure it out and really cared. I'm sure helping me for that long while also accommodating their other appointments wasn't easy but they didn't show any frustration and didn't rush or cut my appointment short. I was so thankful. They were able to figure out the issue and explained to me what it was in a way I could understand. They got me the correct prescription and I walked out wearing contacts! I never thought I'd be able to do it. I will recommend Dr. Brown any chance I get. Thank you!
Ellie Kozak
Jan 21, 2018
Dr. Balin and Dr. Brown are amazing doctors. I just had PRK surgery on August 11 and even though my eyes are still healing and adjusting, my vision is so much better already! I've been a prisoner to glasses and/or contacts since 3rd grade (I'm 45). I had been on the fence about vision correction surgery for years. After finally deciding to bite the bullet and go for a consult, my fears were quickly put to rest.

The entire staff is very compassionate and thorough. They never made me feel rushed and always made sure everything was explained and understood. On the day of the procedure, I had laryngitis and couldn't speak, I was only able to whisper, and they were extra accommodating on that behalf as well. They even let my husband stay with me for the whole visit, except the actually surgery itself; but he was able to wait right outside the door and even got to watch my procedure on a TV in the surgery waiting room.

The price was fair as well. But.how can you even put a price on being able to see again and not have to depend on glasses! I can't say enough good things about the Balin Eye and Laser Center. I wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone looking to ditch the glasses! And finally, a HUGE shout out to JoAnn. She is beyond amazing. We communicated mostly via email for setting up appointments and my questions and such. Super friendly, efficient and responsive! THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE ENTIRE STAFF!