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Katzen Eye Group We believe today more than ever that our service and willingness to listen outweigh any words we could muster. For over 50 years, our goal has always been to provide quality care to everyone in the Baltimore community. Katzen is committed to protecting sight with a pledge to serve all and do so equally, without prejudice. We believe in the right to safe, caring, and equitable treatment for all in our practice: patients and teammates. We are in this together! Achieving the best results for patients begins with a team of eye care professionals that care about you and your family.
Services
The Katzen story begins in 1968, from the makeshift office that Dr. Jack Katzen and his secretary shared at Mercy Hospital. From humble beginnings, Dr. Katzen built the Katzen Eye Group as a place that would make a difference in the lives of many and change the way the world approaches vision correction.
The focus of the Katzen Concierge Center gives you the benefits and freedom of a life without glasses or contacts. Our state-of-the-art technology and decades of experience make it possible for us to determine the procedure that is best for you, based on your age and unique lifestyle. Our board-certified ophthalmologists perform various laser vision correction procedures, all to help patients live life with clear vision and healthy eyes.
Katzen Eye Group is honored to partner with local optometrists, ophthalmologists and primary care providers to participate in your patient's journey towards vision restoration or aesthetic satisfaction. This portal is your resource to refer a patient and for tools and information to support our partnership in collaborative patient care.
With our annual eye exams, our doctors diligently exam your vision capabilities and recommend the necessary steps toward improving eye health and durability. Helping you achieve the vision and appearance is a multi-faceted journey, and we'd never put a limit on how far you can aspire. Our various surgical and optical services are in place to help you live life boldly.
Reviews (40)
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David P.
Jun 30, 2022
This is the first medical office hat I have seen with a masks optional policy. This means that the technicians would work on patients inches from their faces in tiny enclosed rooms. The patients in the waiting room were mainly s seniors and many looked quite debilitated. Presumably, some of them would have cancers or other serious conditions. A medical office shouldn't be a place for spreading Covid to people like this. I am never going back there. I think that anyone with serious conditions affecting their immune system would be wise to avoid this place.
Yvonne Williams
Jun 19, 2022
Today, June 14, 2022, was my first visit to Katzen Eye Group and I must say it was wonderful. The staff was not only courteous and cheerful, but knowledgeable in what they do. I can't say enough about Dr. Baziz. He made me feel very comfortable and explained every procedure prior to performing them. I knew I was in great hands with him. This office deserves 5+ stars. I would have no problem recommending family and friends to this office.
Scott Conway
May 12, 2022
I had cataract surgery five years ago. A common complication has come up that is easily identified and equally easy to correct. Instead of routing to a surgeon and getting it fixed I was brought in for a standard exam, which quickly identified the exact problem. Now I have to delay for three weeks to consult with a surgeon to identify the same problem, that is so common.

The question is: will I then have to wait an additional period of weeks, or months, to get the laser treatment that takes minutes and is routinely done. We shall see. As a follow up, Katzen Eye Group came through. The office staff connected with me and listened to my concerns. Positive action was taken and I am grateful to say that my issue was corrected yesterday with excellent results. I very much appreciate their reaching out and assisting me. I have updated my rating to five stars a reflection of their professionalism.
Ess K.
Apr 28, 2022
Overall, a 3. A 5 for accommodating my son with autism. A 5 for the techs and the doctor who does the eye exam. A 0 for the Optical Dept. They don't return voice mails or emails. If they do answer the phone, they slam you into the voice mail system. At least one time, their voice mail box was full and wouldn't take messages. A 0 for the Appointments Operators.

I asked to speak to the practice manager about the poor service in the Optical Dept. and she routed me to the Optical Dept. manager's line, where I got voicemail. Again. And no call back. Again. You've been warned. Next time, we'll just take the glasses Rx and buy the glasses at another optical store or online.
Odella Oliver
Apr 26, 2022
I have been receiving care at Katzen Eye Group for over 15 years and I am more than pleased with their professional services. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. The medical technicians and physicians are excellent. I highly recommend Katzen Eye Group as they provide a full and complete range of medical services at their various locations.
Katrina F.
Apr 19, 2022
Appointment at 11am, not seen until 60+ minutes later. I'm not sure why I keep coming back here. The wait time is outrageous. No such thing as a "quick appointment during the workday" for this place. However, the woman at the front desk and the tech were pleasant, the place was easy to find and the check in process was easy, hence the 3 stars.
Steve Cline
Mar 16, 2022
The visit was fine. I had a field vision test and a checkup from the Doc treating me for glaucoma. I did not give a 5 star rating to today's visit due to the lengthy wait time between my field vision test and my visit with the Doctor. To be fair, I don't know how they can cut the wait time without sacrificing the excellent services that Katzen provides.
K. Clark
Mar 11, 2022
I have been to this location previously and, as before, had a very positive experience. The staff in the waiting area was pleasant and accommodating. The waiting area was clean with a calm atmosphere. The two women who conducted my initial evaluations were very friendly and efficient. Dr Patel was exceptionally thorough and answered all of my questions.

I am due to have eye surgery and have the utmost confidence in Dr. Patel. As an aside, I required an emergency visit at another Katzen location. The Dr. and staff there all spoke very highly of Dr. Patel. He was described as an excellent surgeon with wonderful bedside manner. I certainly agree with them regarding his bedside manner. I felt as though I spent time with a family member! He is very pleasant. I would recommend Katzen Eye Group without reservation and will always allow them to care for my eyes!
Karen Norris
Feb 23, 2022
Dr Booth & Dr Harlan has been caring for my mother for years now and I have not run into any problems regarding her care. The staff is simply wonderful. I've had an issue with 1 person in the years we've been coming so I count that as a blessing. Maybe she was having a bad day but all is forgiven. Christine (the one with pretty nails) is the best, she's always pleasant. Everybody deserves 5 stars!
Patricia O'Brien
Feb 12, 2022
Dr. Booth's diagnostic technician, who I had met in her other office is just the best! When we finished our scans, he handed me off to Kaitlyn to answer some questions I had that he said he wasn't sure how to handle. Just great customer/patient service! Thank you all!
Mona Butler
Feb 11, 2022
Good afternoon, It is always a pleasure to come.to my eye appointment. Dr. Harlan and his assistant Ben have the BEAT interpersonal skills I ever experience coming to the doctor. They always make me feel so welcomed and they truly care about me. I would highly recommend Dr. HARLAN and BEN to.anyone looking for a great ophthalmologist. You will get the best experience ever and you definitely will continue to come back. I love them.
Tracey Carroll
Feb 02, 2022
Quick and easy. Easy kiosk check-in. Social distancing seating for those concerned about the virus. Everyone I came in contact with during my visit was very personable and helpful. Love this office.
Samantha Liberto
Jan 30, 2022
Today experience was the worst. I've been going to this location for years regardless of how far the drive was, and there is a closer location to my house. I just truly enjoyed the drs and employees there. The dr I seen today, I've never seen before. She asked questions about my life and seemed very judgmental. I felt rushed the entire time. The front desk lady while checking out seemed annoyed I walked up to her and gave her my check out and didn't even ask my name nothing just took my paper and said she'll send out a remind for my next appointment. Just over all not pleased with how my visit was today. Which is sad because I LOVE this location. Just a bad experience today.
Cornell Brown
Jan 26, 2022
As always the staff was wonderful! I was greeted with kindness, professionally and expeditiously checked in, and received quality service from each assistant, technician and optometrist from the time I entered until all services was rendered. I highly recommend the Katzen Eye Group and everyone who treated me with care!
Holly Griffin
Jan 26, 2022
Dr Williams is the best - interested, thorough and very personable. At my last visit, I only waited about 5 minutes before my exam started. Katzen is worth the drive from Columbia!
Veronica D.
Jan 24, 2022
I would give negative 300 (-300) stars to Katzen Eye Group if I could. On Friday, May 21, 2021, I visited the Lutherville location. I met with Dr. Katzen himself. The visit went well enough until he determined that I wasn't a lasik candidate, and that my "only option would be cataract surgery". Sound enough advice but the referral to Dr. Booth at the Reisterstown office was a complete misstep.

And I think he knew, with the statement, "if insurance won't cover it, it will be costly". That was the start of what I'll call: the Katzen micro-aggressions. On Wednesday, June 23, I went to Katzen's Reisterstown's location. It started with the technician that performed the eye tests. The belittling small talk - "your hair it looks long, does it take a long time to do" and my appearance - "that's a nice bag, it looks expensive".

Then I meet Dr. Booth, who explains that cataract surgery would correct my vision issue, but insurance won't cover it, and it is a costly out of pocket expense; "I wouldn't be able to pay for it out-of-pocket - could you" she asks me. I state that no one has given me a cost for the surgery so, I don't know. She goes on to say that it is expensive (again), and she thinks "I can find better things to do with that money, oh and today's visit won't be covered by insurance.

Can you pay for today?" I reply that "when I'm informed of the price, we will see". I go on to meet with the scheduling coordinator, who finally provides prices for the surgery. The visit is over and I'm ready to leave. I go to the front receptionist who runs my credit card for $30 insurance copay and gives me a receipt and card back. When the technician comes to the front with my file and says, "the doctor says insurance won't cover today, she has to pay out of pocket".

With that the reception looks stumped and says what. The technician repeats, and the receptionist turns to me, takes my card again and runs the card for $270.00 and gives me the small receipt from the card reader. At this point we all know that this visit was not above board and I state that I need an itemized receipt. To this the receptionist replies that she's busy with other patients and "can I call back later, billing can assist you with that".

After all of this I'm emotionally drained and don't want to be the black woman causing a scene, so I leave. Per the receptionist's instructions I called the office number back 5 times to no avail. Each time I was transferred to the billing department, where I got a voicemail instructing me to leave a message. On November 15, when I called, the receptionist gave me the direct number to the billing department.

I have left an additional 3 voicemails from calling that number, with each voicemail the leading message states that they return phone calls in 2 business days. To date, I have not received a return phone call nor the requested itemized receipt. A few options could have made my experience with this office less aggravating. The first, I find unfortunate in having to say, is to train physicians and staff on how to speak to patients no matter their race, which includes understanding micro-aggression.

The second, I should have been informed prior to my appointment that the office did not participate with my insurance and that I would be responsible for the visit but be given an itemized receipt (which I requested at the time of visit and have yet to receive) to see if I can be reimbursed by my insurance. Or third, I could have been provided with the CPT and ICD codes to verify prior to my visit that it would not be covered, and after visit to verify that cataract surgery is not covered by my insurance as well.
Doreen Johnson
Jan 24, 2022
The office was very clean. The ladies at the front desk were very polite and efficient. The techs were really friendly and knowledgeable about what they were doing. Dr. Katzen was very professional and had a very pleasant demeanor. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I would recommend this office to others. I enjoyed my time at this office.
Bellaciao
Jan 20, 2022
My experience with KATZEN eye group has been nothing but excellent. Let me start with Hope, she is wonderful at what she does scheduling appointments answering any questions you have about the process and what to expect logistics wise. Her personality keeps the day of surgery light. Going into the room where the surgery was performed made me anxious but the staff working alongside DR. Patel was very comforting during the whole procedure. I am not even 24 hours post surgery and I can tell you-- I would do it again with this team. Thank you for holding the standards high KATZEN EYE GROUP!
Dannie Fletcher Sr
Jan 19, 2022
Service and exams have been outstanding each visit over the years. However I would not recommend purchasing contacts from them. Their cost for contact lenses cost hundreds more than other locations. I was quoted over $400.00 for one box of six lenses and I needed two.
Vickie Halifax
Dec 23, 2021
Thank you to Katzen eye group and esp to Dr Patel for giving me my eyesight back. I have gone from a very blurry dark world to a bright colorful crisp world. I can now see everything. The staff at Katzen eye group and Dulaney clinic are wonderful people with kind big very educated hearts. I have been treated very kindly through this whole experience by both places and thier employees Thank you thank you thank you to everyone that played a part in my cataract surgery and recovery. I would recommend these people to anyone that has to go through this experience. I can see again!
Kim Evans
Dec 18, 2021
The office is clean and well maintained. You feel comfortable in this time of Covid. The staff is efficient and friendly. My doctor, Dr. Burgos is knowledgeable, he has a calming chair side manner, and you know he knows his stuff! A very satisfying visit every time.
Heather D.
Oct 29, 2021
I would try calling and just hear them pick up the phone and hang up. They don't want to speak to anyone or help anyone. Do not recommend
Mollie W.
Oct 07, 2021
I've been a patient at Katzen in Lutherville for over 15 years. The front reception staff has gotten very unprofessional over the past couple of years. This will cause me to find another optometrist. From scheduling appointments over the phone (after you leave a voice mail several times asking them to call you back so you can make an appointment) with rude staff to being herded into a crowded waiting room like cattle to being made to wait almost an hour even when I arrive early for my appointments.done.

The last straw? My husband got there early for his 7:40 AM appointment, waited 40 minutes, had to reschedule and left. Unacceptable. I firmly believe Katzen has become a machine. Patients are money and that's it. They overbook the appointments which results in you waiting forever just to see the doctor. They need to do better. For example, I went to the dentist this morning.

I was seated in the dental chair exactly at the time of my scheduled appointment, they called me by the right name and even asked about my family. Pleasant and personable. I am now on the hunt for a local family owned optometry practice in the Timonium area with excellent customer service. Any suggestions?
Donna C.
Aug 18, 2021
I've never been to Katzen but I have tried and tried and tried. I requested appointments online, called the office only to be sent to voicemail with the promise to return my call ASAP. But.nothing.crickets. I did once have an actual person answer only to be disconnected just as I thought I was making an appointment. I immediately called back and again received the voicemail.

I left a detailed message about wanting the appointment. Again.crickets. I've heard such great things about this eye group but I guess I'll never know as I am now looking for somewhere else to go.
Catrina H.
Aug 06, 2021
If it was not for Dr. Eric Williams and his direct staff who works with you in the exam room, I would not come here AT ALL. I wish I could bypass the front desk and have no interaction just as they do. They do not know how to greet people or move them along in the office. Since the pandemic it's even worse. I used the automated check in, I used the staff and still waited for 50 mins only to be told I was not registered as checked in. No sorry no nothing. I looked right at the person who checked me in, blank stare.
Lynn T.
Jun 27, 2021
My ophthalmologist referred me to Dr. Katz specifically, and though I was told the lasik eval would be with Dr. Katzen that was a lie. I was seen by a few techs and then Dr. Leikin who ultimately told me though he would make a lot of money off of the lasik, I needed cataract surgery. He assumed my doctor had informed me. I was shocked as this was my first time hearing I needed cataract surgery. Cataracts? That's for elderly people I said to myself.

He advised, however, that I needed to see a retina specialist to ensure my retina wasn't too thin to have cataract surgery before I could schedule lasik surgery. I checked out their cataract doctors' education and profiles, then checked for patient reviews. Finding nothing untoward I made the appointment with Dr. Booth. I had to go 2 weeks without being able to see prior to the appointment.

That was no easy feat since my eyesight is horrendous in my right eye especially. Cutting to the chase, Dr. Booth is the rudest provider I have ever encountered. She is obnoxious and very condescending. From the first sentence she spoke I gave her Things happen for a reason so I am glad her bedside manner sucked. I told the coordinator as much and have never gone back.
Michael P.
Jun 09, 2021
I wish I could put no stars. My loved one made her appointment 2 months advance at this (Lutherville) location, because it was the soonest available slot. Now, her appointment was supposed to be only 30 minutes after they open in the morning! But low and behold, it only took a small amount of time for them to get so backed up, that she waited in the lobby for an entire hour before she had to just leave!

People make appointments so they do have to waste their time, but here at Katzen in Lutherville, the rude, unapologetic staff will waste your time, money, and most of all they will give you a downright nasty experience. Don't give this manager any of your money he's clearly a crook.
Jayne P.
Apr 23, 2021
I have been going to Katzen for years, the wait time is always ridiculous, but I have put up with it because the reputation for the care is so good. I recently disputed a bill I got 3 times, and never heard from anyone at Katzen. Customer care is terrible, and they are always doing extra little things to grab more money.
Scott S.
Dec 23, 2020
After 30+ years with Katzen, I am now wondering if they can accomplish their essential core task, which is providing people with prescription eye glasses. Today I went to pick up a new pair and left without them because they had used the wrong frames. Had this been their first error of this kind I would have rolled with it. I am a forgiving person.

But today's mistake was after an even worse experience with my prior pair. It took three attempts for them to get it right. The first time the prescription in the glass was upside down: readers were on top and distance was on the bottom. So they "redid" them, and handed me a second pair with the readers on top and distance on the bottom! Stunning.
Meghan W.
Oct 23, 2020
Don't trust them. Two different employees told me my insurance would cover my eye check up, so I trusted them and then my insurance didn't cover it. Now I am stuck with this bill which is ridiculous. I have tired for months to talk to a manager about it and they will not return my calls. I have also waited on hold for hours and called their billing company for months and can not get through anymore. I am never going here again. Terrible customer service.
Lois J.
Oct 12, 2020
The worst. A factory. I followed my previous doctor to this practice. I see an eye specialist once a year and saw my previous doctor twice at that office. Since he retired recently, I agreed to switch to another doctor in the practice. I actually never saw the doctor because of the office's lack of appropriate Covid safety precautions. Waiting area in reception was approximately spaced however once a patient is taken in the back there is a small waiting area, no more than 8ft sq, with chairs next to each other, including a two person bench.

Unlike other offices where only patients are permitted in the office, patients were permitted to have people with them. This is irresponsible, especially for a medical office in the middle of a pandemic. Don't go.
Rhonda S.
Aug 17, 2020
First let me say I've been coming to katzen for over 10 years. I love the rosedale staff, however I wanted contacts. Big mistake I was not told everything that would be required nor the fact that I still need glasses, Defeats the purpose right. After being closed due to covid I picked them up couldn't see far away, they were redone. I still wasn't happy the doctor said well keep wearing your thick glasses.

That hurt my family has a history of blindness birth and onset. I get reading glasses couldn't see I swear some of the staff in the optical department made me feel like I was bothering them. Never going back mind you I live 45 minutes away. I highly recommend the Rosedale staff and doctors.
Scott L.
Jun 20, 2020
TAKE YOUR ATTORNEY WITH YOU! My $1250 out-of-pocket estimate increased to $2500 because they failed to properly check deductibles, but they did not state that until sending the final $900 bill. The SURGERY? Two Stars out of Five. WHY? They OVER-PROMISED the surgery results. Answer?. Do Not OVER-PROMISE just to get patients. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN KATZEN.
Lucy L.
Apr 15, 2020
I am a essential working in the healthcare field my glasses broke yesterday while I was caring for a patient and my to get contact is ripped, I contacted Katzen eye Group this morning I spoke to a representative named Karrie and she was extremely rude wouldn't give me my prescription to get a new pair of contacts and refused to fix my glasses and she told me that I can call back in June when they re-opened, what a way to treat an essential employee working in the hospital at this time I can't see or drive
Lyse W.
Jan 05, 2020
I really love Katzen eye group. I have been seen there for medical I care as well as routine I care and have always gotten the best service. They are very knowledgeable they were able to get me in when I need to get in and they always follow up. I would recommend this group to anyone
Isaiah W.
Aug 21, 2019
I can't speak on some of the other complaints and what not that have been mentioned at this location. I can only say that I was here for an emergency and not a typical appointment. The staff that I dealt with was extremely professional and kind as we tried to get things figured out and taken care of. I was also able to see a doctor on a Saturday morning after they heard the issue and the team made me feel very comfortable and taken care of.

I was also referred elsewhere with a ton of information and detailed write-up from my provider. It definitely threw a wrench in their schedule to see me and I appreciate it! Thanks team
Saqib N.
Jun 25, 2019
Absolutely atrocious. Front desk doesn't even greet you. They're too built discussing what McDonald's is better. The optometrist is like a robot, blast your eyes with air repeating the same thing, "keep your eyes open". The doctor is the worst however, Dr. Baziz rushes the whole thing. Came speed walking in and sat right down in front of his computer. Doesn't even look at you.

He fiddled with my eyes and told me I was fine and told me to leave. He answered my questions with 4 word answers max. And failed at informing me what was wrong. DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Allison C.
Apr 11, 2019
Unlike some of the one star reviews on here have stated, I have never had any issues getting in contact with someone at this office. However, I would agree that the 1 and 2 star reviews on here complaining that Katzen is more concerned about your money than your vision are spot on. I have been going to Katzen for several years now and have never really had an issue until my latest visit.

The exam was pretty brief and the wait was not too bad as I had one of the last appointments of the day. However, the experience I had in selecting new glasses after my exam will really make me reconsider returning to Katzen for my next exam. I have had the same vision insurance (VSP) for a long time and have never had an issue finding frames that are of the "preferred" brands at Katzen. However, the gentleman helping me in this department (I believe his name was David) not know which brands were covered and where to find them.

When he finally did track down the brands, Katzen offered VERY few frames in these brands, which kind of felt like a push to order the brands less covered and spend more money. This feeling was further exemplified when discussing lenses, I was encouraged to order the more expensive lenses "because I did 5 years ago." This fact was brought up multiple times, to the point that I awkwardly had to explain that my financial situation has changed since then. Furthermore, I asked for my PD measurement because I occasionally order prescription sunglasses online, and David made sure to let me know that it would cause him to do more paperwork, making me feel like an inconvenience for asking.

I understand that brick and mortar vision centers are probably losing out on profits due to the prevalence in online glasses sales, but trying to pressure patients into spending more money is not the way to handle this. Not offering an adequate selection of frames in the brands commonly covered by insurance will also not influence patients to spend more money, but rather take their vision needs elsewhere.

All I have to say about this visit was that I felt more pressure to spend money on glasses this week than I did at the car dealership when I was purchasing a vehicle earlier this month and this is not how an annual visit to the eye doctor should feel.
D. N.
Apr 01, 2019
I had to call SEVERAL times over the course of a week to request my contacts prescription to be sent to me, to which I'm legally entitled. Only 1 out of 5 calls was answered by a person, the rest went to voicemail. I left a voicemail (that was never returned) and would've left follow-up messages from there had their voicemail box not been full.

I was told 3 times that my prescription would be faxed to me but it never showed up. It was only after I informed the representative that my next call would be to the FTC that I finally received my faxed prescription. Yes, I finally got what I needed, but no points given back for meeting the bare minimum (as required by federal law) after threat of a formal, legal complaint.
Stella H.
Dec 27, 2018
Worst customer service. It's a HUGE office with many doctors and staff. There are so many people working there but no one actually helps you. When I went in for my appt, there were 5 ppl at the front desk and they all ignored me. Also I just need to order contacts, I call every day and NO ONE picks up the phone. Don't go here!