Dr Lekha Gopal

I very rarely leave negative reviews, as I try to give the benefit of the doubt that someone just had an off day. I even waited a week to write this, hoping I'd change my mind. However, my (first and only) visit to see Dr. Gopal was abysmal. So abysmal I feel the need to warn others. I came to see Dr. Gopal for ongoing monitoring of an opthalmic condition since my former neuro-opthamologist is now out of network with my insurance carrier. First, the office is in a residence. That in and of itself is not a problem. But parking is an issue. I had to park several blocks away: had I anticipated this, I would have planned accordingly (e.g. brought an umbrella rather than relying on a raincoat on that rainy day). Second, the individual who will call a medical assistant - I haven't a clue his name or title - never introduced himself and was less than competent. I have to hope he was filling in for someone who was out that day. Not only was he struggling to use the EMR system, but it took an eternity for him to enter any and all information. Third, the tech (again, she never introduced herself) who administered the initial testing was rude. Further, she never indicated what tests she was doing nor did she offer to adjust the height of any machine (or chair) leaving me to bend at uncomfortable angles. Fourth, when I finally did see Dr. Gopal (who also, never introduced herself), she gave me outright false information regarding my condition - a condition I've had for > 20 years. She couldn't comprehend why I was prescribed various eye drops for my condition (treatments supported by the literature - needless to say she did not offer to refill my prescriptions). And, while taking my history, brushed off a serious increase in symptoms I'd had a couple of years ago, which thankfully abated with the aforementioned eye drops. After the initial exam - which was not done correctly - she sent me down the hall for an additional test. When the tech set me up for the test (again, no attempt to ensure the machine and I were at appropriate heights to one another) I pointed out that that version isn't going to work for me (and I explained why). The tech kept insisting it would be fine, ultimately calling over Dr. Gopal who also insisted this was the best way. Lo and behold I was correct: the machine indicated I had zero vision in one eye, but it was totally artifact since that method doesn't work for me. In other words, neither the doctor nor her staff listen to the patient. Afterwards, when Dr. Gopal came to discuss my results, I asked her about the other testing I felt should be done. She indicated that she couldn't do them because insurance wouldn't cover it same day as the other testing. I've been seen by a neuro-opthamologist every 6 months for years, and have always had them both done: the provider usually just ate the "cost" of taking that particular image - I put cost in quotations as it's a momentary test with a camera, no eye drops or consumables used. Finally, the biggest joke came when I saw my after visit note. Dr. Gopal claimed to have done tests that were never completed: she did a slit lamp exam of one eye, not both (note claims both), never did a dilated eye exam (which her note claims she did, and never checked my eye pressure (which her note claims she did, and is actually rather important with my opthalmic condition). I urge anyone reading this to go elsewhere for opthalmic care.

Before my appointment, today, I read reviews of Dr. Gopal. Most were positive, but there were some critical ones. My experience was very positive. The receptionist was very knowledgeable and personable. Dr. Gopal was was very knowledgeable and thorough. She was very kind and I would not hesitate to recommend her.

Avoid at all cost. Staff is extremely rude, Dr is disrespectful has no idea what she is talking about. Flat out told my daughter that the problem she is having is because she is Fat , and gave her water pills….. my daughter is not fat.

I am so glad that I ignored the negative reviews and decided to book an appt with Dr. Gopal. Throughout the years I have seen my share of Doctors due to different medical reasons and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Dr. Gopal is a caring, wonderful Doctor. She never rushed the appointment and answered all of my questions and concerns. I came to see her due to having issues with the nerves behind my eyes that if not taken care of would lead to blindness. She sent me to do the right tests and now I am being treated for my condition. The girls at the front desk, along with all of her staff have always been friendly.

Part -2 What's so unfortunate is when a non favorable review is written the response is often no accountability. Just say sorry your visit did not work. We hope your need can be met somewhere else. Part 1- I took a family member for their appointment to her. They were told not to ask her the Doctor Questions. Also she did not review the full medical history. This visit was unproductive and my family member felt totally Disrespected. Never to return again. True incident and trust me my family member never complains about Doctors.