I couldn't disagree more strongly with Bill W's review. I was referred to Dr Whiteside by a few of the people in my office. My experience was nothing less than wonderful! Being a dentist I rely on my vision every day to treat my own patients. I had Zyoptix custom wavefront lasik in early August. I wore contacts and glasses for nearly 20 years for my nearsightedness. I'm now 20/20! The staff has been nothing but professional and courteous from the time I first called in May to my six week post-op the other day. Regarding the credit card reservation I had to provide one as well. I do so for my first time patients as well. Nothing hurts a practice more than no shows. I have the front desk staff take a reservation to insure that new patients at least give 24 hours notice if they won't be able to make their appointment. With a busy office sometimes mistakes are made in scheduling. It is completely understandable to be upset to take time out of your schedule and drive all that way to be told that you don't have an appointment. It is not fair to expect other patients to pay for it though. I wouldn't appreciate it if someone who doesn't have an appointment is seen before me when I do have an appointment, no matter who is to blame. When things like this happen in my office I try to accommodate patients as best as possible. Sometimes it is just not possible to squeeze someone in at the end of the day, during lunch, or in between other patients. Having been to this office I was told that the first appointment would last about an hour and a half. That much time with a doctor is not something that can be easily fit into an already full schedule. Also something that you did not mention is that the exam, consultation and testing is done for free. Looking over the appointment reminders that were sent to me it says "your card will not be charged provided that you attend your appointment as scheduled, or provide 24 hours notice of the need to cancel." It goes on to say that if you no show that your card "may" be charged $25. It appears that the only money that you are out is the revenue lost from your second job to attend an exam that you thought you had for an elective surgery. It appears as though both the doctor's office and their scheduling center did everything possible to try and help after the mistake was made. To anyone who is looking to have lasik surgery I would encourage you to use all the resources available to you. Check with groups such as HealthGrades, All About Vision. the American Board of Ophthalmology and the Texas Medical Board. They will be able to provide unbiased information on surgeons and surgical practices, rather than relying solely on the comments of someone who has not even spoken with the doctor in question and who clearly has no familiarity with the medical profession.