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Dr. Lauren K. Stephens, OD
7 photos

Dr. Lauren K. Stephens, OD

Optometrist

Dr. Stephens has settled into the DC area after practicing in New York City and Boston. She graduated from New England College of Optometry after getting her BS in Biology from University of North Carolina. Patients visiting Dr. Stephens can receive a full range of optical services including contact lens fitting, emergency eye visits, and comprehensive eye exams.

In-network insurances

  • ACE
  • Aetna
  • Amida Care

Specialties

  • Optometrist

Practice names

Education and training

  • New England College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Bachelor’s)

Zocdoc awards

Rapid registration
Speedy response
Scheduling hero

Languages spoken

  • English

Provider's gender

Female

NPI number

1265638316

Office locations

Optical Gallery

1150 18th St NW

Washington, DC 20036

Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider. For more information, check out our Patient Knowledge Base.
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This was my first appointment at an optometrist. I didn't realize it was in the glasses shop outside of the main building of 1150 18th St NW. They had me pay up front and submit to my insurance for reimbursement whichI wasn't prepared for. Lauren Stephens didn't see me; the person who did, didn't tell me her name. When I asked later if that was Dr. Stevens, I was told no, she was out that day. The person who saw me was very good, am I'm happy with the service, I just wish the process had been made a little more clear and transparent and I had a name and credentials of the person who saw me.
Less than 1 year ago
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I met with an optometrist (January 2018) today. The office is a small mom and pop shop. Everyone was friendly. My exam was thoroughly explained to me so that I understood what was happening with my prescription. I would definitely recommend this place.
More than 1 year ago
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Lauren is fantastic and has a great demeanor. She explains everything and is very thorough. The shop owner, however, can be a little pushy and they are VERY expensive compared to other shops. I'll likely not return, despite liking Lauren.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stephens, was professional, friendly, quick, and answered all of my questions in a way that was easy to understand.
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Extremely abrupt and brash. Not at all compassionate about personal ability to pay - upcharged me for an exam I did not need. Has a ridiculous fee in order to receive a new prescription but did not write a new prescriptionbecause I “love the one I already have”. Do NOT go here.
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Very knowledgeable, great recommendations for new contact lenses.
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I thought the doctor was pleasant and offered good tips on eye health in addition to the normal information about my exam. It felt a little rushed and I believe it was because they were running a bit behind. The waitwas less than 15 minutes. I would go back for the annual exam but I do not think the prices are competitive for lenses/frames and will be purchasing those elsewhere.
More than 1 year ago
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I think Dr Stephens is great. She takes her time and is thorough. Is good about explaining things, answering questions, and coming up with creative solutions.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stephens is always friendly and makes me feel comfortable during my visit. I was impressed by her knowledge of all the different types of contact lenses. I plan to return next year and would recommend her to others.
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Very friendly, answered all my questions and felt very taken care of!
More than 1 year ago
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Great! Very knowledgable and straight forward.
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It was one of the easiest and most educational eye doctor appointments I've had. I actually felt like I was being diagnosed correctly and she was extremely knowledgable.
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I am very busy. My appointment was scheduled for 2pm and I was sitting in the chair at 2pm. Paperwork before the visit was only 3 minutes and I was ready to go.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr.Stephens seemed rushed all the time, and although seemed to have the knowledge and skills, did not seem to have the empathy towards the patient. I asked her about the in-depth analysis ophthalmologists do, but she did not seem to payattention, and kept going with her assessment. I didn't like her demeanor and attitude at all and would not recommend her at any rate. Really bad experience.
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Dr. Stephens is very friendly and knowledgeable, and takes time to listen to your concerns and really get to know you. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs glasses or contacts!
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She was fantastic--the best eye doctor I have been to. She was very professional but friendly and sincere. She was very thorough and explained everything in layman's terms. She took her time answering all my questions and made some good recommendations.I went in for dry eye and vision changes. Would highly recommend.
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She was great, explained everything and was very thorough.
More than 1 year ago
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My visit with the doctor was great, but picking out glasses felt kind of weird and rushed. That said, I hadn't done any research on picking out glasses, so you may want to do this before your visit if this is your first time in a while.
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This was the worst doctor's visit I've ever had. Not only did I have to wait more than 30 minutes as the receptionist struggled to process my insurance, but then I was charged for the wrong type of contact lenses. Thankgoodness for that mistake, because I was refunded the money and decided to order my contacts elsewhere where the price was considerably less. I felt railroaded throughout the entire experience, and I felt Dr. Stephens had a very condescending bedside manner. My boyfriend came to this appointment with me and he was incensed by how they conducted their business. I will never, ever go back. It's not worth the stress.
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So friendly and knowledgeable. Best optometrist I've ever had! I understand my eye health better now and feel secure caring for my eyes throughout my life with Dr. Stephens' expert help.
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Dr. Stephens was very knowledgeable and personable. She explained everything I needed to know and was open to my questions. All around a very pleasant and helpful visit!
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Dr Stephens is great. Very thorough and explained everything. I was having such dry eye that it gave me a twitch. Probably due to all my antihistamines. She made some suggestions that work great and I haven't had any issues since.
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She is great!!!
More than 1 year ago
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Wanted to charge extra for Pupillary Distance (PD) which you will need if you want to shop for glasses online.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Lauren is an incredible optometrist! She listens well, asks good questions, and the eye exams are very thorough. She is down to earth, and very easy to talk to. She caters very well to your specific interests and needs, andensures that you're completely satisied with your product (contacts, glasses, etc.)
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Loved the doctor, hated the storefront and shop attached. I felt pressured to using the attached store to update my prescription and they were way overpriced and pushy once the doctor handed me over.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stephens was professional, accessible, and informative. Although I probably needed something of a reprimand for my eye care habits, she instead educated me about proper eye health. I appreciated the personal, quality care that I received and highly recommend Dr. Stephens.
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I was seen less than 10 minutes after arriving. My entire appointment took 30 minutes without being rushed. She was very efficient and the front desk staff was very nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend!
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stephens is very knowledgeable, warm, kind and easy to talk to. I highly recommend her!
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Dr Stephens was extremely thorough and professional. She guided me through every step of the process. I couldn't recommend her any more highly.
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Excellent eye doctor - I'm very picky about my healthcare professionals and Dr. Stephens was top-notch. Extremely friendly, willing to answer questions and very helpful. Her staff was kind and helped me get a good deal on my contacts. I will definitely return!
More than 1 year ago
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She was very rude, condescending, and annoyed with any questions. The appointment felt very rushed.
More than 1 year ago
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Very thorough and explained a lot of things about my eyes that no other optometrist has before! She recommended new contact lenses from the ones that I've been wearing for over a decade, and they have made a difference in myeye sight and headaches I had in the past.
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Dr. Stephens made sure I had plenty of informative advice about eye health and contact lens cleaning. She was also very gentle.
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I arrived to my appointment 10 minutes early and Dr. Stephens finally showed up to the office 10 minutes after my appointment time. 20 minutes, wasn't really THAT long to wait, but as soon as she arrived, she hastily threw hercoat and purse down and grabbed my paperwork and notioned that I go back into the office. It felt like she was definitely rushing through the appointment. Then, she lectured me for at least 10 minutes on how to remove, clean and insert my contacts properly in my eyeballs (I have been wearing contacts for 15 years). The invoice at the end of the visit was far more than I anticipated, but even though I asked several times what to expect, they didn't give me a straight answer until it was time to swipe my card.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stephens was great! Quick and painless eye exam. Will definitely be back again.
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Very nice doctor who is clearly knowledgeable and doesn't mind explaining what's she's doing, why she's doing it. I really appreciated that she explained what she was measuring in when she would do the "which one is more clear 1 or2" thing. I wish she would have offered to give me my glasses and contact lens prescription so I could order on my own in the future but maybe I will have to call back and ask for it.
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Dr. Stephens is always polite and professional. This was my third appointment and I have only kind words. The practice and shop are military friendly!
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Very thorough, explained things clearly, was easy to talk with and answered all my questions. Overall it was a good experience.
More than 1 year ago
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Efficient and Friendly, couldn't ask for more!
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Relatively short wait, good bedside manner, answered all my questions and gave lots of helpful explanation. Good for contact lens fitting as well as standard check-up.
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Very thorough and great optometrist! Always able to get an appointment and have been pleased with the several times I've gone.
More than 1 year ago
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Overall, pretty judgmental. Did not make me feel comfortable. Shamed me for not following perfect contact lens care and for ordering contacts online. Pushed for her office's products. Will not be returning.
More than 1 year ago
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Dr. Stevens is great! Professional, prompt and respectful of your time. She can be a bit overbearing (as doctors often are), but clearly has the patient's best interests at heart. Highly recommended!
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Dr. Stephens was knowledgable and took her time explaining each step of exam as she went.
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She was really sweet and cared about my overall vision. Will go back again!
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She answers ALL of my questions and is so nice to talk to. You never feel like she's rushing you, and she always discusses her course of action and makes sure you're on board. I've sent friends and family to herand will continue to do so! Plus the Optical shop is amaze! So much better than a Lenscrafters, Sam is a true crafter and will help you pick the perfect pair AND tells a good joke...
More than 1 year ago
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So kind & helpful!
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Very personable and really took the time to talk through the process and her findings. Highly recommended!
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Dr. Stephens was quick, clear and described the physiology behind every test.
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