Dr. John Edward Legarreta, MD

Kind, compassionate, patient, very knowledgeable doctor who always takes as much time as I need and explains everything to me, which is very appreciated, because it can be hard to find. I value, trust his opinion and highly recommend him. The young woman that did the tests before I saw the doctor and the man that ordered my lenses were both also very nice. Wait time less than 10 minutes : ) I have been seeing this doctor for a long time.

I've been seeing Dr. Legaretta for a few years and he has always been kind and compassionate. Very friendly. He removed my cataracts and I had a good experience with him. My only complaint is that 2 months in a row he ordered me eye drops for my severe dry eye and it took me more than a week to get them. In both cases he ordered scripts that aren't covered by my insurance and it was kicked back. His choices in both cases were to apply for a pre-authorization for the original drops or prescribe an equally effective one that is covered by my insurance.I chose the latter and told him I would be happy with Restasis (covered) rather than the Xiidra (new kid on the block and not covered). Last month it only took 2 calls and an unannounced visit to the office to get them sent to the pharmacy. This month was worse, requiring 2 unannounced visits and 3 calls. I was promised on Friday that it would absolutely be sent to the pharmacy by Friday. Nope. Today? Nope, and my pharmacist said they… weren't coming in at all. My visit was a week ago today, and after the fuss I made in his office today, he FINALLY sent in the prescription. His staff lied to me, saying the script had been sent several times, which I know is not true unless they didn't comprehend that I wanted the Restasis, NOT the Ziidra. Either way, beyond the initial Ziidra order which as declined by my insurance, NO orders came in at the pharmacy. Until today. I feel badly that I lost my temper but I am chronically ill (kidney transplant with lots of problems) and I fight hard to make what I have left on this earth as high quality as it can be. Sad, but I no longer have trust in anyone at Legaretta Eye Center and I already have a new ophthalmologist with the Buffalo Medical Group.