Business ProfileforSteven D. Cartmell, Inc.

Today was my first and absolute last visit to Vision Care of Tulsa. I rate the office staff an A-plus and the Doctor an F minus! I should have trusted my gut when I walked in and felt a strange vibe. I almost turned and left. I didn't because the front desk and first person who took me back for a scan was very kind. I noticed a lot of Christian artwork in the office. Sadly, in my experience, some of the worst services I've ever had come from businesses that heavily promote themselves as Christian. I hate to say that but, it's true. I am a Christian and would never think of using my faith to promote my business. The only exception to that for me would be if my business were related to my religion. It just seems wrong to me. I still stayed, hoping that my gut was just me being nervous about going to a new eye doctor. My gut was 100% on target. Dr. Steven Cartmell walked into the exam room, looked at me up and down, and rolled his eyes with an unmistakable look of disgust. I introduced myself and said, "Nice to meet you." Next, there was dead silence as he scrolled on his computer. He then said, "I'm Dr. Cartmell and, it is also nice to meet you." The tone said otherwise. His second long glance up and down my body with sheer disgust was unmistakable. I am a large woman and am morbidly obese. I know the drill when I sicken someone just for being me. I was once again encountering someone with fat prejudice. People who are disgusted by me are something I deal with frequently. I don't speak out in these situations, but enough is enough! In this case, medical professionals should know better. I sat there with him leering at me for a few moments. Across the room was a strange poster. I can't remember the exact wording on the poster, but it said that he's here to serve the Lord and his patients and that if we don't know Jesus, he can lead us to him. I'm looking at the poster while he starts his interrogation. He said, "Why didn't you give my assistant your A1c numbers? So your Diabetic?" I explained that I had a new job and was without insurance for a few months. I explained it had been some time since I last took my numbers. I told him I had just been to my primary doctor today and said informed him I'd have my blood drawn next week and could provide updated numbers at that time. I told him if he needed my records for an eye exam for glasses that I'm sure my primary care doctor could give him my history. He proceeded to say the following, "You are not pre-diabetic. There's no way. You are a full-blown diabetic. They wouldn't give you Metformin unless you are an actual Diabetic." I'm still staring at his Jesus poster while I'm being humiliated. I told him that my Endrocologist ran blood tests at every visit and told him my official diagnosis is Low growth hormone disorder and pre-diabetes based on my lab tests. I informed him that my primary care Dr also agreed. I said I think my physicians would know best. Dr. Cartmell did another up and down look and stated, "You know you aren't giving me anything to work with here. Don't you take your blood sugar at home?" At that point, I said, "This visit is over." I proceeded to leave. I told the woman at the front desk that I would never return. He also followed me to the front desk. I told everyone in earshot that he was rude to me. If he wanted my medical history to perform a basic eye exam and renew my prescription for glasses, he could have asked me to call my Dr. and explain that as a need. An even better practice would be to inform your patients that detailed medical history is needed to do the eye exam. I have never been asked for such detailed information by an optometrist.
I don't know why people feel that people with larger bodies are not human beings with feelings. I have a medical condition called Adult-onset Low Growth Hormone disorder. It is a contributing factor to my size. I shouldn't have to have a medical professional humiliate me. I am beyond upset. Note to Dr. Cartmell and all other Christians: if you post signage promoting yourself as a Christian, you probably should practice being kind and respectful. If you can't be a loving example of Christ, don't hurt the image of Christians by treating people like trash! It is this behavior from Christians that drives people away from our faith. I don't know what fatphobia this Dr. has or what overweight person hurt him but don't be a medical professional if you can't treat people with dignity. I do not recommend this Optometrist. He was abusive and is part of the reason that I hate going to see new doctors.