Dr Atkins was helpful and knowledgeable. His MOA however, was terribly unprofessional and difficult to deal with. I've never experienced such hostility from a receptionist. My neuro wants to send me back to Dr Atkins, however, I am dreading having any kind of interaction with the MOA again. Due to this, I've asked to be referred to a different ophthalmologist instead, but unfortunately dr. Atkins is he only neuro ophthalmologist on the island so I may have to deal with this guy again. Wish me luck.

Submitted Dec. 27, 2023

Dr Atkins seems to be very much concerned with patient care. I would recommend him to family and friends.

Submitted Sept. 9, 2015

Dr. Atkins has an apparent acquired knowledge in the medical field that he strives to provide to his patients.

Submitted Sept. 8, 2015

I have no complaints about Dr Atkins. He seems to be competent.

Submitted Sept. 8, 2015

Dr. Atkins seems to be much better than Jerry Tenenbaum. Dr. Tenenbaum doesn't seem to care about patients at all.

Submitted Sept. 5, 2015

I drove 1 hour, and waited another half hour for what amounted to a 10 minute appointment. Dr Atkins spent approx 5 minutes of my 10 minutes in front of me on the phone with another patient while I sat and tried not to listen in. I felt this was very unprofessional. He made an accurate diagnosis of my condition and suggested treatment, but appeared less than interested in my questions and gave me a pre-printed handout to go home and read instead of taking any more time with me. I will never go back. I'm finding it very frustrating trying to find quality care in Victoria.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2011

Doctor Atkins is competent but can be rude and comes across as arrogant. Although he needs to work on his bedside manner he is knowledgeable and you could do worse.

Submitted May 21, 2011

I saw Dr. Atkins a couple of times and had widely varying experiences. The first time I found him attentive and helpful, but the next time (a year later and with no answers to my condition) I found him abrupt and dismissive to the point where he said he couldn't help me and not to come back. I realize that my condition might be difficult to diagnose (I had to go to the States and see a specialist there), but it isn't something I wanted either and I really could have used some help rather than "the bum's rush", so to speak. I think Rheumatology must be a difficult area to work in; the tests aren't always terribly conclusive and a patient's symptoms may be completely internal and not measurable until they are advanced, but we who suffer from conditions like this need a bit more support and recognition from specialists about the limitations of the tests. Dr. Atkins' response was detrimental in a number of ways.

Submitted Feb. 4, 2011

Dr. Baker was the first rheumatologist I went to - he was reputed to be the BEST on Vancouver Island. He is not very open to inquiries about alternative treatments. I was treated very poorly by Dr. Atkins when I inquired about alternative treatment. He pushed himself back in his chair, and stated that he could not treat me, that I needed to leave his office and he would refer me to a different doctor who was more "progressive". I have never had such an experience with a Dr. before and left his office in shock before I burst into tears in the car. For someone newly diagnosed and told to take medications with potentially damaging side effects, it is perfectly natural to ask about less destructive forms of treatment and be treated with respect. I believe it is best to do your own research and ask intelligent questions - but beware: ask ones he does not like and you can find yourself a new doctor.

Submitted Nov. 30, 2009

I learned more from my one appointment with Dr. Atkins, then i did in the 10 years i have been going else where. Dr. Atkins even made an appointment with myself on his day off. I have no complaints, other then i wish he was my full time Dr.

Submitted May 19, 2009