Best Eye Doctors In Oakland, CA
Why trust us?
VisionCenter is committed to connecting patients to the best local healthcare providers. We reviewed Oakland Optometrists in Oakland, Oakland, and chose this list based on their:
- Qualifications and education
- Years of experience
- Reputation and resources
- Past customer experiences
We used AI technology to analyze Oakland reviews from Google, Yelp, and Facebook to find patients' favorite surgeons in the area. Our team then went through and hand picked our list of the best Optometrists in Oakland.
Target Optical
2700 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501
Summary
Dr. Juang receives rave reviews for her thorough exams, caring bedside manner, and skill in detecting serious eye conditions. Patients describe the Target Optical experience as relaxed and comfortable, with helpful, knowledgeable staff providing top-notch service. However, some complaints surface about employee Phil’s rude and unaccommodating behavior.
Highlights
- Highly skilled and caring optometrist: Dr. Juang is praised for her thoroughness, expertise, and excellent bedside manner. Patients feel comfortable and confident in her care, and she has even caught serious eye conditions that went unnoticed by others.
- Friendly and helpful staff: Multiple customers have commended the team for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming atmosphere. They make the eye exam and eyewear selection process easy and enjoyable, going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Good customer service: The staff at Target Optical demonstrates exceptional customer service. They are described as kind, knowledgeable, and attentive, providing assistance in finding the right frames, performing repairs, and even going the extra mile by accommodating special requests.
Votran Optometry
2700 5th St, Alameda, CA 94501
Summary
The eye care center received positive feedback for their professional and thorough eye exams performed by knowledgeable doctors. Patients appreciated the friendly and helpful staff, as well as affordable pricing for exams and glasses. However, one customer was dissatisfied with their experience with a particular optometrist, citing issues with customer service and prescription accuracy. In general, most patients were satisfied and would recommend this eye care center.
Highlights
- The eye exams provided by Dr. Votran and Dr. Juang are thorough and professional, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of eye health.
- The staff members, including Phil and Studio, receive high praise for being friendly, kind, and knowledgeable, creating a positive and welcoming environment.
- The prices for eye exams and contact fittings are affordable, making it a cost-effective option compared to other providers.
- The optometrists take the time to explain each step of the eye exam and any findings, ensuring patients have a clear understanding of their eye health.
- There is no high-pressure sales tactic, giving patients the freedom to choose whether or not to purchase glasses at the store.
- The office is conveniently located with easy access and parking, providing additional convenience for patients.
GRAND LAKE OPTOMETRY
3330 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Summary
Grand Lake Optometry receives generally favorable reviews for their friendly, professional service and thorough eye exams. While the office is clean and offers many frame options, a few customers have commented on inaccurate prescriptions, communication issues, and frame selection problems.
Highlights
- Friendly and professional staff who provide thorough eye exams and address all questions and concerns.
- Offers a wide selection of frames, including styles that cater to Asians.
- State-of-the-art eye equipment for a comprehensive eye examination.
Oakland Vision Center Optometry
1960 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Summary
The eye care center received largely positive feedback for their friendly and patient optometrists, informative eye exams, and wide selection of frames. However, some customers reported issues with incorrect prescriptions and unsatisfactory customer service.
Highlights
- Friendly and patient optometrists who are great with kids and first-time patients.
- Extensive selection of stylish frames to choose from.
- Knowledgeable and helpful staff who provide thorough and efficient eye exams.
Dr. Elsa Pao, OD
405 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Summary
Patients speak highly of Dr. Pao’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to patient care. Her convenient, clean office provides thorough explanations of procedures. Many longtime patients applaud the staff’s accommodating nature and efficiency, including during emergencies.
Highlights
- Highly knowledgeable and experienced doctor who stays current on medical eye issues and conducts medical research.
- Offers promotional deals and discounts for community college students.
- Friendly and efficient staff, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
- Provides excellent service and care, going above and beyond for patients.
- Convenient location and flexible scheduling, including weekend appointments and accommodating emergency visits.
International Optometry
600 International Blvd #101, Oakland, CA 94606
Summary
Customers consistently commend Dr. Le and the International Optometry staff for their warm, honest, and attentive service. Patients value the clean office environment and COVID-19 safety measures, affordable pricing, and transparency. Many highlight the personalized care received, feeling well looked after. Overall, strong recommendations for International Optometry’s exceptional eye care.
Highlights
- Friendly and caring staff: Many reviewers highlight the friendliness and kindness of the staff at International Optometry. They appreciate the staff's accommodation, patience with questions, and making them feel well taken care of and welcomed.
- COVID-19 safety precautions: Multiple reviews mention the strict COVID-19 safety measures taken by the office, including frequent sanitization, mask-wearing, hand washing, limited patients, and distance seating. This attention to safety is appreciated by customers.
- Transparent pricing and affordable options: Customers mention that International Optometry is transparent with pricing and does not upsell unnecessary products or services. They appreciate that the optometrist and staff go out of their way to get them the best deal for their needs, and provide affordable options, including accepting insurance.
In Vision Optometry-Jane Hafen, O.D.
1901 Harrison St #103, Oakland, CA 94612
Summary
Most reviews of this eye care center are favorable, noting thorough exams, Dr. Hafen’s expertise, and accommodating staff. However, some expressed concerns regarding Dr. Hafen’s bedside manner and treatment of Black patients, issues the center should address. Overall, customers appreciate the quality care and wide selection of glasses and contacts.
Highlights
- Thorough and modern eye examinations with knowledgeable and insightful doctor.
- Staff is helpful, kind, gracious, and efficient.
- Dr. Hafen is a caring and professional optometrist who takes the time to listen and explain everything clearly.
Lake Merritt Optometry
1807 3rd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Summary
The eye care center receives high marks for its friendly, helpful staff and thorough exams. Doctors take ample time answering questions. A few patients noted limited frame selection and issues contacting the office about contacts. However, most feel confident returning given the office’s diligence ensuring safety amid the pandemic.
Highlights
- Friendly and helpful staff: Multiple reviews mentioned the friendly and helpful staff at the eye care center. They were kind, knowledgeable, and efficient in providing assistance and answering questions.
- Thorough and detailed eye exams: Customers praised the doctors for their thorough and detailed eye exams. They took the time to answer questions and made patients feel confident in their care.
- Green initiatives: The eye care center was commended for their efforts to be environmentally friendly. They had reusable laminated forms to reduce waste and took precautions to keep themselves and patients safe during the pandemic.
World Vision Optometry
2633 Telegraph Ave #106, Oakland, CA 94612
Summary
The eye care center receives positive reviews for Dr. Kim and staff’s friendly and professional service in a comfortable setting. Patients value the efficient exams and COVID-19 safety measures. A dog contributes to the pleasant atmosphere. However, one patient felt the exam lacked thoroughness and experienced pressure to purchase expensive eyewear. Despite this outlier, most reviewers highly recommend this experienced doctor’s quality care.
Highlights
- Friendly and welcoming staff, creating a comfortable setting for eye exams.
- Follows guidelines for social distancing and sanitization, taking necessary precautions during appointments.
- Experienced doctor who provides thorough and efficient eye exams, along with helpful advice for daily eye care.
Melanie L. Hom, M.D.
491 30th St #201, Oakland, CA 94609
Summary
Dr. Hom and the East Bay Eye Specialists team receive glowing reviews for their expertise, care, and attention to detail. Patients repeatedly praise Dr. Hom for his thorough exams, clear communication, and ability to put them at ease. His office and surgery center staffs are also highly recommended for their smooth processes and thoughtful service. Despite increased pandemic wait times, patients overwhelmingly agree the quality service is worth it.
Highlights
- Highly skilled and thorough Ophthalmologist (Dr. Hom) who explains things well and instills trust.
- Office staff works smoothly together and pays attention to details, ensuring the patient is taken seriously.
- Quick and easy cataract removal with excellent results.
Ursula Moonsamy, OD
3341 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Summary
Dr. Moonsamy provides thorough and friendly eye care. Patients appreciate the helpful staff’s ability to schedule last-minute appointments. Reviews describe friendly, professional service and an overall positive experience at this established eye center.
Highlights
- Accommodating and helpful staff: The office is praised for being extremely helpful and accommodating in scheduling short-notice visits and getting patients the care they need promptly.
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff: The staff is mentioned to be knowledgeable and friendly, providing great service and making patients feel welcomed.
- Thorough and patient doctor: The doctor is described as thorough and patient, taking the time to ensure patients feel well-informed and addressing their concerns.
Site for Sore Eyes – Downtown Oakland
815 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Summary
The eye care center receives glowing reviews for its efficient, professional service and thorough eye exams. Patients frequently compliment the helpful staff and extensive selection of quality frames and lenses. Overall, customers are highly satisfied with their positive experiences.
Highlights
- Quick and efficient eye exams with professional doctors.
- Large selection of frames to choose from.
- Excellent quality lenses for progressive prescriptions with thin, lightweight materials and non-reflective coating.
- Great customer service with helpful staff.
- Fast turnaround time for glasses and repairs.
City Center Optometry
1475 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94612
Summary
Patients appreciate Dr. Kelemen’s meticulous and considerate eye exams, describing him as an expert professional with a friendly bedside manner. The helpful, pleasant staff also earns high marks. However, one reviewer cited insufficient communication about wait times as an area for improvement.
Highlights
- Thorough and professional eye exams: Customers praise the doctors at this eye care center for their thoroughness and professionalism during eye exams. They appreciate the doctors taking their time to explain conditions and keep them informed throughout the process.
- Excellent service and friendly staff: Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and helpful staff at this location. They appreciate the insights and assistance provided by the staff, including help in selecting frames and answering questions.
- Quick and available appointments: Customers mention that appointments are available relatively quickly at this eye care center, allowing them to receive the care they need in a timely manner.
Michael L. Wang, MD
80 Grand Ave #700, Oakland, CA 94612
Summary
Dr. Wang’s expertise in cataract surgery led to a successful outcome for this patient. His attentive consultation put the patient at ease. The accommodating office staff complemented the positive surgical experience. This reviewer strongly recommends Dr. Wang.
Highlights
- Highly experienced surgeon with extensive knowledge in performing eye procedures, particularly cataract surgery.
- Painless and short procedure with quick improvement in vision.
- Friendly and helpful staff that accommodates changes in schedules.
Choosing the Right Eye Care Provider
The kind of eye doctor you should visit depends on your issues. You may need an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or both.
Optometrists provide primary eye care, including vision tests and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. You may also visit an optometrist for eye infections or issues that don’t require surgery.
For more complicated issues, your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can treat a broader range of medical conditions.
When choosing an eye care clinic, look for a place that can address your specific needs. You may ask your friends and family for recommendations. Reading reviews online and checking with your insurance company can also help you find the right provider.
Understanding Eye Conditions and Their Treatment
The most common eye problems include refractive errors, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Symptoms of these eye conditions include blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain.
Once you experience severe pain in your eye, it’s important to visit an eye doctor immediately. Other symptoms, such as fever and eye discharge, may indicate a more severe infection. This is why seeking medical attention is essential if you experience these symptoms.
Treatment for eye conditions will vary depending on your symptoms. Eye doctors sometimes collaborate with other specialists to determine the best course of action.
Maintaining Your Vision Health
Proper care and prevention are the best ways to maintain your vision health. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your eyes stay in the best condition possible:
- Protective eyewear. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection outdoors or safety goggles when working with tools can prevent eye damage.
- Proper nutrition. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E can help you receive the proper nutrients to protect your eyes. Getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol consumption is also part of proper nutrition for eye care.
- Regular breaks from screens. Follow the 20-20-20 rule when working with screens. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Manage chronic conditions. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension can also affect your eye health. Managing them can help decrease their effects on your eyes.
- Regular eye exams. Visiting your eye doctor regularly can help detect eye problems early on. If needed, they can provide proper treatment immediately to prevent further complications.
Eye Care Insurance and Managing Costs
Insurance companies vary in terms of coverage when it comes to eye care. Vision insurance is usually separate from general health insurance.
You can save money and avoid surprises by consulting your insurance provider regarding coverage. Ask about your coverage for eye examinations, contact lenses or glasses, and other treatments.
If you don’t have insurance, these financing options are available:
- Payment plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- National grants
Vision Health Trends in California
- Examining vision health as one ages reveals In 2018, 5.07% of Californians aged 40-64 were blind or had difficulty seeing, while 8.23% of those aged 65 and older experienced the same visual impairments. in California, signaling the need for proactive eye care.
Risk Factors Impacting Vision in California
- A family history of eye issues, diabetes, and alcoholism can all influence vision health in California.
- The The percentage of people in California with diabetes who were blind or had difficulty seeing in 2018 was more than twice as high as the overall percentage, indicating that having diabetes significantly increases the risk of vision problems in that state. and In California in 2018, the percentage of people who smoked tobacco and had difficulty seeing was higher (7.03%) than the overall percentage of people who had difficulty seeing (4.89%), indicating that smoking may increase the risk of vision problems in that state by approximately 2.14%. statistics underscore the impact of these factors on vision health.
Vision Impairment Statistics in California
- In California, 4.89% of individuals report significant vision impairment, with specific age groups reporting varying degrees of difficulty.
Age-Specific Vision Challenges in California
- Amongst those aged 18 to 39, 3.11% experience vision difficulties.
- The percentage increases to 5.07% in the 40-64 age range.
- Seniors over 65 in California face even higher rates at 8.23%.
Addressing Vision Health Beyond Age in California
- Other factors such as diabetes and smoking contribute to vision impairment in California.
- 11.5% of those with diabetes and 7.03% of smokers report difficulty seeing.
Children's Vision Health in California
- Early vision care is crucial, with 68.81% of children in California having had their vision tested.
- Of those, 0.5% report vision problems, emphasizing the need for early detection and care.
Proactive Vision Health Measures in California
- Regular eye exams and UV protection are essential, especially considering the 4.89% of the population with vision impairment.
- A healthy diet, smoking cessation, and regular breaks from screens contribute to better vision health, which can help mitigate the statistics on vision impairment in California.
Summary
Proper vision care is crucial for people of all ages. Your treatment will vary depending on your condition and issues. Finding the right eye care provider can help you receive the necessary treatment and care.
Sources:
- "Common Eye Disorders and Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- “Finding an Eye Doctor | National Eye Institute.” National Eye Institute.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats - Health Insurance Coverage.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
- "Healthy Vision Tips." National Eye Institute.
- “Optometry.” UC Davis, 2017.