OK GREAT New eye Dr at Costco!!! KOVACH Optometrist Dr KOVACH is the best Eye Doc I've seen in years and it's been years but he was HONEST and not out to string me along like other Eye Dr's I've seen in the past. Did everything to make sure my insurance covered the majority of the exam I paid for frames Glasses tinting etc.. AND I don't have to see him again for 1 year! Last Dr was every 3 months that's crazy unless somethings wrong. He saw nothing and I'll be Happy to return had an appt and it went really quick SO THUMBS UP 5 STARS! !! Nice Staff!! read more

Fantastic Costco Eye Care Experience in SLO - Dr. Loren Yasunari, O.D. This past Saturday, my wife and I walked into the San Luis Obispo Costco anxious and on edge. She'd noticed a new, growing floater and, after some well-meaning but alarmist input from friends, was convinced vague "flashes" (really just night-driving fatigue) might mean impending blindness or a retinal detachment. We called Friday. They said, "Come in tomorrow." No weeks-long wait. No HMO MD nor triage ER nurse gatekeeping. Just: Saturday, quick appointment friendly. Enter Dr. Loren Yasunari, O.D., the weekend relief optometrist who doesn't take insurance -- and who just delivered the most thorough, thoughtful eye exam either of us has ever had. We both went to the University of Hawaii, which was very cool indeed. He just does the weekend and is semi-retired and is a nice guy who takes pride in doing a great job like in the old days. It feels sort of like Costco priced Concierge medicine in a way. To be fair, this is not the same as seeing a MD for potential surgical advice, but it does focus on ruling out the immediate need to see a surgeon. What Made This Different (and Better) Not a refraction mill - This wasn't about pushing new glasses. It was 100% focused on ocular health and our acute concern. Step-by-step, gold-standard eval: Detailed history Slit-lamp exam (used twice) Pupil dilation Retinal photography by tech Intraocular pressure check Multiple angles of fundus viewing Informed consent done right - Every step explained, risks/benefits clear, differential diagnosis walked through out loud. Bedside manner: A+ - Calm, present, zero rush. Made a scared patient feel seen. The Verdict: All Clear No bleed No detachment No urgent threat Just a benign floater + reassurance The Logistics? Shockingly Good Cost $125 total (includes retinal photos -- a $50+ add-on elsewhere, even with VSP) Insurance None accepted -- didn't matter Wait time Next-day, Saturday, appointment needed ER/Urgent Care alternative? Zero chance they'd dilate + image Pacific Eye / SLO Eye wait? 3-6 weeks -- useless for acute concerns Local Context: Eye Care Access in SLO County Specialists are booked solid ERs have no ophthalmology on call Medicare? Great. Spouse without it? Good luck. Costco? Open Saturdays, no gatekeepers, real diagnostics. Pro tip: While waiting 20 minutes for dilation, you can roam the aisles, try all the samples including AG1 samples (tastes like lawn clippings & is priced like Presidential Crypto), or just people-watch. Best bet Kirkland Multivitamins...not Gummies. Gummies are missing vital Thiamine, and Iron for the ladies....not to mention being low on most others. For some reason, random vitamins and minerals are missing in multiple formulations...so one can be forced to buy multiple formulations to cover even basic needs. Weirdly therapeutic. read more

Ok... this is in a Costco, which was very confusing. But the service and quality were outstanding on a busy Saturday afternoon. Everyone was very kind and the price for the service was more than reasonable given they don't take insurance. As good as an optometrist I've ever visited. read more

just now New I used to be a a patient here for years, but lately it's been very difficult to get an appointment: either they are too busy to talk to me in the office or can't make an appointment on the phone. But today was strange in that I walked in just after 6pm on Saturday, 7/19 and no other patients were around. I asked for an appointment and they looked at me like I was an alien. The person seemed irritated that I asked for an appointment and at that point I just left. Then I heard them laughing inside the office as I walked away. Kinda rude I thought. There are plenty of other optometrist in the area that would be happy to get my family's business. read more

A Heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Kovach and the Team, I have nothing but the deepest appreciation for Dr. Kovach. What started as a routine eye exam--just to confirm my prescription before getting a new pair of sunglasses--turned into something much more important. I had scratched my old sunglasses and, after three years, figured it was time for a fresh look. During the appointment, I casually mentioned that I'd noticed a floater the week before. Dr. Kovach didn't dismiss it. Instead, he recommended I return the following week for a dilation to take a closer look, just to be safe. At that follow-up, he quickly identified a retinal tear--a serious issue that could have led to much worse if left untreated. Dr. Kovach immediately contacted my primary care provider to arrange an urgent referral. Within 24 hours of leaving the office at Ali & Patel, I was sitting with a specialist and undergoing a procedure to correct the issue before it became severe. I'm incredibly grateful that Dr. Kovach took my concern seriously and acted with such urgency and care. His professionalism, attention to detail, and compassion made all the difference. This has been one of the best healthcare experiences I've ever had. I'm also thankful to Costco for having such a kind and efficient team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Nicole Dubois read more

Amazing staff great doctors very efficient! Always satisfied with my visits! Highly recommend this place

I have been going here for several years now and a review is overdue. The convenience is so important to me - to be able to make an appointment on a Saturday?!? Perfect! I really appreciate Dr. Yasunari - he is friendly, professional, and has identified a few issues over the years with prompt referrals to great experts. The office staff have always been super friendly and it's a quick in and out usually. read more

Perfect! Attentive good questions and lisener. Great result, exceeded expectations many fold. Due to high volume one might expect less, the pre doctor meeting is well controled process that gives the doctor fresh new information. Then the exam by doctor is thourough and thoughfull. read more

Second appointment here... great service, good Optician, and helpful assistants. This is my go to Optician....thank you Ali & Patel read more

Dr Kovach is the BEST. He recently helped treat a extremely odd eye problem I have and was more on top of things than 2 ophthalmologists I was also seeing. Front desk ladies are rude, but worth it with the great experience from the optometrist. (Front desk guy is wonderful) read more

I had seen Dr. Patel a few years ago for a positive experience. Now, there was a different optometrist here and the experience has overall declined. There was a long wait and the exam itself was rushed and somewhat unpleasant. I felt as if I was a bother to the physician more than anything. All in all, I received my rx but I suspect I will be seeking out a new place to be seen from now on. The staff at the front of the office are curt on the phone. They told me they would hold an appointment for 5 minutes once I had time to confirm childcare but when I called back, the appointment slot had been booked. My main frustration is that I am currently waiting for 30 minutes past my scheduled time to be seen despite arriving early to check in. I understand that these things happen but I wish the staff would warn that the appointment times are just estimates and not actually honored. I do not recommend going on the week-end if it can be avoided as the office as well as the outside (in the store) where you have to wait is very busy and it is not possible to keep the 6ft spacing (even though that is not the current c19 guidance I still prefer to space out). read more

I wanted to get a second opinion and my Dr. recommended checking out the Optomotrist at Costco. The tech that ran the tests was likable and the tests were fast and efficient. The Dr was very caring and kind. He did find an injury to my right eye so I was definitely happy I came in. I was overall very happy with my experience. I will certainly be back! read more

I've been going to another optometrist in SLO for years. My glasses were damaged and I tried to get in to see him. They couldn't take me for 1-2-3-4-5-6 weeks. I called Costco and they got me in the very next day to see Dr. Patel. That office is sure close quarters and gets crowded fast, but the staff is organized, friendly, and first-rate. Dr. Patel is superb, very gracious with her time. I was so impressed and I couldn't believe I was getting this level of service at a Costco (no offense). The staff hooked me up with new glasses that were about 50% cheaper than the other guy. I'm not going back anymore--you can find me with Dr. Patel! read more

They politely told me that there were no appointments until 14 days from now. I went home and called for an appointment and they squeezed me in the next day my wife was with me and they squeezed her in as well. The optometrist was very knowledgeable worked fast on his feet and was genuinely excited about the improvement of my future eyesight with these new glasses. I just love these guys of course it's so convenient when it's in the Costco on Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo. read more

Dr. Patel is amazing. I have been a resident in SLO for over 20 years and have tried many eye doctors. I was about to give up and go out of town when I decided at the last minute (needed a prescription change for contacts) to try Dr. Patel's office located within Costco. She is first and foremost an EXCELLENT DOCTOR. This is pretty much all I was looking for, but she is also caring, patient and kind. Sometimes, there is an extra wait in the office, but this is only because she takes the extra time to explain everything to her patients. She takes care of our entire family and I always recommend her to new people in town. read more

Solid optometry office located in the Costco on Los Osos Valley Road. Dr. Patel is a quality doctor as evidenced by her busy office. Her assistants at the front were pretty on task with multiple patients with only a few distractions checking her Apple watch. The office has a newer non-dialation scanning machine that seems to give solid imagery of the eye, and I recommend it for anyone with $25 to spare and/or a desire not to have dilation and wear those oh-so-fashionable foldable dark sunglasses after the appointment. Dr. Patel is knowledgeable and at her best when not swamped with patients. When busy she's still good but obviously considering other things while seeing you. Having said that her procedures and processes never seemed anything but professional and I am always confident in her suggestions and diagnoses. The office does take a variety of insurances, although not Medi-Cal as far as I know, and appointments are usually very easy to make. I do wish the office had an automated reminder system as other doctor's offices often have, or at least a phone reminder some days ahead, but maybe that's just a luxury I've been spoiled on. read more

Dr. Patel does a great job! She has been our family eye doctor for several years and I have always been impressed by her ability, but this week she was able to see a tear in my retina that was so small the retina specialist was impressed she found it. Thanks to her attention to detail I was able to get the small tear repaired before it became an issue. I really appreciate her expertise and attention to detail. Thanks Dr. Patel! read more

See Dr. Loren Yasunari. He is excellent!

Dr. Patel is attentive, thorough, and explains clearly. I've been seeing her for routine care and eyeglass prescriptions for several years, and the level of professional care doesn't get better than this. read more

I decided to give Dr. Patel a try after reading these reviews. I've been going to optometrist for over 30 years now and this experience was not very good. This is the first time I've had an optometrist treat me like I was intruding on her business and felt like I was bothering when I was getting my eye exam. The receptionist was border line rude, not sure if she was just having a bad day or not. After going to the optical shop in SLO and ordering frames from them, I've been going to this business in town for years, they tried several times to get the frames adjusted with my new prescription through Dr. Patel however, there just wasn't anything else they could do. They recommended that I return to Dr. Patel and confirm the prescription. I've never had this problem in the past so I gave Dr. Patel's office a call to see about getting the prescription reviewed. I was told that they didn't do that and I'd have to schedule for a completely new eye exam. I reminded them that all I would like is for them to confirm the prescription she originally gave me. I don't feel I should have to pay for another exam and therefore have decided that I'd just stay with my original optometrist I've been going to for 30 years. After sharing this story with friends, half of them have told me they have had some difficulty with this office. read more

What an interesting Location to find a doctor of optometry. in a Costco. The staff is pleasant, prompt, straightforward, professional and to the point. Very Very nice. Come in, set an appointment, come for the appointment and presto. Smooth. The machinery is so new and seems to me to do all the necessary tests. Next you see the Doctor and get the prescription and what a delight. Kind, polite, well informed, easy to talk too, explains things in totally understandable terms, and is VERY happy to answer any question. An excellent experience and a fabulous price. read more

My family loves Dr. Urvi! She's been our eye doctor since we moved to the Central Coast. She diagnosed a clogged capillary in my mother's eye that had been causing her problems for years. No one else ever caught it! read more

This is my second visit for an eye examination appointment and I was so pleased that I'd like to share through this Yelp review. I highly recommend going here! All the staff are so personable and helpful whether calling by phone or going in for an appointment. Dr. Urvi is thorough and kind as always. I'm so glad to have found this independent office and am so glad it's open for non-members of Costco too. read more

Dr. Patel is incredible. I was at Costco and needed a prescription to purchase new frames and lenses. Her receptionist told me that they did not accept walk-ins so I left only to have her run out of the office to tell me that Dr. Patel told her that I could come in for an exam. I waited for 5 minutes and her assistant conducted some tests with state of the art equipment. When those were completed, Dr. Patel invited me into her small office filled with the most modern equipment available. Her exam was the most thorough I have ever had and her friendly demeanor was also another plus. I was given my new prescription and then went to the Costco Optical Center where their friendly staff helped me right away. My new glasses will be ready in about 5 days. I needed new glasses after accidentally stepping on my glasses. One of the Optical Center employees spent 20 minutes repairing my damaged frame so that I could usemy glasses in the interim while waiting for my new ones. The combination of the Dr. Patel and the Optical Center at Costco is a symbiotic one that will please all of the customers of Costco in San Luis Obispo. read more

Dr. Patel is the consummate professional. She is thorough in her exam and does a great job of explaining the results of your exam. Though she is obviously very busy, she does not rush you and will fully explain any questions you may have. But here is the real kicker - she knows her stuff and will give you the exact glasses or contacts you may need to correct your vision. I can say this after getting several pairs of glasses from other optometrists that were not quite right. When I got the glasses with Dr. Patel's prescription, it was a revelation. I could actually see so much better! I'm very happy with this optometrist. She has the knowledge and skills to help you see better. Would give more than five stars, if possible. read more

I was in town for the weekend - they fit me in same day, gave me a great thorough exam and I had a new prescription and a new pair of contacts in 20 minutes. Thank you! read more

Good place. Staff if friendly. The optometrists are very conversational and care about their customers. They have great insight into optometry, glasses, contacts and eyes. read more

Fast service. No sneaky last minute fees. It's $50 for an exam to get glasses. I was surprised how simple their process was. Love it!

I felt bad going to Costco to get my eyes checked, but after checking around with other local doctors I was so wrong! Doctor Patel is professional, but considerate, and always puts me at ease when talking about the changes my eyes have gone through over the years. Thank you! read more

I'm from Las Vegas and every summer I come down for our family reunion in June I always make sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel! Whenever I go in to see her she always takes her time and is always so friendly! One of the best optometrist around. And you can't beat the price of an exam! read more

I love Dr. Patel. She is gentle and awesome. There is a receptionist that is by far SO rude though. My sister and I were running out of contacts so I went in because Dr. Patel gives us a trial week small pckg of contacts until ours our ready for pick-up (worth 7days). The receptionist took out half of the contacts out, threw away the box and handed me three days worth of contacts. My contacts take a week to come (were on one-a-days) Then she said "just to let you know we dont just give out contact trials" I said this is my first time I've asked since I had my check-up. Yet, I love the other receptionist. She was not there when I came. The nice girl is the oriental one.. I'm not sure if she is there or not still. Besides the rude receptionist, Dr. Patel is great! :) read more

Dr. Patel is a very thorough and accurate eye doctor. I found that my service here was actually less expensive and more accurate than the private doc I've been seeing in town for years. The quality of frames and large selection keep me coming back to Costco. I also wear contacts, and they have a full selection of colors so I can change up my eye color anytime. read more

Overall a good experience. I was able to make an appointment the following week. They charge about $50 for the exam. There is an optional charge if you want additional eye health testing, but not required for a prescription. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable, gentle. MUCH better experience than Kaiser, omg... I live in Oakland now and I still think about driving back down there to see her. Dr. Patel is honestly the best experience I have ever had with an eye doctor. read more

Dr. Patel is not good at explaining the implications of her findings. I also found her prescriptions to be less effective in correcting my vision than were prescriptions from other optometrists. read more

Visiting SLO for the weekend and this office was a lifesaver, accommodating me last minute. John and Caitlin were especially helpful and efficient, got me in & out so I could enjoy my vacation and see. read more

My exam at the SLO Costco was a very good experience. I saw Dr. Torres, who is currently there on Thursdays. She was pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable. I appreciate the education she provided about the status of my eyes. Making the appointment was easy, the price is good and the office assistant was very kind. I will be returning for future exams. Thank you! read more

i had an exam done here a couple of years age after having vision changes due to medication changes. they were thorough, professional and lead me through every thing as they were being proformed. very friendly you dont feel rushed and i asked every thing i needed with competent answers. i have gone elsewhere since i now have medical coverage that doesnt cover going to them and i will be paying out of pocket to go back to them again. im sending my dad here soon also. the last star missing goes to the fact they said i could drive right after the exam even though i had my eyes dilated- no way I could!! I had a blinding head ache from the sun even wearing sunglasses and couldnt see small writing still for a few hours after. this maybe normal after they dilate your eyes. i just wish i knew in advance read more

This is a great doctor. I will always get my eyecare from her!!! Highly recomended. Thank you Dr. Patel for the great eye exam.

I was hesitant to go to a Costco optometrist because I really didn't like the one I went to back home in San Diego but Dr. Patel was much better! She was very nice and helpful. I've had issues with several contact lens brands but Dr. Patel found a brand that works great for me! The exam is also very affordable as are the contacts. I highly recommend Dr. Patel! read more