So unprofessional and poor time management I filled the new patient forms online, arrived on time, and even called their office to confirm the appointment a day prior. Despite these efforts to ensure a smooth process, I still waiting for over 30 minutes to see the doctor. I left a 3-word review on Google "poor time management" and Dr. Chen canceled my family's prescription glasses after reading my feedback. This is so emotional and unprofessional. Why a doctor would revoke a patient's prescription order simply due to a third-party's comment? There was no exaggeration or malicious intent in my initial review; it reflected the my real experience. This is the most unprofessional medical service I ever had. read more

Bad experience overall. The eye exam felt very superficial, and the staff were unprofessional and impatient. They didn't even clean the frames when I picked them up. The glasses are more expensive than at other stores, but the quality is worse. I wouldn't recommend buying from them. read more

I needed an opthamologist badly due to the effects from a severe viral pink eye infection from covid. I was seen by Dr.Lee and he was AMAZING! Dr. Lee is extremely knowledgeable, competent, caring, interested, and friendly. I have gone to him multiple times over about a year and he has been so fantastically helpful every time. He goes above and beyond to really care for his patients as I feel he would want to be treated himself if he were the patient. He is excellent at explaining things in a very simple and easy way for anyone to understand. Dr. Lee and he's staff and the definition of true professionalism. I wish there were more doctors and professionals out there like him. read more

Came in to look at the frames, since this place is down the street for me. The older woman named Natalie working at 5:45pm on 11/15 was extremely rude. She was completely standoffish and didn't want me to even get close to the frames. Kept asking if I had a prescription. I said no, but you take my VSP insurance and I want to look at the frames before deciding if I'll move forward with this optometry. Her behavior was disgusting and I believe racist. There was an Asian woman inside and she was nice to her, but me coming in as a black woman, now she has an issue. I would not recommend this place, go elsewhere for your eye care. There's a Site For Sore Eyes a block away, the receptionist was way nicer and helpful! read more

Alta Eye Care - Ophthalmologists Near Me - San Jose, California

Dr. Chen and her staff were thorough and outstanding. She was able to predict what I was going to say! I am confident of her abilities. On a side note, the office took every good hygiene measure. read more

To begin, this is the first time I've ever written a review and I will have to say this review is very well deserved. Dr. Chen has been my ophthalmologist since 2006 that's 17 years she has taken care of my ophthalmological needs. Since the beginning she was assigned to me when associated with another opthalmologist in Redwood City. A few years later Dr. Chen opened her own practice in Redwood City then eventually moved her office to San Jose. I would say the distance from home to her office is well worth the driving time of 35-40 minutes because I consider her to be an outstanding opthamologist, superior and incomparable to many others in the medical profession. Dr. Chen's office is well equipped with the state of the art optical digital cameras; Ophthalmoscope, tools and instruments to examine and detect early eye diseases. Prior to my visits she reviews my chart and prepares well in advance what procedures to prescribe during my examination. She will usually examined me with at least three ophthalmology cameras or equipment, as her exams are very thorough. Dr. Chen noted that I would eventually have Choroidal Hemangioma (bleeding of the eye capillaries) prior to removing the cataract of my right eye; she recommended I visit two other specialists. I have been visiting the two now since 2015. During cataract surgery many years ago I had to have one lens sutured to ensure adequate closure for good long-term healing. During an exam with one of my other ophthalmologist practicing for over 30 years, commented the suture was perfect. I feel like I am not just one of many patients. she takes her time to listen to me and explains options very clearly. She is very personable and easy to talk to, doesn't rush. I would give her a 10 star review over a 5 star review anytime! read more

Had a great second experience at this place for my second eye exam. Friendly doctors that offer honest and blunt advice. This is not one of spots that try to hold your prescription hostage and force you to get unnecessary glasses. read more

Bad front desk service. I double confirmed the insurance will cover the visit when making the appointment. However, at the time when I visited, I was told they are not sure if insurance will cover and asked me to pay for today's visit in full amount. This doesn't make sense. They didn't even inform me that they can't get connected to the insurance before the visit. At the end, i need to spend extra one hour there just to call the insurance company to confirm. I asked if they can help to provide more information to the insurance company, they are not willing to help to directly talk to the insurance company. Really disappointed about the service and experience, they don't treat the patient seriously and respectfully. read more

I am so glad I came here for a second opinion regarding my retina finding at Target Optical Care. Dr. Chen gave me a dilated screening and assured me that this finding is very common in the Asian population. She gave me a written note on how to treat dry eyes. She's very knowledgeable, accommodating and patient. read more

Dr Chen and Dr Lee here are fantastic. They make you feel very welcome and at ease. They have fantastic customer service centric staff and what looks like very updated equipment. They take care of all your insurance needs and negotiate with them. Really good service and easy parking. If they don't have what you want (frames or sun shades), they'll order them for you. Parking is easy (street or back). read more

See all

I had a discomfort on my left eye today and Dr Chen took care of me patiently. They were very professional and caring. Thank you!!!! read more

This place is so nice to you when trying to get you in the door. I have a co pay which I wasn't told about granted everyone has one with insurance but when you go to the Doctors and eye Doctors and never pay how would you imagine you would have to. I agree to pay after my visit it was over 100.00. I needed a follow up appointment which I asked if I would have to pay so I would know what the fue would be. I was told NO since its a follow up. Fast forward to 4 weeks my appointment is here and I go the reminder call. I asked again do I need to pay, knowing I would not be able to pay due to financial hardship again I was told no its a follow up. I come to my appointment and go to check out and I'm hit with a 90.77 fee which I explained I was told no fee since its a follow up. The doctor come out to say yes rheres a fee I explain I didnt have the money to pay since I wasn't prepared and told him what I was told. He looked at my like I was laying till his employee came and said she told me that but didn't say I didnt have to pay. Now shes laying to save herself. I had to call my sister for help cause im not going to be that person to stuff the Bill even though I should since they told me I didnt have to pay. I went back inside so my sister can pay and I will pay her back. I told the lady who told me that I didnt appreciate her lie since I asked 2 times and I would of canciller the appointment if id known I needed to pay cause now I'm put in an embarressing spot and there are other clienta in there mind you who have witnessed this embarresment.that I was being responsible knowing I couldn't pay i was crying from the anger and embatrrsment. They yook my sisters payment method. No empathy no care on the situation the put me in or how it made me feel. I understand completely they are providing a service but if you make something crystal clear you cant pay they ahould make sure you dont have a fee and not put someone thru that. Its hard enough trying to do right and stay on top of things with out someone helping you make more bills you already cant afford. I would have cancelled do i wouldnt have to go they that. Not coming back here ever again im completely humiliated and it could have been prevented. ​ read more

I saw Dr. Chen and loved her kind and friendly demeanor. She was really knowledgeable and broke down concepts in an easy manner, educating me of my issues. I definitely recommend her. read more

I had previously used Costco for most of my glasses needs. No more. After two successful cataract surgeries I chose to use Alta Eye Care for my new glasses that are required for astigmatism and close vision (I do sewing and beading). Dr. Chen took the measurements and did the eye exam, Dr. Lee also participated in taking some additional measurements. Some of the measurements had never been done at Costco. I put on my new glasses and the vision corrections were perfect, the frames fit perfectly and I have not had to go back for any adjustments. I will always go to Alta Eye Care for my glasses and eye care. Thank you so much for giving me wonderful vision, near and far. Ruth L. read more

I suspect I have conjunctivitis and I have been in pain. I recently switched to Kaiser insurance and was under the impression that I could go anywhere for an eye exam. I found this practice on Yelp. I called for an emergent eye exam and they were very nice, professional, and accommodating. I ended up being able to have an appointment with Kaiser instead, but they were willing to see me as soon as possible and even told me to contact Kaiser to see about getting an appointment. They told me without insurance, an exam would cost $150. Not too bad, if you have flexible spending this will be covered. Good to know I could go to this practice if I needed an emergent appointment. Good experience! read more

Like many users I check reviews on Yelp but never was sufficiently motivated to post a review ... but the great experience with Alta Eye Care compel me to post this review, though in typical Gen-X slacker fashion, the review is about 11 months late ... The office is relatively new when I visited and I had no wait time. Erica at the front desk and Dr. Chen was very friendly and helpful. My eyes examination was extremely thorough and Dr. Chen was very patient and accommodating, working with me in particular on the best prescription for computer and book reading distances (in addition to distant vision). I felt very comfortable asking questions and she was very generous with her time. I was given my prescription and Erica measured my PD when asked and I was free to go. There was zero pressure to get my eyeglass here but because of the excellent services I received and the reasonable price after my insurance discount, I decided to purchase a pair of progressive glass here. Erica helped me tried out many frames and gave me friendly advice on fitting. She write down the frame model# I like for me to do additional research online and went the extra mile to track down and special order a limited edition frame for me even was told initially by the US agent the frame was "unavailable". When I went to pick up my glasses Erica and Dr. Chen made sure I have a good fitting. I was even given per-filled paperwork for a $20 lens rebate which was an unexpected surprise. I have purchased eyeglasses on-line, and will continue to do so for my "disposable" ... but I also value good services provided by small local business. The services provided by Dr. Chen and Erica is as good as it get. read more

I had the pleasure to meet the other eye doctor at Alta Eye Care, Sandy Chen. Dr. Chen is Dr. Lee's wife and also a great ophthalmologist. I needed to schedule an emergency appointment with Dr. Chen for my mother, whose eyes have been hurting and escalating. Even though my mother has been under the care of Dr. Lee, Dr. Chen was very accommodating and attentive to her. In fact, Dr. Chen resolved 3 our of our top 4 concerns in our meeting with her and patiently explained us each one of the issue. I was even more impressed when Dr. Chen called my mother to follow up within a week to see how she is doing with the new prescribed eyedrops she gave my mother. This kind of patient care and painstaking detailed prescription is hard to find. I personally am now very fond of Alta Eye Care and may switch myself to this clinic too. read more

I went in for a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Lee. This was my first time at Alta Eye care. Dr. Lee is a very diligent, thorough and knowledgeable ophthalmologist. He asked for my prior eye problems and heard me out patiently. The whole clinic has a very honest vibe. At the end of the exam, he summarized the results and did not try to push me prescription glasses. I trust my eyes with Dr. Lee. I would always visit an ophthalmologist over an optometrist and Dr. Lee is a great ophthalmologist. read more

Dr. Lee was in charge of my cataract surgery. In the appointments up to my operation, he made sure that I understood all of my options and explained clearly the risks involved. Now, one month after the operation, I'm fitted with new glasses and see great again. I'm glad I chose him for my surgery, and will be coming back to him for my normal eye exams! read more

I recently saw Dr. Chen for an evaluation regarding a chalazion. Dr. Chen was very nice and personable. She gave me a brief eye exam and assessed the chalazion that I've had since March. My initial intent of the evaluation was to schedule an appointment for surgical removal of the chalazion. I appreciated that Dr. Chen spoke to me about both surgical and at-home methods to alleviate the bump. I decided to try the at-home remedies and prescriptions that she suggested. I was told that if the condition doesn't improve in 2-3 weeks, I can schedule an appt for surgical removal. She electronically sent my prescriptions to my pharmacy, and even coordinated with them when they claimed to only have received 1 prescription. Very organized and professional office. Clean. Kind staff. I highly recommend this office and Dr. Chen. read more

Dr Chen is awesome. I came here for my yearly checkup and was very impressed with the service provided. Dr Chen is very through and takes her time. She performed many more procedures that no other Dr has done. Congratulation on the new business venture. I'm sure your office will grow very quickly from the level of service you provide. read more

Dr. Chen is hands down one of the best doctors I have ever met. She is extremely nice, goes the extra mile for the patient, and very thorough. She even checked everything one extra time, since I was having some problems. read more

I do not recommend this place. My experience the first time was "normal" but the second was very bad. The anti-reflective coating of my lenses was poor quality (blue reflections were seen everywhere), they were not the ones I asked for, and for the price they charged me and my insurance I was expecting something of much better quality. Neither the receptionist nor the doctor gave me options to fix the problem, they simply gave me others but now without the anti-reflective layer. I tried to use them but the reflection and the glare is too much, I just can't use them like that. It's a shame they don't care about fixing problems. read more

Why do I need to give you all my info and fill out a form just to look at frames?? No thank you.

Dr. Lee is one of the best doctors I have ever visited. He is punctual, thorough, and takes time to explain his diagnoses and the various treatment options. After visiting, I feel confident that I am getting the best medical care, I am lucky that I live in an area where we have such accomplished doctors. Highly recommended! read more

Found this gem recently. The doctors are extremely friendly and spend a lot of time with you. The front desk staff (Erica) is super helpful and patient. Also, I bought a lot of contacts and they had prices lower than everything I found online. Overall, very happy with this place. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Chen for eye care since before she had her own practice. I highly recommend her. read more

The entire experience was fantastic from start to finish. I had to go in to have an eye cyst looked at ,and was certainly not looking forward to it. Upon walking in, Erica greeted me with a wonderful smile, and answered all of my insurance/billing questions with a friendly demeanor. Dr. Chen then conducted the exam, and answered all of my numerous questions with patience and understanding. She explained my options to deal with the issue, and made me feel at ease as well. I could tell she knew her stuff, and trusted her direction and advice. Overall it was a great visit... No one likes going to see a doctor, but this office made it a pleasant trip from beginning to end read more

I really like the doctor. She was very informative and patient. She was helpful with the various issues with my eyes. Thank you!

Great Dr. Chen! I went to this office first time in April 2017 for an eye examination. I chose the office based on location to my place of work and yelp's reviews. I was not disappointed at all. Dr. Chen did the longest examination I've had in my entire life and there is not that she was paid for that. Price setup by insurance , as you all aware. She suggested and additional glaucoma examination based on my family history. That took me to another 2 visits , which produced the diagnosis for beginning of open angle glaucoma. The doctor sent me a copy of all exams results, so I can have a 2-nd opinion . She spent literally hours on me explaining treatment options available for me, provided different type of medication and eye pressure measurements. Unfortunately, I've lost my insurance coverage and not able to visit her office any longer. She still kindly provided me with new prescription when I call the office, strongly advising me to see the new doctor in HMO I have. Thank you so much, Dear Dr. Chen!! read more

I met Dr. Chen for the first time today. The staff is very nice and accommodating. Dr. Chen was extremely thorough, very kind and helpful. I look forward to going back for regular exams and glasses. read more

Dr. Lee is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Very humble and gentle. Staff at the counters are very hospitable and patient. I enjoyed my experience with Alta eye care! Keep up the good work folks!!!! read more

Beautiful office with modern decor. Great selection of frames and sunglasses. Staff very professional especially Dr Chen who is very kind and attentive. Will be going back. read more

They just opened so there is no waiting time. Good selection of eyewear and you can pay a little more to capture a picture of your eye. Pretty cool! read more

I decided to see Dr. Lee based on vsp insurance network. He spent more than an hour for detailed eye checkup and gave detailed explanation. He is very knowledgable person. read more

Dr. Lee was great! He was extremely thorough in explaining my possible diagnosis. I never felt rushed and he answered my many questions, even called me back to follow up! I'm a happy camper! Thanks Dr Lee read more

My whole family has been going to Dr. Chen for years at Redwood City. We were thrilled that she decided to open her own practice down in the South Bay, saved a lot of commute time for us! We have always appreciated patient first attitude and detailed explanation. Now we also can get our glasses right at her new office at a reasonable price. Major time saving for a mom with two young kids! read more

I am a new patient of Dr.Chen. Dr.Chen was able to fit me into her busy schedule to get me an emergency appointment with her. She was very thorough, took her time and explained all options to me. I also had to call her the next day to ask her a question regarding my treatment and she returned my call within 10 minutes. Dr.Chen definitely cares about her patients! read more

Dr. Chen is very thorough. Also, treats the patient as an intelligent being and explains everything. Very pleased.

My wife and I visited Alta eye care over the weekend. We had the best experience doing our eye checkups and purchasing glasses with Alta eye care compared to all the other eye care places we've been to over the last ten years across several US cities; the reason is that the doctors are first class, AND their shop for purchasing glasses is really good. In the past we have found good shops for glasses but the doctors were not great; or we have been to clinics of good doctors who did not have the option of purchasing glasses in-store. Firstly, Dr Lee and Dr Chen are both amazing doctors who have had stellar careers (educated in top schools - Berkeley, UCSD, UCLA). I found Dr Lee to be extremely knowledgeable and caring; he meticulously checked my eyes and took the time to answer all my questions. My wife saw Dr Chen and she said Dr Chen was equally good. We found both of them to be extremely knowledgeable in eye care, and in addition they were able to connect with us which is a rare thing to find in the same doctor. Dr. Lee clearly explained the risk factors for retinal issues that I had in the past as well as explained various treatment options for dry eye in a way that I understood. Erica, the person at the front desk is also extremely nice and went beyond her call of duty to get me the best possible options for glasses by maximizing my insurance benefits. Alta eye care works on weekends (Sat and Sun) which is very helpful; especially since my eyes were dilated and I did not have to take off from work for the eye checkup. Their office was also accommodative of my late request to reschedule my appointment. The doctors and front desk person all stayed late to finish with my checkup and glasses purchase on Saturday evening. Overall this was the best eye care place I have been to. read more