Ken was really helpful and even had pointers on specific contact solution brands to help me with find more comfort with my specific brand of contact lenses. That kind of detailed knowledge can only come from an experienced maestro with an eye for detail. As an audiophile myself, I appreciate discernment when it comes to vision health. If you seek maturity and wisdom, venture forth. read more

Dr. B is a rare breed that a still left in this area. He has decades of experience, applies a personalized approach to every individual patient, and is genuinely passionate about his area of expertise. This is not a factory type of doctor office that we are becoming so accustomed to here--this is quality care with extensive experience. read more

Dr. Ballentine is one of the very best, most thorough, courteous, and professional eye professionals I have ever encountered. Do not go any where else!! read more

I have been seeing Dr Ballentine for last 12 years and he is the best eye doctor I could have found. Although I live in Mountain View, I drive all the way to San Jose. He is extremely knowlegable, very professional and thorough. I even got my parents to see him and inspite of them not being able to speak English, Dr Ballentine provides excellent care. He was able to diagnose mild astigmatism in my mother's eye which was going undiagnosed by other doctors(including the ones from Stanford) she had seen in last 2 years. He is so skillful and experienced, I am always in awe of how he is able to get to the root cause of the issues just in one visit. read more

Dr. Ballentine OD, is the best Optometrist I found to be when searching for eye care after moving back to San Jose, CA. He is genuinely patient and "knowledgeable in his practice." I noticed he has a new receptionist, she speaks kind to you when making an appointment. Reasonable rates, and they will work with your insurance. Full array of stylish glasses to choose. If you're looking for an optometrist, I'm confident you'll take my word and have made a great decision! read more

As others have mentioned, Dr. Ballentine is a caring, knowledgeable professional with many years of experience. There's no sales pressure - and he and his staff are very thoughtful. This isn't a fast-food-type glasses mill. You're getting serious old-school care and attention. read more

My wife and I have both been "seeing" Dr Ballentine for years. I've found him to be knowledgeable and professional. Results have always been good and I trust him with my eyesight. read more

I brought my mom here for an eye check up and the doctor was very good. He was kind, patient, and seemed very honest (didn't try to upsell my anything I didn't need) Convenient location and wide selection of glasses. Highly recommended! read more

I had such a great experience. The doctor was very patient. He took the time to answer all my questions and thoroughly explain everything. I love my glasses and highly recommend them! read more

tried to make an appointment many times already but it seems like whoever is at reception just keeps declining calls? how is anyone supposed to make an appointment if they don't answer their phone? i was really excited to see this doc since i kept seeing so many good reviews on his work but bummer i can't experience it. read more

Dr.Ballantine is the only doctor I trust in the Bay Area with my son's complicated vision issues. My son was a micro preemie ( less than 2lbs) so vision problems are complicated. His knowledge and professionalism keeps me coming here despite moving to the East bay. He is worth the drive and I know my son is in good hands. read more

I have been a patient of Ken Ballentine since the mid-1980s for both contact lenses and eyeglasses and have always received top notch optometric care. Today, however, I want to acknowledge the excellent service I received from his optician Rachel in selecting a pair of frames. She was endlessly kind and patient in helping me pick out the perfect frames, even though it meant that she had to disinfect the very large pile of frames I tried on. She also gave honest and useful feedback. A patient is only going to be happy with an optometrist if his or her optician gives good service too, and I left the office feeling very happy with the choice that Rachel helped me make. They also have an outstanding selection of gorgeous designer frames, and if you're not happy they go out of their way to make it right. read more

Very positive experience. Dr Ballantine is friendly and thorough, and there was no type of sales pressure. Receptionist was very helpful and friendly as well. (Older reviews refer to a prior receptionist--don't be deterred by those.) read more

Client for over 5years. Dr Ballantine does an excellent job explaining the tests and what the results mean. He is old school in some of his tests, choosing the solution more comfortable to his patients. Rachel, the office manager, is detailed focused. She is careful and accurate with the costing. I appreciate her opinion in selecting the right frame. I do not have the confidence to make the bold selection on my own. I understand why some people think she is abrupt, but I have only seen her being professional and focused. I value supporting a small local business. Convenient location with lots of parking. Other businesses in complex (Trader Joe's, AAA, Sprouts) makes Dr Ballantine's a handy solution. read more

I've been going the office for few years. I love the doctor, he is very nice and professional. I will give him 5 stars. But the receptionist is rude and never smiles. I wish I could give her -5 stars. When I am on the phone with her, I can clearly hear she is "Sighing" every 5 seconds. Once I bought a glasses from them, after 4 months the glass started getting lose, it fell from my face all the time. I brought it back and asked her to make it tight. She told me, they usually don't fix glass. She is clearly show me she doesn't want to do after sale services. read more

Dr. Ballantine is very knowledgeable and always takes his time with my exam. He answers all of my numerous questions with patience!

Worst receptionists/ customer service ever! I just spoke to them on the phone trying to set up an appointment, they make me repeat my first and last name several times just because they are not paying attention. And they were rushing me like there is no tomorrow. I wanted to switch eye doctors since I was not happy with the eye doctor I initially visited when I first moved to CA and they accused me of switching to too many eye doctors (which is non of their business in the first place and second, if I am not happy with an eye doctor I have the right to switch). Too bad a good doctor like Dr. Ballentine has such an awful receptionists. read more

As far as I can tell Dr. Ballentine is a great doctor but his receptionist is kinda like a nice old lady that should really just stay home playing with her cats. The office is run like it's 1980. She types everything out with a typewriter and gives you hand-written receipts. She got my insurance mixed up and told me the wrong coverage and then overcharged me for my contacts. I didn't find out until we got the letter from insurance saying I owed around $30 less than what I paid. After she verified she did actually overcharge, she did refund the difference but sheesh, what a hassle. read more

I gave 2 stars just because of the receptionist. I'm thinking about switching eye doctor because of the receptionist. She is so so rude. She shouldn't be doing this kind of job if she doesn't want to deal with people. read more

The doctor is so sweet and helpful but the receptionist is SO rude. I tried to make an appointment and she wouldn't stop interrupting me and being rude. Even after I asked her to please stop interrupting me she didn't. Unfortunately she's the only one who works there besides the doctor. Ugh never going there again. read more

I saw Kenneth Ballantine for the first time today and I was much impressed by his patient-centered approach. He took the time to understand me as a person, my health issues and how my eyes were affected by that diagnosis. His wholesome body-mind approach was precisely what I needed and I was amazed to find that in his attitude and in his professional conclusions. This style is definitely not taught and is an approach learned from experience. I am grateful for having benefited from my comprehensive eye exam visit today. read more

hi, I have gone to Dr Ballentine for 6 years now. He is very professional and thorough. I agree that the receptionist can be a prickly pear. I nearly left his office because of her, but... decided to stay the course because I like him and it's so easy to get an appointment or help if there's a problem with your glasses. Last year when I switched to progressives (aging eyes....) she was very helpful with picking out frames. We had a laugh or two if she thought I had made horrible choice. Same this year. She does have a good 'eye' for what works with your facial structure. I have received compliments on my eyeglasses!! I think she and the doc must work well together, or he would replace her. She also has good knowledge of how your coverage works. She may not realize how abrupt she can be. read more

Very nice Professional doctor ‍ very happy with the office for eyes clean environment wonderful receptionist

I agree the Dr. is really nice and knowledgeable but the receptionist lack good manners and and very rude. Because of her bad character we decided to changed eye Dr. and now we found out that she overcharged us like crazy. She charged me $70 for my son glasses, $150 for my husband. She basically charged us with upgrades that are covered. The service was rendered 2014 so I don't know if I can still have a refund. read more

I had been to Dr. Kenneth twice and he is a really good doctor. He is very professional. Both the times I had very good experience with him for my vision check. But, I am taking two stars away for the receptionist. She could be polite and nice to customers. Both the times, I didnt have very good experience with her. She was confused and rude. read more

I was a new patient and had explained that, although my current computer prescribed glasses worked well, I wanted to be able to see larger text on the screen. He'd agreed and subsequently prescribed and provided my new glasses. Wearing them the text on the computer wasn't larger or easier to read. Returning to the doctor's office I'd asked, 'Why didn't the glasses enlarge the text on the computer screen?' He'd replied, 'Glasses clarify the text not enlarge it. I prescribed the same thing you had on your previous glasses.' OMG, I'd spent $350 to get the same prescription/glasses! I felt cheated. Maybe I should take him to Small Claims Court. read more

This review is for the receptionist. Rude as fuck. Half way through a sentence she would interject and say "yes I understand" Well how the fuck can you when you didn't let me finish? And just the way she talks especially her demeaning tone as if she's talking to a child ugh. Avoid her. I feel bad for Dr. Ballentine he has probably lost some clients because of her receptionist. read more

I've been going to Dr. Ballentine since I was about 8 years old and he is awesome! He knows what he's doing and makes everything very quick and easy. They have a large display of frames to choose from and they are very friendly and professional. They even let you come in whenever you want if you need your glasses adjusted. You do have to make an appointment for an exam though. read more

Excellence in eye care, a professional who knows his profession and knows it very very well, I would recommended him. Dr. Ballentine does my yearly comprehensive adult eye and vision examination. During emergency situation very accommodating, caring, and concerned. The receptionist - manager is totally happy to talk with you and schedule appointments and understands medical insurances. To many more successful years of services. read more

I've been a patient on and off for for decades (depending on where I was living), and I bring my daughter to them as well. All good.

Great service and prices. No added fees or ridiculous evaluation costs. I've been wearing contacts for over 10 years and I find it asinine for Optometrists to charge an evaluation fee sometimes over $100. I don't need a consultation on how to put in contacts that I've been putting on for over a decade. Regardless, Dr. Ballentine didn't charge me a Evaluation fee. I've been going to him for the past 3 years and he tells it like it is. He explains your insurance coverage and tells you how to get the most out of your plan. No fancy lights or whistles, just good straight up service and eye care. read more

Dr. Ballentine and his staff are friendly, efficient, and competent. He is very thorough, and his staff are helpful, too. Been going there for 2 years now, very satisfied. Even now that I've dropped the insurance, I will keep going to him. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Ballentine's for several years. I like his practical, down-to-earth approach to vision care. I've received care for contact lenses and for prescription glasses. I don't understand the criticisms of the receptionist in other reviews. I've always found her to be pleasant and helpful, whether it's scheduling an appointment, verifying insurance benefits, or adjusting eyeglass frames. I asked for her help in selecting my new frames, and I ended up purchasing her recommendation. On my last visit, Dr. Ballentine adjusted my prescription, and I am very happy with my new glasses! The frames are pretty, and I can see clearly again! read more

My family has used Dr. Ballentne for years with great results. He is very skilled, thorough, knowledgeable, responsible, well spoken and polite. read more

I took my son for an eye exam with Dr Ballentine. It took about 15 minutes. I called 3 other optometrists and they all told me an exam will be 45 minutes. I took my son to another optometrist and he did a thorough exam and found that my son has weak eye muscles and needs vision therapy. Dr. Ballentine thought my son just needs to have eye glasses. When I challenged him on an issue, he got very upset. It turns out he was wrong. Thank goodness that I did my research and took my son for another exam. read more

Dr. Ballentine is an excellent doctor! I highly recommend his practice. During the visit, he did a very thorough examination and asked detailed questions to find out why I have been experiencing discomfort. I greatly appreciate his honest opinions. From the standpoint of a person who works in the medical field, It is heart breaking to see 3.7 yelp ranking for literary a FIVE-star service! read more

Amazing doctor but terrible receptionist!!! Rude, scheduled me for the wrong date, charged me wrong and did not want to refund it until Dr came out and made her. Be careful always check your appt dares carefully as she is so bad! read more

Been there for the first time this week & it has been a very pleasant experience. Went there as per the scheduled time &had to fill up a sign up form. Doctor is with me in the next 5 minutes doing the detailed vision test. Doctor & his office staff are very friendly & the test process is very smooth. Highly recommended! read more