I had my first appt with Dr Ballin several weeks ago. I remember thinking at the time that I had found a great doctor. I am over 70 yo and have multiple issues with my vision, including 2 recent eye surgeries. Dr Ballin spent 45 minutes carefully testing all aspects of my vision. My new glasses are without a doubt the best new prescription I have ever experienced. I now recommend Dr Ballin to all friends and family. He is The Best. read more

I waited a little for my appointment but it's worth the wait. He is really friendly and professional, the receptionist too! I found him back in 2013 and I still keep coming back. Espere poquito para la cita, pero el el muy eficiente y amable. Lo recomiendo mucho. read more

This doctor is no longer practicing inside Costco. I found out by calling Costco (831) 899-1255, option 5, option 1, options 1(Independent Doctor) which by the way is still associated to Costco to confirm an appointment and being told that the appointment that was made more than 2 months before would not be honored. When I called Costco (831) 899-1255, Option 5, Option 1, Option 2 (optics department) I was informed that the receptionist for Dr. Ballin should have called to notify me he would no longer be at Costco. On a different note, Dr. Tram Le is now practicing within Costco in Sand City and she is taking appointment for May 2021. She was very kind and understanding. This post is not a review on Dr. Ballin but rather on his management team. read more

Competence delivered efficiently in a calm atmosphere. Answers to questions in terms you can understand. This builds trust in the dx. A thoroughly gratifying medical visit read more

Never had a good diagnosis from Dr. Ballin. I would have to go back several times before I received a prescription that worked. But what really made me stop seeing him was when my niece went to see him while visiting. He did not catch water in her eye, which her home doctor told her she had when she returned. When I called Dr Ballin to ask him about this, he would not take my calls or call me back. After calling many times and being told by an apologetic assistant that he got my messages but......I was shocked that he was seemingly feeling guilty and dodging instead talking to me about this. read more

I've been going to see Dr. Ballin for several years now and I just love him! He's always congenial and talkative and makes me feel relaxed. Today, Christmas Eve, I got ahold of his office and spoke with the nicest young lady named Jordan who was extremely polite and sweet. I hurt my back, slipped disc, and it hurts to sit or do much of anything and I needed an extension on my prescription since it had expired. Everything went just as easy as could be and I just wanted to let everyone know he's the best and Jordan is wonderful! Made my Christmas a whole lot happier!! I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Ballin!! read more

This was probably one of the most unprofessional doctors I have seen. I've been there for two appointments, mine and my husband's. The first appointment was for my husband and was set for a Saturday at 2:30pm. Great, so we arrive a little early to check-in and sit in the waiting area. 2:30 comes and goes. 2:45, still nothing. 3pm, the receptionist decides it's time to do the focal point, air pressure and peripheral vision tests. They take less than 5 mins total. Ok, great! Does this mean we're next to be seen? NOPE. Meanwhile, there are other patients waiting to see the doctor that have had their eyes dilated or they're taking their sample contacts for a test drive. I told my husband, "You had an eye exam while we were still in Canada and you got dilated then, that was like 6 months ago, you probably don't need dilation." He's like, yeah, probably not. Then this lady walks in and says, I'm not a patient but I'm here to see Keith. We're like, ok, what the hay! Instead of the Doctor coming out to take my husband back, he takes this other doctor back to show her their computer system. No Joke! Close to 3:45 my husband gets taken to a room and I go take a walk around Costco. In the end, Dr. Ballin convinced my husband that he needed dilation. (All other doctors agree that a young healthy male only needs to be dilated once every two years, but I found out why Dr. Ballin pushed for it during my appointment. So keep reading) In the end, they charged my husband for an eye exam, dilation and contact lens fitting. He didn't need the dilation and he was never fitted for contacts. OK! Maybe it was a bad day. Maybe it was just a really busy Saturday. Maybe this guy isn't just a jerk trying to squeeze every penny out of every patient. Last night I had an appointment scheduled for 7pm. Specific request for an appoint for eyeglasses only, NO CONTACTS! Why? Do I hate contacts? No way, I have a yearly supply for those sweet disposable babies. Acuvue TruEye too, which are like the Rolls Royce of contacts. It's because I'm on a medication where I have been told by many medical professionals that I CANNOT wear contacts until I stop taking my series. So, anyways, we're there at 6:45pm. Right away I get my focal point, air pressure and peripheral vision tests. I'm thinking, great, I'll be seen right away. I was SO WRONG. However, sitting in the waiting area for almost an hour gave me quite the view on the ridiculous and freaking rude behavior of Dr. Ballin. He came out to ask the receptionist if a patient had been contacted, and she told him that she had spoken with the patient and he had to cancel. Normal interaction right? NO! The doctor then bent over so he was in her face and said "Now trying speaking in a way that I can actually understand you!" I was like, oooh kay, this guy is a jerk to his employees. But, I'm still sitting there hopeful that he's at least a good doctor. Then he comes back out after dilating someone else and starts riffing on about how the most important thing is the "TIME IS MONEY!" He then asks the receptionist to repeat it back to him. "Time is money." As for my actual appointment, I told him that I had dilation done about 7 months ago, so I didn't need it, and I told him multiple times which medication I was on that was contraindicated for contacts. So he's like, well take some samples home and let me dilate you anyways. I said, no, I don't want either. I just want to update my prescription because I've been working on the computer WAY too much and I'm getting a headache from it. He kept pushing for contacts and dilation, and I have to keep pushing back. He gives me my prescription and walks over to the counter to give a list of what to charge me for to the receptionist. She asks me for a price that is way more than double for an exam. Dr. Keith Ballin is a CROOK! Trying to charge me for a contact lens exam that NEVER HAPPENED! Trying to charge for dilation that not only didn't happen but was not even indicated by any medical professional with two cents and not out to only make a buck. There is no way in H-E- Double Hockey Sticks I will ever be back to see this guy. read more

Ballin'!!! So far he's been my favorite optometrist since I started wearing contact in 5th grade. He is very professional, thorough and doesn't mess around aka no bullshit. If you want to get in and out of your appointment yet have a in depth optometry appointment then I highly recommend Dr. Keith Ballin. Since he works out of Costco and he owns an affordable practice he is almost always very very busy. So don't be late to your appointment or definitely call ahead if you cancel otherwise you just might lose your opportunity to experience his work. read more

Dr. Ballin has the optometry shop inside Costco. If you find that offputting, you need to reconsider. The man has 30 plus years of experience and there is a reason he is booked up months in advance. His service is both professional and of great cost value. I called around when looking for a contacts exam and found him to be one of the most economical. I was more than surprised when upon meeting him, I was treated to the most thorough eye exam of my life, and I have been wearing contacts for 30 years. I will be back and you should give him a try. read more

Been going to Dr Ballin for years now and I've never had a bad experience. He's professional, and seems to care about my concerns and eye health which is all I can ask for. I have had to wait past my appointment time a couple of times which is kind of annoying but other than that I'm happy with him. read more

I been going to Dr.ballin but today I call to make an appt. I talk to a sarcastic receptionist.Great Dr. But rude receptionist.

Highly recommend Dr Ballin. Have been to 4 different optometrists in Monterey over the years and never been happy with any of them. (slightly wrong prescription each time, although I tried my best to be as responsive as possible). I was in Costco and saw the optometrist sign, and decided trying one more optometrist can't hurt, esp since there were some eyeglass frames I liked at Costco. Dr. Ballin was quite booked up, so I couldn't get an appointment until 10 days later. I am glad that I did go through with it. The eye exam was comprehensive, accurate, professional, and efficient. He asked the right questions to narrow down what my issues had been with previous glasses, and I could tell he knew what I had been going through. When I finished, I ordered my distance and reading glasses in the Costco eyeglass shop with a coupon. I am happy to say the glasses are perfect and I finally feel like I have found the right optometrist! I will be going to Dr Ballin from now on. read more

I think Dr. Ballin is great. I've been coming here for about 4 years and I think he is very thorough and takes his time explaining things to me. I was surprised to read some of these negative reviews that say he's a crook which motivated my review. I have never gotten that impression, ever, and in fact never has pushed any service or product on me. Also, in regard to some comments on here about prescription length: I have been wearing contact lens for over 20 years now and have lived all over this country, and I have never found an eye doctor who would write a CONTACT LENS prescription for over a year so I personally think this is pretty standard in the business. I also feel his policy on cancellations is very standard & normal. They always call me the day before to confirm & ask for a call back to confirm your appointment which I appreciate and understand. read more

Thank you so much for your wonderful fast service!! I was checked and fitted for my first contact lenses!! Thank you to your lovely wife for giving me the confidence to care for them!!! Our new family eye Dr.'s!!!! Karen read more

Dr Keith Ballin is TERRIBLE. I went to a great deal of difficulty to schedule and organize the logistics of getting my father who is in a wheelchair and lives in assisted living to an appointment scheduled months in advance. The optician cancelled the appointment the night before because I was out of town and didn't answer the phone when he called to confirm. Then he didn't tell ANYONE until my dad took the bus with a paid assistant (I can't push his wheelchair) and showed up. They said "your appointment was canceled" no apology. read more

Dr. Ballin's office is unprofessional and untrustworthy. I went there for a contact lens prescription just a little over a year ago (I have a regular ophthalmologist in LA, but I'm temporarily in Monterey for grad school). When I tried to order my regular shipment of contacts last week, I was informed that my prescription had expired. I called the office to discuss this and spoke with Dr. Ballin's receptionist, Pamela. She told me that contact lens prescriptions are only good for one year. This was the first I'd ever heard of this, so I asked if it was Dr. Ballin's personal office policy. Pamela said, "no, it's California state law." In truth, the law (which can be found here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=bpc&group=02001-03000&file=2540-2545 ) states that contact lens prescriptions are good for a MINIMUM of 1-2 years. When I asked Pamela about this, she was silent for a moment, and then said, "well, it's up to the doctor." So, I asked if Dr. Ballin could extend my prescription to last until his next available appointment, which was not until June. At this point Pamela became extremely rude and unpleasant. She angrily informed me that it was "very, very rare for Dr. Ballin to even consider something like this." Later, she called me back and said that Dr. Ballin had been "kind enough" to allow me to purchase just one more box of contacts. "Kind enough"?? How condescending can you get? Needless to say, Dr. Ballin has lost my business. Bottom line: Dr. Ballin's office lied to me about California state law in order to get me back into the office for an expensive exam. They were angry and rude when I called them on it. Find somewhere else. read more

I am a military spouse and relocated half way across the country due to my husbands military orders. I am settling in a new state, job, and life. It is not exactly an opportune time find a new Eye Dr. and get an exam. I called Dr Ballin's office and after 3 attempt I was told by the Dr. that he would not extend my prescription by 2 1/2 months so that I could receive temporary contacts. By law contact prescriptions can be written for up to two years in California, I find it utterly ridiculous that Dr. Ballin couldn't extend my prescription. read more

I have been going to Dr. Ballin for 3 years now and I did like him, and I loved Pamela, the front desk girl. Until this time. I had an appointment for Monday in the afternoon. I called in early in the morning of my appointment like I have in the past to inform them I would not make my appointment due to work. Well I spoke with his new receptionist and boy was she RUDE! She very rudely expressed to me how if I cancelled my appointment I still have to pay full price for it, plus a reschedule fee. To me this is absolutely ridiculous and very unheard of that I have to pay a rescheduling fee. So I said fine I will do my best to be there. I luckily arrived 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment, so I checked in early. The new receptionist updated my information and had me remove my contact out of my eye so I can do the air puffer test and the line button clicky test. She then tested me. I do have an eye condition hence why I am seeing the eye doctor. The receptionist rudely announced that I failed the test and needed to retake it in one eye. I proceeded to inform her I have an eye condition and that I fail it every time and to take a look at my chart. She than informed me that she does not know or even bother to read them. That is not her job. (Personally if you are going to administrate a test, you should know the patient's background) About 10-15 minutes later she, announces my condition to everyone in the waiting room telling me my condition is cool and she has never met someone like that. WRONG!!! Finally after waiting 20 minutes, Dr. Ballin came out and it was my turn to be examined. The exam went as normal, he gave me a lecture about my vision conditions as usual. What really upset me about the exam is he said he was going to put drops in my eye, which always happens. Turn out he was dilating my eyes. (I did not know of this until I checked out and went to pay my balance) HE DID NOT ASK ME IF THIS WAS OK NOR DID HE INFORM ME OF THIS!! Had I known I would have refused. I than had to wait an additional 20 minutes for my eyes to dilate.. Once fully dilated he examined me again. I was very uncomfortable as he was way to close me my personal space while in the room. I could smell his breath and hear him breathing. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. I was finished with my exam and when to pay for bill when I was told my balance, I about fell over. They had increased their prices on top of the dilation fee that I did not authorize. Overall, I was very displeased with this visit and I will not be returning. read more

I have to say that I am shocked by the negative reviews I have read here for Dr. Ballin & his team. Dr. Ballin has been my eye doctor for the past few years. He has seen me, my husband, and my son and every experience has been pleasant. He is kind and friendly - and he has never tried to sell us anything we do not need. On my first visit to him, I was very pleased that he explained things to me about my eyes which no one had ever told me in my life (I was born with eye problems and have been seeing eye doctors since I was a baby). I walked out of my first appointment feeling so good that I had this great doctor who was kind and friendly and who took the time to tell me information that no other eye doctor in over 30 years has ever taken the time to explain to me. When my son was 4 we thought he might need glasses - we brought him to Dr. Ballin and he was so patient and kind with him. At that time my son did not need glasses - but now 3 years later he does - so we brought him back to Dr. Ballin for a 2nd visit and he again was patient and kind with my son. We have never had anything but great experiences with Dr. Ballin and his staff - I would recommend him to anyone looking for a good eye doctor. read more

First of all, this guy doesn't work for Costco so he does not have the level of care Costco employees have. So, I scheduled an appointment at 5:30pm, figured I'd be able to quickly get in after a long work day. I was not taken back to see the doctor until 6:45pm. Over an hour wait... There are only 4 seats in the waiting room so a lot of people were awkwardly standing around or coming in and out of Costco checking on their appointment status. As another reviewer said, there is no privacy so the tests (blowing air, looking at the light, etc.) are done right there in the waiting room. I didn't mind that, but another girl was doing her tests and kept failing and she seemed embarrassed, I felt bad for her. There were two receptionists, one was new and being trained. When I finally did get to see the doctor over an hour later, it was pretty much a normal eye appointment, he was nice enough. I did see him working on the previous patient's chart for a while before he even spoke to me. The doctor gave me trainer daily contacts to test for a week. I checked out with the new receptionist (the other one wasn't there) and I asked for my prescription, she gave it to me. Scheduled my follow up for 7 days. I wore the trainers for about 5 days and decided I hated them, they were very cheap feeling and scratchy (Dailies brand). So I stopped wearing them. My follow up appointment came around, I went in ready to tell them I wanted to try another brand. The not-new receptionist was there and told me that I needed to be wearing the trainer contacts for at least 4 hours prior to my visit with the doctor. I told her I hated them and wanted to try a new brand. She was like "okay I'll see what we can do..."...?? My appointment again was for 5:30pm, I didn't get taken back until about 6:15pm. Not as bad as the first time I guess? The doctor came out and she told him I didn't have my contacts in. He looked at me like I was an idiot and told me I was supposed to have them in for 4 hours. No one told me that! I checked out of my first appointment with the new receptionist who I assume was supposed to inform me and she did not. The doctor stared at me for a long time, probably wondering if he should reschedule me. He decided to take me back and kept muttering that he won't be able to figure out what was wrong with the contacts if I didn't have them in. I don't care what was wrong with them, I wanted to try a new brand. I've never experienced this before in all my years of getting contacts. If you don't like a brand, you try a new one... Whatever, I scheduled another follow up appointment and tried another brand (Acuvue Oasys) and went to the glasses center outside with the prescription the new receptionist gave me at my first appointment. Come to find out, she gave me the bill, not a prescription. I went back inside and asked for a prescription. The doctor does not issue prescriptions until I pick a brand of contacts. Omg? Waited another week for my next follow up appointment. Contacts were fine, finally got the doctor to write a prescription for me. I went outside and got set up with glasses with the Costco glasses center. They also said they could order contacts for me. The people outside were so nice and they were normal Costco employees. I ordered contacts and realized that I didn't ask for more trainers from the doctor to use until I get my contacts ordered (they didn't even offer them as I was checking out...). As I was standing in line waiting to speak to the new receptionist again, a Costco employee from the glasses center said she found my contacts brand & prescription there in the store so I wouldn't have to wait. Amazing! My appointments were always at least 30 minutes late, my first one being over an hour late, and the doctor is rude and condescending. God forbid if you get the new receptionist. The office staff is incompetent. Definitely order your glasses & contacts from the Costco employees outside, but not from him. I won't be going back to this doctor, I don't want to give him my money. Also, they do not bill insurance so you will have to ask them for the receipts and do it yourself. Thankfully they were processed in-network for me but they are NOT considered "Costco". read more

My initial appointment for contact lenses went fine. It took a long time to get the lenses in and they never called to let me know but that was no big deal. However after the fitting Dr. Balin did not complete the prescription. About 5 months passed and I needed to replace a torn lens. When I called Dr Ballin's office to have it replaced the receptionist told me I had to order it from Costco. Without a script this was not possible. The receptionist promised to call me back after talking to Dr. Ballin but failed to do so. After 5 calls to Dr. Ballin's office in the past 10 days, they still have not returned my call. I was even willing to schedule and PAY for a new exam but they are completely unresponsive. Now both lenses are torn and I have to start over with a new optometrist. Check around for someone more reliable and save yourself the frustration of working with this office. read more

Dr. Ballin is a really nice guy and gives it to you straight. My astigmatism is really bad and he has helped me to get the best care and exam for my needs. He has helped me out tremendously with the time he has spent with me on the phone and through helping me make sure that he obtains an accurate prescription on my lenses. He returns phone calls in a timely manner and I appreciate the service that I get from him. read more

Managed to squeeze me in today at the last minute...God bless Dr. B and his capable receptionist who saved me from paying top dollar at an alternate optician. I lost my contact lens last night in a tired haze and since it was my last one I was in a panic this morning trying to get new lenses. Toric lenses take about a full week to receive so I am truly panicked. Yes, I am sporting glasses in public and I am terrified I won't get my contacts in time for my trip next Friday. We shall see how things pan out but thank goodness for Dr. Ballin. read more

My husband just had his eyeglasses prescription updated here - found them on Yelp. Got a good tip from Dr. Ballin to start taking a particular eye vitamin to hopefully slow or prevent a vision issue in the future. Great service from Dr. B and the lovely Mrs. Ballin - came in on a Saturday and were finished up pretty quickly. Very convenient to walk out and choose frames right there in Costco! We have shopped for frames and lenses on line before, was much better to choose them in person and the rates were same or less. read more

Dr. Ballin worked very hard making sure I had the correct contacts. He cares about his patients. I would recommend him very highly!

Great doctor! I've been seeing him for over 10 years (He used to be at Lenscrafters in Del Monte Center). He's very no-nonsense and professional. I admit that due to working under the Costco banner, I have had to wait beyond my scheduled appointment, but he's worth it and the prices are very fair. Would recommend to anyone in the Monterey area that needs a good solid eye doctor! read more

Yesterday was my first time seeing Dr. Balin. I had been there once before but saw an eye doctor that was filling in for him, whom I thought was excellent. I was very happy when I left yesterday. Dr. Balin is very thorough. He was also very kind, gentle, and explained everything throughout the exam. I never like to get my eyes dilated but before leaving he taped an insert onto my sunglasses so it would make it easier go out into the bright sun. His receptionist is very nice, and very helpful. Overall I had a great experience and look forward to returning again and again. Without vision insurance, I was relieved at the cost as well! read more

Horrible! This man is unbelievably rude and unprofessional. You get what you pay for.

he was great! couldnt ask for a better and more professional optometrist! i like his accent to! lol

I have been going to Dr. Ballin for years; ever since I was a child. He is absolutely wonderful. I have had other Optometrists mess up my prescriptions before and it was not pleasant. Dr. Ballin is very professional and caring and honestly does what is best for you. He won't try and push anything on you that you do not want to do and really listens to you. Oh, and he's also VERY patient when you're choosing whether or not the lenses you are choosing from during the exam make the letters "clearer but not smaller" because "smaller is bad." (This is always the part that takes me the longest. I would HATE to mess up on that one!) If you are a sensitive/chatty person, just know that he is all about business. Once you're in his office, he gets to the exam. He's very busy all day long so has very little time for chit-chat. So don't take offense to this, he's a professional doing what you're paying him to do. If you need a therapist, go somewhere else. Altogether, every visit I've had with him has been a good one. His office is clean and inviting. He is also conveniently inside Costco, so that when I am done with my exam, I can walk right out of their office door and order my contacts right there. I would highly recommend him. read more

I'm just back from an eye exam with Dr. Hong who works with Dr. Ballin at the Costco in Sand City. She is extremely professional, on-time and a personable optometrist. I trust that she always provides the best care for me. read more

This is a basic, no frills office (what did you expect at COSTCO), but, quality of service from Dr. Ballin was excellent. He had me come back a couple of times to check on how the contacts were settling in, and adjusted the RX to get it perfect. read more

Dr Ballin is a hard working, intelligent eye dr who took the time to explain my prescription and test results. He is worth every penny (the exam is very well priced) and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an eye exam. read more

My wife and I go to doctor Ballin for our regular exams so when my son scraped my eye today I left a message at the office hoping to get in the next day. Even though today was Sunday and fathers day Dr. Ballin called me back to have me come in to fix me up. He also gave me his cell number in case I had any issues before my follow up. read more

I am assistant professor in DLI. I went to see the Dr. Ballin in 2008 and got a pair of glasses from Costco. I am very very happy with my glasses until it got lost a month ago. So I went to Dr. Ballin again and got another pair of glasses from Costco. He is very experienced doctor ( I went to see another doctor to get a pair of glasses in a hurry the day I lost my previous glasses, but the glasses that doctor prescribed does not fit me very well.), and my eyes feel very comfortable and get used to my new pair of glasses in five minutes! I highly recommend Dr. Ballin, and Costco glasses! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Ballin for several years for my contact lens exams. He's an extremely busy guy so he's not super chatty, but I have always found him to be completely professional and pleasant. His office accommodated my daughter who was home from college when she needed an emergency eye exam. His prices are very reasonable, and he has taken extra time to work with me to adjust my prescription for both near and distance vision. I don't know what went wrong on the days that he saw the two reviewers who gave him poor marks, but I have never experienced anything like that. I have referred several friends to Dr. Ballin and they have been pleased with his services. read more

I have gone to Dr. Ballin for several years for my annual exam for contact lenses. He always runs on time! He is very, very good and one time when I had an eye emergency, he saw me without much notice and was most kind and efficient and reassuring! I was so appreciative of him and his office help that I baked the office a coffee cake and took it to them! I would always recommend this office and Dr. Ballin highly! read more