I've been wearing glasses for nearly 8 years now and while I've always had frames that worked I had…read morenever truly loved the practice(s) I had tried out... until Ideal Eyes. This female-ran business really has it all--the staff is kind and knowledgeable, the place is clean and well decorated, and Dr. Surh is a master of her craft. Not only was she able to quickly get my prescription updated (and answer any and all questions about my eye health), she was equally great at helping me ease my way into contact lenses. Past optometrists have been reluctant to get me onto contacts because of my astigmatism, but Dr. Surh was flexible and gave me plenty of options (with follow-ups) until I found the perfect lenses. Overall, a great and painless place to keep your eye health in check. And while I haven't purchased frames from them directly I can attest to their wide and stylish selection. So happy to have found this gem!

UPDATE: After all that, I decided I'd had enough and told them I was moving on to another provider…read more You'd think that would be the end of the story. It was not. When I booked with the new place, I was informed my exam wouldn't be covered by insurance -- because my old provider had submitted a pre-authorization request and never cancelled it. The new office couldn't clear it themselves; only the original provider could release it. So, one more email, back into the void. I asked them directly: did your office request a pre-authorization on my behalf? They didn't actually admit to that -- instead they just said they'd cleared it, so the new office should be able to pull it now. Should. Great. Let's recap: I never had a confirmed appointment with them, by their own account, and yet somehow they'd found the time to file paperwork with my insurance company that then sat there blocking me from being seen anywhere else. No apology for that part. Almost impressive, honestly, in a "how did you manage to mess up two entirely separate processes in service of one appointment" kind of way. It also took one final round-trip with them before I could actually move on -- fitting, since the whole saga has had the vibes of a messy college breakup: the drawn-out final logistics, the ex who's still holding onto your hoodie. Small detail while I'm here: their emails are often signed "Thanks, Ideal Eyes Team," versus the name of a human. After enough of these exchanges, you start to wonder if there's a person back there at all, or just a very polite AI fielding damage control. On the bright side: I went to the new provider yesterday, and it was like stepping into a different world entirely. Professional, communicative, and nobody made me forward an email to prove anything. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

LATE Post: I agree totally with these comments: Wish I would have seen them before: "Nov 6,…read more2024 Customer service needs some serious improvements especially in the post sale phase. ...." They are very attentive in the beginning but no so much post sale after you've given them your money.

This is probably an unfair review, or maybe it isn't...you decide…read more My husband and I came here through word-of-mouth from my husband's coworkers who have the same eye care insurance. Booking the appointment was fine. Minor point, they don't run like clockwork, even though the name is "eyework". It says eye not clock. You should check their lunch hour and decide if you want to be standing in the cold or not while waiting for their lunch over to end. What is cold anyway in the Bay Area? This isn't Colorado. In Colorado, they would open the doors earlier to let people in from the snow. Doctor was fine. My vision went from -8 to -10 in two years. I'm thinking I may need to start learning braille. (Spoilers, no I didn't go get a second opinion.) We picked out frames. I am mightily blessed with a wide face and a flat nose, as in I don't have strong nose bridge. The workers reassured me that lots of customers have my style of face. Great. I picked out a pair by Oliver People and paid $800-1000 for my frames. This is San Mateo, right? People love chucking money at the sky. For me, it's because it was one of two pairs designed for women* they had available that would fit my face. Did I choose the more expensive pair? Sure I did, because I thought it would be more comfortable and I liked the color. This is the worst pair of eyeglasses I have ever owned. And by this point, I've owned probably 25-30 pairs of eyeglasses. The titanium is nice and light, so yes, it is more comfortable; I don't have any pain at the temple or behind the ear lobe. But that's because the glasses is touching my skull in 4 spots - the two nose pads and two tiny spots somewhere on my ear. The frames aren't touching anywhere along my temple. Does this sound great? Maybe, until you realize there ain't nothing holding up this pair glasses. No friction, at all. Stupid, stupid design. I've got bad vision. (I want you to know, I am censoring a lot of curse words to keep this family-friendly). So the lens is heavier. What does this mean? Well, that requires a knowledge of gravity. You don't even need college-level knowledge of gravity. The weight of my lenses pulls the glasses down. If I were to look down at something, say a book, or maybe I'm painting something, maybe I'm tying my shoe. My glasses fall off my face. I was literally in the middle of painting something and I got so frustrated I stopped in the middle to write this review. When I turn my head sideways, and the glasses fall off sideways, the eye pads poke my eyeball. STUPID. And my husband likes to point out, "That's $1000 for you". Also, adjusting the titanium is STUPID. It's "fragile" so they can't actually adjust it (even though the girl who helped me with the frames said they could). The eye pads are adjustable...except here is another STUPID thing. The glasses weren't adjusted when I picked them out. The girl marked the lens which is information used by the company making the lens to match it with my prescription. Well...they adjust the glasses afterwards, so the mark is off now. STUPID. So my vision isn't improved while driving. I've noticed that I have a harder time driving with these new glasses. It's fine though, since I mostly drive in areas I'm familiar with; I don't need to read signs so much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can see the same with my old pair if not better. And my prescription on that pair is -8. To their credit, they were helpful in doing what they could with the glasses. But there's only so much they can do. So here my main issues 1. The glasses weren't adjusted prior to marking the lens. 2. Likely inexperience with high prescriptions, low nose bridge, wide face, etc. Pros: The staff are friendly, it was easy to book an appointment. Verdict: I'm going to go back to my old doctor, even if it means paying toll and driving 45 minutes one way for an appointment and then again when I pick up my glasses/contacts. *Women glasses: they're as stupid as women's clothing: Overpriced and not functional, or sometimes worse, they give the impression of being functional, but sometimes those pockets or drawstrings are just for show. In the future, I'm going to pick out men's glasses. They're more affordable, no fuss or frills, and they're also wider. But do the people who make this profession think about telling the customer that? Either they don't know...or they want your money. Go ahead San Mateo, throw more money into the sky. That's how you got rich, right? By spending and spending.

Alas, the love is gone…read more My first pair of Warby Parker glasses were sunglasses, the day after my LASIK surgery in 2019 in Seattle. I loved them. I lost them. They discontinued them. I bought my second pair of Warby Parkers on vacation on Venice Beach in 2021 (featured in my profile pic!). They were called the Sonia, and black. I loved them. I lost them. They discontinued the black ones. WHY? I bought another color of Sonia, but I don't love them. My next were a pair of reading glasses. I have no idea why the frames were recommended to me. They were very unflattering. I donated them. Next, purchased in 2023 in Burlingame, were my favorite glasses of ALL TIME. Aja in Confetti Tortoise. I had Irlen lenses placed in them. My Irlen color is light pink and they looked AMAZING. I lost them two years later (heartbreak!!) AND THEY ARE DISCONTINUED. This is how much people love these glasses - people are selling them on Etsy and Ebay for $500 to 600. Why on earth would they discontinue them? But this next story is the cherry on the cake. I have ADHD which is why I lose glasses so often. That's on me. But this, this story drives me crazy. In 2025 I paid $$$ for an exam and expensive lenses for reading and computer work. The frames were amazing. Dasia in Ristretto Tortoise. But when I came to pick them up the prescription was wrong. They sent them back to fix. AND THEN EMAILED ME TO TELL ME THEY WERE DISCONTINUED. I asked for a refund.

I stopped by on a Sunday around 1:00 PM with the intention of purchasing reading glasses, but my…read moreexperience was disappointing. Despite waiting until I was the only customer remaining, I was never greeted or offered assistance by any staff members. I eventually left without the help I needed.

Super sweet people here, efficient and really want to be helpful. They are definitely not phoning…read moreit in. I went in looking for a pair of polarized wrap-around sunglasses, which sounds like it would be an easy enough, slam dunk kinda deal. But I need an extra small, almost a children's frame and ultimately we couldn't find a pair. But I was very impressed with their helping nature and attentive presence throughout the process. Very neat, clean attractive shop in the middle of the city, conveniently located with plenty of parking meters around, and if you're lucky, you can snag a free spot on the street.

Pros at exams and selling you glasses! It's that simple…read more These folks are glasses experts and you get quality care , an education and a fill of your prescription then your on your way I recommend them for your exact glasses needs. Good selection as well

I mean, the reviews speak for themselves. This is truly the kindest, and the BEST optometrist I…read morehave ever been to. Doctor Lin has seen me for same day emergencies and for routine checkups and is always patient, respectful and kind. She'll always be sure to explain things in a way that make you feel at ease. Justin & Alex are equally as great! The vibes they put off are welcoming and open. Not to mention the sweet nostalgic tunes that are played on the record player to soothe the soul. (vinyl over digital, ftw) I actually live hours away from this location now, but will still continue to come back here for checkups and repairs because this team is truly a one of a kind. THANK YOU!

Been coming here for over ten years, the best customer service and good prices for name brand…read moreeyewear. Eye exams are a great price with or without insurance. They have great frames and stay accustom to the newest technologies available.

Found this gem on YELP! Went in for a comprehensive visit yesterday for my little one who was…read morehaving trouble seeing the board at school. The Doctor was so sweet, patient and thoroughly examined my little one's eyes. I was impressed with her skills and attention to detail. The office was super clean and modern. Parking was easy and free which is always nice. My daughter left picking up the cutest little Ray bands for her first pair of prescription glasses. Will be ready for pick up in about 10 days, so my girlie will have new clearer vision soon. Staff was also super helpful and courteous during our appointment. Highly recommend checking them out.

This establishment is located across the street from Costco. They are two doors from the Grocery…read moreOutlet. There are plenty of parking spots. My wife and my son came here for their appointments. Dr. Leung was very kind and gave my wife tips on how to take care of her eyes. The receptionist, Ruth was very patient and nice. She explained the insurance deductibles for different selections of the frames and types of lenses that they offered. We were told that the glasses will be ready in about two to three weeks. However, to our surprise that the glasses were ready in one week. We had a pleasant experience with Dr. Leung and Ruth. We really liked how Ruth was upfront with all the deductibles and prices. My wife and son will be coming here for their glasses from now on.

Best optometrist in Burlingame. They really care about their patients my reading glasses came out…read moreperfect.

Great first experience for my husband and I. We were seen on time and the doctor was very kind. He…read moreexplained the tests in easy to understand terms. I found a pair of Ray-ban glasses I liked for my new prescription. My glasses were ready in less than two days. I'm happy we found a local optometrist!

They very knowledgeable, kind, nice and very respectful people!!…read more They take the time to take care of their customers. I'm so happy I chose them!!!

Was really disappointed after having good experiences with them in the past that they never show up…read moreto open at 9 like they say. Even after calling multiple times and waiting for 30 minutes there was no luck. Try a place with professionals that show up on time and not this office.

Shu is great. He give personal attention and is super knowledgeable. So nice to have an optometrist…read moreI like and can trust!

Our insurance changed and I need a new optometrist. The location is listed as open until 4pm, but…read moreit was closed when I arrived at 12:15. The sign said they would open again at 1. Maybe they close for lunch? Call ahead so you don't waste your time. To the business: Please let customers know you close during the day. I was excited to visit your shop, and now I'm on my way to a larger optometrist in San Mateo.