Wow what a strange, disappointing experience today was. After being a patient of Dr. Allaman's since 2016, I was treated like a second-class citizen since, as I was clearly told during today's appointment, "Dr. Alllaman ONLY does surgeries". Since I've already had cataract surgery in both eyes, I am no longer of use? I am 65 and have not had my eyeglass prescription checked in 2 years, but when I was FINALLY seated (30 minutes late), the technician came at me with dilatating drops. I stopped her because even I know that would happen AFTER checking for a potential new prescription. At this point, I was ushered to another building, to a dirty office to see a nice old doctor, who completed my exam, gave me the new prescription, then led me BACK to Allaman's office, where I had to pay $100 more than expected. Still trying to figure how what just happened, will find another doctor next year! read more

Allaman Eye Care & Associates is truly an incredible ophthalmology practice that has given me absolutely marvelous eye care for several years. Dr. Allaman is a wonderful surgeon. I have had two cataract surgeries and my vision is fantastic. He also put a stent in each eye, which is a duct that relieves eye pressure (glaucoma) - now both eyes are normal pressure. Dr. Allaman is very pleasant and polite, but very professional and gets right down to business with very little extraneous chit-chat, as he is incredibly busy. He has an absolutely phenomenal staff. They are warm, kind, and very friendly, but incredibly skilled and good at what they do. I usually have questions that I forget to ask when I'm in the office, but a call to the office later, gets you a quick and friendly answer. It is amazing how many people Dr. Allaman sees in a day. He has five exam rooms that are usually full, but has adequate staff to go through initial exam procedures for each patient. Even with the mass volume of patients the most I think I have ever waited was 10 to 15 minutes. I am extremely thankful to Dr. Allaman for giving me the gift of good vision. read more

Christen Allaman, MD - Tim H - Optometrists Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Dr. Allaman is an outstanding ophthalmologist who has supported me with a number of eye issues including dry eyes. He is extremely competent, caring, and has a friendly and well trained staff. We are fortunate to have an eye physician/surgeon of his caliber in Santa Cruz. read more

My experience with Dr. Allaman and his staff was excellent. They are thorough and professional. I found them compassionate and follow up on you after surgery to make sure all is well. I recommend them highly. read more

Went once and am very apt not to go back. The front office is not that friendly, it is like a factory the way Dr Allaman just goes from room to room, and after seeing me for about 10 minutes I was told I most probably needed surgery. I am aware of a number of people who love Dr Allaman, he just was not a fit for me. read more

Dr. Allaman did my left & rt eye cataract surgeries & from the time I called their office until well after 2 surgeries, I experienced only a 5 Star ophthalmology practice. So appreciated when you live 2.5 hrs away. From office staff to assistants + optometrist, I was introduced to everyone with whom I interacted & all appts were on time. All covered & non-covered charges were in writing & explained to me + pre-op over-the-counter medications needed were available to purchase at the office instead of my driving around to pharmacies looking for them. At my initial appt, Dr Allaman explained all my options based on my test results & answered my questions. Once I decided to proceed, pre-op, surgeries & post-op were all scheduled at this time. Even the 2 surgery centers' staffs were as efficient & professional as his office staff. Dr Allaman explained the details once again, before heading to surgery, & I felt very comfortable. Dr Allaman & his staff + the surgery center staffs were outstanding & my best description is it's like being part of a very efficient, well-choreographed 'medical ballet'! They laid out the plan, I followed it & everything fell into place according to the plan. I received the finest care, over & above my expectations & I can't recommend Dr Allaman enough. D Warne read more

Dr. Allaman appears to have a thriving practice. He is a nice man and a good doctor. However, I won't wait 30 to 40 minutes after my assigned appointment time to be seen. Unacceptable. How valuable is your time? read more

Recently I had cataract surgery performed on my eyes. The results have been remarkable! My vision has gone from blurry and cloudy to clear, bright and colorful. The preparation for the surgeries of doctor and technician check up visits all helped to calm my nervousness about having eye surgery. During my visits to Dr. Allaman's office, I was always treated with a professional and a caring attitude by Dr Allaman and his staff. Thanks to the surgery center staff and nurses, too. They were so caring and helpful the days I had surgery. read more

10 pages of paperwork to fill before the exam - had to write the same info on several different pages - what a waste of paper and time

My recent cataract surgery was successful, painless and easy. The four-month-long pre- and post-operative regimen was bothersome at times, but it, too, was easy and painless, and the result is much better vision. Dr. Allaman is excellent, and the staff is friendly and competent. The surgical staff in particular made me comfortable and helped to allay my nervousness. The reason I awarded four stars rather than five is that there were times at the beginning of the process where I felt my questions were not being answered fully by some of the staff members. But the surgery itself was completely five-star quality. read more

Excellent doctor and staff. Professional, super competent, kind, caring eye care professionals. I highly recommend this eye care physician.

Dr. Christen Allaman, MD Dr. Melody Flores Optometrist Senior citizen and veteran and by far the worst experience I have ever encountered. I went for an eye exam for prescription glasses and was referred to an Optometrist for corrective eye surgery. My health plan offered what I would describe as a limited list of Ophthalmologist choices. I selected Dr. Allaman and Dr. Flores. I went with the Multi lens replacement $$$ only to find the lens had shifted slightly (?) Dr. Allaman and Dr. Flores decided to try and correct the lens issue by laser surgery $$$. After paying $3400, plus, and eye drops, etc., I was then told to schedule an appointed for an eye exam at my cost $$$ for prescription glasses. As a result, I have changed my Health Plan Provider. read more

Warning: trusting Dr Allaman to implant Symfony iol for full range of vision could result in permanent 3' blind zone within hands reach. i specifically explained that close up details were of primary importance before consenting to surgery and was assured of seeing clearly near & far. I asked to have lens replacement day after surgery because i couldn't see anything in my hands or the ground beneath my feet. Lens exchange should have happened within 30 days, but i was told blur zone would improve over time. i've purchased 4 pairs of glasses after surgery to correct blurriness, resulting in seeing 1" or 2" increments. entire blur zone cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. all corrective lenses were + powers, meaning mismeasurement, driving lens +1.50 for implant eye, severely overcorrected for distance. cannot see street signs, gps, computer, music stand, vegetables, tip of a screw, no close up details whatsoever. Dr Allaman thinks it's irrelevant that i cannot see close or midrange details,did not get what i paid for. i asked J&J Symfony for refund for defective lens outcome. Dr Allaman refused replacement or refund & made referral to expensive specialist to redo surgery. i asked credit card for consumer protection refund, so EYE CARE MEDICAL GROUP forwarded amount of defective lens refund to collections. They do not care that i've been doomed with permanent dysfunctional blind zone since January 2020... 21 months now. read more

I will reserve what my gut tells me about Dr ALLAMAN , because most all surgeons are a bit full of themselves, but with pro-patient experience (over 3 dozen examinations, maybe 10 eye surgeries of all types over 35 years with maybe 9 different Dr's..) , I won't go back. My mind was blown and my sharp tongue came out when his staff refused to agree to contact me with Dr ALLAMANS medical opinion after an exam followed by a retinal scan (ordered because in the normal exam he had vague concerns) unless a) "no news is good news", or b) pay for ANOTHER office visit, or c) wait until NEXT YEARS exam to go over the results. RUFINGKIDDING ME???? The "baby cataract" capsulotomy or whatever it is called 6 months earlier went well enough (maybe, at the time anyway), but I am not so sure. After 5 visits in maybe 7 months I'm still not so sure my eye is doing A-OK and neither was he as of right now. IF I ever hear from him I may change this review, but I tend to agree more with Garret G.'s review (no relation ha!) at this point. I am so pissed off at the staff I could spit nails. That there are so many 5 star reviews means zero since 98% of all cataract patients see tremendously better after surgery. Perhaps the more complicated cases like mine are a better measure. I thought his retinal exam was the most brief and cursory of any I have ever had. I suspect he is a cataract guy who cares more about those kinds of billable problems? I have never heard more utter dangerous nonsense uttered by his staff in 35 years of eye problems. Update: well, it turns out I do have a new problem with my eyes, perhaps an undesirable side effect of surgery there, perhaps not, but communication on this point was very poor and that office was A-OK with me walking out of there not understanding my condition even when I asked for clarification. Not good for someone with only one good eye. read more

I had to go to *any* opthamologist because I was seeing blank flashes of light in my left eye. I was referred to Dr. Allaman. The wait was very long. On seeing me, the doctor told me that I had a torn retina and that I needed surgery that same day. I was scheduled and told to return. I was not told that on having my eyes dialated that I needed protective eyewear -- this is BASIC! (I did not know this, or had forgotten) This HURT ! Either the doctor or his staff should have provided me with black glasses or told me that I needed dark glasses. Nothing. When I came back for the surgery, I was not frighteed, as both my Mom and brother had had this procedure performed on them, without problem or pain at all. Dr. Allaman was obviously rushed and had several people on whom to operate. I was whisked into the operating area, and sat my face into the frame that holds the head. He was measuring and checking, then gave me numbing drops. Unfortunately, he started almost immediately. It HURT! Several times while he was "zapping" my eye, I jumped back, an uncontrolled startled reaction to feeling BURNING LAZER in my eye. When I did this, he was obviously irritated, and said, "You know, each time you do that I have to re-do things!" Well, I had no control over the searing pain that I SHOULD NOT HAVE EXPERIENCED in the fiest place! This comment said it all to me, he is rushed, irritable, uptight, and uncaring. When I went back, the wait was over an hour. Other patients were miffed for the same reason. I saw him for five minutes. No staff or doctor apology. While I was talking about taking a flight, he commented on the air in planes, turned around, and gave my husband two sample bottles of eye lubricant drops. I almost dropped from the chair when he then said, "And oh, this is irrelevant to her case; they're just a kindness from the doctor." ...yep, he's weird, too. WTF? I am looking for another opthamologist -- are there any out there? UPDATE, Summer 2015-- I have found an opthomologist whom I very, very much like, who works out of the same building complex. His name is Clement Cheng. He also works out of Watsonville. Charming, helpful nice. I am a satisfied patient. An eye doctor whom I have found to be superb is Jonathan Cress, in Santa Cruz. read more

They did a great job on removing the cataracts. The reason they didn't get those other two stars? 1. After the surgery, Dr. Allaman told me, "Nothing like the first time, right?" Hold it right there, pardner, that may work on the 80 year olds, but on the 40 years, no. We just think you're creepy...and that was the second eye he did! 2. While waiting for my follow-up appointment, I was the only person in the waiting room. And the women behind the desk were bad-mouthing and name calling their patients! RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! And if that's not enough, one of the gals, Krista, had been incredibly rude to me consistently. Wow. I'm just blown away by the front office's behavior, and I'm glad I only have two eyes... The behavior of incredible employees like Lauren get overshadowed by a bunch of grown women clucking like a bunch of hens. Did they not care that I was there, or...didn't notice?? I'd rate the place lower because of this behavior, but hey, I can seee...! read more

Dr. Allaman was incredible. I see so clearly now, he did an amazing job with my cataracts. It was stressful for them because I am high risk, regardless of this the Doctor and staff were so kind and polite. It's amazing to find a group who are really high IQ/EQ all the way. They took the time to explain things clearly. Dr. Allaman has a beautiful reassuring confidence that melted my anxiety away. read more

I went to Dr. Allaman last year because I thought I might have macular degeneration. The office was nice, the staff pleasant, the wait minimal and the attention to my problem was outstanding! After some state of the art photos of the inside of my eye and other testing, he told me I had a macular hole.. same symptoms as macular degeneration but different problem. He referred me to a surgeon who specializes in macular holes to repair this and calmed my fears about the operation. Fast forward a year and I now have a cataract that has rendered my right eye legally blind. I was referred by my primary physician to another opthamologist who is in my medical group but when I saw him, he rushed through the exam and I felt like I was at a cattle call. I cancelled the surgery with this doctor and called to get an appointment with Dr. Allaman. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I was first examined and tests run by Lauren, who I was sure was a doctor but turned out she wasn't. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Then I was examined by a doctor who performed some basic tests on my vision. Shortly, Dr. Allaman came in and finished the exam and talked to me at length about my condition and what could be done. He told me everything to expect and gave me my options. He was not only professional and intelligent but very friendly and joked around with me. I'm not sure what doctor those negative Yelpers saw that was rude and rushed but it couldn't have been the same Dr. Allaman! (My friend told me she and her husband both went to Dr. Allaman for cataract surgery and they would never trust any other doctor with their eyesight.) My surgery is scheduled for two weeks from now and I have absolutely no anxiety because I feel that I've been properly informed about the procedure, the aftercare and the outcome. In summary: Wait time - average Attention by office staff - very good Tests run - impressively thorough Dr. Allaman - took his time with me, answered all my questions, joked with me, told me everything to expect during and after surgery, and was very personable. read more

Dr. Allaman performed a cataract surgery on my mother's eye. She is so happy with the result. She can see clearly. Dr. Allaman is a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and patient surgeon. I highly recommend him. read more

Previously gave Dr. Allaman a negative review. A bit premature. Today's visit was reassuring and commutation was commendable. Not a perfectly oiled machine, but they are working on it, and trying very hard. I would like recommend Dr. Allaman read more

Dr Allaman was very efficient in preparing for my surgery. Full exams, testing and specialist referrals were all doin so he was aware of my total eye conditions. He was always professional and patient with all my questions. It was very reassuring for me after a bad scary visit to another surgeon that did not check anything and gave me zero understanding of what would or could happen. The outcome was outrageous for me... I have never had good vision and to see 20/20 the day after was amazing! The staff was equally amazing ! All the techs were very efficient and crossed trained well for all the processes and procedures. I was very impressed that each one of them could step in and I felt confident everything was done correct. The front desk seemed to each have their responsibilities and did a good job. Everything I requested was always easily taken care of. I was so pleased with Monique - she could do all those appointment schedules to coordinate timing and if needed changed without any concerns. The surgery center staff was also very nice and comforting. The first visit was a little hectic prior to surgery in the prep area - which I wish I wasn't exposed to, but the second visit was much calmer. Thank you to Dr Allaman and all the staff read more

The worst, most degrading experience ever with Dr. Nivedita Chandrasekharan, in Allaman's office, and their business manager. Intially I liked Dr. Chandra on my first visit when she did my eye perscription. She knew I did not have eye insurance, and told me on my intitial visit to have her check my eye pressure every six months cause it cost less then Dr Allaman. She also said my perscription had not changed much and I didn't have to hurry to make new glasses. I went back 6 months later for an eye pressure check, but she wanted to talk to me about having cataract surgery (which I do not need). She spent exatly 9 1/2 minutes with me, and I later found out I was being billed $200. I told her I had not had time in the last six months to fill the eye glasses perscription, but was doing so next week. "should we check it?" I asked her. She said no, it should be fine. The glasses came back and I could not see. I went back to have her check the perscription and they wanted to charge me for a full refraction visit because 6 months had passed. That is just plan wrong. Everyone knows a perscription is good for at least a year if not two. The business manager was extremely nasty, telling me they don't check eyes for free and I had a balance due from three weeks prior for the eye pressure check. I had not received the bill yet in the mail, but she was condecsending, as if I was trying to get something for free. This is no way to treat a patient - it was degrading. When Dr Chandra finally came in to see me about the perscription check she yelled at me to not talk to her staff rudely! WHAT???? She then flat out denied that she had ever said anything to me about less expensive pressure checks, waiting to get glasses, etc. She lied and tried to make me feel as if I had made it up. Well now I was upset and angry and just left, without getting any help for three new pairs of glasses I can not see out of. I feel this office is just churnng out patients for insurance money. No real personal care at all. Upset and disheartened, I want back to where I purchased the glasses. They compared the new glasses perscription with my old glasses ( which I can see fine out of) and found that my new perscription was off by an entire decible! Dr. Chandra had really made a very bad mistake on the perscription. I will never go there again..and you shouldn't either. These two women should be fired! Horrible horrible! read more

About three months ago Dr. Allaman performed a cataract surgery on my right eye. I was extremely nervous and worried about the results and didn't know what to expect. I chose a regular lens that is covered by my insurance and didn't expect much. I feel that Dr. Allaman did a great job. Not only I can see much better but I can read without glasses. I am still nearsighted and need glasses to drive, etc. but everything is brighter and so much clearer. In a few days I will have a cataract surgery on my left eye and I believe it will also be successful because of Dr. Allaman. I am also very happy with everyone working in this office. They are all very professional, friendly, ready to answer to any of my questions, and they never make me wait. Thank you! read more

I worked for Dr Allaman and I can tell you firsthand he is a great Dr. He's honest, professional and patients adore him and for good reason. He has a great reputation- I was raised in Santa Cruz. He has a true passion for what he does. He's a perfectionist and takes great pride in what he does. He runs a tight ship and he was a good boss. read more

I went to Dr. Allaman as a support person for my mom. She went in for a follow up to surgery the day before. Christen Allaman has a god complex. He was rude and chastised my mom for self-advocating. He attempted to make her feel inferior by rattling off complicated medical jargon and was totally unresponsive to her concerns...one them not being able to see out of an eye he performed surgery on the day before. Patient's have a right to question and self-advocate. Patients are not there to serve the ego of the doctor. read more

I had a great experience. Dr. Allaman is gracious and very skillful. My cataract is gone, my new lens perfectly placed, and I could see 20/20 when I walked out of the surgery. Now, six months later, still excellent vision. The office folks are super, always cheery and organized. I never had problems with anyone there. They also made sure the costs were covered and I knew how much I would need to pay. I am thrilled to be able to play volleyball again and SEE! read more

I was a little nervous to have my cataract surgery as I've had a few problems with my eyes the last few years.. I had lost my depth perseption and it was keeping me from being active.. After my surgery I couldn't believe the difference.. Everything was as it should be and even brighter.. I'm looking forward to my second surgery .. Thank you Dr. Allaman and team! read more

Dr. Allaman restored the vision in my left eye from 20/70 to 20/30. He is knowledgeable and helpful. His office staff is cheerful and efficient. My friends all recommended him and they were right! read more

Crowded, overbooked, controlled chaos. Dr.Alleman rushes in, clearly communicating he is a very busy man. If you have an appointment with him - you will wait a long time. My family have put up with this impersonal set-up for a decade but, we've had it. Clearly the bottom line is more important than slowing down and giving excellent care. read more

Dr. Allaman was excellent. I trust his judgment and his skill, and I am very happy with the results of my cataract surgery and lens replacement (one eye only). I also have high myopia, presbyopia, borderline glaucoma, and have had a retinal hemorrhage in the past. My contact lens prescription was -16.0 and even that didn't allow clear vision. I probably wouldn't have kept my driver's license for much longer. Now my left eye sees more clearly than the one still using a contact lens. I don't mind at all now using readers for up close reading (we chose the single focal point lens for medical reasons), because I can SEE. The office visits were sometimes long, as the office is very busy, but everything happened that needed to happen, and the surgery itself was so EASY! No pain, no discomfort at all, either during or after. I highly recommend this doctor. He is at the top of his game. read more

Dr. Allaman is an excellent ophthalmologist. Yes, the office is very busy, but that is to be expected considering the excellence of his work--a lot of people want to see him. I thought he is a brilliant diagnostician. When I was there I noted that the staff was extremely well trained. I also remember that Loryn made the best coffee in town, which was an extra perq when visiting the office! read more

He gave me my life back. I was becoming house bound. Now I drive everywhere including at night and in the rain. I bike with ease again. The staff, office setting and surgery center are excellent. I was so scared to have cataract surgery, but was reassured and comforted all the way through the process. read more

Wow, I never thought it could happen - better than 20-20 vision in an eye that I could barely see out of prior to the surgery. I had a cataract that was entirely obscuring my vision. I met with Dr. Allaman and he laid our a variety of options. I chose the least expensive and asked that it restore my distance vision. I just came back from my 6 month post operative check up and my distance vision is slightly better than 20-20 - YEAH! Before the cataract, my sight was not bad, but certainly not 20-20. Thanks Dr. Allaman! read more

5 stars isn't enough......10 isn't even enough. dr allaman is the most knowledgeable opthamologist I've ever seen. he's super personable, and will spend time with you and not rush to the next patient. his office staff is wonderful, helpful, and very well trained also. dr allaman suggested tear duct plugs to put my eyes to help with dry eyes. I had never heard of them. it took him 30 seconds to put them in and I've been able to stop using Restasis for 2 years now. my other opthamoligist pushed the Restasis and never told me there was an alternative. if you don't like them, they are easily removed. dr allaman operated on my sister for cataracts and glaucoma and she couldn't be happier with the results and the care she received. you won't find a better doctor r staff. read more

Dr Allaman might be a good surgeon but am not going to him anymore. He can be rude ..........he's self-centered and I felt strongly it's not about the patient it's about the bottom line. Have been to many opthamologists throughout my life and unless you agree with everything he says he gets angry. Nope, too old to put up with that kind of personality. I also have never seen so many employees work for one Dr. So you'll be scheduled for tests galore to keep the bottom line in the green. read more

I just recently had surgery by Dr Allaman and can't say enough good things about my personal experience. When I was first referred to him, I was under the impression that I needed a simple cataract removal. After consulting with him, and his staff, I was informed that I could receive a much more comprehensive surgery that not only would remove the cataract, but improve my vision to a severely traumatized eye due to injury sustained 36 years ago. I weighed the information provided to me and opted for the procedure. After 36 years of barely any vision in that eye, I now can see as good, if not better than many people without any adversities to their vision. I'm so glad I found Dr Allaman and his talent. I also was very pleased with his entire staff as well. read more

About six months or so ago Dr Allaman changed my life. I had cataracts so bad I was legally blind. Could not drive or do anything by myself. Dr Allaman did surgery on both eyes and now I can do everything I used to do. Thank you Dr Allaman for changing my life. You are awesome!!!! read more

Dr. Allaman's staff is very professional and friendly. I have been to his office a few times and yes, there is a wait but when I am in his office I never feel like I'm being rushed through the office because he is behind schedule. Dr. Allaman spends the amount of time with his patients that is needed... not 10 minutes per patient just to keep on schedule. I have been to other ophthalmologist in the area and they were no where near the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Allaman. If you are looking for a cattle call where you are rushed in and out of the office "on time", find another doctor. If you want quality care, Dr. Allaman is the doctor. Two weeks ago I had a lensectomy and found the number of test and retest to ensure the measurements are correct for ME were of the highest quality. Fifteen years ago I had a lensectomy performed to remove a cataract but with another doctor in another area. I do not recall having the same amount of pre-care prior to surgery. The day of the surgery was like clockwork and was in the surgical facility across the walkway from his office just as I was told. The pre and post surgical care I was to follow was clearly written. I do find there are a lot of drops to use but for my vision and to ensure no infection eye drops are a minor inconvenience and are very important as your eye is healing. The day following my surgery I was able to read 6 pt. which is two font sizes smaller than newspaper print. I tested myself before the surgery and only had blurry vision in that eye. I am so happy not to need glasses to read anymore. The follow-up care is just as through as the pre surgical care I received. As I go back for a follow-up soon, I suspect I may need to wait a bit but for the care I receive I don't mind waiting a bit for a REAL professional doctor. Thank you Dr. Allaman for giving me my vision! read more

Dr. Allaman ,in my mind is on the cutting edge of eye care and cataract surgery. After wearing glasses most of my life( my age is 60) he was able to give me 20/20 vision in both eyes . The process was very easy with very little inconvenience and almost no discomfort. His staff in his office as well as in his procedure room were most professional and compassionate . I'm know seeing things from far and near ( colors included) that I can't ever remember seeing before. Thank You Dr.Allaman! R. Whitford read more

I have just completed cataract surgery and chose the premium lens implants and I'm ecstetic with the results.I now have 20/20 vision and this was 2 days after my second surgery after 30 years I won't be needing any glasses anymore I now can read the smallest print setting on my kindle unbelievable! I want to thank dr..Allaman his technicians and office staff for their professionalism guiding me through the whole process and presenting me with all the options available.Dr,Allaman leads a well organized clinic and is a highly skilled experienced eye surgeon. In my opinion I can honestly rate them 5 star all around read more