My rating is a GENEROUS one for this clinic. It is 3 vs. 0 stars as the ophthalmologists are excellent however it is an excellent example of how significant the impact can be on healthcare when the BUSINESS end of such is a disaster AND when the PERSONAL ISSUES OF such individuals continue to go unaddressed. *Calls go unreturned * Messaging system which is so poorly managed calls get routed back to same extensions in a loop * Persistent rudeness (as other reviewers have noted) likely due to the horrendous management * Persistent use of cheap and non-standard IT products and services * Persistent use of standard email to communicate with patients vs. standard encrypted systems designed specifically for healthcare centered businesses re adherence to HIPPA regulations Whoever manages this clinic needs to find something else to do in life and executive management needs to DO THE JOB OF FIRING that manager(s). TIME IS UP for these individuals to change. The general attitude of 'as many patients as possible' vs. 'as many patients as CAN BE SERVED PROPERLY' will eventually, if this has not already occurred, result in either a lawsuit so big it will ruin this business altogether OR actual deaths (which is likely the same thing). This is not just the usual and customary too many patients and too few people to handle them. This is a combo of people with personal control issue problems micromanaging stuff such that the stuff cannot get done at all to management that is more focused on $ than purpose AND the denial of problems that might be at least minimized by simply FIRING the micromanaging ...management. Reality is it costs $ to run a clinic. You either spend the $ to do so properly or get the hell out of the business of healthcare. The only thing positive now about this clinic are the ophthalmologists which, were it not for them, this patient would have totally dumped this place overboard a long time ago but likely will now be doing exactly that since access to these superior ophthalmologists becomes moot given they have become inaccessible due to epic mis and dismanagement. Sadly, would not recommend anyone use this clinic now (2025). Nope. The less than stellar reviews here are accurate. read more

My mom had her cataracts done here because she's been coming to this office a very long time. It's busy and they lack any proactiveness. We came last week and they asked for a referral that was on us to get versus them contacting her doctor. What a frustrating experience. We rescheduled and I called first to see if they received the referral. They said no and I called the primary doctor who said they did but would do it again. Thankfully they got it. We arrived at the scheduled time with two patients in front of us. It's at least 45 minutes waiting. It's a very busy office that serves quite a lot of Asians which is comforting for mom. Parking is a nightmare so give yourself plenty of time otherwise there is a garage a block away. The garage is pricey. read more

Impossible to reach on the phone, and when you do, the staff is incredibly--comically--rude. They have an outgoing message on their phone tree for months stating that they are upgrading their phone system so expect long wait times and that they are aware people are being hung up on. This message has been the same for months now, so I guess that upgrade isn't going so great? When by some miracle I have been able to speak with a real person, they have been incredibly rude. I always try to be very polite to people because I hate the phone and that seems like a not fun job, I have come very close to losing my cool with these folks. Oh, and they are apparently booked out for months and months somehow? Anyhoo, long way round to saying that it was pretty easy to find a different ophthalmologist with a kind staff that will actually answer the phone, so no need to bother with this place. read more

Dr. De Niro is great, but the staffers are something. It is hard for me to take. Also, the clinic has a peculiar scheduling system. If I did not make the very first appointment of the day, which was 7:30 AM, I always needed to wait an hour or so to see the doctor. Why? How does this clinic maintain the schedule? Fifteen minutes of waiting time is my maximum. 1) I am tired of waiting 2) I am so uncomfortable with the staffers I decided to change the doctor today. I like Dr. De Niro, but I can no longer waste my time this way. I guess they do not mind with their low review at Yelp. If you do not mind waiting, I recommend Dr. De Niro. Otherwise..... Good luck. read more

With a sudden urgent critical eye problems we called to our regular Ophthalmologist on a Sunday, Dr. j. De Niro was "on-call " she responded to our message, done all necessary examinations, explained the problems, advise to follow up with our regular Eye Doctor. She's friendly professional and awesome, yes I recommended Dr. De Niro. read more

East Bay Eye Specialists - Dr De Niro informations - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Oakland, California

Dr. Josh Lee is truly so kind!! He is very patient and genuinely takes his time to figure out what's going on with your eyes. Great for easy eye exams and also for more complicated things (**I think he's the doctor that sees all of the mystery/health complication cases). Yes, this place is really hard to get on the phone but once you get in it's way better care than the glasses chain store exams. read more

I was visiting Oakland and woke up one day with vision loss--I called them and was able to get in right away. I was diagnosed with a disorder that if left untreated can cause blindness. SO grateful to everyone at East Bay Eye Specialists for literally saving my vision! The front desk staff was so helpful when I called during this emergency, resolving all my questions expeditiously and coordinating with the team for me to be seen right away. Everyone was so kind. I felt like this busy office was doing everything they could for me, despite me not even living in the city or able to be a permanent customer. Incredibly indebted to them, highly recommend!!! read more

This review is for COVID protocols and procedures. I brought my elderly, grandmother who is the definition of high risk- she has diabetes, cancer, the works. We arrived very early, an hour early, so before coming in, I called to ask if they had an earlier availability. They assured me and said bring her in! I DOUBLE CHECKED, and let them know she's high risk and elderly and I'm worried about her sitting in a public space for too long unnecessarily, again the woman assured me they could see her early. OUTRIGHT LIES. They let her sit in their waiting room FOR AN HOUR! Huffing through her mask, touching things fidgeting in their chairs - IF I'D KNOWN THEY COULDNT SEE HER EARLY, WE'D HAVE STAYED IN THE CAR. It wouldn't have been a problem and she could have relaxed. There was no reason to make my grandma sit in the waiting room, and when I approached them about my phone call and reason for arriving early, they looked at me as though they didn't know what I was talking about. This office is inconsiderate of high risk patients. There's no hand sanitizer, or wipes for the waiting room furniture, which is being cross contaminated by all the patients they make sit around. Other than the child like signs, they asked her nothing about her health, a fever, or contact with other covid positive people - even more concerning. They disrespected my grandmother's health. We will not be back. And I would discourage anyone from putting up with their nonsense while risking their own health for a dingy office that doesn't care about its patients. I don't usually write reviews with all caps, but I'm heated and am extremely disrespected. Update: I waited at the front desk and was ignored by them, while I respected their covid stop sign. Ultimately, i walked past it to check on my grandma. I watched Dr. Hom who was nice, knowledgeable and comforting to my grandma. So no complaints about the doctor but, that front office staff is a NIGHTMARE. And I used to work as a receptionist so I know they SHOULD know better! read more

East Bay Eye Specialists - COVID Signage in the lobby. Misleading you to believe they actually care. They don't. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Oakland, California

I have been trying to get an appointment since last month and every time I try on the phone or get close to someone answering my call next either it knocks me out of cue and I have to start over I just don't know at this point what to do either they need to go back to the old phone system because this new one is not working for them I just want to make an appointment read more

Yesterday afternoon, I became alarmed after seeing wiggly horizontal lines. This had happened a few times before, so I decided to call and try to make an appointment with Dr. De Niro. The phone receptionist politely asked me questions to get a sense of what was going on, and noted down my call back phone number. She spoke with a doctor and offered me a 7:45am appointment for today. The receptionist who checked me in and out was very personable. Dr. DeNiro diagnosed me with ocular migraines, answered my questions, and gave me much appreciated reassurance. I highly recommend her. read more

After being referred to an opthamologist, I called to make an appointment and found out they accept my medical group. When I arrived, it took a while to verify my insurance and I found out that there's a subdivision within the medical group and they can't charge my insurance. There was some confusion about whether I was using my vision plan or medical plan, even though I was referred for a medical reason. The doctor was willing to see me, but I'd have to pay upfront for services. I declined and left feeling frustrated because this situation could have been avoided if they checked my insurance ahead of time. In the meantime, I'm getting delays in treatment for an eye condition that could have long-term effects. read more

Dr De Niro is great, warm and detail oriented but oh dear the mean spirited office staff is hard to take. You'll be waiting a long time at this office, this has always been the way, so you'll have ample opportunity to listen to how they deal with patients on the phone. And this will set you up for the tone of your visit! One person in particular is regularly condescending to callers; it made me cringe last time I was there to hear her berate them. Honestly, when is this going to change? Sure patients are going to get stressed calling this office, they may have to have surgery or are likely dealing with chronic eye disease. Not talking to patients like they are an inconvenient burden would really go a LONG way to improving this practice. read more

There are a new group of receptionists in and they are a lot nicer than the previous group of the receptionists. I have been a patient at this office for a several years. I visit a doctor for my annual check up. I had bad experiences with the old receptionists for my previous two visits, like other reviewers here. I was thinking to go to other practice if I had a similar experience this year. I showed up today and it was a nice surprise. I am glad I stuck with my appointment today. read more

I wish I had read other reviews before coming here. The staff were pushy. I showed up a few minutes early for my 9:15 appointment and wasn't called to see the doctor until 10. I have better things to do than sit for 45 minutes and can't believe they are that backed up at that hour unless they are scheduling with total disregard for their patients schedule and experience. Also, when I scheduled the appointment I was explicit that it was for swelling on my eye lid. When I got there they went through my vision insurance for a glasses prescription. I have perfect vision and have never had glasses. Don't go here. read more

Physicians good. Office management a disaster. Just got bill from almost a year ago. I call, oh yes, so sorry, I had a medical issue for 6 months, we are just catching up. Plus: I wait an hour even when I think I have first appt. 7:45 AM. Firing them, never going back. read more

I've been a patient at this office for several years now. I find the front office staff efficient, organized and helpful. Once, while waiting my turn, an elderly gent got dizzy and needed quick attention. The staff responded accordingly and helped him get to a close-by chair. They attended to his needs and someone attended to mine. I've seen three doctors here: one has since retired. Dr Melanie Hom is amazing. She's thorough without rushing. Explains things clearly including expectations as my eyes age. Once she prescribed contact lenses. I purchased two boxes but they didn't quite work. I let her know and she offered to buy them from me since I couldn't return them to Costco. When I went back a year later for my annual exam, she remembered and cut me a check right then for the $60. How awesome is that?!?! Then there's Dr Wu. She's new to the practice and knows the art and science of contact lenses. My eyes are tough. I need long distance correction, astigmatism correction and readers. We attempted several different combinations of multi-focal lenses before finally settling in long-distance only with astigmatism correction. It took several months as my schedule allowed but we both hung in there. I'm thrilled I can look at myself in the mirror again without glasses. Thank you for being patient with me as we explored the options. Great medical practice with great professionals. read more

I recently had cataract surgeries, combined with stent implants for glaucoma, performed by Dr. Chiu of East Bay Eye Specialists. These were complicated surgeries and I feel very lucky to have Dr. Chiu as my doctor. She is outstanding in her training, knowledge, and skills, and is compassionate and caring. My surgeries went well and I am very happy with the results. Going to medical appointments and having surgery during Covid-19 is anxiety producing, but I was reassured to see that the office and the surgery center had instituted proper Covid-19 safety protocols, including waiting room chairs set up for social distancing, mask requirement for staff and patients, checking of temperatures, and cleaning between patients. The staff is kind and helpful, always responsive to my questions and any requests for documentation I might need. It is also very convenient that opticians are available a few steps away at Doctors' Optical Service, which has a good selection of frames and great staff to help one get glasses. Thank you to Dr. Chiu and all the people at East Bay Eye Specialists! read more

I had been to East Bay Eye Specialist for eye exams multiple times, the doctors are good. But other staffs are not very nice. One day I received a surprise bill for the copay of the office visit 8 months ago. I called the office for explanations, but the billing lady just yelled at me over the phone as if I'm a lowlife who can't pay the bills. the last time I saw such rudeness to the patients was 15 years ago in mainland China, in Chinese communist government owned hospital. They apparently had brought the communist practices to the office, it's a shame to see such unprofessional disrespectful staff in the high quality healthcare service. read more

The receptionists are rude and very disrespectful to the elderly patients, it's hard to watch their crappy interaction with the elderly without the desire to punch one of them out. They have no patience with their elderly patients. They need to have their attitude adjusted or they should be fired!!! Be sure to show up an hour late for your appointment because the clinic is always packed and there's no where to sit. The clinic is busy ... busy... rush.. rush.. and they don't cares that you've waited for an hour for your appointment ... You just sit and wait and wait... Then finally your doctor sees you then it's another hour of wait in the room because the doctor repeatedly going in and out of the room for other reasons but for you, your time is worth nothing to them. The few doctors are good at what they do, but It seems like they have always overbooked and the entire clinic stressed out. So, bring a chair and prepare to spent at least few hours of your half an hour appointment, or better yet, save yourself the trouble and aggravation go elsewhere. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I never, ever write reviews, and I'm writing this one to save everyone from coming here. I had a question about the forms I was asked to fill out, and the front desk staff were beyond rude. Iris, who is the office manager, berated me and raised her voice loudly while she yanked the forms out of my hand and started writing what she wanted me to write on it. I have never been treated so badly in any professional medical or optical office in my life. Everyone in the waiting area was looking at us, and several gave me a look like, "I can't believe this is happening." I walked away without saying a word, and multiple commented to me on how rude she was and how uncalled for her behavior was. I will never come back here. read more

Such a rude doctor! She doesn't care a single bit about patient's discomfort and her staff in the office is just as rude. I am so sad she calls herself a doctor. read more

My mother had cataract surgery here and I drove her. As for the results, so far so good. My issue is, when we returned for the follow up appointment nextdoor at 491 30th Street, suite 201, I smelled mold very strongly in the waiting room. As someone who is extremely sensitized and reactive to toxic mold, I turned around and walked out, immediately. I have seen many reviews about the unfriendliness of the staff here. The mold problem could have a lot to do with that. read more

I had cataract surgery by Dr Chiu. She and her staff were very friendly. Totally NOT the negative experience reflected in some of the bad reviews on this site. I now have nearly 20-15 vision in both eyes. Great results! Great people! I'll certainly be back for my check-ups. read more

Dr. Is decent. Office staff horrible. Rude, unapologetic, and incompetent. Can't process insurance properly

Dr. Cynthia Chiu operated on both eyes with excellent results. Since these were complex surgeries, her outstanding skills were particularly appreciated, especially being an anxious patient. The scheduling of pre and post op visits, including the surgeries themselves, is a bit of a juggling act, to say the least. Dr. Chiu's attentive and warm staff have been meticulous, kind, caring and as efficient as a patient could ever expect. To be among cheerful (even with masks) and helpful staff throughout the process has made me actually look forward to my office visits. That's a first for me. Thank you Dr. Chiu and staff for everything you've done to make this surgery experience a success on every level. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Cynthia Chiu if you require complicated cataract surgery. She is a rare combination of a highly skilled surgeon and a very compassionate human being. She also used the best up-to-date technology. The front office staff was great, particularly Carol who went out of her way to provide assistance. All of the staff were friendly and accommodating. Waits were minimal and everything was handled professionally and smoothly. A great experience for someone undergoing surgery for the first time! read more

Be very wary of this group. My wife had cataract surgery two years ago, received an infection due to what we believe to be rushing by Dr. Hom and the operating staff. She is now in danger of going blind in one eye. Can't prove it, but we had to wait for over 2 hours after the scheduled appointment time before being called into surgery. I think they were tired and didn't get everything clean. Don S. San Leandro read more

I have seen several doctors in this office for many years, the quality of care is excellent. I would have given this practice (the doctors) four or even five stars, were it not for the unprofessional front desk staff. Many have been there for a long time and seem to have a strong sense of job security, seeing no need to be polite, patient, and professional. They speak Cantonese amongst themselves, right in front of the patients. Some are rude and impatient on the phone. The office manager was loud, arrogant, and obtrusive. An office manager usually sets the tone for office staff, some seem to have brought Chinatown customer service to this office. It is a shame this high calibre excellent medical practice has such unprofessional and poorly managed front desk. Those wonderful doctors deserve more professional staff members. The doctors likely have no idea what terrible customer service is being rendered by their front desk personnel. read more