Both Dr. Karikomi and Dr. Drey are extremely nice and knowledegable (I've seen Dr. Karikomi twice and Dr. Drey twice), however their incompetent and rude front-office staff is enough reason for me to switch doctors. The greeting receptionist looked and acted very annoyed having to check me in and since the two only chairs they have in the place were taken, I was asked to sit off to the side. I waited fifteen minutes before another person asked me if I had completed their online profile yet (which I hadn't) and was given a tablet to complete the information which took about five minutes. I then waited another ten minutes before someone completely different (now person #3) asked me to fill out yet another form asking if I wanted the glaucoma test (I didn't as I had it the last time I was there which they should have known). After thirty minutes of waiting (in the middle of my work day) without anyone warning me the doctor was running behind or letting me know how long a wait to expect, I was just about to get up and leave when person #4 finally brought me to the back to perform the standard tests - which was a extremely disorganized process in itself. The doctor STILL wasn't ready to see me so I was asked to wait back in the waiting area for another five minutes. The "check out" process is also disorganized where you are handed over to one of three other people, using a calculator to determine your cost (isn't that built into their system?) and then try talking you into a year's supply of contacts when you can get them for half their cost from 1-800-CONTACTS. Needless to say, I will be switching doctors. read more

went there for over 25 years, and liked his thoroughness in exams, even at the outrageous prices. but when i asked to have the last pair of glasses fitted with new lenses, they broke the frames, then claimed they'd told me that they could not guarantee it would work....even though it was a pair of glasses previously bought from him, and of course no one ever told me that. additionally, they do press you to buy at overcharges, and when they ran the order through at $600 for lenses for another pair of his earlier glasses, then changed my mind and left a message the next morning before they opened, they claimed that it was too late, but that i could have a lesser lens at $450, but would charge $300 if i cancelled the order, and refused to just refund the money. i've gone elsewhere, saved a lot, don't feel ripped off, and found a fine optometrist nearby as well. read more

Like all the other reviews I would have to agree with how unprofessional the office staff and techs acted and how unsanitary the equipment was. When entering the door I was asked if I had completed the forms online, I had not even been sent the link prior to. After spending 15 mins completing this I had to listen to the tech and front desk lady bicker about my forms that were sent over from the office that performed my LASIK procedure. Not only was the equipment dirty but the tech did not sanitize the machines before or after use. Even though Dr. Karikomi was beyond great the office staff and unsanitary equipment and space did it in for me not to return again. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Karikomi for several years and he's the best. He is on the cutting edge of all the latest eye health news, and I always feel like I'm in great hands with him. I have had eye exams in between at large retailers like Lenscrafters, and for someone like me who has a pretty severe prescription, it is just not the same. I have also ordered glasses from other large retailers and those glasses are always much worse quality than anything I have purchased at Eye Level. They charge more, but you are getting the best. The office staff is extremely personable, patient and client focused. Everyone there is a delight and I will not go elsewhere again. read more

Outstanding! I have been going to Dr. Karikomi's office for a few years on the recommendation of a friend. High attention to detail from Dr. K. and the entire staff. It has always been a very professional and friendly experience. The only look out is that it will take a very long time when you have an appointment so be sure to block out extra time. I prefer this rather than being hurried. Also, it would be better if they offered early morning, evening, or weekend appointments to help with the schedules of those who have traditional office work hours. I highly recommend this as the premier place in the city for glasses and contacts. read more

Dr. Karikomi is awesome! His staff is fantastic - friendly and helpful. I would allow for about 90 minutes for your appointment as they are very thorough, but I cannot recommend this office highly enough. read more

Dr. Karikomi has been my optometrist for over 20 years. He is a caring professional. He always explains what he is doing and why he is doing it. He uses the latest equipment, answers any question, and makes sure that the patient is satisfied with their prescription and their glasses. His office is ideally situated in the Loop, and his staff is very competent and very courteous. I recommend Eye Level for anyone who wants a great optometrist. read more

When you die, go to heaven and need an eye doctor, you will meet Alan Karikomi. Why wait? He is the most creative, caring, and persistent doctor--of any kind--I have ever encountered. He is absolutely current on research and technology, and truly interested in giving you the best vision and fit possible. Your vision is your most valuable sense. Don't trust it to a one-size-fits-all shop at the mall. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Karikomi for many years. He is extremely thorough and caring. I have several problems with my vision and he always takes the time to explain everything and look at all the options. His staff is very professional and great at fitting glasses and contacts. read more

The members of our family have been patients of Dr. Karikomi for over a decade. We have always found him and his staff to be warm, friendly and very professional. The eye exams are thorough and comprehensive regarding not just receiving a correct prescription, but in terms of complete eye health and overall health. Dr. Karikomi is extremely knowledgeable and stays current with technologies that help him assess your needs. We drive in from the suburbs because we can't find anything even close to the care, attention and expertise that Dr. Karikomi and his staff have shown us. Highly recommended!!! read more

Dr. Karikomi is an excellent eye doctor. The frames and lenses I have bought there have been excellent quality, non have broken or been the wrong prescription. The doctor seems to genuinely care about eye health and gives a calm thorough exam. Whether you buy the glasses there or not, go for the exam. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Karikomi for over 7 years and have grown very fond of him and the entire staff. It is such a nice atmosphere and I feel I am in very capable hands no matter who is helping me. I no longer work downtown, I've transferred to the northwest suburbs and sometimes it is a challenge for me to get to the office but I wouldn't trade this comfort for anything. Thank you Dr. Karikomi, Pam, Russ, Patricia and all the staff for your knowledge, professionalism, and most of all friendly camaraderie. read more

Karikomi is very expensive, unprofessional, and unfriendly. He's also very cheap. I was taking off my contact lenses, and he prohibited me from using my choice of eye solution for storing my lenses. Don't let him talk you into getting an Optimap. It's an overpriced tool that lesser skilled optometrist would use because he doesn't have the skills to thoroughly examine you under dilation. It is a waste of money. Go to an opthamologist and yourself checked out that way. Karikomi's an optimetrist who wants to charge as an opthamologist, but was never trained as one. He also tried to get me to come back to see him for medical reasons. My opthamologist confirmed that Karikomi was trying to scare me by telling me that my condition was more serious than it really is. Save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else. read more

I really like Dr. Karikomi. He's a good eye doctor that has helped me understand how my personal health is related to my eyes. I like knowing more than just what my prescription is and how I can affect my prescription and the health of my eyes. I also used to wear contacts for far too long (we're probably all guilty!) but he took the time to show me the damage it does and, most importantly, how it happens and the effects it brings. Got some great glasses there too. And the staff always helps you calculate how best to use your VSP. I like that too. read more

Karikomi not only withheld my prescription after I'd rightfully paid for it, they did not submit the claims to my insurance correctly such that I ended up paying more out of pocket. My prescription also did NOT work for me. I didn't notice the difference in clarity until I went to another optometrist and got new prescriptions. read more