Dr. Gerstein, staff, and facilities are superlative! The result of my surgery has been astounding. There is no greater recommendation and compliment I may pay. read more

Everything went well. From my first appointment, I was impressed with Dr. Gerstein. I needed to have cataract surgery. He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. His head of surgery, who scheduled me, got me through this process efficiently. Every question I had was answered. The day of surgery at the surgery center was perfect. All staff was efficient and helpful. The procedure took about 15 minutes. My follow up appts with Dr. Gerstein have been excellent. And i couldn't believe how well I'm seeing. I'm going back for the surgery on my second eye in about 2 weeks. I know I will continue to receive this A+ service of Dr. Gerstein and his staff, as well as the surgical center. read more

Dr Gerstein is a miracle worker. I had the worst cataract, dangerously bad, in one eye and cataract in the other. Laser surgery was a breeze and I am so enthralled in how everything I see now i full color and crisp lines. It's like a whole new world. The staff are extremely friendly too. So if you have eye problems, especially cataracts- make Dr Gerstein your doctor. An amazing miracle worker. :) read more

Excellent customer service and professionalism. I had lasik thru this office and am considering again on the other eye.

professional and i felt good throughout the whole process . i recommend this place very highly !

I've been going to Gerstein Eye Institute since 2004 and have always received outstanding service. Initially I saw Dr. Mel and now I'm being treated by Dr. Craig. Outstanding service, courtesy and professionalism certainly runs in the family. I have always received top notch eye care from both father and son. Thanks Dr. Mel for everything and I hope you're enjoying retirement. Thanks Dr. Craig as well, I look forward to my next visit. Let me also thank the office staff and last but not least their outstanding optician Ben who's always great to work with when I'm selecting a new pair of glasses. Thanks again everyone, appreciate you! read more

I went to the Gerstein Institute for cataract surgery on both eyes. As with everyone I was very apprehensive and nervous about eye surgery, but the service, attention to detail and the individual care given was unmatched. From the time I arrived and they prepped me for surgery, not one detail was overlooked. There were nurses taking vitals, hooking me up to monitors and the anesthesiologist preparing me for twilight sedation. The actual surgery only took approximately 10 to 12 minutes and when I was finished, there was no bandage, no problems. Literally, I could see without glasses within minutes after leaving. (it was a little blurry, but it cleared up quickly.) I followed the medication regime as directed and haven't had a problem since. I wholeheartedly recommend Gerstein eye Institute for any cataract surgery. --It's funny our cousin had the same surgery within weeks of mine and he sent us a picture with a hospital gown on and a big patch over his eye.-- go to Gerstein eye Institute, you won't be sorry. read more

If you want to be treated by a rude, impatient and condescending doctor, you have come to the right place. For 200$ I expected more. I specifically paid over DOUBLE what my optometrist charges for an exam because I wanted more information from a specialist since I have the start of cataracts. What I got from the start was an attitude, perhaps triggered by the fact I had a bunch of questions for the doctor. I've been doing intense research of the eye and vision for over a year so that when the time came for the surgery, I would know what the options were and what my expectations should be. Maybe doctors don't like patients who are better informed than pre internet times but this is about our most IMPORTANT SENSE: VISION. It's important that the doc has some time to be with the patient. I felt like a meat sack just being milk for money. I hope the superstar doctor reads and remembers who i am. I would NEVER show this type of disrespect to ANYONE in my life and he is lucky I was a calm person in the moment because I am still SEETHING over how he talked to me. Look elsewhere is my advice. This is a problem I have been told with lots of doctors visits in the USA, but this is a complete lack of professionalism. Forewarned is forearmed.daddy did NOT train you well in manners buddy.. read more

Background: Almost 60 and have worn glasses since four years old. I generally go to an optometrist every couple years to have my prescription updated. About every ten years, I see an ophthalmologist (medical doctor specializing in the eyes). Dr. Gerstein indicated that I had cataracts (what a surprise) and during the lens replacement process, I could have prescription replacement lenses, meaning I no longer need glasses (except for reading). This was a live-changing development. The pre-surgical preparation and seamless integration with NovaMed Surgical Center (next door) was outstanding. As a former optician, I have seen the inside of quite a few doctors offices and was impressed and felt 100% comfortable that I would receive top-notch care. Dr. Gerstein never made me feel rushed, answered all my questions thoroughly and has an outstanding and extremely well trained staff. It is now one week since the surgery on my second eye. I had zero complications and was thrilled to donate over a dozen pairs of glasses to The Lions Club. I could not be more thrilled with Dr. Gerstein, his office and NovaMed. I have already recommended him to several friends and family members and will continue to do so. Side note: Don't be me and skimp on your eyes and use only optometrists for your eye exams. Had I been more diligent about trusting my eyes only to an ophthalmologist, I might have been able to toss my glasses years sooner. read more

In response to your boilerplate reply: While you may provide hand sanitizer and require masks, none of that will do any good if EVERYONE, including the doctor, doesn't follow protocol and wear the mask properly. With the sides and bottom of the doctor's mask open, not only is he putting patients and staff at risk, but also himself. read more

I've been coming here for years and always have such a great experience. The front desk is so helpful and friendly, as well as Dr. Craig. He's so knowledgeable and always so patient with my questions. This time I decided it was time to stop buying glasses that I never end up happy with online and I worked with their Optician, Ben. He really knew what he was doing and was actually the one that picked out my pair of glasses based on what I told him my style was, and what looked good on me. I also purchased contacts, like I always do. My parents just moved to the area, so I'll definitely be bringing them back in for a visit soon! read more

Update..So I went to lens crafters in Northbrook mall with my dad because we felt like our prescriptions were not right (especially my contacts one). Apparently the optometrist here told me that I had an astigmatism and that Dr. G was not giving me contacts for people with this problem. Instead he was trying to get away with somehow fudging with the prescription numbers (I don't know too much about how this works but I am happy with my new oasis contacts for people with astigmatisms). Since Dr. G is an ophthalmologist which is a doctor who specializes in eye disorders I can't speak to how he treats people with these problems or is as surgeon. If you need to get a prescription avoid this place and go to a optometrist! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Craig Gerstein for many years. The time had come where I needed cataract surgery. Dr. Craig performed the surgery with the help of an awesome staff. I had one eye done one week and the other eye the following week. I am very pleased with The outcome of the surgery and the lens Dr Craig put in. I have been wearing contacts for about 50 years. I now can throw away the contacts. I am ver happy with the outcome and great vision I now have. read more

Gerstein Eye Institute - Contact lens, solutions and glasses. - Optometrists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They told me insurance covers 100 of my visit, but a month later billed me the remainder of what my insurance refused to pay, what they billed to my insurance was way too much. Doctor has spent about 10 mins total with me giving an advice on how to treat my symptom. Overpriced and incompetent front desk service. If not for that I would give them 4-4.5 stars. read more

I recently had cataract surgery at Gerstein. The whole experience has been so positive. Everyone I dealt with was friendly and professional. The nurses who prepped me for surgery were amazing. It's a well-oiled machine and impressively so. read more

Highly recommend. The office and surgery center flow is seamless. Dr. Craig Gerstein is a pro. He's extremely knowledgeable and takes time to answer your questions. His demeanor is laid back, yet professional. I especially appreciated the atmosphere at the surgery center- no IV, no hospital gown, very relaxed vibe for a surgery center. Dr. Gerstein plays music during surgery- I found this to be especially relaxing as I'm 48 years old and just underwent my first surgery. The whole environment just made it less scary. I'm glad I chose Gerstein Eye Institute! read more

My family has been visiting Dr. Gerstein's office for at least 10 years. They have purchased many expensive glasses there over the years, but will absolutely NEVER go there again after the way they were treated on the last visit. A year ago, my grandma spent over $500 on glasses. When she picked them up, she immediately told them there was a problem with the frames. She was told it's no problem, they can be adjusted. The frames were too small for her and fell on her cheeks no matter how they were adjusted. She went back again to have them adjusted, and was told they were fine and didn't need adjustment. After a year with these glasses she can't use, she went in to Dr. Gerstein's office and asked for them to exchange the glasses for another pair. Dr. Gerstein refused to take responsibility for the poor-fitting glasses, saying there was no warranty, and they don't have to replace them. Dr. Gerstein said he would offer her 20% discount only if she bought another expensive pair of glasses. My grandma cannot afford another pair of glasses and is now left with glasses that she needs, in order to read, but hurt her face every time she puts them on. This doctor's office cares only about profit. You should avoid his office like the plague! read more

I went here looking for a skilled doctor who could do the Lasik operation on my eyes. I was done with contacts and glasses and wanted to have my eyes back. Honestly, couldn't have picked a better place. All the staff was friendly, Dr. Gerstein answered all my concerns. After thorough research I went in as informed as possible. It's been a few weeks and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the procedure! I can see! If you're looking for a skilled doctor, and like me couldn't see more than 6 inches in focus, then look no further. Lasik is nothing short of a miracle! Update - It's been several years since the procedure, still see sharper than ever. In fact I drive a commercial semi now, almost since the Lasik! read more

I received laser eye correction from Dr. Craig Gerstein in late December 2015 and now, in late March 2016 I wanted to look back on that experience and evaluate it for others considering this procedure at this office. First of all, I found the Dr. Craig to be humorous, personable, knowledgable and professional. He embodied the kinds of qualities you'd want to encounter when you are exploring a procedure like this and have doubts and anxieties about its efficacy. He put my mind at ease and we immediately scheduled an appointment at Advocate Masonic where the Intralase devise is located. The literature states clearly that you need to bring someone along who will drive you home afterwards. My partner works for Advocate, so that made it almost too easy for me. However, I had it in my head that under different circumstances in which I didn't have a handy ride, I could lie about having a ride, sneak out afterwards and take the CTA home since the hospital is right on the Brown Line. All I can say is DO NOT DO THIS!!!! THAT WAS AN IDIOTIC IDEA!!!! I had the procedure around noon and was essentially incapacitated for the rest of the afternoon. There is tremendous light sensitivity. So much so that opening my eyes in well lit settings genuinely stung for the first few hours. You'll want to go right home and rest for a number of hours. By evening I was fine and actually had friends and family over that evening. The first day or so the sight is rather cloudy, but that goes away after the first night. Then, for the next three to four weeks, you'll see halos around bright lights at night (and even during the day). I'm told the halos are a result of the flaps that were made and that as these heal, your sight becomes progressively sharper. This has happened for me and now, after a number of months, my sight is razor sharp. I successfully wore contact lenses for 40 years before having this surgery, and during all those years, my sight was never nearly as good with contacts as it is now after the laser procedure. At this point in the recovery game, all I'm doing is putting over-the-counter artificial teardrops in my eyes a few times a day. I'm told that this will not be necessary in a month or so. My overall assessment is that I can't think of any purchase I've ever made that has resulted in such complete satisfaction. I spent the first two months looking out my window marveling at the sharpness and clarity of my vision. It has been marvelous and worth every cent I paid. read more

I have been coming to this establishment for over 20 years. They always take great care of me. Truly friendly, professional care from the front desk to the Dr's Melvin and Craig. Novamed is their eye surgical center and they are a equally friendly and professional. You'll be well taken care of at both facilities. Thanks so much for bringing my sight back! read more

This is the first time that I am writing a truly negative review since I've joined yelp ! I felt bad about it in a way, but after reading some of the other reviews on here I feel better !! I have to start of by saying that Dr. Craig Gerstein is awesome ! I like his personality, he is very kind, quick, always answered all my questions and I felt like I received a thorough exam from him. He is definitely 5 stars. Now on to the horrible part...the front desk staff....the one star ! I have been going to this place for a long time now. My insurance has been the same for the last five years. Today when I showed up for my appointment I was told that I need to have a referral in order to be seen ( this was NEVER mentioned before). The receptionist ( I wish I remembered her name) told me that since I have an HMO I cannot be seen without a referral. When I pointed out that no one ever asked me for this in the past, and that I have used the same insurance for a while now, she looks at my records and goes " oh, it looks like you insurance never covered the visits, that is why you always had a high co payment". ( Let me tell you, I almost lost it at this point!!!) I took a deep breath, and asked her how in the world no one ever said anything, I have been overpaying for YEARS !!! All she could say was that she was not here, she does not know and cannot do anything to help me besides reschedule my appointment. No one was there that knew what they were doing so that was all that could be done. I have two jobs, go to school and a four year old, rescheduling is not helpful! It occurred to me that maybe she is not being helpful because I have an HMO ( and they dont get as much money as they would from a PPO) I turned away from her and walked out. In retrospect, its partially my fault for not looking at all the paperwork my insurance sends me. In my defense, I am married to a Marine and moved a lot and did not keep track. Since my family lives in Chicago I always made sure to have my exams at this office since I love Dr.Gerstein. No more of that, the front desks incompetence ruined it for me! Any recommendations for a good eye doctor ? read more

I agree with the reviews, the doctor is great hands down however the staff makes you not want to even go there. My fathers insurance changed and while making him a new appointment I advised and confirmed with the receptionist and was told they accept the new insurance. My father went to his appointment later that week and was told they not only do not accept the new insurance but he also needed a referral in order to see the doctor. Let me remind you, he's an existing patient that had surgery there and never needed a referral before. When I called to speak with them- NO one could give me a straight answer, I literally spoke to 3 different ladies and all had different answers and cared less about the inconvenience they had caused. Poor service for such a great doctor. I wish the staff would be properly trained. read more

Gerstein eye institute is a great eye doctor. I went there with my son to get his first pair of eye glasses the staff and doctor were amazing. They made us feel so comfortable! I would highly recommend this doctor to all my family and friends ! read more

Will never recommend! Dr. Gerstein confirmed that I will not pay anything because he will charge it to my insurance. Next thing I know I need to pay almost $1000. i called the billing and complained. He said Dr. Gerstein will not know until it is billed to my insurace. I told the billing that Dr. Gerstein should NEVER GIVE ASSURANCE that the patient will not pay anything! What a gimick to get patients!!! If you do not want to pay $1000 don't even try scheduling an appointment here. $1000 is not an easy money!!! read more

Phenomenal! I went from barely being able to see to just shy of perfect vision. Dr. Gersten performed my cataract surgery so professionally. His staff is knowledgeable and efficient. All of them really took the time to understand my questions and concerns. I can recommend Dr. Gersten more highly! read more

First of all let me explain that I have never written a review on yelp, but after such good results, I wanted to reassure those who are thinking of coming to this clinic. I always had poor vision since a child. I suffered through years of thick glasses...as strong as they could make them. Also years of uncomfortable contact lenses. Yet neither could give me the incredibly clear and precise vision that I obtained from the Gerstein eye clinic. I had the intraocular lens replacement procedure on my left eye at this clinic two years ago and the result was just short of miraculous. The result was even better than 20/20...and I could see details at a distance clearer than ever before in my life. The whole procedure was painless, and the staff could not have been more courteous and helpful. It was hard to believe that after years of thick glasses and uncomfortable contact lenses such an improvement could be achieved so easily. This year, as a birthday present to myself, I decided to have the procedure on my right eye as well. The results were equally impressive. I have beautifully clear and precise vision both near and far. My highest compliment however goes to Dr. Gerstein. He is very thoughtful, informative and patient. He thoroughly explained the procedure...(Which was very comfortable. Just a slight itchiness the day after the operation which disappeared quickly. The advances in eye surgery in the last few years make this operation highly successful...and remarkably painless). I read some of the other reviews and was honestly puzzled. The staff could not have been more thoughtful and informative. I know there are always some disgruntled people in any business, but I would bet there are dozens of completely satisfied patients every month who never bother to write a review. And that is why I am writing one now. I didn't write one two years ago after such excellent results, and after this second successful operation, I felt one was long overdue. I have referred several friends to this clinic with equally impressive results. Dr. Craig Gernstein is the only doctor I would trust my eyes to...period! read more

I had Lasik done with Dr. Gerstein on 12/12/14. I am so happy with the procedure. The office was very friendly and knowledgeable. I have been wearing contacts/glasses for 17 years and now I have 20/20 vision and no complaints. The Dr explained everything in detail (more than once) and made me feel very comfortable with having lasik done. If you are looking for a great Dr for Lasik, go here! read more

I had lens surgery and it was compete disaster .gersttien hacked my vision on both eyes and had me come back fo try again charge me Moore money I cannot even work now. Maybe he should change his name to dr Frankenstein read more

The doctor himself was very nice. I had a ruptured blood vessel in my eye, and his explanation was very reassuring. But the practice management is questionable. They told me that because it was a medical condition, it would be billed to my health insurance, rather than to my eye insurance. I asked if they needed a co-pay. They said that if I owed anything after the insurance company paid, I would be billed for the balance. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe that if a doctor thinks a patient owes them money, the patient should be billed. Today I received an intimidating letter from their attorneys, attempting to collect what my insurance company had not paid. It was jarring to get this abrupt letter - especially considering I have never been billed by this doctor. Not one bill. Ever. Of course, I paid the $165.96 - for the one visit - before I sat down to Yelp. But the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

I had cataract surgery 4 years ago and before I went to Gerstein Eye Institute I read a Yelp review about the Institute. The review was about the staff. It was all negatives and went I went there I expected rudeness from everyone. None of that happened and everyone one was professional and very nice. Dr. Gerstein did a fabulous job on my surgery and now I can see without glasses and it's totally amazing. Thank you to the Gerstein Eye Institute. read more

I've been coming here for over forty years. Both Dr M (semi-retired) and his son Dr. Craig. are top notch knowledgeable and caring eye docs. I've had several serious eye issues in the past, which we successfully diagnosed and treated. The scrips and glasses have always been spot on, which can be difficult as I'm very nearsighted. read more

I recently went to see Dr. Gerstein for the first time. Many good things have been posted about Dr. Gerstein, but several one and two-star reviews are critical of his support staff including the front desk. I wholeheartedly disagree! They were extremely friendly and helpful. Don't let the one and two-star reviews deter you! read more

I went to Gerstein Eye Institute because I was in need of an opthamologist when I developed contact lens intolerance that didn't clear up after the treatment prescribed by the optometrist at LensCrafters. Pros: I was able to get in within just a few days, and I really appreciate that they have Saturday appointments, as I hate to use precious PTO for a doctor's appointment. I also have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Craig Gerstein... he took great care of me and is very personable as well. I was more impressed with him than with other opthamologists I've seen here in Chicago. He took plenty of time to explain everything to me and answered all of my questions. He also remembered me by face when my chart was misplaced (see below). My main complaint about Gerstein pertains to wait times. I waited OVER an hour past my scheduled appointment time at my first of 3 appointments there. The next 2 appointments also ran late, but 30 minutes or less, which is more acceptable but still annoying. They also misplaced my chart for my final appointment, which meant I had to fill out some forms and such a second time. The administrative staff clearly needs to get some things together. I would definitely recommend Gerstein Eye Institute for the quality of care, but be prepared to wait for your appointment. read more

Clinically, Gerstein Eye Insitute is great. The office receptionists & manager are very unprofessional. After being a patient since 1979 I was really disappointed in the attitude of the staff. Shame on you guys! read more

I had horrible eye issues and went to many eye doctors in the city who misdiagnosed me and then I went to the Gerstein Eye Institute and they finally were able to treat my infection. I then had Lasik done and it was the most amazing experience, Dr Craig was so great and even came in on a Sunday to check how I was doing. I have also bought many pairs of great designer sunglasses from them as well. read more

I went to Gerstein Eye Institute because they're close to my house and I needed help for an eye inflammation because of contact lenses. I've been there twice and would not recommend it AT ALL. The last time I went, I waited for 40 minutes, saw a clinician for an eye exam for 10 minutes, waited some more, saw the doctor for all of 30 seconds, then waited another 20 minutes to meet with Essie, their glasses and contact fit specialist. Essie is one of the rudest people I have ever run into at a doctor's office. She was rude, condescending, terse, and made remarks about my file as she "served me." I got my free pair of contact lenses, but I guarantee I'll be buying them and my glasses elsewhere. It's NOT worth the wait! read more

Can't say enough about the staff! Nicole, at the front desk, is amazing! She helped me with all of my billing and insurance questions (and anyone who has tried to remotely understand insurance knows how difficult it is). Thank you for making my visit seamless! read more

Doc was great but front office staff was horrible they spoke about the patients in the waiting room loudly in Spanish. They didn't always have nice things to say. They also discussed the show X-Factor and giggled about it for about 30 min. Not very professional. Only going back because the doctor is so great. read more

THANK YOU DR. GERSTEIN AND STAFF!!! Dr. Craig Gerstein performed my cataract surgeries flawlessly. From the first visit, I was immediately put at ease with the friendly front desk staff. After seeing Dr. Gerstein, he had me schedule my surgery with his lovely surgical coordinator. She answered all of my questions and was very patient and kind. I will continue to see Dr. Gerstein for all of my eyecare needs, as well as my family. Thank you for giving me my sight back! read more

I was referred to Dr. Craig Gerstein by my general doctor since my cataracts started to create more and more problems for me. I spend a lot of time reading, on the computer and driving at all times of day and night & throughout all Chicago seasons & weathers. My experience at Dr. Gerstein's office was very pleasant. I did not encounter any issues with the staff in his office. Dr. Gerstein examined my eyes, explained the procedure, presented available options, & we set a date for the removal of the cataracts from both eyes with a one week interval in-betwen the two procedures. Now, I have monofocal lenses implanted in both eyes and I am amazed by the results. Dr. Craig Gerstein is very professional in his interaction with the patient, however, he is also very friendly. I have already told a number of my friends about my experience and I intend to refer to Dr. Craig Gernstein anyone who may be looking for a highly skilled opthamologist. Barbara S., Chicago read more