I had some service issue with my regular Optometry so was looking for a new place. After some research I narrowed it down to Helmus and Baker Optometry. To start , they have very convenient online scheduling where you just pick a day and available block of time. And they seems to have wide selections of frames. I scheduled Saturday morning. Few days before the appointment, I received email to confirm the appointment and they send me the form as well which can be filled and sent to them to save time on the day of appointment. So Saturday morning went around 15 minutes earlier. I didn't fill online form so I was asked to do so. Once form was filled, I was promptly taken for pre- screening. All the usual stuffs but they have option for retina scan for additional cost. I went for it just to make sure everything is fine with my eyes. Once prescreening is done I was promptly greeted by Dr Mark and went to his office for eye exam. I found his examination very thorough and explained me in detail after looking at my retina scan. Peace of mind that my eyes are good and just need glasses for far sight. The lady who helped me to pick frame handed me tray to put the frames of my pick. One frame is finalized she explained me other options like adding anti- glare and so on. Once everything is finalized paid the due and out of there. Now waiting for my glasses. From start to finish, just an excellent service from everyone. This will be the Optometry for me and my family. Highly recommended to all. read more

Just had my eye exam with Dr. Julie Helmus on Monday 8/15 - first time I've ever felt really listened to and like my prescription was accurate! She is very knowledgable and an excellent Doctor. Would recommend to anyone! read more

Actually I would give five stars to the doctors here. But I can't go back because of the receptionists and their lack of knowledge about how the insurance works. We were told our visit would be $10 because our insurance would cover it. I was skeptical so I called to check back and another receptionist corrected the first one and quoted $100. Then when we finally did schedule the appointment, it was more than double that. This happened two separate times. Why'd we go back? Because Dr Helmus herself is just awesome. If you can avoid believing/relying on the receptionists, I can safely say that Dr. Helmus is/was my kids favorite doctor. read more

I've been going here for years. The staff are always friendly and efficient. Dr. Baker takes good care of my eyes, listening to my concerns and explaining the changes my eyes are going through. Susana was wonderfully helpful and patient as I was choosing new frames. It can take a couple weeks to get the new glasses, but I'm always very happy with them. read more

Just went there for the first time last week. Dr. Mark Helmus and his team were great, they seem on top of the game technology wise and were very friendly! read more

I LOVE going to my appointments at Helmus + Baker Optometry. The doctors (and I've seen three out of four) are precise, helpful, and always seem genuinely interested in my life and how I am doing (as well as how my eyes are doing, of course). When I've been fitted for glasses, staff members who have helped me have given me TONS of information about the different glasses, and are not only knowledgable, but make sure I'm getting the type of glasses I want and the pair/style that will suit me best. I wholeheartedly recommend Helmus + Baker Optometry because of their expertise, kindness, and the ease at which my appointments go. Thank you, Helmus + Baker Optometry, can't wait to get my new glasses in a week or so. :) read more

I just had my yearly eye exam with Dr Mark Helmus. As someone who has had to wear glasses since the age of 7 I have had a lot of experience with various optometrists and used to have a lot of anxiety about eye exams (the old "is this better or this?" would really stress me out!). The relaxed, friendly, patient staff here has made that go away. I have purchased many pairs of glasses from this office and have always felt they were exactly right. I really appreciate the explanations about my vision and what to expect from my eyes in the future. read more

I love the Helmus doctors they are great, thorough, and friendly. Great choice for picking out glasses as well as great customer service. I give them short of 5 stars because the eye glass fitting was very poor from one particular woman with poor customer service. The same went for my mom. I took them to Kaiser instead and immediately got a great fitting there. read more

I've been coming to helmus optometry on and off since 2004. I most recently saw dr talaga. I thought she was fantastic! I have historically seen Dr Mark, so I was a bit nervous to switch things up, but I was not disappointed. Dr. talaga was thorough, answered all my questions, and was very warm and easy to talk to. Jessica priest helped me pick out my new glasses. She was very attentive and even shipped my new glasses to me. I actually don't live in the area any more, but I find myself making an annual trip to Davis just to have my eye exam at helmus optometry. read more

I am now being treated for glaucoma and cataracts by Dr. Julie Helmus. She is encouraging and professional. I feel very confident that she will give me the best possible care and advice as I deal with cataract surgery sometime in the future. read more

Great Doctors and staff, and the frame selection is great, but just a bit too pricey to compete with online lenses on my college budget.

I've been visiting Helmus Optometry for over 20 years and I look forward to each annual visit. I began with Dr. Mark and have transitioned to Dr. Joann over the years. I especially liked my retinal scans/xrays - this was new this visit. In addition, the frame selection is great! read more

Dr. Baker is great, professional with the right amount of personable! I live in Sacramento and still go out to Davis because of their excellence. read more

I walked into Helmus and Baker Optometry with a frightening change in my vision in one eye. Though I had no appointment, their staff squeezed me into their busy schedule. Dr. Baker came out to speak with me within 10 minutes and completed my exam within an hour. His calm, kind, caring demeanor set me at ease and he quickly made the correct diagnosis. His staff then made all the arrangements for me to see a retinal specialist. I cannot express my level of gratitude for Dr. Baker and his staff. Thank you!!! read more

I started going to Helmus Optometry because Mark was my kids' soccer coach, and I was grateful for his level of community involvement. Now I go to his daughter, Julie, because of pre-glaucoma. I've always like these folks, but I love Julie! I've never felt like hugging my optometrist before! I know I'm in good hands at that practice. read more

Dr. Joanne provided me with reasonably priced, caring service on short notice when I was suddenly in need. I'm grateful. She was thoughtful and took more time to investigate and explain than most doctors I have seen. read more

Our family has been going to Helmus + Baker for 8 years now. We have always been very satisfied with the all the optometrists and other employees. They are very friendly, yet knowledgeable and professional. Great practice! read more

Hubby and I saw Dr Baker, who we both liked very much. The eye and vision exam was thorough and there was plenty of time to ask questions. Likewise, the opticians were very helpful (made minor adjustments to my current glasses) and had good suggestions about new frames. Excellent frame selection across a wide price range and no pressure to decide. From start to finish, everything was perfectly coordinated. I can't imagine having a better experience somewhere else! read more

I've used Helmus and Helmus for about two years now, and I like this office because it seems very professional and all of the staff treat me well. I never have to wait very long whether on the phone or in-person. I prefer Dr. Baker because I'm an engineer and his technical explanations of the way eyes work make sense to me :-) Also he doesn't seem to "fight" the equipment as much as some other doctors I've been to. But I've used Dr. Joann before and she is very good, and my wife has used Dr. Mark for years and is very happy with him. So I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. The people who worked with me to pick out my glasses were very good too, knowing exactly how to fit them, set the transition areas on my transitional lenses, pick the correct options (like glare coatings, etc.). I know they did a good job because I've had the same pair of glasses for about two years and they've worked and felt perfect from day one. I usually don't even notice that I'm wearing them. They're still perfect and I wouldn't even bother to replace them if I hadn't scratched them up some over the last two years, and I feel dumb not taking advantage of the yearly pair of glasses my insurance pays for. read more

Helmus & Baker Optometry is the best optometry office I have every used. The staff and optometrist were knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful. I was in an out very quickly. I am also very impressed that the office uses the latest technology to test your eyes. It was wonderful to experience the high level of care that one receives at Helmus & Baker. I highly recommend them. read more

Great staff - very knowledgeable and friendly. They take their time to explain the whole process to you so you understand what the measurements mean that they are taking. They always seem to have the latest technology for the eye exams (they have other options to do full eye exams without dilating your eyes). Dr. Baker is the best, he's very kind and agreeable. Again, he also takes the time to explain to you the results of the test and what options you have. If you need an eye doctor, eye exam or new glasses - I highly recommend this place. read more

These guys are the best I can imagine. Super professional, friendly, and caring. They live locally and are involved with the community. I wouldn't consider going anywhere else. They have always kept my vision at perfection and their wide array of eyewear styles and catalogues makes it one stop shopping. We are lucky to have them in Downtown Davis. read more

I came in to get a pair of lenses replaced for a new prescription on my glasses. They broke my glasses and would not even accept responsibility. They kept blaming the "lab". I left them a perfectly fine pair of frames in their care. In all the years I have been doing this at other businesses, I have never had this problem. The rep did not even offer to make it right. She suggested that I come in and use my eye glass and frame allowance which had reset for the new year. They broke my glasses and she is now asking me to bring them more of my business. If they cannot guarantee their work, why should I trust their service. The arrogance of their reps is amazing. read more

I have been a patient with Helmus+Baker Optometry for close to 6 years now, I must say that the level of care from Dr. Baker and the attention from the staff is second to none. I would highly recommend their services for anyone who is looking for no nonsense honest optical care. read more

There are so good things to say about Helmus-Baker Optometry. I've been a patient there for many years. I have always been treated in a friendly and professionally manner. I usually see Dr. Joanne Helmus. She is very knowledgeable and answers all my questions. I moved an hour away from Davis, but still drive back to see Dr. Helmus when I need an eye exam or new glasses. read more

This is a well coordinated experience. Knowledgeable staff, love Dr. Baker's clear explanations and good selection of frames if needed. Like that it's an online scheduling experience if that's what you prefer. read more

Always a great experience. Staff is friendly and professional, and the selection of frames is outstanding. I found several great choices, and the staff went the extra mile to look up alternative colors as well. read more

I continue to see the doctors at Helmus + Baker Optometry for my eye care. The staff is knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. I have seen 3 of the 4 doctors and ALL are very friendly and explain the details of their exam findings and recommendations so they can be easily understood. read more

I have been a patient of Helmus and Baker Optometry for several years. I don't go as often as I probably should, but I must say their professionalism, quality of care, and attention to detail are top notch! They have an excellent selection of frames as well, and the staff is very knowledgeable in all aspects of fitting and lens options. I see Dr. Baker, and he is always very attentive to any issues and has a very down to earth way of explaining medical things. Couldn't be happier with my optometrist and staff! read more

At the risk of overstating, Dr. Baker is quite a stud. As another reviewer mentioned, he listens extremely well and remembers me at my annual visits, including my family life and important things going on. Not often to see that in the professional world these days. I'm grateful to have such a great optometrist. read more

Helmus and Baker were recommended by our previous optometrist in Orange County. The staff and doctors are always polite and friendly. Dr. Julie Helmus is extremely clear and helpful. My wife and I have been there several times in the last two years. read more

I have seen Dr. Joann Helmus for multiple years now, and have been extraordinarily happy with my vision care experiences! Dr. Joann is thorough, knowledgeable, and kind. The staff are prompt and friendly. I can't recommend Helmus + Baker enough! read more

I was new to town and needed new contacts, so went to see Dr. Joann. She was friendly and professional, and took her time with me. After the appointment, I realized I told her that I was wearing a different prescription than I really was. The prescription she gave me was different than the contacts I had used for the past 8 years, so I was worried that maybe it wasn't accurate. After debating, I called back, and she agreed to re-examine me at no charge to really verify that the prescription she gave me was correct, even though I was partially at fault because I told her the wrong starting prescription. The prescription she gave me was correct, and I am very satisfied with my experience! read more

I went to Dr. Helmus for the first time yesterday after trying out three other optometry offices and not being impressed. I was finally impressed! I was acknowledged and greeted as soon as I walked in by the friendly front desk staff. I was given a small amount of paperwork to fill out since it was my first time being seen by them. I was then promptly seen by a young lady for preliminary testing and then shortly after was seen by Dr. Helmus. Dr. Helmus was very friendly and explained the condition of my eyes. After I was done with him I was assigned to a tech, Marlene, who showed me to the glasses, explained my insurance benefits and then helped me pick out a cute pair of glasses. She was extremely helpful and offered as much help as I wanted. I ordered a pair of glasses, but later in the day after looking at color options online I wanted to change the color I picked so I called the office and they put me on the phone with Marlene who gladly changed the color for me. The frame selection here is awesome, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend it! read more

We always get personal and kind service here. The doctors and the optometrists are kind and listening and know what they are doing. We especially had very good experience with dr Baker since we saw him more often. Thanks all! read more

My first time there was excellent and it was a lot better than other places I've been to. Everyone was happy & helpful. I also had a lot of fun picking out my new sassy Ray-Ban glasses with Jessica - I would have been lost without her assistance. I'm looking forward to going back there again! read more

Dr. Baker is one of the best, if not the best professionals around. Every visit with Dr. Baker is very positive and upbeat. I am a loyal customer and by the way, did I mention the amazing selection of designer frames in the showroom?! Marisa is my go to gal for choosing one or two new frames.The appointment scheduling is very convenient, go see them today! read more

Dr. Helmus and his entire office provides excellent professional service. I've been a patient for over 15 years and have referred all my family and friends to this office. They are prompt, knowledgeable and flexible. Additionally they are up to date on all current testing and medical testing equipment. read more

Pleasant and quick experience! Dr. Baker is great! He is very easy to talk to and is patient in explaining care. All the staff are friendly. They take the time to explain what services and products work with your insurance. I look forward to my appointments because I know I will get quality care and great glasses! read more

Great experience getting my annual eye exam and contacts. They even gave me extra savings by finding out that we had eye insurance through my husband's employment with the state. I'm so glad they did the extra digging to find that and save me some additional money. I'll definitely be going back for my next exam! read more