I went to Dr. Chin for a chalazion on my eyelid that was blurring my vision. At the first visit he was confident and clear: it was pressing on my eye, and I should try compresses and ointment, then schedule an excision if that didn't work. I followed his instructions exactly. It went downhill from there. I was called in on a day he doesn't do procedures, told there was only a 50/50 chance he'd actually do it, and nearly charged for an unnecessary second consult. Staff falsely claimed I'd reported pain. When I finally saw him, he contradicted his own diagnosis, said my blurry vision was just my glasses, hadn't reviewed his notes, and seemed reluctant to do the procedure he'd told me to schedule. In fact, he said I think this is scar tissue at this point. If I do this, you might just have more scar tissue. This completely contradicted what he told me on the first exam. The excision itself was worse: not enough numbing, nothing to brace my head against as the blade came toward my open eye until I asked, and a wobbly headrest. I could feel the cutting, and when I said so, he dismissed it. In fact, when the Q-tip he was using to clean it afterwards hurt like hell he said oh it's only a Q-tip. And I said well I don't care what it is. It hurts. I was on the verge of a panic attack. I had to sit with my eyelid in a clamp, flipped open and had to watch a sharp blade repeatedly come towards my eye. You really gotta be numb for that! The procedure worked, but only because I pushed for it and survived it. My adrenal system is wrecked. read more

Dr. Shin has been extremely responsive in diagnosing and communicating an action plan for cataract surgery. I had my second eye done on 3/25 and both surgeries went very well. The staff was professional, knowledgeable and caring. Most important Dr. Shin provided excellent care. He followed up before and after the surgery. Two days after the surgeries, both eyes are significantly improved and i can read and use computer with glasses. I recommend Dr. Shin very highly to anyone seeking an eye Surgeon. Best Steve read more

After an unhelpful appointment with another ophthalmologist, I decided to try Eye Institute of Marin, and got an appointment with Dr. Shin, who was helpful, and informative both in dealing with my issue and helping me to understand what was going on. I highly recommend Dr. Shin. And from our experience of the front office, I recommend the practice as a whole. read more

I have no complaint about Dr Shin. But the appointment started 25 minutes late. There was no time to do dilation due to this and my having to go to another appointment right after this one. Little things seemed off. You know when the front office staff doesn't even notice someone in a wheelchair trying to check in with a caregiver who was not aggressive enough to speak up. But he was right there! See people! And no hygienic one-time use paper under your chin when doing the pressure test. I mean come on so I want to put my chin on a place where another's has been? (I used tissue). Might have to look around for a better place. read more

Recently I had cataract surgery on both eyes, done by Dr. shin. I'm an avid golfer and prior to the surgery couldn't spot the ball once it went beyond 150 yards. Now I'm able to see the ball clearly, even when I'm lucky enough to hit 225 yard drives. The difference is truly remarkable, thanks to Dr. Shin and Marin Eyes. Special mention to Karen Wharton, Surgery Center Manager, who wisely recommended the option of toric lenses. Overall, the surgery could not have gone better and the end result is nothing short of remarkable. Jim Cole San Rafael read more

I read a lot of Yelp reviews before interviewing two cataract surgeons. Dr. Shin's negative reviews all had to do with personality; unlike the other surgeons reviewed, no one complained about his outcomes. That seemed worth following up. I found Dr. Shin matter-of-fact and knowledgeable. He knows what he's doing and is ready to get on with it. During the process of preparing for and following up on two cataract surgeries, I had lots of questions, and always got the support I needed from his staff, and when necessary from him. He knew I was nervous about the surgery and took the time to allay my concerns, including scheduling an extra visit. I was a little concerned at first about having state-of-the-art surgery in a charming 100 year old building, but in retrospect it was a much more comfortable experience than a hospital setting, and probably more sanitary. Having to fast the day of the surgery, I wasn't thrilled to have my two procedures scheduled for mid-day. It made more sense when his scheduler told me that Dr. Shin does the patients first who are least able to tolerate fasting. This is someone who worries about his patients. My wife's cataract surgeon had her come in for follow-ups the day after surgery, the next week, the next month, and so on. Dr. Shin saw me the day after, and then said to see my regular opthamologist in a few months. Some might find that off-putting. I was reassured by his attitude that this is routine stuff. OK, you know what to expect. Dr. Shin might not suit everyone, but if you want your cataracts fixed skillfully and efficiently, he's the guy. read more

Never have I been treated with less respect. He entered the room telling me that there is nothing he can do for dry eye and that I simply had too many birthdays. I basically told me that he is a surgeon and therefor really didn't want to deal with me. Mind you I have been seeing him every other year for my regular check up for about 6 years. I will not go back. He is not the only one in Marin. read more

I had cataract surgery in both eyes over the last two weeks. Everything I experienced with Dr Shin and his team at MarinEyes was exceptional. These are definitely the pros on every level. Excellent outcome of 20-25 in both eyes. At 77, I have the best eyesight since grade school. read more

I was referred to Dr Shin by someone whose opinion I trust. Had the appointment last week. I should have walked out when the doctor's assistant walked in (he was in a rush and had 0 personality) and he started talking about floaters and then seem to have no patience with me having trouble reading the eye charts - yes, my eyes are bad, I know this, that's why I am here! Now, when I made the appointment, it was for conjunctivitis, which I seem to get in one eye only. So why these questions and comments about floaters should have been a sign for me to bolt. But I waited for the doctor. He too seemed to have been in a hurry and also started the conversation talking about floaters! I should have stopped him right then and there and after a couple of minutes, I finally told him when I made the appointment, it was for conjunctivitis. When he heard this he lost interest in explaining floaters to me and became very condescending, folded his hands in front of himself and started talking to me like I was a 6 year old. He may be good at cataracts and if he is, maybe that is all he should be doing. I had the impression because I only had Medicare and no secondary I was a waste of time for these people - and he is not the only doctor in Marin to do this. I also had a GP who was the same - - not going to her anymore and ditto for Dr. Shin. You don't have to act like my best friend, but work on your bedside manner. Finally I was really pissed when after all this, the receptionist had the nerve to ask me to pay up front! I told her to run it through Medicare first and I left that place. Couldn't get out of there fast enough. One other comment I read on this site was that this place is a "factory" and he is 100% on the money - which seems to be the only thing they care about. This doctor does not even deserve 1 star. read more

Dr. Shin was funny and most amicable. Added bonus: When he didn't know something, he wasn't pompous enough to pretend, and referred me to someone else. Gotta respect that. A good general ophthalmologist, centrally located in San Rafael. read more

I accidentally poked myself in the eye while applying makeup. For several days afterward it felt like I had a scratch on my eye and when it didn't get better I was concerned I did some real damage. The receptionist was sympathetic and squeezed me in for an appointment the next day. Dr. Shin was very professional and efficient while still being personable, and explained things in an easy to understand way. Turns out I did bruise my eye pretty bad but just needed some drops to ensure an infection didn't develop while it heals. Dr. Shin also discussed coming in for regular eye exams because of my age (something I knew but never got around to) which I appreciated. Dr. Shin is part of the Marin Eyes office which houses several eye doctors and surgeons. The front office staff was friendly and efficient, and the office seemed to be running like a well-oiled machine. Office is easy to find and free parking is abundant. read more

I was having difficulty seeing out of my right eye and made an appointment to see Dr Shin. He discovered that the blurriness was due to a cataract. He explained the procedure was to remove the cataract & replace it with an intraocular lense. I made another appointment to have this done. I showed up on my scheduled date for this procedure at 8:00am. After filling out the necessary paper work I was led into his operating facility. Two medical assistants greeted me, Cynthia & Tyler. Both were very pleasant and took the time to make me fe read more

Not great. Pro's + Easy to get appointment + Easy parking + Nice office staff (although not transparent about $55 refraction fee) + Likely technically proficient MD Con's - Poor "bedside manner" especially with new patient - Asked about thoughts on impact of "blue light" of ipad and iphone use on phones (research shows - impact). Shin responded by complaining about lawyers, and how everything has a warning on it in CA and that's how we know something is bad for us. (WHAT? Does he read current research?) - Not good with vision loss prevention, but probably good if you have a MAJOR geriatric vision problem (whole waiting room was geriatric). - Shin came across as an MD who's been in profession too long: Cynical, Judgmental, Abrupt and Not Up On Research (ugh). read more

Dr. Shin was fantastic. I consulted him after reading previous reviews and am very happy with his approach, effort, and bedside manner. He explains everything step by step to make sure I was comfortable and to eliminate any surprises. I had a papilloma in my right eye, the first time I had an appt he explained what he was planning on doing to remove it. He pulled strings and actually got me in the surgery room and saved me loads of money. His staff was very nice and comforting, Minda help my hand the whole time. He removed it seamlessly and didn't have to bandage my eye. I highly recommend him! read more

Rude and condescending. Couldn't get the appointment over fast enough.

Dr. Shin is an exceptional surgeon. Last week he removed a cataract from my right eye. Yesterday he removed a cataract from my left eye. Prior to the surgery my vision was 20-500 in my right eye and 20-400 in my left eye. Now my left eye uncorrected is 20/20 and 20/25 in my right eye. He also checked my eye pressure and found it very high. He immediately put me on an eye medication that cut my numbers down to normal. He is a straight forward no nonsense person. Not so warm and fuzzy, but in my opinon a excellent surgeon who gives you choices in which way to address your eye problem. HIs staff is very competent and makes you feel at ease in a stressful situation. If you or someone you know has cataracts or any problem with your vision, you owe it to yourself to check out Dr.Shin at Marin Eyes. He or someone on his staff is always available to answer any question or concerns you might have 24 hrs a day. read more

After 47 years of wearing thick glasses now I can finally see fantastically with no glasses thanks to Dr. Shin and his superb and kind staff at Marin Eyes. I highly recommend these wonderful people for cataract surgery or any other ophthalmology services. read more

Dr. Shin, the whole gang at Marin Eyes--the best. Had serious eye problems. They took good care of me and continue to. Eye health is great and I owe it to their expertise and professionalism. Shin's my man these days. Look forward to my visits. Shout out to the bossman, too--Dr. Campbell. He and his staff really have made a positive difference in my life. When you're eyes work, you tend to be happy. Or you SHOULD be! Terry McGovern read more

I had an excellent, professional experience with Marin Eyes, and Dr. Shin. My cataract surgery could not have been handled more professionally. Dr. Shin's staff and team were remarkable and very efficient. read more

Dr. Shin is a superior surgeon and excellent in his follow-ups. The staff at the clinic is courteous, skilled and very accommodating to their patients. I had had Lasik surgery many years ago which sometimes makes the outcome of Cataract surgery less than optimum. Dr. Shin operated on both of my eyes and my vision is now 20/20. read more

5 STARS for Dr. Shin himself. 1 star for the Marin Eyes practice policies. I went in for an eye exam and turns out I need some glasses. Dr. Shin and his assistant were very thorough and Dr. Shin was very personable. I felt like the exam covered every possible issue and Dr. Shin explained the changes going on with my eyes in a way that was easy to understand. He's a great eye doc and I recommend him highly. At the completion of the exam I asked for a printed prescription because I wanted to shop around for some frames (Marin Eyes has an in-house optometry 'store' but the selection is limited). I received a prescription that looked like it had all the measurements necessary for different kinds of glasses - computer, reading, etc. So I began shopping around at different optical stores and looking at online sites. No matter where you buy your glasses every single seller requires a "Pupillary Distance" (aka "PD") measurement. It measures the space between the pupils of your eyes so they know where to align the lenses. This was nowhere to be found on my prescription. I was told that my eye doc should have my PD measurement on file so all I have to do is call and ask for it. I did so. The response from Marin Eyes was "we don't measure Pupillary Distance." Confused, I asked why. They said it wasn't their policy to do that automatically, and if you wanted to know that measurement "you have to ask during your exam." What? How would I know to ask? Why wasn't I told that at the time, or offered the information? Plus the woman on the phone who told me this was very dismissive, signing off with a haughty "well guess you're going to have to go visit an optician to get that measurement." The moral of the story is, if you intend to buy glasses anywhere else but at Marin Eyes, be sure to ASK that they include your Pupillary Distance measurement on your prescription. read more

Felt like an eye factory and I was hearded to my room. The first person I saw acted like a Robot and barely asked me my name or looked me in the eye and just kept doing different tests probably to make more money. I asked to see the Doctor and he was just annoyed to even be seeing or talking to me with disgust like I should know why I was having eye issues. Worst place ever read more

As a registered nurse, I know where of I speak. Finally a subject that I can address. Dr Shin is without question a most expert ophthalmologist. He is a sweet incredibly knowledgeable man and I wouldn't hesitate to put my trust in this doctor. If you have any kind of eye issues that require the expertise of an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) please see Dr Shin. His office is efficient and well run. I need to give a special and especially loud shout out to every employee at Marin Eyes. You are all very professional and caring and detail oriented. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Shin and Marin Eyes. Thank you!!! read more

I just finished having cataract surgery on both eyes by Dr. Shin. I've been his patient for several years. Dr. Shin spotted the forming cataract a few years ago but advised me to wait until it was necessary to do the surgery. This was the year. The entire experience was pleasant and smooth. Dr. Shin was super clear on what I should expect and how the process would go. The entire staff was knowledgable and helpful. The day before my first operation I was a bit nervous about the choices I made and asked Dr. Shin to call me. He responded within a few hours and gave me the time I needed to confirm I was making the right decision for me regarding which lens to use. On the day of the first surgery the staff was great, made me feel very comfortable and secure. Dr. Shin performs several cataract surgeries on the weekday that he operates. This assures that the staff is totally fluent with the steps required. I liked the idea that Dr. Shin does these surgeries many times per month. I wanted someone for whom this was rote. Dr. Shin fits the bill. read more

thank you doctor Shin for your clear, thorough explanation of the cataracts on my eyes, the surgery process, a successful surgery, and overall excellent service. it instilled me with confidence heading into the surgery that everything would go smoothly, and it did. hopefully the other cataract in my left eye won't grow; if it does I'll call you. read more

After my then current ophthalmologist damaged my cornea (went to ER), I went to Dr. Shin. He knew what happened and not criticizing the other Dr explained what happened. I've been back twice since for an exam and infection and received excellent treatment every time. read more

This review is from my mother in law Ivannia DiFranco. Ivannia stated that her experience at Marin Eyes with Dr. Shin was great! Dr. Shin preformed a cataract surgery on Ivannia and she stated the whole process went smoothly with great success. Ivannia mentioned that after the surgery, her vision was better along with the pressure in her eye (in regards to when the ophthalmologist test for glaucoma). Dr. Shine explained to my mother in law that the better eye pressure was one of the benefits to having the cataract surgery done, along with others. In overall Ivannia wants to mention that Dr. Shin and the team at Marin Eyes are excellent. They provided great assistance, answered question, and had patience. On behalf of Ivannia, she wants to thank Dr. Shin and Marin Eyes for the quality of care that they provided. read more

Last month, Dr Shin successfully operated on and restored my husband's sight. Dr. Shin was very professional and realistic about my husband's complex sight problem. His modest optimism and efficiency brought us through the experience with far greater restoration of sight than we could have expected. Today my husband has gone from being blind from diabetic retinopathy to reading large print without glasses and walking around safely, all thanks to Dr Shin. Thanks to Dr Shin and his crew of medical assistants my husband can see again after many reassuring sessions of treatment and consultation. Dr Shin also restored my mother-in-laws sight, and my whole family is really grateful...I recommend this very friendly, professional practice for anybody with a complex eye problem! Dr Shin is the one to go to!!! read more

Like many others have mentioned, Dr.Shin can be very curt and unsympathetic when his patients feel scared and vulnerable. He has mixed reviews on Yelp, so it's not just my experience. I saw him on a recommendation from my neighbour for glaucoma . Every time I see him I walk away worried and demoralized rather than reassured. He makes very little eye contact, dismisses your concerns and leaves you worried. He is also big on focusing on the worst case scenarios rather than being supportive and positive.Time to look for a different ophthalmologist. read more

If you want your day to start on a sour note...go and meet Dr. Shin. My optometrist is watching me for glaucoma symptoms. When I recently went for my annual check-up I told my primary care physician that the vision in my left eye is changing. It feels dull and different than my right eye. I told him about my worry to get glaucoma. Which is a disease that you can't feel, but it can take your eye sight without you noticing it. My primary care physician recommended Dr. Shin. Instead of going to my optometrist he suggested I see an ophthalmologist. So this morning I went to get a specialists opinion from Dr. Shin. Dr. Shin treated me right away like an uneducated fool, because I suspected that I might have glaucoma. His body language was tense, his words sharp and I felt attacked to dare to come to him for advice. It is unbelievable to me that he chose to be so unfriendly instead of taking the opportunity to explain his glaucoma approach in a way that would make me want to come back for his care. His snobby attitude will keep me for sure away from him. I'm not interested to see a doctor with no people skills. The staff on the other hand was very nice and I didn't had to wait for my appointment. read more

Top Notch Professional--Great experience! I placed a fuller review under Marin Eyes, but just wanted to say that Dr. Shin is a fantastic doctor. Not only is a top notch medical professional, but he obvious really cares about each patient. I had two cataracts removed at Marin Eyes and I could not be happier with the process,and how I was treated by the entire team. Dr. Shin gave me back my vision, and even more impressive, he took the time needed to make sure I was 100% comfortable and informed about what was happening every step of the way. He even calls up his patients the evening after surgery to make sure everything is OK even though he sees you the next day for a follow-up. At each follow-up, he gave me all the time I needed to answer questions. It is also impressive that he has a team that operates with such professionalism and efficiency. Everyone working together produced a great experience. As the old saying goes, I am only giving him five stars because that is all Yelp allows. If you need eye care or you have a problem with cataracts, Dr, Shin is the medical professional to see. read more

This office only wants to deal with people that has expensive insurance. i was referred to their office from my primary care provider ( I'm covered by medi-cal) and they treated me terribly . It was a humiliating experience from making the appointments to the seeing the doc. Worst care i've ever received. They new what type of insurance i had when I booked the appointment, demanded the referral be re-worded and re-faxed 3 times. When i finally arrived for my appointment they refused to see me because they no longer accepted my insurance! HORRIBLE DO NO T WASTE YOUR MONEY.. al they want are lasik clients!! read more

I had cataract surgery in one eye and Dr. Shin and his staff were absolutely wonderful! They were very attentive and caring, and on time too. The surgery was really easy and I can see so well out of the eye - now I am ready to have the other eye done! I highly recommend Dr. Shin and his team and am so glad we have a great ophthalmologist in Marin! read more

There are not enough stars for my recent surgical experience with Dr. John Shin at Marin Eyes. As a health care provider, I searched extensively for the best practice. I suspected that I needed surgery and I knew that Dr. Shin had attended an excellent medical school and top-tier residency and had practiced for at least 15 years, all which were important to me. From the moment I called Marin Eyes, it was unlike any experience I had had over the past decades with a medical office. Yes, the office is busy; however, it functions so efficiently with many of the staff being long term employees-a good sign in my opinion. I found Dr. Shin to be very focused, thoughtful, and a keen listener. He spent time guiding me to the right lens that I'd be happy with. When it was confirmed that I would, indeed, have the cataract surgery, Gretchen Schmitt, surgery scheduler was always available to answer my questions-she followed up regarding my insurance coverage, and made certain that I understood all the pre and post operative instructions. The surgical staff (Eunice, OR nurse, Kay, CRNA, and Stacey (sp?), post-op nurse) were all quite professional, reassuring and compassionate. The surgery went very smoothly and I am pleased to say with both confidence and enthusiasm that I felt very well taken care of by Dr. John Shin and Marin Eyes. read more

while i can't comment on John Shin's surgical acumen, he owns the surgery center. I did not engage him for a surgical problem. I had an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. John Shin did not see me until the last 15 minutes of an hour long appointment. It was; check your glasss RX, then wait, check your vision, then wait, check your pressure, then wait, get the drill. The optometrist who was trained at Cal, could not answer my questions, and the eye diagnostic exam was lackluster and not thorough at best. By the time Shin, came in, I was frustrated - and his demeanor was condescending, and rude. He had no suggestions for me, on exercises, or answers to my questions that his optometrist could not answer as well. Spend your money and most importantly your time and confidence at another establishment where the doctor cares about ALL patients, not just the surgical cataract patients. Such a huge disappointment. Oh, and he does not read his past patient notes, to know about previous issues - THE WORST read more

My experience with Dr. Shin at both the Novato and San Rafael, CA offices was top notch and extremely professional, precise, personable, and efficient. I had cataract replacement surgery for both eyes as well as follow-up post op exams. Everyone made sure a initially terrifying procedure, was fast, efficient, painless, and first rate at all levels. with personal followups the evenings after from Dr. Shin, it was clear I was in good hands. I'd recommend Marin Eyes and Dr. Shin to anyone. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Shin for a number of years, and he has always been pleasant and informative, always answering any questions I had. I'm extremely myopic and have a scar on my left retina, so when it was time for cataract surgery, these were issues. He sent me to a retinologist ( who knew they existed?) to look at the scar, and we discussed the complications of the surgery. In the past few weeks, he removed the cataracts in both eyes, and for the first time in my life, I could drive without glasses! He and his staff were great, and the surgery was surprisingly easy - at least for me. I highly recommend Dr. Shin. read more

Dr. Shin is an excellent Opthalmologist. That being said his manner, at least with me, was decidedly lacking. He was disparaging to my questions and comments, in some cases actually sarcastic. I am technically trained and used medically correct terminology in discussing my eye health. Some how this elicited negative comments as if I had no right to use terminology that only he "knew." read more

I went to see Dr Shin on recommendation of my husband and eye specialist, both MD's. I am told he is a very good surgeon. He may be a good surgeon but his treatment of me lacked integrity and kindness. I have a very serious eye condition and was facing possible significant loss of vision and I was feeling quite vulnerable. He was curt and rude and didn't seem to want to answer my questions. He refused to send the record of my visit to my eye specialist saying that the specialist wouldn't read it anyway. He brushed off my questions making me feel hurt and angry. His answers to my questions were demeaning and lacked compassion. I left there feeling very beat up and discussed this with my husband. Based on my experience I will not use him anymore and notified my specialist of this behavior. I myself have been a medical practitioner for the last 43 years and have never treated a patient in this manner even when I was having a very busy and challenging day. I read reviews for him and he had either great or very poor reviews. I am going to suspect that he is moody and has days where he is kind and others where he is rude and downright mean!!! "And in the end only kindness matters" (quote from Jewell) And in my book kindness rules! I hope he will take a second look at himself.....Thank you. read more

Dr. John Shinn is not only a genius when it comes to keeping eyes healthy, but also as a surgeon. He surrounds himself with extremely efficient and competent people. His surgical team is kind, attentive and highly trained. He removed cataracts from both my eyes. Each time was a pleasant experience. Thanks to Dr. Shin and his team now I can see better than I have in years! read more