I've been coming here for more than 3 years since my previous OD retired. Dr Ngin is warm and personable. It even turns out that I know some of her family including her uncle who had the practice for many years before her. My contacts and glasses have been serving me well. It seems like everything is a lot more costly, even with insurance coverage. But then, that's how everything seems nowadays. I don't think the wait time to get an appointment is very long. I know when I first tried to get an appointment 3 years ago, there was a long wait before I could get in (likely due to Covid and the near-by optometrist retiring. In all, I'd recommend this place if you need a caring, thorough, personable optometrist. read more

The staff is super unprofessional and rude ! I have been coming here for years and recently it has changed so much ! The staff is stuff rude for absolutely no reason . I will not be coming back here anymore ! read more

I really try not to leave bad reviews. I actually pride myself on not saying anything of it's not nice. But, I must speak up this time. I would definitely not recommend this business, they were quite unprofessional, dishonest, nonchalant etc. After waiting longer than time I was told, even after reaching out for more information and being brushed off again, I still have no glasses. They don't care. I would recommend you take your business elsewhere. It won't be appreciated at this establishment. You are treated badly. Hope this information helps someone, wish I had known. Fyi I went to the MacArthur blvd location. read more

I recently visited this office and had a mixed experience. The staff was super nice and their office was well presented. However, parking can be difficult in that area, so be prepared to arrive a little early to find parking. My main dissatisfaction was with the staff's unresponsiveness in returning messages. They mentioned being understaffed and apologized. I wanted to make a purchase for lenses, but since no one was available to assist me because they were busy, I asked for an estimate of the lens cost. While I understand that not all staff may be trained on pricing, it was frustrating that they couldn't provide even a ballpark figure. When I asked if they had any literature or price sheets, they said no, and I was told I needed to make an appointment just to get these questions answered. Had my messages been returned, I would have known not to show up without an appointment for pricing and fitting for my frames. I traveled very far to find this out. I can't criticize their optical services as I did get an eye exam the prior which went well, albeit a bit rushed. However, having pricing information available for patients and ensuring messages are returned would greatly improve the experience. read more

I was referred to Dr. Ngin by my former optometrist who has retired and due to COVID, it took over a month to get appointment. The office is located on 3rd Avenue with 1 hour metered parking available. The staff took pride in making sure they followed COVID safety measures when I came in for my appointment. Dr. Ngin happened to be a family friend of my former optometrist and I thought that is a good connection to my former doctor, She was friendly and thorough. She also mentioned that they have another office in the Laurel District which might be closer for me to go to. When I was making arrangement for an appointment, you could text them at the number listed so I think that is a good thing if I have a question. I'm awaiting my refill of 6 months of contacts as I only have a few left so the order should be coming in any day now! read more

Been coming here for almost 40 years, been through the original founder Dr Weylin, who went to high school with my dad, then his niece Coleen, and now her niece Serene. These guys have not missed a beat with top notch exams and filling prescriptions. They recently remodeled the front office after 40 years, however it still felt like home for me. As a matter of fact recently ran into Tony, one of Dr. Eng's original receptionists at Lake Temescal and she remembered me! Come on by to "see" them...haaaaaa...I couldn't resist. read more

Positives: Dr. Wu (optometrist) is super nice. Front desk staff when I was there was super nice. Glasses sales guy, nice. The problematic stuff. They authorized my VSP benefits fully (exam AND rebate of glasses credit) without me purchasing anything there. And then because there is a "hold" on my VSP benefits I cannot order directly from the insurers portal (supposedly until 5 days has past). They didn't tell me this. In fact I did not find this out until I went to the insurers connected portal. The normal optician business stuff: -There's a cancellation fee (understandable). -There's a number of fees for small changes to contact lenses. -There's a contact lens fitting fee (this was supposed to be covered up to 50 dollars from my version of VSP - but, apparently was not in their book). -They do not accept returns of glasses ordered there but, also they will charge a repeat exam fee for glasses issues originating in glasses not ordered from there. -So, they will recheck vision issues with glasses originating in purchase there but, you also somehow can't return the glasses. -Unlike other places- I wasn't offered the option of additional "coating" to the glasses it was just put on the bill and he only talked about its optional nature when asked about it. I only wear glasses at night when I have my contacts out, I don't need fancy coatings on them. -Whiteboard math - if your math for what I owe comes to me on a whiteboard, I'm out. It's erasable funny math. As a math person I really hate the murky math of sales. ******Don't authorize the whole sale on VSP benefits until you know you actually have the sale.****** Or, in plain english, "wtf dude". I liked this guy but, he put back the frames I liked more twice and kept steering me to stuff I liked less. By the time we settled on something, I had no confidence if I did indeed have a problem with these glasses (and a new changed prescription) it wouldn't result in a long back and forth. It's four stars for the niceness. For the procedural issues (re: insurance etc.), I'd honestly make it 3 or less. I didn't (and don't) have confidence if there was an issue with things it wouldn't result in an extended back and forth. I will be interested to see if my prescription is smoothly verified once purchasing lenses elsewhere. I surely do hope my VSP insurance benefits will be released from their hold! A new oddity. Glasses places, please stop trying to hold on to sales in weird ways. Withholding PD's, death by a series of small fees, odd sales encounters w/ bonus coatings and now claiming insurance benefits for sales that haven't even been completed yet! Yeesh! But, again, they're really nice! No arguments with the optician. I have not yet confirmed whether or not the prescription changes are positive or tolerable. But, I'll probably update this review when I can actually use VSP again to order glasses elsewhere. read more

Highly recommend Lake Merrit Optimetry. It's a small family owned business. They are efficient and listen to your concerns. Came in for a routine eye exam and was also able to get a few other of my eta symptoms assessed. They are also very honest and can save you some money through their personalized packages, in which cases you would pay more with insurance. If you care about having access to a wide variety of brands or luxury frames, their selection is not the best. But great if you don't care. Overall highly recommended. read more

Lake Merritt Optometry is inviting and comfortable. I was hesitant to go to a new place but since my optometrist closed I found this place my accident. I walked into a relaxed atmosphere where I was greeted by Jenny. Jenny is on the ball with a great attitude that contributes to a positive and pleasant experienced. The Dr. combines the use of modern technologies and techniques and a tender touch to make gentle optometry care a reality of all patients. Now Brian...helped with finding the right fit for glasses and encourage patients to speak with any concerns they may have. With all honesty, I believe he sincerely care about the patients and he is easy on the eyes :-) If you live in the Oakland, the East Bay area and are looking for a quality Optometry team call Lake Merritt Optometry. They genuinely cares about your eyes, overall appearance, and happiness. read more

I've been coming here since I was a young little girl!! I love coming to this place soooo much! Dr. Ngin is the most knowledgeable about your every day eye needs! She's so helpful with everything from exams to picking out what kind of contacts and glasses you need. It's always a blast coming in for an appointment because it's like visiting a lifetime friend! I love coming in to Dr. Ngin and I honestly wish I came in more often for a visit because that's just how pleasurable it truly is. As well as the super friendly and young technician Lisa. Both Lisa and Dr. Ngin addresses and helps with all questions about your eyes and eye needs! They're both so nice and extremely helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Ngin and Lisa for all your eye needs!!!!! Best optometrist in Oakland and just all of Bay Area. read more

Hello my name is Aubrey Adams and this is the best optometrists I've been to in my life very professional and welcoming.. recently sent in broken glasses and they promptly returned brand new pair to me in perfect condition..keep up the great work (: read more

My optometrist is retiring and referred me to Lake Merritt Optometry. The shop is easy to miss, as there's not much in the way of signage. There is street parking and there's a metered lot right across the street, so parking shouldn't be an issue. The area is okay but as with anywhere these days, don't leave stuff in your car and be aware of your surroundings. The staff are friendly and helpful and Dr. Ngin is great. She is personable, thorough and knowledgeable. Although I really like my old optometrist, I know I am in great hands with Dr. Ngin and highly recommend this shop. read more

The staff is so welcoming whenever I come in to get my annual eye exam. I know I'll be taken care of when Lisa is working. She's such a sweet gal and is extremely helpful in picking frames. They carry a great selection of frames here, so it's hard to choose which one to get, but I can always trust Lisa's impeccable taste for my new glasses because whatever she picks, I always get compliments on! Dr. Ngin is a kind optometrist. Her exams are quick, yet thorough and she answers all my questions. The space is cozy yet tidy. It's in a great location right by the lake. I like to grab groceries at Lucky's across the way or visit the bank after. read more

I can't even begin to describe my experience at Lake Merritt Optometry. The front desk staff is great, and Dr. Ngin (pronounced Yin) is phenomenal. I've been seeing the same optometrist for the past 20 years, but I am sosososo happy I made the switch to Dr. Ngin. She is very clearly passionate about her patients and providing them the best service possible - and yes, that includes navigating the murky waters of vision insurance! She recently took over the business, so there's a bit of a shift and facelift happening in this cute, cozy family establishment. Note that the street is a one-way & parking can be limited so you may try the Lucky's or Walgreen's lots across the street! Doesn't matter how you get there - by car, foot, bus, or bike - just get in there and be happy I told you about this little hidden gem in my hood ;) read more

Lake Merritt Optometry - Optometrists Near Me - Oakland, California

So far unpleasant experience. The actual optometrist is lovely. This is a family owned business that has been in the community for ages which I love supporting. I was seen a month ago and was told that my trial contact lenses would arrive the following week and that I would be notified . After 2 weeks without a word I give them a call. The lenses haven't arrived in fact they haven't even shipped. No one thought to call me for an up date. Fast forward to 4 weeks out, 7 phone calls later and I still do nit have the trial contact lenses. The communication has been inconsistent and unreliable. "They're shipping tmwr and will be here in 2 days"--not true. "Someone will call you back soon"--inconsistently. Given Covid it is totally understandable that there are delays in shipping but the poor communication and inconsistencies in following up is disappointing especially given it's related to something as important as seeing! read more

Thank you Lake Merritt Optometry. They are the "Best"! I have been struggling to get my contacts during the shutdown. They literally saved me during these hard times. I was wearing my last pair of lenses for the last 2 1/2 months. I called numerous optometrist, but none were able to help. They provided me with a few pairs of free lenses to hold me down till reopening. I would not be able to see or do anything. Thanks a Million Lake Merritt Optometry. Excellent Customer Service, they truly care. I will schedule an eye exam once they are up and running again. read more

I like the optometrist but this one guy, (Ben?) who works there, and unfortunately is the person who picks up the phone and you're forced to interact with, is far from customer-focused. My new glasses were not properly fitted with the lenses (incorrect screw on one side so the lens kept falling out). Pandemic so I just dealt with it till things opened back up. TLDR I had to take them back and I was shocked at how unprofessional and uncaring this (Ben?) guy was when I went in for my appointment to drop my glasses off for repair.Thankfully there is one professional gentleman at this location, who's name I think is Emanuel. He was helpful and sorted out the issue courteously. Pick up was ridiculous to arrange, I was left on hold for 10 minutes (same guy!! Ben?) waiting to make an appointment. I had to hang up and call back again, I guess he forgot I was on hold? Finally I was able to actually arrange to get my darn glasses. I could go into more detail but honestly, I can't recommend this location for anything other than the optometrist. She does a great job. Get your prescription and order your glasses and lenses elsewhere. Their selection of frames is pretty limited anyway, and according to Ben, if there's an issue, they don't care, it's the lab's fault apparently, and not their problem. Three stars for the nice optometrist, and Emanuel! read more

I felt like Dr. Ngin and I are were good friends from the moment we met. And I'm sure most of her clients feel this way too. She's just easy to talk to, professional, and very good at what she does. She mentioned that she recently took over the family business after working for years in the Cupertino area. I was a little disappointed at first after looking through the selection of frames because I could not find ones that fit my face well. Then Dr. Ngin explained to me that since they carry Ray-Ban, they could order any style/color/size that I wanted. Great! Staff is very kind and welcoming. (Lisa?), the woman who works at the front desk was so helpful when I had questions about my insurance too. I can't say enough about Lake Merritt Optometry. read more

Great optometrist! Dr. Ngin is wonderful, patient and kind. They are very affordable and conveniently located. You can get your eyes checked out and then grab a beer at Baggy's. Family-owned business that has apparently been in the same location for decades. They accept most major eye insurance. read more

The best optometrist I have ever been to! The doctor is such a nice person and she is so thorough. I really appreciate her reasonable rates too. I didn't have insurance when I lived in Oakland and went there and found it affordable for me. Now that I do have insurance somehow I'm paying more at the new optometrist . Wish I could keep going to lake Merritt optometry instead. read more

I really loved the staffs' attention to detail and COVID safety measures. Everything was clean as soon as I came in, I was asked not to touch anything and that staff would assist in opening doors if needed, a nice touch I thought. I was seen by Dr. Serene, and while I'm always hesitant around new doctors, she put me at ease right away! Again, lots of extra safety measures but she talked me through everything. I had questions, she had answers. Overall it was one of, if not THE best, eye exam I've had in the bay and this is the third doctor I've seen. Highly recommended and very convenient location! read more

You would never expect to find such a top notch optometry practice hidden in such an out of the way little corner by the lake, but here it is. Turns out this practice has been here for decades and has been family owned that entire time! Dr. Ngin is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and has a great selection of frames. Lisa at the front desk is great and has been able to get me and my family in last minute when we were really desperate. Love this place and they've earned my business for life! read more

Okay. I typically don't write reviews, and I definitely wouldn't consider any kind of "[insert prefix here]ometrist" visit review worthy... but WOW. This place has the kind of oldschool charm that I miss in these days of corporate everything. It's tiny, it feels a little dated, the lighting is weird and I basically missed it when I walked by... all the good stuff. Reception was very friendly without being too chatty, Dr. Ngin (who gave me the quick run down of the business which has been in the family for 50 years this year!) was awesome. Thorough, painless and friendly. Answered my questions without making me feel like an idiot (if only more doctors could do this) and the prices were manageable. Go here. Professional. Personable. Value. What more do you want? read more

This is probably my favorite optometrist office. I really appreciate the people here. Dr. Ngin is very personable and thorough. The staff also does a great job of providing updates and informing/reminding you of your benefits. I prefer to wear contacts, and the doctor will often suggest different types or send me home with different ones to try to help ensure I have the best fit. There's a great selection of lenses as well. I really appreciate this kind of personalized care, especially when it comes to my eyes! read more

Great experience, helpful and communicative front desk as well as the exam, love that they are a second generation local business. Six stars if I could! read more

I've been here twice and loved it. One time I got my eye exam here, and the doctor was patient, kind, and very meticulous in her exam. The second time I came, I messed up the paperwork my insurance requires and arrived in a bad mood, but the doctor very kindly and generously straightened out my problem right away and cheered me right up. The office people are also kind and extremely helpful. This is a great place! read more

I would have walked by Lake Merritt Optometry without knowing that super friendly, straightforward Dr. Serene Ngin has a great eye care practice. Dr. Ngin took over eye exams in early 2015. I'd been having problems with my prescription for months but I finally found the time to get a check up and these guys had a same day appointment available. The office is low key, the receptionist and Dr. Ngin were friendly but professional and she even gave me a deal on some Ray Ban sunglasses. I told them to keep my chart because I will definitely return. read more

Dr. Ngin is extremely thorough in her eye exams in making sure she prescribes the right contacts and glasses. She's professional, friendly, and caring. The exams are not rushed and I always feel taken care of after each appointment. A wide selection of glasses are also available to try out and for purchase. read more

Needed a last minute appointment and I don't have insurance. They got me in a couple hours later and gave me an accurate price range for services. Very pleasant staff and doctor! I'll definitely go back. read more

I cannot recommend Dr. Ngin enough! I came to Oakland for a short trip from Chicago and I accidentally dropped my contact lens down the sink. Frantically, I called around and tried to see if any local optometrists could help me secure a trial lens. Lisa at the front desk was so helpful and Dr. Ngin worked with me since my eyedoctor back home was of no help, and she fitted me for a trial lens that would get me through my vacation! She was nice, genuine, and truly did not have to help me during this emergency. I promised I'd leave a review so others know how great this hidden gem is in Oakland. I highly recommend this great family business! read more

I am new to the Oakland area and was calling around looking for an Optometrist as I am a contact lens wearer. I was recommended to this office by a colleague. I called last Wednesday and the receptionist was extremely informative and pleasant. She explained my insurance to me in detail and the fees are reasonable. I fully intend to use to this office based on a great first impression, which is crucial for this consumer. read more