I had a gas-permeable contact lens fitting here. It was pricy, but it is cheaper when you come back to renew and update your prescription annually. Anyway, as it happened, I had to get one of them redone on a return visit, since a lens fit can change a bit once you start wearing it. But Dr. Collum planned for that. The contacts were probably the most comforting fit for contacts that I've ever had (I've gotten them from 2 other optometrists before). Since I'm not a good candidate for Lasik, this is important to me. read more

Dr. Collums is very nice and I really like how she returns calls and followup with me!! But sometimes she speaks REALLY really fast and I feel somewhat rushed which I don't like. maybe it's not intentional because she is so nice, but I feel rushed. Also, the receptionist at the front doesn't know the brands they carry in the store which i found a lil odd, but she is nice as well. **UpDate** 10/15/09 -- I have a prescription for color contacts in addition to regular contacts...I'm thinking about getting a different color to play around with...I called and spoke with the receptionist. I asked if I can come pick up the TEST colors to try on before purchasing and she refuse to give them to me and insist she had to ask the doc for permission. Yet, she was willing to sell me any colors I want! KEEP IN MIND here, I have a prescription!! So I believe I'm entitled to pick up TEST colors if I want to try something on first before purchasing. It's so annoying that they need to ask the doc for every single little thing! read more

I took my 6 year old for her first eye exam. Every one was sooooo nice. I felt like the optometrist was extremely friendly and patient and thorough. I will definitely be back next year. Unlike other places they also did not try to sell me any thing, and that's rare to find now in a doctors office. read more

Dr. Collom is amazing! She made me feel like she had a genuine interest in my life outside of the doctor's office. She chatted easily with me and made me feel comfortable. I never felt rushed. She took an hour to carefully examine my eyes. She explained all the charges ahead of time. I loved her and will definitely be back. So professional, knowledgeable, and kind! read more

I was recommended to Dr. Collum by a friend who has been extremely happy with her for over 10 years. This is my 4th year with Dr. Collum and I am ready to declare that I've found an optometrist I'll stay with. As long as you make an appointment, Dr. Collum will spend the booked time exclusively with you. She is very thorough, takes the time to listen and the time to explain. She's honest about what you need, what are nice to have, and what are unnecessary, and never try to push you to spend every single dollar she can possible squeeze out of you/your insurance. When it's something you need, she's excellent in trying to help you maximize you insurance benefits. One very slight downside is that their selection of frames is somewhat limited. However, again to Dr. Collum's credit, she would actually tell you where else to go that may have frames you are looking for! read more

Just picked up my new pair of glasses from here, and I love them. I have been going to see Dr Collom with my two boys for the past 3 years. We have been very pleased with her, and my boys absolutely adore her. She's patient and detailed. She answers many of our questions. The staff is not as knowledgeable yet very friendly. read more

Dr Collum is an empathetic professional. Laurelwood Optometry is a good place to take your business. They accept VSP and have a great selection of frames. I look forward to visiting with Dr Collum when I go. No pressure, just great service. read more

This place is so inviting. The staff are so professional.And the Dr's are very knowledgeable. I feel so cared for when coming for my annual eye exams. I highly recommend this place to all my friends and family! 5 stars all the way! UPDATE: To whomever you are robinson t. please learn basic grammar first before talking s**t! read more

I'm leaving a revised review for this business because after all the issues they really did come though and make it right.

I've been going to Dr. Collom for over 10 years and have never looked back...She (and Dr.Wong) have built their practice on their professionalism and pleasing personalities. I see Dr. Collom and my wife and kids see Dr. wong (they love him too!!). The eye exam experience can be a bit of a "chore" in that you don't really look forward to it but it is a necessary evil. I actually look forward to my yearly visits, I feel that Dr Collom really cares about me, not just my eyes. She makes you feel very comfortable through the exam process and explains every step of her procedures. When you are done she will explain to you, in a straightforward manner, what you need and what options you have. She never forces anything on you. I am moving out of the area but will make every effort to schedule my next exam when I am back here on a visit as I don't think I could find a better Optometrist anywhere. read more

Good experience. If you're going for an eye exam and forget to bring your sunglasses, they'll have a tinted plastic film for you.

I don't even have a chance to feel how the doctors' expertise in this office -- I just drop my cell phone after dealing with their staff at the first time! Their staff are terrible! The staff only concentrate on your pocket. That's not a bad thing, the bad stuff is that they throw tons of questions on you to verify that again and again and waste a lot of your precious time. The most angry stuff is: after going through that verification step, you will be told that the doctor, whom you would like to make an appointment with, will ONLY be available after month!! I'll never touch this office any more. read more

TL;DR: Dr. Collum is incompetent and disrespectful to boot. While Dr. Collum seems nice, she's also a bit condescending. She has this nervous habit of chuckling when you say something. This is either the result of social awkwardness or a smug feeling of intellectual superiority (maybe a little of both). It's disrespectful, and I finally had enough by the second visit and said, "I don't think it's funny, and I'm not sure why you're laughing." During the exam on my first visit, I requested that she turn the overhead lights off. I had a certain type of procedure done on my eyes years ago, and overhead or side lighting cause much more severe glare than most people experience. In the last 14 years, I've never had an optometrist nor an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor) do anything but oblige this request. These professionals were experienced enough in my condition (a very common one, just not at my young age) to understand the need for low light during an eye exam. Not Dr. Collum. She dimmed them somewhat but not enough to really help. The reason she gave was that she wants all her patients to be examined under the same conditions so the results aren't affected. Huh? I'm not competing here. It has zero effect on my results if Patient X and Patient Y had super bright lights and I have darkness. This made no sense at all. We get through the exam, and my Rx, which has barely changed in 14 years, has now quadrupled in one eye and gone down in the other. That seems really odd to me. She orders me a trial pair of contacts. A few days later, I pick them up and put them on, and I immediately hate them. I can't focus, and they give me a headache. I call and tell her this, and she said to give them a chance (all eye docs say this). While talking with her over the phone, I ask if it's my lack of accommodation that could be causing the blurred vision with this Rx. ("Accommodation" is the ability of your eye muscles to flex and focus on different things. As we age, we lose this, though not completely. I lack it totally, because these little muscles were severed as part of the surgery I had. I, in fact, learned this term from 2 optometrists and the ophthalmologist who performed the procedure.) Dr. Collum laughs big when I say this and tries to explain to me how wrong I am. "You've got accommodation. You're not old enough--" I interrupt her. "Remember, I had the _____ surgery? All my docs tell me I don't have accommodation anymore." Instantly, she stops laughing. "Let me look at your chart. Oh... yeah... well, you still have it, sort of, with the lenses is what I mean," which is complete poppycock. It was obvious she was trying to save face. (Google "accommodation," and you'll see how it works and why her statement is so wrong.) At any rate, I do give the new Rx lenses a chance, but I can tell that these contacts aren't going to work. So I schedule a follow-up visit. We again go through the lights-are-too-bright dance, and again she refuses. I told her after the first exam and during this exam that my prescription rarely changes, and if it does, it's by 0.25--not the wild numbers she arrived at. She discounted this information the first time. This time, wouldn't ya know, my prescription is now EXACTLY what it was has been for 3 years. Amazing. She was nonplussed. I told her this had never happened to me before, and she said it had never happened to her, either. She said it was me--that my eyes had changed that drastically in 2 weeks' time. Knowing the statistical improbability of this, I worked up the courage to ask, "According to Occam's Razor, wouldn't the simplest explanation be that perhaps a data transcription error was made in recording the numbers last time?" (I'm giving her an out by saying it's basically a typo and not implying incompetence on her part.) Nope. No, she'd rather believe that something inexplicable happened in that exam room than admit she may have erred. Interestingly enough, with the new Rx, Dr. Collum did not order me a pair of trial lenses. If she honestly believed it was my eyes that changed in 2 weeks' time, then she should want to ensure that her second prescription was right--right? My guess is that she knew she screwed up on the first exam and that since the second prescription was exactly the same as several previous ones, she knew it was correct. After much insistence, I got the trial pair, they were great, and I will never, ever, ever, ever go back to this place. I'm aghast at this woman's decorum (or lack thereof), and her incompetence. What a joke. I guess she's good for people who never have any complications with their eyes and just go every year for a 10-minute eye exam. For those of us who require actual expertise, she's not a good fit. read more

I have visited this office for the last 2 years. Only great experiences each time. The front desk staff is sharp, courteous and quick to follow through. Dr. Collum is a busy lady but took the time to make me feel comfortable and discuss a few issues. She was helpful with insurance information and ultimately I ended up with an excellent contact RX and new glasses. I didn't feel pressured to purchase from them unless I wanted to. If any doctor does this, it is a big turn off to me and I usually never come back. They don't do that here. I am very happy and I have recommended this doctor to several close friends in the area. Thanks for making me see clear! read more

Dr. Collum is excellent. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. And the staff is all top-notch. I switched from another optometrist to Dr. Collum and am very pleased that I did. read more

Dr. Collom is very professional and took the appropriate amount of time to do a very thorough examination of my eyes. My prescription feels much better than previous. I don't think my eyes changed. I don't think the other optometrist was as thorough. The frame selection is pretty limited so prefer to go elsewhere to get glasses. read more

I agree with the person who said Dr. Collum speaks quickly, but she's very nice and will slow down or repeat if you need clarification. I love that she's prompt and very thorough in her exams. She was very honest about my need for glasses (or lack there of) and didn't press me to buy anything, she simply laid out all my options and what I would be paying if I decided to get something. Since I didn't get glasses I can't speak to their selection, but from glancing around it looked like an above-average number of frames, and I overheard the receptionist saying they can pull a catalog if you wanted to see more. The receptionist staff was very nice, and I felt like Dr. Collum took care of all my questions and concerns, as well as being cheerful and fun to chat with. A great experience all together. I'll definitely be coming back for my annual eye checkup, and I'll be sending along my hubby as well! read more

After researching a new eye doctor for my eyes (annual check up, new prescription) and not being happy with my old provider who has become more of a factory (won't mention name but he has a big practice at 50 San Mateo Drive), I decided to try Laurelwood. At first I was a little hesitant as i walked in since the place is so small and it is not in the choicest of Peninsula buildings. But I have to say, everything about the experience but not the least of which was the professionalism of Dr. Collum, was pretty darn perfect. The check up went incredibly smoothly, with every nuance explained. Her chair side manner was text book. And I felt like when I showed up on time for my appointment, i was not made to wait in an inner waiting room for another hour beyond my appointment like other places. In other words, when you set an appointment at Laurelwood, you are the center of attention. Not some numbered file put on an assembly line. I am a new loyal patient! read more

Dr. Wong is the greatest! He recently moved his office and the business is now called Parkside Optometry located on 1880 South Norfolk Street (shopping center across from Fish Market Restaurant), just off Highway 101. Check him out there: 650-830-5675. read more

Back for annual eye exam. What a comforting and relaxed experience. I arrived a few minutes early. A staff member quickly reviewed my information just in time to be greeted by a cheerful and charming Dr. Collum. The examination was thorough as usual with updates on each others' family and kids. I never feel rushed and expect to come back for annual check ups for years. Thank you. read more

I came here based on the Yelp reviews, and they were all accurate. Dr. Collum is fabulous and definitely the best optometrist I've ever had (with 20 years of glasses wearing and lots of experience with optometrists.) She's patient, thorough and friendly. I also appreciate her detailed familiarity with the insurance plans; in the past questions about what was covered and what wasn't was met with looking things up, calling, etc. Dr. Collum, on the other hand, was on top of it - knew exactly what was covered and to what level. It made making decisions about what to buy so much easier. read more

Since I was small, going to the eye doctor was something I definitely dreaded. When my parents made the switch to Dr. Wong, I finally felt like I found a place where I wouldn't have to cringe silently while they examined my eyes. My dad switched insurances, so my visits are no longer covered, but we still come because I don't know anyone else who is so committed to his patients. He knows I am uncomfortable with everything eye-related, but never gets frustrated or impatient. I remember when I first got my contacts, he actually let me sit in front of the mirror for 4 hours before I got them in to make sure I could do it. He really cares. That being said, he has definitely come to the rescue when I've waited to the last minute to order contacts but needed that emergency pair, and in general, his contact orders come very quickly. He makes you fill out a survey, so he can keep up with information about you and make the conversation more on you. Dr. Wong even helps you pick out your glasses, recommending what is best for your face. It's pretty funny. Overall, great guy, great practice. I don't know anything about Dr. Collum, but Dr. Wong is definitely very personable. read more

I have being going to Dr. Collum for two years. She is highly competent. However, she is extremely busy. It took me 4 weeks to schedule an appointment to update my prescription, she just cancelled due to family issue, and then they said I had to wait another 4 weeks for the reschedule. Also, her receptionists are not service focused - generally grumpy. read more

My last eye exam was about 4 years ago so i decided to get my eyes checkout kinda nervous to try someone i've never been to. I went to Laurelwood Optometry and had the best experience. They were polite, professional, and very knowledge able. I would recommend them to anyone. I plan to go back every year for my yearly eye exam. read more

My family has been with Laurelwood Optometry a couple of years now and we could not be happier with Dr. Collum and her helpful staff. I was particularly impressed just the other day when I brought my 15 year old daughter in to get fitted with contact lenses. Dr. Collum spent a great deal of time patiently explaining how to wear and take care of contacts.She did not let us leave until my daughter had successfully put her contacts in and taken them out numerous times. This was very hard for my daughter, and I was very impressed with Dr. Collum's patience and professionalism the entire time.Dr. Collum truly cares about the health of her patients and provides quality eye care. read more

My teenager just visited Dr. Collum. Easy to get an appt, on-time, professional, thorough and friendly. Plan to send my husband next. Easy location too. Good if you have VSP, but ended up spending $160 over as the frame and coatings cost extra. 4 stars only for somewhat limited selection of frames and colors, but we still found something hip and cute for my kid. read more

I think the world of Dr Wong who has worked with me in trying to achieve the right progressive lens when my favorite was discontinued. I have special medical issues that make this challenging and he was willing to try different lens and never made me feel that I was draining his resources. I've been to many optometrists/opticians and know just enough about progressive technology to ask the right question. I will never go to anybody else as most opticians are incompetent when it comes to special needs read more

Dr. Collum is amazing! I felt comfortable right away that she knew how to deal with my eye issue and would prescribe the best contact lenses for me. She is very knowledgeable and takes plenty of time to address questions and concerns. Her office staff is friendly and accommodating. I had been looking for an eye doctor for a while and was so grateful to find Dr. Collum... on Yelp of course! read more

I first went to Laurelwood Optometry to use my VSP insurance and purchase Maui Jim Sunglasses. The price seemed right and the lead time seemed realistic. Ten days later my glasses arrived and I went to pick them up. I tryed them on and found that the right lens was totally blurry. The receptionist said I should wear them for a few days and my eyes would adjust. I couldn't even drive to work. I went back the next day and left the glasses and was told that the perscription had been checked and was correct and that i was wrong Later that afternoon I received a phone call from their office telling me that the right lens was made wrong and would be redone and since it was one lens, should be quicker than the first time. Now here we are ten days later and when I called, they said it would be another week to ten more days. I went to their office this morning and they said that this was normal but that they would put a rush on it I decieded to contact the owner to get an email or a phone number. The receptionist said she had neither her email or phone number but would foward my message on. I have had no response back. I believe that they never sent my glasses back and thats why it will take another ten days. I also don't like the idea that my eyes were the problem and not the lens made wrong. It will be a month by the time I get these glasses back and I have been lied to cover up their mistakes. I WILL NEVER USE THEM AGAIN AND I MAY GO AND ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK. Criaig M. read more