Doing an update review: It's been 2 years now, following post-op instructions from Dr. Mandel and my own eye doctor, and my eyes are healthy, 20/20 vision. No more star bursts (they went away within 6 months), my eyes are still a little dry but I think that's more to do with my job staring at a computer screen all day long. Thank you again to Dr. Mandel and the team! read more

Cataract surgery is a scary thing. I did my research online and chose Dr. Mandel. He was thorough and clear and answered all my questions. His surgical staff was amazing and made me feel totally comfortable and well taken care of. The surgery went great and I am really happy with the results. Follow up has also been wonderful. I will recommend him to all of my family and friends. read more

Dr Mandel, the follow up doctors, nurses and office staff were very attentive, professional and friendly. My vision after the cataract surgery is amazing. I had some post surgery concerns and was able to get right in and see a retinal specialist at the office. It was very nice having everything "under one roof ". I would highly recommend Dr Mandel. read more

The experience of Dr. Mandel removing my cataracts and providing new lenses has been flawless. The pre and post-op care by the entire team was first rate including the office staff. I can't speak strongly enough. Dr Mandel is the best in the business and his years of experience really show. Many thanks for everything you did. Looking forward to a lifetime of continued clear vision. read more

Dr. Mandel is known for his catarcat surgery skills. It seems ages ago he was good at it. I went to him to get my cataract corrected in both eyes. The right eye went fine and I walked out after surgery with sun glasses. But after he patched the left eye immediately after surgery and asked me to not remove the patch. I went back to the clinic after 5 days and another doctor removed the patch and I was shocked to see how bad my eye looked. I asked her what happened and she said I should ask Dr. Mandel. He said this is routine and joked that if anyone else asks what happened I should say, "you should see the other guy." My eye was red and purple for close to a year. I continued to get drops for the eye for over 6 months and the Optometerist assigned to examine my eye when I went at his clinic called Optima reported in writing that I had astigmatism. Dr. Mandel himself noted in my medical records that laser adjustment was required. After 6 months I complained that nothing was being done to correct my vision. Dr. Mandel, acted like nothing happened and said that I would not like anything he had to offfer. When I complained he fired me as a patient. This guy is dangerous. Go to him at your own risk. read more

I had a successful Lasik operation done by Dr.Mandel. The operation site along with the staff in Saratoga offered professional, caring and dedicated service. It might feel a bit rushy as they have other patients scheduled on same date but they get the job done. The cost was affordable and the caring package was detailed. Points to improve include 1) provide more clear, up-to-date, on time instructions, 2) the Castro Valley Lasik specialist often doesn't pick up call, 3) less rush patients on site and remind patients more on what to do, to bring, and to keep on the surgery date. 4) provide receipts for payments on time. read more

Dr Mandel performed cataract surgery and multifocal lens implants on each of my eyes. He is an excellent surgeon and has kind, compassionate nurses and staff. Also both supporting Drs were professional, kind and took the time to explain/ answer questions. On my left eye, it took three days before the blurring cleared up and after that I was so happy to see everything in high definition! For my right eye, after the surgery I could see very clearly and I was amazed that it was so instantaneous that I could see in high definition after surgery, although I had some swelling which gradually subsided. It's been about a month since my eye operation and implants, and I am thrilled that I could see so clearly and can drive again!!! I don't think I'll need glasses but I'll wait a little more as I'm sure my eyes are still adjusting. Thank you Dr Mandel and staff! read more

Dr. Mandel was one of two corneal surgeons recommended to me by my optometrist. I selected him because his office is closer to my home. Both the pre-operative and the post operative instructions were thorough and easy to follow. For example for a particular NSAID eye drops the instructions listed appropriate substitute drops depending on one's insurance coverage. My right eye had the cataract surgery, and the opaqueness is now gone. It also has a 47 year old corneal graft. If that needs replacement in the future, Dr. Mandel has the expertise and experience to perform that surgery. I am looking forward to seeing my optometrist and getting checked for new corrective lenses for my eye. read more

I had Dr. Mark Mandel perform cataract surgery In November, 2025. He and his entire staff were terrific throughout all the consultations, surgery and follow-up. My surgery was routine and my eyesight is back to being near 20-20; I couldn't be more thrilled. Dr Mandel and his staff were professional, friendly and very communicative (both pre and post surgery.) Other than the fact that it was a lengthy wait time to get my appointments (he is much in demand,) I could not be happier! read more

I would have liked to give the practice a five star rating but reaching anyone via phone is next to impossible. The quality of care and the follow up is top notch and I can't say enough about Dr. Mandel and his expertise. But from the very first I had issues with getting my calls returned. it was very frustrating. read more

Excellent experience. Explained everything to me before doing the procedure. Happy with results.

Exceptional Cataract Surgery Experience with Dr. Mandel and Team I am currently one week and one day post-op on my right eye and three days post-op on my left, and I can say without hesitation that this entire experience has been truly life-changing. I first visited Dr. Mandel and his outstanding team on April 3 for a comprehensive examination and consultation. Expect to spend a couple of hours at the office--they are extremely thorough. From the moment I arrived, the staff treated me with genuine care and professionalism. Every step of the process was explained in detail, leaving me fully informed and confident. At the conclusion of the exam, Dr. Mandel confirmed that I had cataracts and recommended surgical correction. My right eye surgery was scheduled for May 30. On the day of the procedure, I was impressed with the level of communication and care provided--not only by Dr. Mandel, but also by the care team and the anesthesiologist, Dr. G. I was awake during the surgery, but thanks to their expertise and calming approach, I felt completely relaxed. Most importantly, I experienced zero pain or discomfort--during or after the surgery. Everything was explained as it happened, so I was never left wondering what was going on. After the procedure, I went home, followed my eye drop regimen, and woke up the next morning seeing clearly with my right eye--without glasses. It was surreal and exciting to have one eye with crystal-clear vision while the other remained blurry. I returned for a check-up on Saturday, where Dr. Mandel confirmed everything looked great. I went back again on Monday, and the team gently cleaned my eyelashes from the drops and reassured me that healing was progressing beautifully. My left eye procedure followed the next Wednesday. As before, everything was communicated clearly and with care. This time, I experienced a bit more discomfort post-op, which I managed with ibuprofen and Refresh Plus eye drops every hour. At my next-day follow-up, Dr. Mandel placed a "bandage" contact lens to reduce irritation--what a game changer. The relief was almost immediate, and my eye felt much better afterward. It's worth mentioning that my boyfriend had LASIK with Dr. Mandel 13 years ago, and his experience was just as exceptional--which is part of why I felt so confident placing my trust in Dr. Mandel and his team. From start to finish, every part of this journey was handled with warmth, skill, and professionalism. I am beyond grateful for my improved vision and for the expert care I received throughout the process. If you're considering cataract surgery--or any vision correction procedure--I cannot recommend Dr. Mandel and his team highly enough. read more

Mark R. Mandel, MD - Laser. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Hayward, California

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Great experience and the care was great. The staff was also excellent. I felt very comfortable with the procedure and the aftercare was also good. read more

bad experience. my mother almost lost her sight as he was "experimenting" ... Had I not stopped taking my mother to his practice and have her be seen by a competent doctor, she would have lost her eye sight. read more

Dr Mandel did a great job on my cataract surgery. The anesthesiologist did such a great job., I remember nothing. The follow up care was also superb. No complaints, just wish he was closer to Santa Cruz read more

My optometrist recommended Dr. Mandel for my cataract surgery. I chose monofocal IOLs, because my dream was to see as best as possible after several years of wearing glasses with myopia reaching minus 7, I also had a retinal detachment. I chose also the laser assistance and I am very happy I did. Dr. Mandel did an excellent job, my surgery was in March 2026. My vision is 20/20, I am thrilled, my vision settled in about 6 weeks after the surgery. The staff was great, I especially am grateful for Jineth, the scheduler. She was very helpful with rescheduling and easy contact. Otherwise it is sometimes not easy to reach someone immediately, my advise is to call later in the afternoon. My advise is also to research the lenses, multifocal sound great, but after some research I chose monofocal lenses. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Mandel. It is truly a life changing experience to be glasses free, and I love the readers too. I am using progressives for my work, mostly for the reading part, but I am truly glasses free, can go without them. A very life changing experience. Thank you, Dr. Mandel. read more

I thought that I would have to wait a couple weeks for an appt. I called and asked about prices and insurance and they had a deal going... eye exam, a pair of glasses and they got me in THAT DAY!!! I was amazed that when I got there, they were ready for me. It was a great experience I was helped with every question that I had and they even helped me pick out glasses!! Thank you for making an experience that I thought was going to be so long and tedious an easy process!! THANK YOU!! read more

It's was so quick. I was only in the office for one hour and didn't feel a thing. As soon as I stood up I was amazed at how fast I could see. I said oh my gosh I can see everything. Painless and would recommend this to everyone. 10 out of 10. My vision is 20:20! read more

After being turned away by several other doctors due to my previous Radial Keratotomy procedure, I found Dr. Mandel, and I'm incredibly grateful I did. During my consultation, he conducted an extremely thorough examination and noticed important details about my eyes that other doctors had missed. This attention to detail gave him the confidence to proceed with LASIK when others wouldn't even consider it. Dr. Mandel took the time to discuss multiple treatment options and clearly explained why LASIK could work in my specific case. While I'm still in the early stages of recovery (just 2 days post-surgery), my vision is already nearly perfect, with the expectation of further improvement over the coming weeks. His expertise in handling complex cases like mine, combined with his thorough approach to patient care, sets him apart. If you've been told you're not a candidate for LASIK elsewhere, I'd highly recommend getting a consultation with Dr. Mandel. read more

The process was really smooth and explained well. Post op things are going well. My vision is improving and the healing process is smooth. Dr. Mandel and his team are excellent. read more

Five stars for Dr. Mandel, his staff, and the surgery center in Hayward where my eye operations were done. I've had two very successful surgeries performed by Dr. Mandel on my right eye. The information provided before the surgery was clear, simple, and easy to understand. Including the initial consultation, the pre-op steps, the two operations, and what I needed to do post-op. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, that I'll be able to have my left eye surgery performed by Dr. Mandel as well. The doctor and all of his staff were very attentive and professional during both my surgeries, and provided excellent care all around. Highly recommended. read more

Everyone involved in my cataract experience were all very professional, very responsive to my questions and very helpful in my recovery

Five stars to Dr. Mandel and his wonderful staff! Dr. Mandel did an excellent cataract surgery on both my eyes, and the whole experience from scheduling through the final follow-up appointment was smooth and professional. The website videos on OptimaEye helped me understand the procedure and Dr. Mandel answered all my questions at my evaluation appointment. I especially appreciated the caring and competent environment on the surgery days. Needless to say, I'm enjoying my improved and glasses-free vision! I highly recommend Dr. Mandel and his whole team. read more

I had my cataract surgery done by Dr. Mandel in November 2025. The Optima website has abundance of information on cataract. The entire operation from pre-operation, operation to post-operation is seamless. Dr.Mandel did an excellent job and his staff are very courteaous and helpful. Needless to say the operation is a success and my eyes recover very well. Questions and concerns were addressed promptly and they did show geninue care. read more

Dr. Mandel is fantastic. In our initial consultation he gave recommendations about different kinds of surgery. Although he recommended LASIK, I ultimately opted with Evo-ICL. Dr. Mandel and his team were professional and kind. The surgery went great. The follow up care was great. It's been a year and my vision is 20/15. I have no lingering side effects or complications from the surgery. I was very nervous to have my eyes operated on but it was the best decision of my life and has drastically improved my quality of life. No more eye infections from contacts. No more switching between contacts or glasses because my eyes feel fatigued. I feel like I've been liberated. I still, even a year later, will sometimes look at things far off and feel a deep sense of gratitude for Dr. Mandel. read more

I had ICL surgery. I see perfectly now after having extreme near sighted vision my whole life.

From pre-op to surgery to post-op, my experience with Dr. Mandel and all of his staff has been top-notch! All my questions and concerns were always addressed comprehensively and care was given with genuine interest and attention to detail. read more

I loved the ease and clarity of the pre-op appointment and discussions, the professionalism of the surgery team, and the care of the staff who called in the afternoon after each morning procedure to see how I was. I appreciated this, as I was nervous about the first procedure. Both surgeries were excellently done. And every subsequent post-op visit was a positive experience. I highly recommend Dr. Mandel and the entire team! read more

Greetings! Dr. Mark Mandel and his staff administered excellent care for my eye surgeries. They provided detailed instructions for pre an post-op homecare, and was very attentive during the entire process. I highly recommend Optima Eye Center to anyone in need of eye care. C. Fisher-London read more

Got lasik done with Dr Mandel a few weeks ago and I had such a great experience. I was pretty nervous with the whole thing but Dr Mandel and staff were very helpful and supportive, giving great guidance throughout the whole process. Highly recommended read more

Everyone working there was very patient and helpful. Excellent staff. Short wait times for my exams and I have never felt rushed while there. I would recommend this office for anyone needing eye surgery. read more

I was referred to Dr. Mark Mandel by my optometrist office (shameless plug for Saratoga Vision Center...they are a fantastic group/office) and was told that they have an exclusive relationship with Dr. Mandel - and for good reason. From the moment I set up the appointment, there was a very succinct, transparent, and PERFECTED process that ensured I was provided ample information, absolute care for my safety, and an air-tight procedure that would benefit my eyes and their health in the aggregate. Dr. Mandel met with me during the consultation, and it was obvious from his demeanor as well as his staff, that I was receiving the best care possible. He is a consummate professional and had such a calming presence that really put me at ease for an arguably terrifying procedure. I was quite overwhelmed and anxious leading up to my consultation because of the fact that your sight, like all of your other senses, play an integral role in your life. You don't want to muck about. All of those fears were quelled and removed entirely after my consultation as well as on the procedure day itself. On the day of the procedure, I arrived in the office to be greeted by several very lovely front desk staff who, once again, walked me through the steps of the procedure as well as the post-op regiment very patiently and carefully, making sure I knew every portion. They then handed me a blue bag containing a pair of sunglasses, a place to hold all of your medications, and a stress ball to cling on to in the operating room in case you have any anxiety. I cannot overstate how much care they show throughout the entire process. After the operating room was prepped, I was gently ushered in and laid down on the table for the procedure. Everyone in the operating room was just as warm, courteous, and caring as the front desk staff. The fluidity and experience of all of the staff in the room, as well as Dr Mandel, was palpable. To my surprise, I immediately felt at ease. As Dr. Mandel began, he talked me through his actions and assured me that everything was going excellently, which it was. The procedure itself was complete within minutes! It was ABSOLUTELY painless! The only "painful" part was when they had to remove the tape that held my eyelashes away from my eyes. Upon completing the procedure I was congratulated on my "new" eyes and went through a final checkup post-op before I went home and began my post-op care with guidance and checkups from my usual optometrist. You can elect to go back to Dr. Mandel's office for these checkups if you wish! I am writing this 9 days post-op (Dr. Mandel and I decided on the PRK procedure), and my optometrist and I cannot believe the changes to my vision. I wake up every morning giggling that I can finally see so remarkably well! The best part is PRK really sets in over six months, so I have so much to look forward to! I cannot thank Dr. Mandel and his incredible staff enough! Undergoing this surgery with him and his team is one of the best decisions I've made in my life. If you're contemplating this procedure, and you're reading this review, I hope it helps drive home that you've found the best place to receive your surgery and care. I can confirm why he is known as "The Doctor's Doctor." read more

I have been seeing Dr. Mandel and his staff for over a year. I was referred to him for cataract surgery. However, my eyes were so dry (despite years of treatment to remedy ) I had to do extensive specialized treatment to prepare my eyes to accept the procedure and have it be useful. Sorry if TMI. Dr. Mandel and his staff have always been professional, courteous and caring. Happily, I have had the cataract surgery now and I'm very happy with the results. All of the staff went above and beyond to answer my questions, whenever, and respond to my needs. I was pleasantly surprised, and frankly shocked when Dr. Mandel called me twice on a Saturday afternoon to discuss options for the procedure. I have nothing but positive things to say, except occasionally, there has been a significant wait for my scheduled office visits, but I know that's because he's providing outstanding care to others. read more

Great place to get LASIK. Dr. Mandel and the team are awesome and extremely experienced.

Everything about my experience is a plus, plus! I did have to wait many months for my appointment, but I suppose that is because he is the best. The wait was worth it. I had RK back in the 80's and have scar tissue in my eyes and was advised by other DR's and by him that I may still have to wear glasses to get the vision I was hoping for. It's been 4 weeks and the results are better than I expected. I don't have to wear glasses at all! Loving my new vision. Thank You, Dr Mandel" read more

Had LASIK in both eyes and the results are absolutely amazing. I have better vision now than I had even with my contacts! I had always been a bit afraid of having it done simply because it seems like a scary thing, but after learning how safe it really is, I decided to go for it. Dr Mandel and the staff are very friendly and make the whole process as comfortable as possible. The procedure itself is very quick and painless. The only discomfort I felt was shortly after the procedure my eyes burned a little and teared up for about an hour. After that, I felt fine and relaxed and the next morning I woke up and could see perfectly! Would definitely recommend Dr Mandel and team to anyone. Really amazing stuff! read more

Medical care is excellent, but be prepared to sit in the waiting room for hours till you get to be seated in an examination room. Then wait again another half hour or more to see the doctor. The excuse by staff was: we are waiting for a room. I'm very disappointed in the scheduling process of this office. A 2 hour wait to see the doctor without an emergency situation is unacceptable! read more

Mark Mandel is an exceptional ophthalmic surgeon. He did LASIK surgery on me 20+ years and a touch up to the LASIK several years later. He was an obvious choice for me when I needed cataract surgery. The entire staff was exceptional and my results are still in the early stages and seem to be excellent. I highly recommend (from the perspective of both a patient and a retired R.N.) this practice for anyone needing any kind of eye surgery. read more

Dr. mandel was great!!! His entire staff was wonderful!! I cannot express how satisfied I was with my procedure. I could see an immediately different after the procedure, which took about 15 minutes. Very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone who's thinking about Lasik. read more

Dr. Mandel provided much more pre-op information than another ophthalmologist I considered. I felt educated about what would happen me. His staff were great at keeping me informed through the process. I waited a few months post-op before posting this review to be sure my eyes came out fine, and they did. read more