I was having symptoms that concerned me, so made an appointment with North Bay Eye Associates. They took my concerns seriously, and I was able to get in with Dr. Michael Saidel immediately. His staff was wonderful; upbeat and explained all the details. When Dr. Saidel came in to run the final tests he was wonderful, explaining everything in detail. It turned out there were no immediate concerns, however he saw a couple of things that will need watching. I couldn't have found a better doctor and staff. The front desk staff was fine~ I would give them between a 3 and a 4. However my biggest concern is the doctor and his staff. and they were THE BEST! Highly recommended! read more

I do not recommend this office. It is extremely difficult to get an appointment, and the staff is not supportive or accommodating. I waited three months for an appointment, but due to long delays in the office and the fact that it was getting dark, I had to leave before being seen because I cannot drive at night. I was then given another appointment three months later. Two weeks before that appointment, the office called to cancel because the doctor would not be available and offered a 7:30 am slot on another day instead, which I could not take due to work. I was told that if I declined, there would be no other availability until June. This would then be nearly 6 months since originally requesting an appointment. I also informed them that I am experiencing aflashing light in one of my eyes, which can be a sign of a serious condition such as a retinal issue, but this did not seem to affect their urgency or response. Overall, the lack of flexibility, long wait times, and limited concern for patient needs made this a very frustrating experience. read more

Dr. William H Bartlett is very incompotent: dishonest:disrespectful individual, insecure and disrespectful of patient's concerns and questions, and misleading who doesn't like being confronted with his own policies when he disregards it. He wanted to do catharact surgery on me before I exausted my other options. When I questioned him: "you don't trust me, you should go somewhere else" Pathetic, very unprofessional. Tsegai Haile, RN read more

I went there to get a new prescription for eye glasses, and not only did they give me a weird prescription format that couldn't be taken anywhere else, but they messed up my glasses three times. I wasted time going there in three occasions just to try on glasses that were not usable. It was a hassle getting refunded, and then I wasted billed a ton for my visit anyways despite having two insurances. Terrible care quality. Go literally anywhere else for God's sake. read more

The type of care I had at North Bay Eye Associates was excellent. They treated me with respect and gave me all the information I needed to prepare for my cataract surgery. Everyone in the office was very helpful and pleasant . I highly recommend North Bay. I Associates they all are very caring.. read more

This is a very busy practice. You need to be patient (pun) for your appointment to be scheduled. The office is run very efficiently; each employee has their special function and they seem thoroughly trained. Once all the testing was done, and yes, there is a lot of it, I was given a set of very detailed written instructions to fulfill my part of the pre-op preparations. My cataract surgery was then completed and I couldn't be happier with the results. My doctor was Michael Saidel. read more

I saw Dr. Bacharach. I kept telling the staff that I only wanted my cataracts checked. They had me go thru all tests, which in looking back on it were not needed. It was a frustrating visit. After a month still haven't been called for a surgery date. I have to agree with Laura C's review. Long story short, new doctor measured cataracts and surgery scheduled within a day. read more

I spoke with Victoria and made an appt to see Dr Weeks. I made a request for a predetermination claim in order to know the costs associated with the initial visit. I received a voicemail from Victoria on 10/8/24 at Dr Weeks office stating that she cannot do a predetermination claim and can only provide the billing codes. I am disappointed with this office since I have the right to know the costs associated with the visit. If the office is refusing to provide a predetermination claims, this is a red flag and I feel I received poor service from this office. I decided to cancel the appointment and will be filing a grievance with the health insurance plan. read more

Been going to them for exams and prescription glasses for years. Won't ever be going back. They have been getting worse and worse. They now make you feel like you're imposing on them. You walk into an empty office and are told they cannot help you. 2-4 weeks wait for exams, appointments to get simple fixes for glasses. And just an unfriendly attitude in general. Too bad. You lost my business but I'm sure also don't care. read more

I had an eye opening experience at NBEA. Appointment was easy to make, front desk and physician support staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Dr. Saidel was awesome, caring, and dedicated to providing high quality care. Take care of those eyes or your looking at a dark future. read more

They are after your Medicare to pay their bills. Place is a scam and horrible communication, manipulates seniors, kick backs I'm sure to other doctors. Don't go there! read more

If you enjoy being treated with total disrespect, this is the place for you! The first time I went, I had a small growth on my lower eye lid. They fit me in right away, which I appreciated. I got there at 7 a.m. and it was freezing outside but there were no empty chairs and I was instructed to wait in my car until they called. I assumed that was due to my getting squeezed in and did not complain. It took an hour for them to finally see me. Dr. Bacharach gave me a complete eye exam, which I chalked up being a new patient. When I came back to have the little growth removed, I waited for about a half an hour. Then, they gave me a second eye exam. It had only been a couple of months at most, so I was surprised. I figured perhaps this allows them to charge more. The doctor did not seem to remember me or know why I was there but he took care of the little growth. It's been a long time since I had an eye exam, so a few months later, I drove there to make an appointment in person. They scheduled me three months out. Again, I figured OK, popular practice. I can squint for three months, no problemo. So today, a week before my appointment, they call me and leave a message to cancel. No reason given. I leave a message stating that I am not pleased (a polite message-no swearing). We play phone tag and I get them back. I ask why I'm being rescheduled. Oh, she doesn't know, maybe he had a meeting to go to. They want to reschedule me FOR JULY. It is now MID FEBRUARY. That would be NINE MONTHS after I initially made the appointment. Unless Dr. Bacharach can heal the blind and turn water into wine, this is totally unacceptable. I am taking my business elsewhere. read more

I would give 10 stars if I could! I have just recently finished having 2 cataract surgeries within the last month by Dr. Saidel. My experience with the staff and Dr. Saidel was exemplary. I had stopped driving at night and my contact and glasses' prescriptions were barely getting the job done. Every detail of pre and post surgery were given to me in a booklet and was very easy to follow. After my cataract surgeries I now have 20/20 vision in each eye and I just turned 70. Colors are brighter and no longer dealing with contacts or glasses is an immeasurable gift and no longer an expense. My surgeries were at Petaluma Valley Hospital and that was also an excellent experience! Amazing North Bay Eye! Pamela read more

The wait time can be long, however the Dr Bacharach is worth the wait. He gives the patients the time needed for care and to answer any questions, which perhaps may be why at times the wait can be long. however, I believe that speaks to the quality of care he provides to each individual patient. I'd much rather wait than be herded through like cattle on a timed schedule. read more

I have seeing Dr. Saidel for a couple of years now. Always professional and kind and explains everything I need to know and more. I had cataract surgery last year with good results thanks to Dr. Saidel's expertise. I can now see colors I have not seen as vivid in years and my vision is much better. I have had a good experience with all his staff. Very good people. I also have chronic dry eye disease that Dr. Saidel is helping me with the symptoms. There is no cure. It can be very painful, but I have gotten, with his help, to a point that it is much better. I appreciate Dr. Saidel and his staff! read more

Dr. Saidel performed cataract surgery on both my eyes 11/2022. He was professional, kind, and explained the whole procedure. The new lens were like seeing for the first time. Your vision is crisp and color is bright again. Dr. Saidel did not pressure me to up grade to a more costly les. He actually asured me that I didn't need an up grade when I asked for them. I totally recommed him and give him 5 stars. It's rare to find a doctor like him. read more

I like Dr. Bacharach and his staff. They run a professional and friendly office. The doctor himself is especially warm and gives a high standard of care. There used to be a good-looking woman at reception who seemed mildly unpleasant, but I think she's gone. Dr. Bacharach seems super competent and was recommended to me by another glaucoma specialist in San Francisco just a few years ago. To date, I've been entirely pleased with Dr. Bacharach and North Bay Eye, and feel in good hands. I don't think they've fully gotten a fair shake from some Yelpers here, to be honest. I can't even think of anything to complain about, so I don't get the fussiness. read more

I wish I had checked yelp before I went here for glasses. Dr Seidel offered me 20/20 vision and failed. Prescription is way off. This is my first pair of prescription glasses and maybe I should have asked more questions. OR better yet he should have asked me what I wanted to see better than before. Anyway I'm back to using two sets of readers with stick on bifocals. One for driving and reading and the other for computer. Driving is still very foggy but I don't go any place I'm not familiar with anymore. Huge waste of money on these glasses read more

When my husband and I moved to Santa Rosa, it was important for us to find an excellent ophthalmologist to provide our eye healthcare. We are both artists. Excellent eye care is vitally important to our day-to-day mental, physical and creative well-being. Facing the onslaught of cataracts, we wanted to be sure we had a doctor who would listen to us, understand our needs, and have the intellect, skill set, and compassion to guide us through the corrective journey and any other vision issues we might face long-term. We were referred to Dr. Michael Saidel and could not be happier. We bonded with him immediately. He has the experience, knowledge and demeanor to tackle even the toughest vision needs. Add to that a jovial personality and a sincere concern for his patients and we knew we had found the right doctor for us. My husband was the first to have cataract surgery. Dr. Saidel provided extremely clear, written instructions to follow in preparation for surgery and the subsequent recovery. He utilized state-of-the art technology and compounded eye drops to make adhering to the process easier. My husband's two surgeries were totally successful. He's amazed at how clear his vision is now and how brightly he sees color! Kudos are also in order for Dr. Saidel's staff at the Petaluma office. Everyone, from the nurses to the technicians to the admin support, was skilled, cheery and on-point each time we paid a visit. You could tell they all enjoy working with one another and the patients. This makes for an all-around fabulous medical experience! The time will come when I'll have to have cataract surgery, too. I have total confidence in Dr. Saidel and his staff to usher me through it as successfully as they did my husband! read more

Dr. Saidel is great. No complaints at all. He gets five stars hands down. The office? Not so much. They are unclear, get things wrong, don't answer the phone. Short staffed because of Covid, yes, but they need to get more on the ball. read more

Just moved to Sonoma & needed opthalmologist so my primary care Dr recommended Dr Saidel. The staff was pleasant & personable, the office is clean & Dr Saidel was great. He is competent, knowledgeable & personable. read more

The optician who fitted me is awesome. The receptionist in Petaluma. Older blond lady lacks basic communication skills that position requires. In other words she is horrible. read more

after multiple cancellations by nb eye with 3-6 mth rescheduling i am fed up !!!!!! i had a facetime appt at 10:40 am on 12/30 with bacarach which never happened !!!! they dropped the ball and never called !!!! i havebeen with these people for over 40 years and now they are on my s list!!! only as good as there worst players!!! read more

Recently, while in Socal, my eyes were inflamed on an airplane flight, then worsened by an unexpected sand storm (on the ground) near LA. My regular beloved eye MD referred me to Dr Bacharach (North Bay Eye) who along with his stellar staff, gently led me from near blindness to WAY better. This MD is bright, cheerful, and not afraid to (successfully) handle the hard cases. Highly recommend! Great lunch after at Hunan Village, too. read more

I have gone to North Bay Eye a few times and will not go back again. I wouldn't have gone the third time but due to Covid 19 I was not able to find another Ophthalmologist in my area that would take a new patient. First of all the main receptionist in that Sonoma office is rude. I've seen a few different doctors there hoping that the next would better than the first. They rush in and rush out without any explanation of what they find. Today I saw Dr. Saidle for my eye that is bulging some. He did a couple little tests and then referred me to another doctor. He wouldn't say why or tell me what he thought of my problem. Maybe he didn't know what to do and didn't want to admit it. He also assumed that I wanted some eye plastic surgery which I don't. I tried to get more info about why he was sending me there but he seemed to rushed to give me a moment more. I am not some mindless person that gives all my care away to the "know it all doctors". I take responsibility for my health and want doctors that will help educate me and work together with me. read more

I wrote a review yesterday because I was so impressed with Northbay eye I printed it and saw the negatives and Im telling you there were NO negatives for me ! I have an appointment today and actually looking forward to it! I hope those who need help with their eyes see past the disgruntled and use this company for an great experience ! they are caring professional and my eyesight has never been better! I had Dr Michael Saidel as my surgeon and couldn't be happier from the minute I met him to the day after surgery . I think its important to read through the negatives to see the truth!!! thank you again Charlyw read more

Dr. Bacharach has been my Mom's glaucoma Dr. for 15 + years. She has always been completely happy with the service of all of the staff and she sees them at least four times per year. Recently she has been diagnosed with an issue by her local Optometrist and was advised to see an MD. Needless to say I got her in with another of the NBEA Drs. read more

Bad experience will never return. I was seen for a yearly check up and for a new prescription on contacts. I come in, no one at the check in desk, I must have stood there for 10 mins waiting for someone to come up and check me in. Finally someone shows up, instantly has an attitude, not welcoming at all. You can tell the staff really do not like their job and don't want to be there. My experience with the Dr. was fine, no issues she was nice, until come one month later the usual brand of contacts I use start to irritate my eyes. I messaged the doctor and staff through their patient portal (which I was informed about by staff and encouraged to use) on the website it says to give them at least 24 to 48 hours for a response, I waited a week. I sent them another message, again 1 week later no message back from anyone. I decide to call them, they told me they'd speak with the Dr. And give me a call back, never heard from them. I'm going back to where I was going prior to North Bay Eye Associates. This place is a waste of time. read more

Avoid at all costs. Here's the short story, my longer story is below if you want to share in my suffering... I get the impression this place is all about quantity - as in, how many customers can we move through the doors every day, NOT QUALITY. Their waiting rooms were packed, the screwed up my appointment, the attitudes were pretty unbelievable. I won't be returning. ************************************************************ Long story... the appointment was for my 8 y.o. to see the Opthalmologist, it was a referral for some special issues she was having. Not only did their office staff book us for the wrong doctor, they quote: "forgot to press save on the computer" to make our appointment. We had to squeeze in between people, there was literally nowhere to sit. This was me, a 6 y.o. and an 8 y.o We waited around while they made some calls before finally producing a hardcopy of our appointment which was scrawled in sloppy hand writing and had apparently been faxed to them by their lazy office staff. It's no wonder they didn't expect us, we weren't in the computer and those papers had been burried under their other paperwork for a month! After this we were told to go across the hall to the other building where the Ophthalmologist is located... again NOWHERE TO SIT! The place was packed. Apparently they did a ton of surgeries earlier in the day and were herding patients back through like cattle for their follow up's. The staff here acted as if we had now greatly inconvenienced them by having to fit us in (because they couldn't manage to properly use their computers to book our appointment). My kids are pretty patient but our wait was over 2 hours, this is pushing beyond even what I'm able to cope with in a cramped room full of people with eye patches, ok even if they didn't have eye patches this would have sucked. After an eye exam - by a tech, not the doctor, my kid gets a Rx for some glasses... ok but what about the other issues related to her eye muscles that we were referred for?? The doctor literally spent 60 seconds looking in her eyes with one instrument then gave us a referral to a pediatric Opth...... wait, wut? We were here to see a pediatric Opth, who is this guy then?? In fact their lazy office staff didn't bother to read the referral properly and referred us to their regular Opth, not the pediatric specialist who does consultation at their office. What a ^%#$ mess. read more

WOW! I am SO glad it wasn't just just me that thought this place was HORRIBLE. After my experience yesterday I came to check their reviews and low and behold... many others left with the same bad experience- funny how that seems to work. I am in the medical profession, and IF any of the Doctor's of this office read these reviews, please re-evaluate your staff- your business is absolutely suffering because of them. I came in to check out the selection of frames for my husband. He doesn't have time to shop, nor does he really care to. I find a few frames, find out the cost, narrow everything down and he picks what he likes and we're done. It's how him and I do it. Our usual office is in Larkspur, but now that he doesn't work in Marin anymore, I was looking for somewhere closer he might switch to. WELL, it WON'T be here! From the minute I walked in the heavy set, frumpy woman working the eyeglass boutique was rude! I felt like at every turn, and question she would shoot it down as if to discourage me from buying there. When I mentioned I was looking for men's frames, she countered, "Oh, no we have to see your husband" When I explained I have the Rx, she countered, "Well, how do you know they will fit? We need to measure.. blah, blah, blah..." in such a rude manner. I would totally understand had she said, " Please, look around and see what you like, however, we suggest having him come in to be fitted for the best result." I would appreciate that, and understand professionally she is right in saying it. But, instead it was like she was offended I even want to look at the selection! I purposely slowed my speech down and looked directly at her.. "Will it hurt anything for me to just look at what you have?" Frankly, I was flabbergasted at what I was dealing with. When I asked an insurance question (mind you I AM the insurance coordinator and account manager of my medical office) she didn't even give me one ounce of useful information nor was even going to try. It took a co-worker who overheard our exchange to offer another solution to check the insurance under my name to see the benefits. Lovely, thanks co-worker. I have a small child, and I don't let my child run wild or ruin things in a store. But, she did touch a pair of glasses.. not pick them up and throw them, only touch them, and then I hear the rude woman.. "Honey, don't touch those" at this point I was already questioning why I even stayed as long as I had. I grabbed my childs hand and replied, "We are going elsewhere, YOU are extremely rude." My little one was almost crying, thinking we were leaving because of something she did, saying "I am sorry mama, I am sorry." I had to explain to her it wasn't her. She didn't do anything wrong. That lady was just a rude woman, who doesn't know how to work with people very well. My daugher is not a rambunctious kid, and don't speak to her like that--Talk to me if you have an issue. I go beyond what is expected of me at my job. The average person does not know about their benefits and its my job to try and make that as painless and informative for them as possible. I take pride in representing my office and knowing my job. To see someone so careless, rude and unprofessional just ticks me off. I actually felt uncomfortable I gave her my husband social security number to check benefits. I wish I hadn't now. read more

Dr Saidel is incredible. So kind, helpful and clearly knows what he's doing. Staff is great! Highly recommend this place. The 4 star review is only because they are always behind.. 15-30minutes late for every appointment. But honestly, it's worth the wait for this level of care. read more

STAY away from this place at all cost, went in to get an exam and was told I needed surgery, agreed to it then waited almost two month with no word, when I called they said that my doctor was leaving the staff and I had to see dr Bacharach, no sorry for leaving you hanging or anything came back to do the exam AGAIN with the new doctor and he agreed I need surgery, lady comes into the room takes down a bunch of information and says I will mail you all the info on date for surgery, etc, that was almost two months ago, sorry but the staff is an extention of the doctor, will go else where, anywhere read more

Really disappointing experience. Getting on the phone I spoke to a lady and she transferred me to the contacts division. After asking a few questions and everything going well, I brought up insurance and after that everything went down hill. Super rude lady with no regards to the fact that costumer service comes first (spoken by someone who's worked in dental for 2 years handling all medical insurances and 2 years in a billing company for dental insurances) she continued to be snide and argue with me so I went ahead and canceled My appointment. I live in SANRAFAEL, if I'm going to be driving 25 miles to any doctor, atleast their staff could be professional. read more

AMAZING! I love Dr. Saidel & his whole staff. As a person who has been extremely near-sighted my whole life, I can now see!!!! Dr. Saidel & his staff are personable, caring, & through. They were so patient with me. I was greeted with big smiles every time I had an interaction with them. On the day of my cataract surgery, there were like 6-7 others getting the same surgery by Dr. Saidel. I never once felt like I was a number waiting in line. In fact, I was treated the whole time as if I was the most important person in the room. Thank you Sonoma Valley Hospital as well. Vanessa & Kasey are wonderful too. They make themselves 100% accessible. If they can't talk right then, they call you back the same day. Every question, no matter how basic or redundant, was answered pleasantly & patiently. I give them all a huge thumbs up! read more

Dr Daniel Ahn and his staff were amazing. I live out of state and had an emergency. Not only was I taken right away , The office called two pharmacies to make sure I had the right RX. Later that afternoon I was still having eye pain and I was told to come back. They also accepted my insurance They were kind caring compassionate and really wanted to help. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone to this office and if I lived close by no question I would use Dr Ahn. read more

Dr. Bacharach and staff were kind enough to fit me in at the end of a Friday afternoon for an eye issue. As a new patient, I was very grateful that they went out of their way to take care of me before the weekend. read more

Dr Saidel was outstanding. Great bedside manner. Changed my life since cataract surgery. I would highly recommend his services to anyone needing his services. read more

I've been coming here for years. Larry is amazing! He has helped me pick out glasses a couple of times and He is so professional and patient. The doctors I've had were very nice too. I definitely would recommend this place read more

North Bay Optical goes to the limit to make sure your needs are met. Absolutely the BEST optometrics in Sonoma County, and outclasses everything I have experienced in my home county of Merced. Five thumbs up. read more

Just seen by Dr Bacharach on an emergency. Having previously read the reviews I was concerned about this office. My experience was opposite of what I read. From the answering service to the front desk to the medical records folks, everyone was friendly, professional efficient. I was grateful to get in with no notice and to be treated so well. I intend to move to this office for my regular care. Thanks Dr Bacharach! read more