Negligent care, dishonest billing, and completely unprofessional. Do not trust these people. One week the assistant was rolling cigarettes at the front desk; the next, he was coughing so badly the doctor wore a mask around him. When I questioned charges for replacement lenses in my glasses, they revised the invoice three times. Suspiciously, they initially claimed they couldn't print it due to HIPAA -- which isn't true. It felt shady, like they were adjusting the paperwork to match what they charged. How can three completely different invoices -- one listing $450 frames I never ordered, others with varying lenses and coatings -- all show the same total? Dr. K also sold me a custom Ortho-K contact lens service package. She made repeated mistakes, then stopped scheduling evaluations -- abandoning the expensive service I paid for. The manufacturer later confirmed she wasn't following standard protocol. I hate that I even have to write this, but I feel obligated to warn others -- including the California Optometry Board and HHS. She'll surely reply with excuses and blame me -- that's exactly how their office operates: defensive, evasive, and never accountable. Please don't make the same mistake I did and trust the high rating. There are plenty of reputable drs in the area. read more

Great optometrist! I've been going here for three years for contacts and glasses. They're relatively new to the area. Conveniently located. Lots of street parking. Dr Kattengell is great with lots of good recommendations. Good new machinery to scan eyes read more

Two years ago, I was referred to this optometrist by my Medicare insurance, and I have seen her annually since then. Having had vision issues since I was a toddler, I'm particular about my eye care. Chris, at the front desk, has been friendly, helpful, and informative. Dr. K has performed extensive examinations, including dilating my eyes. She shows and explains the process and results to me. I'm confident and satisfied with her work and staff and would recommend her business. read more

I wanted new frames and needed updated prescription. I made an appointment at Pacific Pier Optical because it was close to home. I was told to come early to complete new patient paperwork. Ok, not a problem... until I had to drive around the block for 10 minutes looking for parking. No guest parking in the building. Finally found a space on the street and had to walk 2 blocks. I had a herniated disc at the time so it was actually very painful. I walked in a few minutes before my appointed time. The guy at the front desk was very nice. Moments later I was all checked in and invited to look at frames while I wait. I poked around few minutes and found some frames I liked, then sat down to wait for the exam. I was the only patient there. Over the next 10 minutes or so I watched the doctor walk in and out of the exam room a few times, then back down the hall. She pranced back and forth in her mini dress and 4 inch FMPs with her nose in the air. Never even glanced in my direction. It was almost half hour after my appointment time before she was finally ready. No apology for the wait, no pleasant greeting, she just went right into the exam. I wouldn't say she was rude, just snooty and very unfriendly. I endured 10-15 uncomfortable minutes with her, then back to the receptionist with a new prescription. Actually, it was same as the previously expired prescription. Paid $450 for the Prada frames plus another $900+ for scratch resistant coating, progressive bifocal transition lenses. Then bolted out the door wishing I didn't have to come back again to pick them up. Finally almost 2 weeks later they were ready. Rx was basically the same but something about the quality was just a little off, but not enough to complain. Fast forward 6 months and the lenses were so blurry I can barely read with them. I've been wearing glasses for decades and never had this happen. They were properly cared for, no accidents, haven't been left upside down or anything that would cause all the fine little scratches. I've had glasses last 2-3 years without getting scratched up like this. I just dropped them off at Hour Glass Optical to have the lenses replaced. Ordered exactly the same extras for $200 less than Pacific Pier Optometry. TLDNR - in a nutshell, Pacific Pier Optical is inconvenient, unfriendly and overpriced. Not going back. read more

The receptionist for Dr. K overcharged me $38 for an office visit that is not covered by my insurance so I will report it to my provider. I never heard back so when I went in to pick up my new glasses, my empty frames were returned. When I asked for my $38 back I was told I still owed $22. I stormed out and still haven't received my prescription. I will notify my provider of the overcharge. Dr. K. was very cold and rushed my examination; I give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she had a lot on her mind. read more

Read reviews on line that it was an unfriendly staff. I thought maybe that review was due to a front desk employee having a bad day. I went for my first visit and found the atmosphere very unwelcoming. It was the optometrist who was attending the front desk and seemed annoyed because I asked what would be included in my vist. She was very short with me so I decided to go elsewhere. How I am treated and a welcoming atmosphere is important. There were no patients in the waiting room. I would discourage going to this place of business. read more

Wonderful experience! I stopped in because I had a pair of glasses that were driving me crazy and just needed an adjustment to be comfortable. I asked how much and the lovely guy behind the counter just fixed them for me and then gave me lens cleaner (in the cutest flat spray bottle) and a lens cloth. What a kick*ass thing to do. When I need a new pair of glasses I am 100 percent coming here! Awesome people!! Cute frames! Highly recommended!! read more

Save me big time from having to go to ER. They examined my eyes quickly and for a fair price. Thank you.

Listen to the reviews and beware! Extremely unfriendly, not punctual, adds charges without explanation of services, pressures and guilts about purchases, and then is extremely rude and uncommunicative. Do not go!!! read more

Loved the doctor. The man at the front desk is rude and can't be bothered. Does everything he can to write you off instead of communicating what he's doing or listening to what you actually need. I thoroughly enjoyed the optometrist, she was attentive and kind. The receptionist lacks basic customer service skills and honestly shouldn't be at the forefront of any business. read more

BEWARE OF THIS LOCATION! SHADY SHADY SHADY!!!! I have never in my life had such a horrible customer service experience. To begin, they asked me to fill out a form with my information and the services I was requesting. After, they tried charging me for a service I never requested to get done. I had to ask about why I had to pay such a high amount for a contact lens prescription update, since that's all I came in for. They said it was a retina scan photo they take and that's just something that they do there. Why not fulfill only the requested services? After a 1.5 hour commute, I didn't want to just leave so I continued on with my appointment. Only to find out after getting home that they held on to my passport. I would've expected or at least hoped they'd handle sensitive customer information with care - but they didn't. I called back at noon the next day to ask about my passport and the manager laughed and said "oh yeah it's here! I didn't notice, uh yeah you can come back to pick it up" The issue was that I can't go back; I work every single day they are open and it's a very long commute. So I asked them to ship it to me. So he said he would. Cool. Except. It's been almost 2 weeks now. And when I called to check the status, he said verbatim; "i sent it in regular mail, no tracking number, but my handwriting is messy so maybe the address is wrong, but it is what it is I don't know what you want me to do now" .... I expressed my frustration and disappointment with his negligence on handling sensitive customer information and he hung up the phone on me. No joke. There's no way this person is a manager. Im VERY concerned about my information potentially being stolen because 1.) my SSN was written on paper (because I assumed my information would be safe with them) 2.) employee negligence. I have no other option but to wait this out, and I am very much considering filing a report on this location. This is very shady business! read more

This is a real mystery how is it that this office has 5 star 11 reviews? Can someone explain? Was having an eye exam for about 20 years and this one was the worst eye exam ever, at some point I was thinking someone is pranking me! Being open minded as much as I can be I was ask over the phone if I have allergy cause they have a small puppy in the office. Turned out small puppy is 11 years old dog by the name of Gizmo that smells like any 11 years old would which is ok if we some where at the back yard having few beers, but actually we at the dr. Office checking my vision which I think kind of important?? Love animals very much but I think if you see any laying down on the floor in a restaurants, dr. Offices that include mice, cats, dogs I think you should highly considerate some other places? Unless health department would disagree with Not to mention place had no ac or the owner of the establishment decided not to use it for the reasons unknown. (July) Right at the beginning of the exam something fell on me when dr. Was moving his equipment, table where you should be trying your contacts good enough for a 5 years old girl having a tea party but not for a grown up over 200 pounds guy do a contact lenses fitting. Walked out Oo 09/14/19 Yelpers Beware! I'm not sure if this medical Dr. aware of what he is saying! From what I see and read he is defending himself as any child would do. Animals DONT BELONG IN DR. OFFICE! I have Health department and Medica board to back me up on this matter! Which I will follow with this coming Monday! Hate dogs? I would definitely "hate" a dog for that matter where dog don't belong and there is places where they don't belong, can anyone agree? Medical offices, libraries etc.. Who is Howie Mandel exactly? And where is he getting his eye exam now? (2017) He is extremely good looking guy with alopecia and my role model so I would love too know please keep yelp posted! Yes, indeed it's a fact that I have 12 negative reviews cause most places well deserve it, many positive too please do the math and will continue to do so please stay tune more negative and positive and in between are coming up. Great job defending yourself! read more

Pacific Pier Optometry - Dr.John Elman famous dog Gizmo, does anyone thinks bringing a dog for a day to a dr.office or a restaurant not good idea or it's just me? - Optometrists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The worst eye doctor I've ever seen and the rudest receptionist. He should retire. I wish there was a NO STAR review option. read more

Dr. Elman is fantastic! He is very intelligent, accurate and precise when it come to an eye exam. He is also very diligent in connection with insurance benefits; he checks all benefits prior to a patient arrival and explains them in details. He makes patients aware of any available rebates. Chris at the front desk is very polite and friendly. It is too bad I did not see Gizmo this time...Hope to see the fluffy next time. read more

1405$ for a simple eye check and a year of contacts. Complete scam, do not go to these people.

I miss Dr. Elman. He was so kind, thorough with explanation of test results and took his time during his exam to find the correct prescription. It was such a delightful and easy process. The new owner and the person she hired to sell glasses and answer the phone are unprofessional and looking to make money to pay for the remodeling of the office. Don't waste your time. read more

I was really hoping to find a new optometrist. I liked the location, the aesthetic of the office, and newer technology they used. The guy at the front desk is a little too care free if you will, but he's funny. At first, I thought he was rude and sarcastic - but then I realized he was just joking lol. The pre-examination was fine. I did the standard tests and the one where they check the health of your eyes. That was cool. Then I got into the examination room and this is where things got interesting. The Dr. I believe she goes by Dr. K? I don't remember and, to be honest, I don't care to remember. I understand that it was a Saturday, I understand that I was the last appt. of the day (mind you, the office texted me and asked to move up my appt., which I happily agreed to) and who knows maybe she was even having a bad day. Again, I don't know! I was there with my fiancé who kept giving me looks during the examination to "let's go!" because Dr. K was very rude. She was unfriendly to say the least. More like mean and condescending. I get that not everyone is a people person, but this was just crappy attitude. I was so uncomfortable. I don't like to cause scenes, I have no idea what this person is going through in life, and I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt. Anyway. Things got a LITTLE bit better after I started to match her energy and, also, after she asked what I did for a living. I might be presumptuous, but maybe it's because she realized I have decent insurance? This is just the vibe I got. I think Dr. K actually knows what she's doing because she was knowledgeable and seemed confident in being able to provide a better sight-seeing experience for me. However, I won't be going back. I don't expect someone to be as outgoing or funny as I am . Hell, you don't even have to be friendly, but don't be mean. There's too much crap in the world to be mean to a stranger for no reason - especially one who came to you for help. Yikes. That is all. Mean people suck . read more

Love this place!! Very prompt, professional, and friendly office! Chris is incredibly helpful and makes driving out here worth it. So happy with my new glasses and contacts read more

I was charged a $30 fee for a form from DMV to be filled out. Lens Crafter would not have charged a fee. Service is cold & uppity, lacks warmth. Selection of frames is BAD & OVERPRICED. Compare LensCrafters, one has a better selection, inexpensive designer frames. Personally, I will never return. read more

Dr. K is knowledgeable and interested in providing very good care. She has upgraded the facility, and improved the the equipment she uses for exams. Dr. Elman was wonderful, but - so far I feel comfortable with Dr. K as well. read more

Dr. Kattengell and Chris are the dynamic duo of optometry in Santa Monica! They helped me a ton with new glasses and new Rx. They're super friendly, knowledgeable and remodeling the clinic into a chic optometry office. I drive from Riverside for my annual exam & they're worth it. read more

This shop is a disaster. Nice doctor but he knows nothing about glasses and he does not have an optician to help him. He made two wrong lenses for me because he didn't know about the material to use for progressive lenses and he charged me over $700 for two pairs in addition to charging my insurance. I finally gave up after 4 months of dealing with him as he kept making lenses that didn't work!!! I went to another optometry shop, Optometry Odessey, and they diagnosed the problem, made the correct lenses for me, and I could see again. Do not go to this doctor as he may be experienced but he is the worse when it comes to service; and his office smells like dog poop because there is always a dog in there!!! A very unsanitary office. Stay away from this disaster. read more

I really liked Dr. Elman. I chose him because he was right next door and was on my insurance. After reading reviews on Yelp, i decided to give him a try and am glad i found him. He is great. Very thorough with everything and very helpful. He took about an hour to check my eyes for the right prescription, was thorough and patient. I needed to order lenses and he helped me out with rebates and told me how to save money. He printed out and filled out all the forms for me and was extremely helpful on that front. I really liked his service and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a good optometrist. Don't come here if you are in a hurry to get out. He is thorough and you have to be patient with him. read more

Dr. Elman is awesome! He is patient and takes the time to make sure you have the correct prescription. I appreciate that he talked through all the new technology surrounding eye surgery so I can weigh my options and he also ordered sample lenses for me to try because he didn't have them on hand. Overall I am happy with the experience. read more

5 Stars for Dr. Elman. He is a kind, knowledgeable and patient doctor who gives you his full attention. Also 5 stars for the staff; they are really nice and welcoming. My only complaint is that the office is dirty. The chairs in the waiting area are filthy with dark brown spots on them, the whole office and all the equipment just seem dusty and in need of a good and REGULAR cleaning, the bathroom was far from spic and span, and there was a "present" for me in the bathroom toilet - gross. Also the reception area is cluttered with boxes, papers, etc and this just makes them look unprofessional. If they cleaned up their act, this practice would be in high demand. As it stands, I will still go back to Dr. Elman - albeit with baby wipes in hand. read more

Very happy I found Dr Elmans office while searching for an optometrist in the area. Very nice guy, and very helpful when it came time to picking out frames. He did an excellent job explaining exactly what was covered by my VSP insurance. Staff was friendly and great as well! I highly recommend! read more

Loved coming here. It felt more like visiting welcoming family than getting an exam. Not the fastest place if you're in a hurry but if you have time they are just lovely. I will definitely be coming back next time I need an eye exam or some new glasses. read more

Dr Elman is great. I just moved to LA and was looking for an eye doctor. He went into a lot of detail about my eye scans and test results and explained to me what everything meant. Will definitely be going here in the future! read more

When you get there they force you to watch a video for 15 minutes and then they ask you to get an extra procedure that cost $70 which is BS. I ended up getting a prescription that was not accurate, and he asked me for extra $75 to send it back to the company and get it fixed which I refused I ended up throwing it in the trash. read more

Highly recommended. His services combine high-tech with old-fashioned know-how and experience. The machine that takes a retina photo provides much more information about eye health than the standard dilation method. It also provides a record to review over the years to help track any changes. Initially I chose him because I had read about the flat pack Miru daily contact lenses and I wanted them for travel as well as the convenience every day. He is one of the few providers of Miru in the LA area. I am myopic with astigmatism and also have that age-related thing of not seeing stuff close-up as well as I used to. He took the time to fine-tune my prescription so that I see better than ever whether I am wearing the contacts or the progressive eyeglasses I bought thru his office. He also wrote a prescription for glasses for computer use only that keeps me from getting eyestrain while working at the monitor all day. His attention to detail and customer service is extraordinary. He is generous with his time and brings his rescue dog to work everyday. His office is in Santa Monica, but you can park for free during your appointment in a dedicated parking space reserved for clients. read more

Dr. Ellman is by far the best optometrist I've ever used. I would highly recommend him to anyone. You will be highly satisfied with his professionalism and experience. My vision is perfect now thanks to him. read more

Went to him a few months back, best eye doctor I've ever been to, honestly. His office was closing and he stayed after hours to make sure I had the exact perfect contacts for my eyes (I have a strange prescription). Then months later I had to call him to make a few changes to the type I was wearing and he remembered me!!! Incredibly kind, incredibly caring. I feel like this is a man who's true calling in life was to help people with their eyes. 5 stars all around. read more

I really enjoyed my visit to Dr. Elman's office. I think he is very detailed and knowledgeable, and really takes his time with your check-up. He is very kind, soft-spoken, and really listens to your concerns. The office itself is located in Santa Monica, far enough from the 3rd Street crowds, but central enough in SM. There is a parking spot behind the office which is really helpful. Kudos to his staff. They are very friendly and professional. I am certainly glad I visited his office and believe I have found my optometrist of choice! I have already recommended him to co-workers, friends, and family,...and now, to yelpers! read more

Very nice, very detail oriented. I've been going to him for 4 years. He reminds me very much of Mr. Rogers.

I think Dr. Elman may be the nicest doctor in Los Angeles. He is also a great OD as well. He takes his time and is extremely thorough. He doesn't rush at all. He'd be a great doctor with kids and older people as well because he has such a great and patient manner about him. I hope he never retires! He's the best! read more

I was asked to find an eye doctor in Santa Monica who I could get a next day appointment with for my boss. Of course I turned to Yelp and sent him to Dr. Elman. He came back completely blown away and excited by how much better he can see! read more

Dr. Elman has taken care of me and my family for over 20 years. He is patient and very detail oriented. I previously had contacts and had a hard time with dry eyes. He was excellent in trying various solutions. He stays current with the latest technology. I then had LASIK surgery almost five years ago. He still does a very complete exam. read more

As a first-time glasses and contact lens wearer, I was apprehensive when searching for an Optometrist. I wanted a Doctor that would give my eyes a thorough examination and explain everything to me (in laymen's terms) all along the way. I found those qualities in Dr. Elman. He is extremely patient, meticulous in my eye exams, and painstakingly answered every question I had. He also worked with my insurance company making sure all my needs were covered. His staff is great at reminding me of my appointments and when my products are in, and for a smaller office (anti-Costco and LensCrafters) he offered a wonderful selection of eye wear (I found some awesome Prada glasses!). I really believe I have found my Optometrist for life in Dr. John Elman. read more

I've been going to Dr. Elman for years. I always ask tons of questions of doctors and he takes the time to answer them all and then some. Also, each time I've gone, he's suggested a new contact lens that has proved to be a substantial improvement over my old ones. You can probably find a cheaper exam elsewhere but not a better one. read more

Dr. Elman is thorough and kind. I had some problems with my eyse and he listened to me carefully and really helped me. I highly recommend him. His office people are also kind and helpful. read more