Nothing bad to say about Dr. Vanwoerkom. He's an awesome Doctor. However, his staff a complete disappointment. I have been hung up on almost every time I've called. I've tried calling during business hours only to continuously get their "our office is closed for lunch or for the evening" message without any ability to get through to a person. His staff must have changed in the last year because I've been going there for almost 5 years and never had a problem. Considering looking for another optometrist considering you deal more with staff and this task had been a nightmare. read more

Do NOT go there- NEVER going back!!!! I didn't read the bad Yelp reviews and wish I had! I had been here a long time ago and didn't think good or bad - but it had been a long time and knew I needed to go back- should have gone some place else!!!! SO- I checked in - I waited 56 min before the doctor saw me. No one said anything, no apologies for the wait or the doctor was behind - nothing but for me to wait and wait and wait. The doctor was nice but spent less than 15 minutes with (after waiting almost an hour - that is not acceptable). Prescription didn't change - standard check up. Then I went to pick out new frames- the woman helping me asked me to wait when another man walked up - I told her no I had waited long enough earlier- she still helped him before me. Why ask if you are no going to accept the answer? I picked something out, purely based on the fact I was so annoyed and just wanted to leave. I went back a few weeks later to pick out the frames- they had the WRONG ones ... why was I surprised??? I told them I did not order tortuous I ordered black frames, the same lady gave me a nasty look (like I made the mistake) she went over to the samples that everyone else has tried on and stretched out and put my lenses in THOSE SAMPLE frames. I PAID a lot of money for new frames and I didn't get them- I got used frames!!!! NOT COOL - I am still so mad but I never EVER want to go back!!! read more

Dr. Gee is absolutely fantastic. I've only had a couple optometrist appointments in my life, and this was the first with her. That being said, she answered all my questions, was kind, light but also very focused on making sure I got the absolute best care and understood everything. She's a true gift. read more

This was my first visit to Pasadena Optometry Center, but it was a great experience. The office is friendly and efficient, and Dr. Gee was so informative and thorough! I highly recommend the office for your optometry needs! read more

My family and I have been going here for 15 yrs.The Docs need to know that the girls running the front are rude and have caused them to lose 3 patients .Thanks for the 15 yrs of your service read more

I requested Dr. Sandy Gee, whom I have seen for over five years now, when I went in for my exam a few weeks ago. The place has a boutique feel to it, not the massive behemoth of the popular competitor on Colorado, Lindens, which is something I appreciate and crave when it comes to something as important as my eyes. I found street parking a block away with no problem, to avoid paying the lot fee. After a brief ten minutes or so wait in the waiting area, I was ushered in to get my peripheral vision checked, then led to a room for the doctor exam. Dr. Gee was very patient with me, told me what she was doing, and asked me if I had any questions and answered them thoroughly. When I went in two years ago while pregnant, she made sure to let me know I could postpone my glaucoma test. And when she recommended Transitions lenses for my prescription because I had some sun damage to my eyes, I knew she was telling it like it is, and not trying to gain a profit off me just because Transitions cost extra. When I asked for a copy of my prescription as I would possibly want to fill it elsewhere, such as online at go-optic.com, I was happily accommodated. The front desk staff were nice and personable. At Pasadena Optometry, you won't find the throngs of people that Lindens handles. Great choice whether you're nearby to Pasadena proper or not. read more

I have been with the Pasadena Optometry Center for 6 years now. I have always been happy with them. Very courteous and professional. The location is also very convenient and pleasant. I highly recommend Dr. Craig Van Woerkom who is thorough, careful, patient, pleasant, open and completely professional. Dr. Sandy Gee and Dr. Elizabeth Snowden-Ifft are just as wonderful. It's just a wonderful place with courteous, excellent and professional care. When I get my glasses, I always see Mary, and she is truly wonderful -- caring, attentive, thorough. I wish all doctor offices were this wonderful. read more

I am a faithful patient of Pasadena Optometry and Dr. Van Woerkom. He is so professional and is sensitive to the needs of the patient. I could not ask for a better OD. I have seen my share of optometrists and I have to say this place really takes care of you. read more

I've been coming here for a few years now and they're really good. I see Dr. Vanwoerkom and he is professional and goes into a lot of detail in the examination so you know what he's looking at. My appointments are generally pretty quick and they're usually on time. read more

Dr Van Woerkom is as good as they get. Thorough, professional, friendly, truly knowledgeable. You don't ever feel rushed by him either. He is the kind of (although quite young) old fashioned doctor that truly cares about the welfare of his patients. I don't trust many doctors (as I feel most are only in it for the money) but Dr. Van Woerkum is truly a cut above and I do very much trust him. HIGHLY recommend. read more

This was my first time with Pasadena Optometry Center, and I was very happy. Doctor and staff both friendly and professional. I didn't feel like i was just a number, like at other places where you pull a number and just wait. There was no long waiting, The doctor explained everything as I was getting my exam. I had questions, and she had the answers. I would recommend POC to friends and family. read more

We had a great experience at the Pasadena Optometry Center. Our doctor was Elizabeth Snowden-Ifft, OD, who was very attentive, patient, and spent enough time heading our concerns/getting to know us (new patients). We got new glasses from their selection of frames / product offerings - so it was a one-stop-shop experience. The staff was very nice as well. read more

This practice used to be great. Not sure what happened. First noticed front office was rude and dismissive and when I complained, I was told that changes were being made. Well, the change is not obvious. Then I had my eyes examined and were told they have improved and so since the prescription had changed, I, of course, had to buy new glasses. Well, they are awful. The "change" has made seeing distance almost impossible. This is my busy time of year, so I've had to suffer with them as I don't have time to run back and forth. And then when calling to make an appointment, I am told someone will call me back and no one ever does. This has happened several times. I just called today to try one more time and the phone answers with a message to a patient to come in and pick up their glasses. What???? So more carelessness obviously. I used to highly recommend and now do not recommend at all. read more

I went in for an eye exam the wait before being called in was not long. Dr. Woerkam was great. He was very thorough and explained the different tests as he was doing them. The person that helped me select new frames was courteous and friendly. I was there a little longer than I expected but not too bad. Although it did take close to 3+ weeks to get my glasses because the lab sent them over scratched.. Dr. Woerkam called to let me know what had happened and apologized for the delay. He also followed up after I picked up my new glasses to make sure they were a good fit. Besides the minor delay in getting my glasses.. I will probably be return. read more

I've been here on two separate occasions over the last month. My domestic partner referred me as she's been going to POC since she was 18. I wanted to see their selection of frames and what my insurance coverage would offer before schedule any kind of exam. So when we got there, we were very friendlilylyly greeted by the reception staff. Even Dr. Gee came out and recognized my partner and was very sweet to both of us. I was taken back to the frames boutique by a lady named Joyce? I think? She was so nice and helped me pick out styles based on what I was looking at. My one complaint about this process is that I like to look around by myself, I don't like anyone hanging around me making suggestions. It made me feel rushed and under pressure to decide when I just wanted to take my time and look at all the frame selections. My partner said that they always do it that way, for some reason they don't let you just wander the boutique looking by yourself at all the frames. Not sure if they get a commission or what. Then I made an appointment for a glasses exam because my insurance was covering a good portion of things there. I went in for my eye exam and the nurse tech was very obviously tired. They were short staffed that day and it was one of their longer days when they're open until 7pm. I had the 5:15p appt. so I was thinking "great, they're tired and over this sh--, I hope they treat me and my ojos with care." The nurse tech was just very by the book, straightforward, no nonsense. I didn't mind, I could tell she was just tired. I waited for about 10 minutes for Dr. VanWoerkem to come into the exam room. He was so professional and nice. He explained that while my prescription has changed slightly since my last exam three years ago, he doesn't think it would benefit me to change my prescription at this time so we kept it the same. I did laugh when he told me how impressed he was with my peripheral vision test. You know, that little "game" you play when you click the mouse every time you see little squiggles in your periphery? He said I have perfect peripheral vision, that I got 100% of the clicks!! I was like "Yeahhhh, can't nobody sneak up on me, y'all...." Pricing was very reasonable. I wanted glasses and prescription sunglasses. I got the works, both frames were designer labels, and the lenses had all the upgraded bells and whistles. Without insurance, I would have paid close to 1K for both pairs. But with my VSP insurance through work, I only owed a total of $380! I heard that they take kind of a long time to get your glasses to you, around 3 weeks. They delivered in about ten days! Thanks guys! read more

I've been going here for a long time even before Dr. Van Woerkom and Dr. Snowden worked there! My wife had an issue with her right eye and called in the morning and got an appointment that afternoon! The staff is very attentive, professional, and friendly! I would recommend them in a heartbeat. They're very patient with their patients and take the time to answer all my concerns. read more

This practice needs to learn two simple words: "Customer Service". They are continually late on appointments. Dr. van Woerkom does not respect his appointment schedule and, regularly, keeps patients waiting at least 30 minutes past the appointed time. After several years of putting up with this practice's lack of respect I've decided to find another practice that will treat its patients with dignity and respect. I have notified my insurance company of the change and have convinced my wife and son to also drop this practice group even though they were with Dr. Gee. Dr. van Woerkem's lack of respect for his patients has now cost other members of his practice group patients, too. Perhaps this business will learn that, as a business, you should always treat your customers with respect. Honoring the stated appointment times is Step 1 in achieving that goal. The irony about van Woerkom's constant disrespect for his patient's time is that when they book an appointment they send you text messages, emails and phone calls to confirm the appointment, then they throw all of that effort out the window when they don't respect the agreed upon appointment time. Pathetic. If you value your time as much as we value ours and if you don't want to be disrespected, I'm sure there are a lot of other optometrists in the area that know what the words "customer service" truly mean. Doubtful this practice group will ever learn that. read more

I wish I could rate different aspects of my visit, but anyways, here it goes: Dr. Snowden: I'd been going to the same optometrist for my entire life before moving to Pasadena and having to find a new one. My boyfriend tried Pasadena Optometry Center first and liked his experience with Dr. Elizabeth Snowden so I thought I'd give her a try too. I'd give Dr. Snowden five stars. She was extremely patient when I couldn't decide if the first set of letters were clearer or the second. She was even super patient when I kept asking her questions. What made me like her even more was that she took the time to explain things that my previous optometrist either didn't explain or didn't explain fully. I went in for a checkup for glasses and contacts. I'd never had a doctor tell me that my prescription was pretty much the same and that I didn't really have to get new glasses if I didn't want to until I met Dr. Snowden. I thought that was very honest of her. Since I wanted to use my insurance before it expired, I went ahead and got new glasses but I also wanted contacts. I agreed to do the contacts fitting that cost an extra hundred dollars or so - I don't remember exactly how much it was - and I'd so glad that I did that. It meant going back to the office 4 more times but it was completely worth it because I've never had such clear and comfortable contact vision before. My previous experience with contacts gave me headaches and they needed a lot of concentration for me to focus on stuff like street signs. The first pair of trials she gave me I had a hard time focusing, but whatever tweaking Dr. Snowden did for the second pair was a miracle. Again, clear and comfortable contact vision for someone who's had glasses since kindergarten. I mentioned that sometimes my eyes feel kinda dry with contacts and she even gave me a sample of this eye drop stuff. I'd totally recommend Dr. Snowden. Parking: I'd give negative stars for having the pay for parking. I HATE paying for parking and I never have cash on me. The only consolation is that they are open one Saturday a month and you don't have to pay on Saturdays. I hated how I had to pay for parking every time I went in to pick up trial contacts because I couldn't get the street parking. Boo. Office Staff: I have mixed feelings here. I made an appointment to pick out glasses and got there on time but they forgot about me even after I'd told them I was there. My bf and I waited for about 45 min before they remembered I was there (while I watched other people who got there way after me get helped). Also, I went in several times to pick up my trial contacts and I had contact questions so I asked the lady in the office. Could have been me interpreting things, but I thought she gave me a look kind of like I was dumb or something. Though I did get a call about 5 min after I left from another lady in the office (who must have overheard my questions) making sure that I understood what do to with my contacts and that everything was ok. Overall, I'd go back because of Dr. Snowden. read more

Pasadena Optometry Center is a little impressed with itself. They try very hard to be the gold standard of the eye care profession, but sometimes try a little toooo hard. Delayed by a freeway accident and resulting traffic tie-up on my one hour plus drive to the appointment, I arrived ten minutes late and was told I couldn't be seen. Not a happy camper for setting more than a half day aside for this eye exam. read more

Good service. I made sure to book an appointment that included a contact lens prescription, and then verified over the phone that I would be given a copy of my prescription with which I could order contacts from a third party. I wasn't given any hassle at all, and had an overall positive experience. The only downside was a long wait (~20 mins) in the exam room between the nurse's initial diagnostics and the doctor's examination. read more

Dr. Van Woerkom, one word, is great. I have been coming to this office for close to 20 years, I can honestly say even if it is a little drive I would not change Optometry office. Love the service I receive every time. read more

What wonderful customer service. I recently ordered a pair of glasses and due to a miscommunication one of my pair of glasses had to be remade. POC talked to me about the error, and chose to take responsibility for the extra cost in re-doing the glasses. I want to thank them for their understanding, and for not charging me the extra cost. read more

My entire family and I highly recommend Dr. Van Woerkom! He recently took over care of our elderly father who is wheel-chair bound, battling advanced dementia, and at times can be quite difficult to work with in unfamiliar settings. Dr. Van Woerkom's charm, professionalism, patience and warm smile quickly won him (and all of us) over and Dad left with a comprehensive exam completed quickly and efficiently, and better yet, a new pair of glasses he is very proud of! We all think he looks especially dashing in his new glasses. Jokingly, Dad even enjoys now telling people he is in fact movie star, Clark Gable! Thank you Dr. Van Woerkom & team. -The Pawley Family read more

My whole family of 5 goes to Dr. Van Woerkom and he's great, wonderful with kids and adults. Office is efficient and helpful, I would recommend for sure! read more

Great service. Excellent prices. Great selection. My husband went to Lens Crafters and he totally missed out and overpaid.

Very happy with the very excellent Dr. Van Woerkum. I'm not so sure about the optician side, it seems hard to get information and the price of the glasses high. But then again, the quality of the lenses they prepare is the very best, and that is a life-changing difference. But for super quality care, I can't recommend Dr. Van Woerkum highly enough. BTW, I have Kaiser and their service was terrible the one time i tried, and came right back to POC. read more

I had an appointment in the same building as Pasadena Optometry and a pair of sunglasses in my purse that required a screw so I popped in. No one in the waiting room and two people at the front desk. I asked if they could repair them for me. You would think I'd asked for their first born. Did you get them here? Are you a patient? Were you ever a patient? In fact I had been a patient and suddenly remembered why I no longer was. Every other optometrist office I've ever walked into in the past 35 years with broken glasses just fixed them. Not here. The woman grudgingly said she'd check to see if anyone was available. Somewhere along the way she was distracted by another employee with whom she had a conversation about her upcoming weekend. I walked out and no one noticed...or maybe just didn't care. Practice owners, you really need to do a better job of teaching your staff the meaning of customer service. Patients, you deserve better. read more

This place is amazing! I thought I had no vision coverage so I paid in full. They called me within the hour to tell me they had researched it and I **do** have vision coverage so they refunded me the money! read more

My daughter and I had our exams here. I have been going here for years. Excellent service from doctors, office staff and opticians. We both choose some great frames and can't wait for our new glasses! Highly recommend Pasadena Optometry! read more

i have gone here for years. I don't live in Pasadena any more, but still drive cross town to get my eye are and eye wear. When I had an emergency last year they got me in right away. Love everyone from the front desk to getting eyewear picked out. read more

As a follow up to my last posting about the Pasadena Optometry Center, I was contacted by Dr. Woerkom and he told me there was a misunderstanding between him and his office staff concerning the charge for nose pads. He has refunded my $10 and promises my next visit to the office should be a better experience! Thank you Dr. Woerkom for following up with me. Yay! I'm a fan. read more

This visit we saw was with E Snowden. We really liked her. I wouldn't mind keeping her as our eye dr. Now, when it comes to picking out glasses, some of the staff was a little rude. I thought maybe she had a bad day. Today, I took my son to pick out some glasses. I didn't know they used my husbands insurance that past few times. Last week, I ordered prescription sunglasses. Today, while with my son, I was told I wasn't eligible to get frames. I was upset because I've been wanting these glasses. The lady said she called me 6x. They had 2 old phone numbers. So, of course I find out I can't get my order through insurance. I asked for my lens information to take elsewhere. Also, my daughter ordered some glasses back in December. She never got a call to let her know they were ready. I ended up calling to ask about it and got them about a month later. After we get my son's glasses, we'll look to go somewhere else. read more

I waited almost 45 minutes from my appointment time to see a doctor. When I remarked to the assistant who first saw me that they were running late her response was "not too late." Apparently late is typical. I'm not coming back here again. If you value your time, do not come here! read more

I get my eyes checked once every two years. When I get my eyes checked this is where I go. I always thoroughly enjoy my experience at the Pasadena Optometry Center. The staff is very friendly and my exams are always a pleasant experience. After my exams I pick out my frames from a very wide range of options. I have never been disappointed with the selection or the friendly service. Book your appointment today! read more

Dr. Snowden is great! My exam was very thorough and she was excellent at answering my questions. You feel well taken care of and not rushed through like at a lot of other dr.'s offices. The staff is very friendly. It was easy to schedule my appointment. They also have a nice selection of frames. The technician took her time to help me find the right pair, along with special lens features like filters for using with my computer computer to reduce eye strain. I was VERY happy with the way my glasses turned out. Street parking was easy. Definitely recommend them. read more

This place was nice and intimate, very small optical, but the examination itself I was not too pleased with, I have experienced better service read more

Outstanding service! Very impressed with the staff, Doctor and overall experience! I highly recommend getting your eye exam and glasses here! read more