Had an appointment at 11am, showed up at least 20 mins earlier. Waited an hour, no doctor. No one acknowledged, no apologies, no information provided. Ended up canceling. You are clearly a customer to them not a patient. if I have to guess, they are most likely overbooking patients to avoid cancellations, maximize their profit. On your expense! John can wait who cares! read more

Avoid Dr. Steven Cohen. I visited this clinic to obtain a prescription for new glasses. When booking the appointment, I asked for an estimate and did not request any additional exams. However, an extra exam was added without explanation or consent, and no results or documentation were provided afterward. After receiving the prescription, I did not proceed with making glasses. When I tested the prescription at an eyeglasses store using trial lenses, it was immediately clear that the prescription was excessively strong and caused significant eye strain. I returned to the clinic to request a recheck. During the follow-up visit, Dr. Cohen spoke to me in a raised and dismissive manner, stated that I was wasting his time, and refused to re-evaluate the prescription using trial lenses. Despite my repeated explanation that I needed reading glasses, this concern was dismissed. I left the visit feeling unheard and disrespected. Patients seeking a basic glasses prescription should be aware of this experience. read more

The culture at this clinic is bafflingly dysfunctional--dishonest, disorganized, and unprofessional from front desk to optical. I specifically asked for an exam with a doctor experienced in TBI-related vision issues. After being promised a callback to confirm, I had to chase them down over and over for over a month. I was finally told Dr. Cohen was the right choice, but it became clear staff were making it up as they went. He missed even basic vision issues--let alone TBI-specific ones. Total waste of time, costly travel, and parking. Optical staff, including Nita, acknowledged the holdover prescription I received made no sense and assured me she'd escalate the issue to the Director and absolutely get back to me that same day to follow up regardless. I never heard back--from anyone, yet again; weeks passed with zero follow-up or care. When I called again, I got more runaround and excuses. The clinic itself is outdated and grubby, and the internal gossip between departments is shocking. If you value competent care, professionalism, and clean facilities--go elsewhere. read more

I had cataract surgeries on both eyes, one week apart, in November 2023. The lenses I chose are LALs (light-adjustable lenses), so the actual procedure was just the start of what was ultimately a six-week process of adjusting my prescription. The cataract removal/lens insertion procedures themselves were brief and painless. I was awake, and Dr. Liu talked me through both of them. The light adjustment sessions began a couple of weeks later, and ended just a few days before Christmas. It helped that I chose the time of year with the least daylight for my procedures and follow-up treatments. Dr. Liu, Dr. Chang, and all the medical assistants who tested my lenses and helped administer my light treatments were patient and informative, and everyone worked really hard to get my prescription locked in by the end of the year. I wasn't excited about having to wear UV-blocking glasses throughout those six weeks, but the payoff has been nothing short of incredible. Even now, when I try to describe how it feels to go from severe nearsightedness and astigmatism to nearly perfect vision, words fail me. I had worn glasses since childhood and custom contact lenses since age 14 - and then suddenly, at age 57, I could see. It's been life-changing. I think of Dr. Liu every time I notice that I can easily read a street sign while driving at night, see a text message in a TV show, or pick up saturation changes in the design side of my work. Good vision is the simplest, most essential thing, and now I have it. I feel like I won the lottery. Heartfelt thanks to everyone at SF Eye Institute. My life is better thanks to you! read more

I saw Dr. Cruciger once, three years ago, and he was cantankerous and didn't seem to be on top of his game. At my next year's visit, neither the Dr. (Cohen) nor I could comprehend Cruciger's notes. Two years ago and last year I saw Dr. Cohen for a routine annual eye exam, for which my insurance plan said, "no copay." I was billed and hounded, by whatever billing service they use, for a copay. The first year, I paid it. The second year, after being hounded, I paid it again. Then I decided to challenge it. I thought it had been settled, with no money owed, months ago. Then I got a "money owed" email a couple of days ago. I called the office and a gentleman (Garvin?) finally agreed to take care of it (he told me, contrary to what I had been told, that my plan required a copay because it was a specialist. OK, who can perform an eye exam, other than a "specialist?") I suggested that it might have been a coding matter (coding is what a doctor submits for insurance payment, and patients have no idea what doctors are submitting). I called the physicians' group Brown & Toland. I was told that Dr. Cohen put in 2 codes for billing for Dx he never mentioned to me, the patient, in the visit. (The more Dx codes, the more doctors can be paid.) I was shocked. On top of that, Dr. Cohen, out of nowhere, suddenly announced, while I'm in the chair, "I'm a male but I identify as female." I thought he must be making a joke re: news re: trans stuff, so I mustered the courage to say, "there's a lot of that going around." He then said his biggest problem was being in the women's locker room at a gym. I realized he might be serious. That is not appropriate. This "doctor" has issues with (potentially phony billing, and wildly inappropriate patient interaction). I will not be going back to this office. read more

utterly frustrated with the terrible back-office experience so I'm giving up and I'll just pay bc this has been NINE MONTHS of back and forth and I'm done. I notice my other eye is getting cloudy but I'll be finding another practice to get my cataract surgery when that is indicated. If you choose this practice, be sure to get EVERYTHING in writing for charges, including the follow-up visits - that's where I got screwed. read more

I had a super fun and relaxing experience. I was impressed with Will, Dr. Swift, and the lady that fixed my olde glasses while I bought new ones (sorry I can't remember her name). Also, they laughed at my jokes...always a 5 star for me. read more

Very happy to find caring doctors. Dr Liu and Dr Cheng eased my surgical concerns that I had from another Opthamology group that felt more like a production factory. SF Eye Institute was just the opposite with good office staff and good doctors. In regards to some negative reviews of the office, I feel reasonable people need to understand that minor mistakes can happen in busy offices. As long as the office takes action to resolve the issue, what more can you ask for? Would you prefer to go to another office who don't care? read more

I came here to check my vision as one of my eyes was blurry so I wanted a new prescription. They failed to give it to me despite numerous calls to their office. Total waste of my insurance benefit for the year and waste of my time. Word of cation for all who consider this clinic...its the WORST! read more

This is the worst eye clinic I've been to in my life! First, they didn't provide a prescription. Then they provided the wrong one. Then, I waited and waited for them to provide me the new one, until I just gave up and scheduled an appointment at a different optometrist in SF (who's rated much higher on Yelp). AVOID AVOID AVOID!! read more

I first visited an ophthalmologist in March 23 in the East Bay, closer to home, for a cataract eval. Nearly-rude staff [except for one], run down offices, and no care was taken to prevent me in one room from hearing the medical interview in the next. When I met this MD, he was rushed and impersonal. I therefore waited months to see Dr. Liu. Night and day difference. Courteous, professional staff and colleagues, and she privately gave me enough time to explain and answer my several options. On surgery day, everything went well and quickly. On the next day, things were again well-explained. MD offices are not fast food outlets. You may have to wait. That is because other patients have questions and things take time. I only had to wait a few minutes. It's too soon to say that everything worked out as well as I hope, but doctors cannot guarantee results. So far the results are excellent. Dr. Liu and her staff and colleagues are generous with their time and highly professional while still being kind and personable. read more

Dr. Liu is a cataract surgery magician. She took on my complicated case and it was a total success. I have subsequently switched my regular eye appointments to Dr. Cheng, her associate. read more

Was referred here by my previous eye doctor for stye removal procedure. Got checked in and was asked to wait. I was there without a book and I was trying my best not to fiddle on my phone so I was left with no choice but to observe people. I like people watching and one person that particularly caught my attention was Marie Enriquez. She was at the front desk checking in patients. She seemed busy and has a lot of work to do. She's sometimes soft spoken but not to everyone. There's this old man who I think was having a hard time understanding her and she just gave an attitude as if he was bothersome. I felt bad for the old man. The whole time I was there waiting, she never once smiled to anyone. Then there's another assistant working at the most right side of the office. She has gray and curly hair. I didn't get the chance to see her name plate. Too bad, I am giving a compliment to an anonymous person. She was so patient in explaining to the patient what he needed to do next. Assisting him with scheduling his next appointment was a sight to see and hear!! She was speaking loud but in a nice and respectful manner. You can hear from her voice that she enjoys working there. I just hope everyone is like her especially in that clinic where majority of their patients are over 50s. I am giving a 3 star because I know that Marie can improve more. I work in a customer service industry and it can be tough at times but this is the job. Everyone needs the basic human decency or "respect". A simple smile can go a long way. In that clinic, it seems like the woman on that right corner is the only sunshine giving color to the place. Well, that's just while I'm waiting. When I got called in for my treatment, I met Dr. Aguilar's assistant (I think). She's really nice and professional. Direct to the point and no dilly dally. Then I met Dr. Aguilar. He seemed busy that day and he was bouncing from one room to another. Despite a busy schedule, he was able to make me feel comfortable and at ease. I had a stye removed and it took more or less 20 mins. He explained to me the procedure and promised that the only pain I'll feel will be from the injection (anesthesia). True enough, after that injection, they were working on my eye and I did not feel a thing. It was quick and painless. It was uncomfortable but they did their best to make me relaxed during the whole procedure. I guess that's the gist of my review. I liked my doctor. So I'll give Dr. Aguilar 5 star rating! read more

I had vision correction surgery with Dr. Liu (ICL placement). Dr. Liu and the staff of SF eye institute were amazing from start to finish! She was extremely thorough, took the time to explain things, and guided me through the process and decision making of having this life changing surgery step by step. Her office staff was friendly and also took excellent care of me. The surgery went perfectly and my results couldn't be better. I am a surgeon myself, so my vision is absolutely critical for my livelihood and career, so going through with this surgery was no small undertaking. I've worn coke bottle thick glasses since I was a child, but after surgery I don't need glasses or contacts anymore to work, operate, and also do the fun active things I love to do like working out, snowboarding, playing basketball etc. It has been now about 2 years since my surgery and my results have still been excellent. Dr. Liu literally changed my life and I couldn't be more grateful! read more

Finally got the proper diagnosis for an eye condition and identification of the deterioration of vision in my right eye so I could get a corrected prescription. I find that the doctors are generally available in a reasonable time for appointments. The neighborhood is not great, but there's parking in the building that takes you straight to the Institute Offices. read more

I've been a patient of the San Francisco Eye Institute for a year now, and I have nothing but good things to say about Dr Liu, Dr, Chang and the staff - And I've gone in almost every month, sometime, 2x a month for the last year. After developing chronic dry eye and some other eye related symptoms, almost 18 months ago, I finally was referred to the San Francisco Eye Institute. After my first appointment with Dr. Liu, I had an elevated level of confidence that I had found a Doctor, who was not only professional, but an exemplary specialist and someone was empathetic to my condition and wanting to assist in my recovery. Again, everyone from Marie, and Cherie at the front desk, to Sheila and Dr. Chang and of course Dr. Liu were amazing; always friendly, polite and professional in all of my interactions, from booking appointments, checking in, making payments and of course treatment. Over the course of my treatment, the plan was to address my condition in the least intrusive way as possible, and even when this meant having medicine injected into my eyelids (yes as terrible as that sounds!!) I was always made as comfortable as possible, and Dr. Liu's care and approach created a sense of confidence and calm. After several months of treatment, we managed to get the condition under control. I went in this past week, after 2 months for a check up, and to have a comprehensive eye exam, and left with the assurance that my eyes and lids are healthy, and don't have to go in for another year! Yay for healthy eyes Occasionally my wait time, once i was checked in, and in an exam room was longer than I would have liked, but this totally understandable, realizing that I usually look for appointment times just before lunch or at the end of the day, and that Dr. Liu and Dr. Chang sometimes spend extra time with patients to ensure they fully understand procedures/processes/results and that the patients leave feeling comfortable with the information that have, a sign that they really care about their patients. Overall A+ read more

San Francisco Eye Institute - Optometrists Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is in regards to services provided by Dr. Liu. My brother did not qualify for Lasik and as a result was referred to Dr. Liu for contact lens implants also known as ICL. From beginning to end Dr. Liu's professionalism and kindness exceeded our expectations. She truly has a passion for what she does and we cannot thank her enough for the amazing job she did on brother's eyes. My brother was born with poor vision and had worn glasses up until the day of the surgery. After the ICL surgery, he was able to see 20/20; for the first couple of days I noticed that he took a bit longer in viewing things around him but it was simply him adjusting to admiring everything around him with his new eyes. This touched my heart greatly, he even happily told me that he had never seen my face without his glasses. Till this day his surgery has been life changing. He has more confidence in himself and is able to carry on with his usual activities without having to worry about his glasses. I highly recommend Dr. Liu to anyone struggling with their vision as her talent is a blessing to so many people! read more

Billing practices are problematic everywhere, and this office is no exception. I went in for an eye exam, I inquired if they were in network with my insurance, which they are, and then I received a bill for $85 for "determine refractive state", which is not a covered benefit. If you wear contacts or glasses, determining the refractive state is a standard part of the eye exam. But you won't win this argument. Dr. Cohen himself was fine. Old school doctor. If I have the wherewithal, I'll post an update once I know how well his new prescription works for my eyes. read more

Dr. Liu got an office upgraddde. My husband (allergy and eye issues) and I (no more glasses) have been patients for about 3 years so have seen the institute's office transition. Their new office looks great! The entire staff at the SF Eye Institute has provided me with quality care throughout my time as a patient. I am getting eye surgery (visian ICL) to finally get rid of glasses but do not qualify for lasik or PRK. Dr. Liu is the only doctor in the city who performs ICL surgery. During a recent appointment I had an adverse reaction to some numbing drops. Despite being continuously busy (due to their stellar reputation) the staff noticed I wasn't doing well and proactively tried to make me more comfortable. They brought me to a dark room, checked on me in the restroom when I became nauseous (due to other factors), and provided me with ice packs and water so that I could be ready for the (2 minute) procedure. I would have never asked for help (because that's not me) but I am so grateful that the institute staff went out of their way to make sure that I was ok. I wouldn't have even known what to ask for. I was in a very vulnerable situation but they put me right at ease and I was able to successfully undergo the minor procedure by the end of the day. read more

I normally do not complain, however I have to share my experience which might help other people. I did the contract eye exam with Helena Cheng, O.D., a few months ago. They told me that I have to book appointment and go back to see the doctor again before I can get the prescription. However there is no need for another appointment. So I called back several times saying that I'm happy with one contact I have tried and just want to pay for the exam using my VSP insurance over phone, and get the contact prescription via email. The doctor never replied back, yesterday when I called again to see whether they can process my request, the front desk receptionist named Sherry asked whether I will buy contacts from them. Of course I do not want to do that, the same contacts is $140 per box from them while it's much cheaper, only $81 online anywhere (Costco, etc). When I ask Sherry why the contacts are so expensive there, she was really angry, and gave me two options: (1) If I want to use VSP insurance, I can pay $60 copay and I have to buy contacts from them. (2) If I do not buy contacts from them, I cannot use my insurance and I have to pay $85 by myself. They claimed that they cannot use my insurance because the contact eye exam and contacts have to be filed together. She was SHOUTING at me saying that this is not their policy, but how VSP insurance works, and I have to get VSP call her if I have any issues with this. And then she just hang up the phone. So I called VSP to ask about the policy and it turns out that Sherry was lying because VSP told me that I can use my insurance to pay for contact eye exam without buying any contacts. The nice lady at VSP helped me to call Sherry to explain the REAL VSP policy, and the only thing Sherry said was "I will let the doctor know". After that, I called Sherry several times again, and I was either put on long hold or the phone call directly goes to voicemail. Now I cannot get my prescription, and they refused to answer my phone. New update: The doctor called me after about 1 week, and explained that they made a mistake, and allowed me to use VSP insurance to pay for the exam. I appreciate that they finally decided to do the right thing, after causing all these painful struggles. read more

Dr. Helena Cheng & Dr. Margaret P. Liu, what a team!!! I have been with Dr Cheng since she joined the office approx 20 years ago. I have an uncommon prescription with significant astigmatism and I also now where progressives. I am so grateful for her diligent eye exams which afford the perfect prescription for me every time. I am also grateful that she was actively watching my eye health as her diagnosis pf narrow angle glaucoma led to the right treatment with the surgeon and safety of my vision. The front office is so very kind, understanding and most of all, helpful. read more

Edit from my previous review// I had previously had a pretty rough office visit today with Dr. Cohen and left an honest review of my experience- but Dr. Liu contacted me right away and sincerely apologized about what happened. I thought the apology was enough- I was grateful that she would even do that. But she went out of her way on her day off to give me a personal consultation. She was so thorough in her explanation of my eye condition and how to prevent it. It was everything I had hoped that my previous visit would have been. I would definitely go back to see Dr. Liu. read more

Always running late. Waited an hour just to get in a room then waited anouther 35 to be seen by a doctor. Not friendly. Avoid

This is my first comment in yelp. Normally I wouldn't say anything, but this time makes me so angry. They said counseling is free, but two weeks later I received a bill from that day. Even thought I confirmed with them many times and they said it totally free, they still charge me an 'exam' fee. I don't know what kind of exam they did to me that day and they never reminded me what is free what needs to pay. Never leave my eyes to those people are not trustworthy. read more

Drs Margaret Liu (surgeon) & Helena Cheng (optometrist) are amazing. I see a lot of doctors and not many come close to the level of care. They also provide really good explanations. walk you through difficult situations and are very empathetic. The office is very well organized, welcoming and clean. If only all doctors and offices were this amazing. Cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

Drs Margaret Liu (surgeon) & Helena Cheng (optometrist) are quite a team. I have particularly good things to report about Dr Liu since she's the one who actually restored full site to my under-achieving left eye. My cataract-impaired natural lens had to be removed and replaced with a plastic one. The startling vision improvement that resulted added a crisp new dimension to the whole world. Dr Peggy was reassuring, empathetic, and most importantly, competent -- a very important trait in an eye surgeon. read more