Boyfriend came home from his eye appointment and said you have to switch to Dr. Dickey. I did and I love this guy. Been a patient of his for about 2 years now. He's super friendly, talkative, informative, and funny. I was trying to figure out how to get the most from my insurance benefit, he explained the pros/cons of upgrading soft contacts versus staying with the old ones that work, and he totally helped me get two extra boxes with this rebate thing. You just feel like he's on your side...and makes annual eye appointments entertaining. I recommend him to all my coworkers now! Good customer service from office staff as well. Metered parking on Montana Ave., or the side streets are free for 2 hrs I think (read the signs, all I know is I didn't pay anything to park). read more

Dr. Dickey is extremely thorough and thoughtful with his eye exams. He really tries to troubleshoot the best way to accommodate my needs as I age and my eyes change. I also like that he gives me options/choices and let's me decide what's best for me. But he will also give his opinion if you want it; no wishy-washy stuff here. Robin, the optician, is super attentive in helping you choose frames and does great glasses adjustment. Office staff are friendly and efficient. And office is open Saturdays, which can be a blessing. read more

I've been coming here to like 5 years and Dr. Dickey is amazing! He and his staff really care about the patients. They have convenient hours and call back if you have to leave a message. read more

I have been going to Dr. Dickey for almost 2 decades now. He's the best physician of any type I have ever had, and I've had many that I highly recommend. I moved to WA state 4 years ago and had such terrible service there (twice) that I waited until my next trip to SoCal to visit Dr. Dickey, get checked out and buy better glasses from him than I could get in Redmond. I now live in Colorado and I will only go to Dr. Dickey. It means more frequent trips to SoCal, but I don't mind that at all. :) read more

Dr. Dickey and his staff are wonderful. I had minimal wait time for my visit and Dr. Dickey took so much time to explain every step of the process and all the results. They even have a machine that removes the need to dilate your eyes and takes a photo of your retina for future reference! I highly recommend this office. It's rare that you get to come across a doctor's office with this level of care. read more

Robin makes exquisite, and I mean exquisite, glasses. People ask me all the time where I got them, if they're Warby Parker, Gucci, etc. I'm lucky to live near a practice that makes them like this. read more

Hello Everyone: Please read my review! Doctor Robert Dickey cares about each and every one of hs patient like you are a member of his family. I have to rave about his personal caring and service in giving my eye exam, fitting me for perfect contacts and sending me to Robin .... the wonderful gentleman that fitted me with my new glasses. Robin also took time and special attention to get me the perfect shaped frames for my face and a lovely color........ I hugged him because my glasses fit perfectly and I can now read small print in my glasses (and my new contacts.) This practice is a true blessing. Call them up and make an appointment and you will experience what first class service with some home town caring is all about. I am so pleased I could burst! Dr. Robert Dickey 901 Montana Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90403 310 451 5741 read more

They just don't come any better than Dr. Dickey! He's an absolute pro - totally skilled as a doctor (he was able to remove a microscopic piece of metal from my son's eye that otherwise would have required anesthesia and surgery), incredibly knowledgeable about all things vision related, runs an incredibly professional office - from his awesome assistants to the lovely array of sophisticated frames they sell, even down to that cool M&M dispenser. Parking is super easy on Montana. Top it all off he's a great person and very funny. And they're even open on Saturdays! read more

Outstanding doctor, great person and always willing to help. You would be hard pressed to find a better person for your eyes. We have been going to him for at least 10 years read more

I had been going to Dr. Dickey for my eye exams and glasses for years, but after my last visit, sadly I will never go back. Let me start off by stating that I live in the Valley, and going to Santa Monica for a Dr's appointment takes up most of my day, but I thought they were worth my time. After my last exam, which went fine as usual (Dr. Dickey does like to chat a lot, which I know gets him behind schedule), I waited the normal week's time to get lenses for the same frames I'd been wearing for years (which I purchased several times from them). When I was told the lenses were ready, I took time off to go pick them up... But when I arrived I found that the lenses were the wrong shape and didn't fit into my frames. No apology, they were confused by the "factory" mistake and said they'd get it fixed right away, but made me leave my frames with them this time. Another week goes by and I get another call saying that the new, new lenses are in. Not wanting to waste my time again, I asked if they were the right shape. They then checked, and they weren't the right shape... Not sure why they don't check before they tell clients to drive all they way to their office to only find out there that they aren't "ready" at all. No apology, again. Another week goes by and they finally get the right lenses for my frames. I was very excited to have my glasses back... But on my drive home I noticed that they weren't the right lenses, the anti-glare coating wasn't on them making it difficult to drive at night or look at anything with a light, since without the coating all the lights multiply. I then called, told them the issue, no apology for the third time, had to do another round trip to Santa Monica, dropped off the glasses and waited another week. Once they were finally done I picked them up for the fourth time. They seemed alright, but definitely not up to standards from appointments past, and definitely not worth four round trips to Santa Monica. I don't know what's gone horribly wrong with this place, but after wasting my time and never apologizing, they've lost my business. read more

I am from Atlanta, GA and was on vacation with my family in California. Unfortunately, I slipped and fell while siteseeing. Afterwards, I was having a problem with my left eye. I was seeing flashes. I wanted to see a doctor, but was unsure of what to do. Luckily, I was in Santa Monica and browsed online for a doctor and found Dr. Dickey. He is the best doctor with the best team. He was booked all day, but given my situation, he worked me in. He understood my anxiety and did a very thorough exam of my eye, taking pictures of my retina. He was so patient and explained everything to me, reassuring me that all was ok. He is very professional and patient. He provides expert eye care. So thankful I was able to see him. The peace of mind saved my vacation. read more

I hate giving one star, but I wish I had known that I would waste my afternoon. I showed up five minutes early and quickly took care of my paperwork. The receptionist took photos of my eyes and then told me to sit back down. The person, I presume was the Dr. was standing and talking politics with another client. He then invited the client to sit down at his desk to continue their conversation about politics. At no point did the receptionist or the doctor inform me of how long I was going to wait, or awknoledge my presence. After 30 minutes, it was plain that I wasn't going to see the doctor anytime soon, nor would they care. I finally walked out and went home. He may be a fine doctor, but his disregard for other people's time is unacceptable. They also never called to apologize or see where I went. read more

Worst optometrist ever. Prescription totally wrong. Wasted money. Saw a different optometrist to get corrected. Developed astigmatism because of this doctor's rushed, shoddy exam. You can see from other reviews here that this is not a unique occurrence. read more

Didn't like his attitude. Poo-pooed me for wanting to wear the most minimal prescription possible to find exercises that strengthened my eyes so I wouldn't have to rely on glasses. read more

Dr. Dickey is the BEST! His staff is very friendly, he has awesome bedside manners, makes you laugh (a lot!) and discusses medical issues in a way even a 5 year old could comprehend. One of my favorite things about Dr. Dickey is his way of looking at the whole picture - taking into account all of your lifestyle habits and thinking through how they might effect your vision quality, or your perception of sight, at different times throughout the day... we made amazing breakthroughs during only one visit! I highly recommend Dr. Dickey to anyone and everyone :) read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Dickey's for close to a decade now. If I'm willing to drive through LA traffic from the east side of Pasadena all the way to Santa Monica, that should show the lengths I want to be a patient. I never met another eye doctor who was nearly as knowledgeable about my profession (in the computer art field) and tailors their prescriptions to my line of work like he does. read more

Loved Dr. Dickey. He has amazing bedside manner. He is also very thorough and doesn't over-correct.

I have been seeing Dr. Dickey for over 20 years. I recently moved to Massachusetts and I still travel back once a year and have my annual checkup with Dr. Dickey. I trust him implicitly to always take the best care of my vision. He's the best there is - and I had seen a lot of eye doctors before meeting him. He's smart, caring, patient -- and has a great sense of humor. read more

Dr. Dickey is fantastic. I usually dread going to the eye doctor and a trip to his office is actually pleasant. Dr. Dickey has helped me curb some bad habits (sleeping with my contacts in, etc.) and I really value his advice when it comes to proper eye care. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! High tech machines, trendy... in-style glasses (AMAZING SELECTION), great employees, and fast service! What else do you need from a eye doctor! My whole family goes to him, he is such a nice and friendly guy! The girls working there are the best,... so helpfull, just a great experience all around :) P E R F E C T O!!!!! read more

Love Dr. Dickey--such a nice guy, and he really cares about his patients. He also totally explains what's going on with your eyes (like what happens when you start to need bifocals, and how to manage that process so you can delay having to get them) in a way I haven't encountered before. He seems to really be into his job, so it's awesome being a patient of his. He'll also recommend contacts for you and work with you to try different brands until you're totally happy and comfortable. And his office is so cute and small town feeling. His staff stays with him. And they have a lot of cool glasses selections. Just love this practice! read more

Dr. Dickey has been our family doctor for years now. Everyone there makes you feel right at home and they are brilliantly located.

The whole process of getting glasses and contacts can be a pain - not here. It's quick, friendly and most importantly great service.

Seldom experience a doctor actually willingly listening to his or her patients and having a true "dialogue/exchange" about their health issue. Dr. Dickey is the exception. A co-worker referred him many years ago. I have found him to be present . . . authentic . . . and very skilled at his profession. I highly recommend him. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Dickey for about twenty years! He is kind, patient, wise, and incredibly knowledgable! He is always up to date on the latest care and treats you like family! I couldn't recommend him any higher!! read more

Dr. Dickey is the best eye doctor I have ever seen. He really cares about getting you the right perscription and goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable. I wish all my doctors were this nice! read more

Best doctor ever! I had a scratched cornea for the longest time and wasn't able to wear contacts. I also didn't have insurance at the time, but Dr. Dickey graciously charged me minimal amounts for my visits. I ended up having to see him about 15 times over the course of 1 year, but I can wear contacts again! Helps that he's very charming and personable. read more

I've been wearing glasses most of my life and am now segueing from near sightedness to farsightedness yet he manages to make the fact that my eyes (and I...wait for it) are aging it humorous. Robin ALWAYS manages to find the perfect pair of frames. Dr. Dickey is the only doctor I can say that I enjoy going to. read more

Sadly cannot keep to appointment times. 1 hour for an eye exam? Poor consult, poor explanation about the testing and no receipt given for the service. When I explained I am a foreigner and didn't understand the US medical system the response was "You'e in good company. Most Americans don't". This was very unhelpful in my decision making to have a teat (at additional cost). I was left wondering if it was a necessary test or just an 'up-sell'.Kind of "like of lump it and I am not going to try and explain it to you or advise you on whether or not you need the test". Prescription scribbled on a small piece of paper before 'have a nice day' from the receptionist. No receipt. What's that about? read more

Best Optometrist around. A pleasure to experience and always treats you like family! Recommend Dr. Dickey!

I have been a patient of this establishment for well over twenty years. Without question, Dr. Dickey and his staff (Robin!) are on a level all their own. Personable, informed, forward-thinking, these folks have got it nailed. You can do no better... read more

I love Dr. Dickey so much that I live on the opposite side of town and still drive to SM to see them. I've been coming here for years. He and the staff make you feel like you're their only patient. Also in my experience, any other optometrist is quick to just say "Ok, you were at -2.25 but now this machine says you're at -2.75 so we'll give you a matching prescription." Then a year later you're at -3.25, -3.75...you know how it goes. Dr. Dickey is truly is interested in the long-term health of your eyes and he is always careful to not give a stronger eye prescription if he thinks you don't necessarily need it. I whole heartedly believe this has kept my vision from deteriorating as quickly as it could have, and I'll be a loyal patient as long as they're around. read more

My family has been going to Dr. Dickey for over a year. I have very difficult to fit astigmatic contact lenses. After going to another doctor downtown near my office for over a decade (not because he was great but because he was convenient and I was lazy) I found Dr. Dickey to be amazing. He tried new ideas for my contacts including mono-vision so that I didn't have to wear reading glasses anymore. My former doctor was lazy and just kept on prescribing the same brand of lenses, just a stronger prescription and told me to just get used to reading glasses. Also, he was very expensive compared to Dr. Dickey. It took a good number of tries to get the perfect fit for my contacts because I have very finnicky eyes and Dr. Dickey was very patient and kind when I had any sort of issues with the various brands of contacts we tried. We finally found a pair I was happy with and he never complained that my process took so long. He was always very funny and took my difficulties as a challenge. My tween daughter likes him as does my husband. I love that he is up to date on technology and doesn't dilate the eyes for the retina check, instead using photo scans. That means I have a thorough check up and don't have to walk out of there with sunglasses and weird feeling eyes for hours. I recommend him to anyone looking for an eye doctor. read more

I have a really tricky Rx and have been to 4 different optometrists in the last 2 years. Dr. Dickey was the only one out of all of them to welcome a strategy of careful and deliberate trial and error until we got it right. 5/5 he is awesome and his staff rocks too. read more

Agree with most of the other reviews, Dr. Dickey is fantastic. Personable, takes time with you, knowledgeable. I would say, be prepared if you're buying glasses. Prices are high and there's an odd amount of attitude coming from the frame guy, but for exams & thoroughness, Dr. Dickey is great! read more

I was supposed to be a new patient and called ahead to make sure my EyeMed insurance was going to be accepted. I took time out of my day to get to the appointment and fill out all the forms only to learn they didn't accept the EyeMed insurance, after all. This has never happened to me. Since I was drawn in by the great reviews, I felt compelled to share this disappointing experience. Everyone was friendly, though. I know there are far worse experiences :) read more

I have been seeing Dr. Dickey for 22 years and I wouldn't go anywhere else. He recently found a problem in my eye and suggested I see a retinal specialist which I did. Dr. Dickey had told me what he thought it was but felt I should be checked by a specialist and after going to the Jules Stein Eye Center at UCLA, the specialist said exactly what Dr. Dickey thought and I was fine. Dr. Dickey is caring, considerate, and a great doctor! read more

Great optometrist. He is thorough, spends time explaining aspects of vision and choices to correct vision, and has a very nice staff, too. I like his manner and I like the atmosphere of the office. Super competent and nice. read more

I've been a loyal Dr. Dickey (and Robin) fan since I moved to L. A. 25 years ago. Even though I now live in the Beach Cities, I still drive to Dr. Dicey's office for top notch professional services and selection of eyewear. read more

Dr. Bob is great and makes the patient feel at ease. Also he is very upbeat and so going here is a pleasant experience.