Dr. Carter Anderson was awesome. Knowledgeable, personable, and answered all my questions. 5 stars. read more

I attended an appointment on 9/2/25 with Dr. Cailyn Katsev Ruck, for a routine eye exam and contact lens/glasses prescription. At the outset of the appointment I was told that my co-pay would be $10 and, additionally, I opted to pay an additional $20 for a retinal scan (versus dilation). All good. However, at the conclusion of this appointment, Dr. Katsev Ruck indicated that I was being charged $85 to receive the contact lens/eyeglass prescription (of which she had provided a hard copy at this point). When I objected to this, she literally took the physical prescription from my hands. Withholding a person's contact lens/eyeglass prescription is a clear violation of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule, which states that prescriptions must be provided to all patients without request and without additional fees. I have filed a complaint with the FTC. read more

I would not recommend getting lasik surgery at all from Santa Barbara eye care. I got lasik from Santa Barbara eye care and then developed an eye infection post surgery. Now there is a permanent scar on my eye that will never go away. Before and after the surgery Dr. Katsev was very quick and dismissive of all my questions, saying I'd be totally fine if I got in the water, went back to work the next day, etc basically saying I'd be totally fine a day after the surgery. A week later I got a very bad eye infection. I went to him for help and he tried to fix it. He said I was fine, then the eye infection came back again in the same eye. He did not know what to do so he sent me to UCLA where I had to go continually for the next year after, commuting back and forth to La to get help with my eye. Do not get lasik here! My eye has not been the same since. Do research on where to get lasik and get it away from sb. read more

The office environment is very loud and hectic. For some reason no one can seem to send me my contact lens prescription. I spoke to the doctor about during my exam. I have asked three times now and not sure why this request is so hard. read more

Dr. Doug Katsev is the best! He has been our family eye surgeon for years. From the very first Lasik eye surgery he did on me, I knew it was the best investment I have ever made. It takes a lot of trust to put your eyes in the hands of a surgeon and you are in very good hands with Dr. Doug Katsev. It's one thing having lots of clients that love you and your work. It's a major accomplishment to lead your entire family into your line of business. He has accomplished that too! He has also built a beautiful business location with state-of-the-art equipment and a large staff of expert friendly help. You owe it to yourself to pay a visit to the Santa Barbara Eyecare. You will be well served! Thank you, Dr. Doug Katsev, for your years of great service! read more

Santa Barbara Eyecare - We can finally enjoy our view without glasses! - Optometrists Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

It was my first time trying a new doctor. I'd heard good things about Dr. Douglas Katsev so I gave his daughter a try. I felt rushed, Dr Cailyn skipped part of my exam that she kept insisting she did (I am 100% sure she did not), and then when I got home after I got rushed out of her office, I realized that she never did an exam for my close-up vision, which I know has also changed. She left the exam room door open, and her staff kept walking in and asking her questions, she discussed another patient's information in front of me with one of her staff members, and at one point she got up and ran out of the room to help with something, just leaving me sitting there. I felt less than valued, I felt like I was in the way, and I felt like no one had time, except the girl who greeted me when I first walked in. She literally spent about 10 minutes total (that includes introductions & tell me about your eyes). I feel like it was a waste of my time and I'm bummed it was my one annual visit this year that is covered by insurance. I'll have to pay out of pocket to another doctor to complete what she neglected to do. It was a terrible experience and I won't go back. read more

Dr. Doug Katsev has to be not only one of the top cornea specialists in the world (He actually IS) but he's also a great guy. He gives each and every patient his full attention when he's in the room with you. There is no rushing to the next patient. When he is working with you, you are all that matters. I went to him when I had a problem with my right eye that no other ophthalmologist could diagnose. It took him all of 4 minutes to diagnose my Map Dot Fingerprint that was going on with my eye. We set up for a simple laser treatment to fix the problem so I asked him if he could fix my astigmatism at the same time, which he did. NO MORE GLASSES after wearing them for 40 years!!!!!! Needless to say, he's my ONLY eye doctor and the ONLY eye doctor that I would ever recommend. I even had my cousin from Phoenix come out to Santa Barbara just to see him. He really is THAT good!!! read more

Thanks to Dr. Katsev and his team, I now have a perfect vision without glasses! After few pre-op appointments, I received a LASIK procedure to correct my myopia + astigmatism. Surgery was quick and most important, the results beyond expectations! I highly recommend Eye care Santa Barbara my experience has been amazing. Thank you so much! read more

I was referred to Dr. Ketsev for a cornea transplant because the Doctor Who did my cataract surgery misdiagnosed me. I was hoping to get a definitive diagnosis from Dr. Katsev. However, he never committed to any diagnosis. I had researched and told him I felt it was Fuch's dystrophy, his professional opinion was: "it looked a little Fuchish". He proceeded to treat me with multiple different medications. I had a DMEK cornea transplant, April 2023That night ended up in the emergency room for over six hours with i extremely high, inner ocular pressure and a pupillary block. The next morning, he shot a laser through my eye with no anesthetic less than 24 hours after a cornea transplant it was incredibly painful. I spent the next three weeks in a lot of pain, but mainly fear, not knowing if I was going to have any eyesight. My vision gradually kept getting worse. I had to wear an eye patch and of course, could not drive. He could not seem to offer me any explanation, or tell me what was causing the lack of vision improvement. I was not surprised when after 7 weeks, he finally admitted that it failed- I never regained clear vision in that eye the entire time. During my last visit, in June, I asked him: did he think it was Fuchs dystrophy? he said "No". I asked: was there any sign of it in my left eye, and he said "No, completely clear". (Fuchs dystrophy is always bilateral (confirmed diagnosis in left eye from current specialist) Ketsev told me, I needed another cornea transplant, he had no explanation for the failure. I did not ask how many DMEK transplants he had successfully performed. In the future, I will always ask the hard questions: how many successes, or how many failures a doctor has experienced. You can imagine my surprise, after I requested my patient notes, that throughout all the patient notes, he listed my diagnosis as Fuchs! I recommend to anyone, after any doctor visit,, to get the patient notes at every appointment and validate what actually was discussed or diagnosed. See what the doctor has written on your notes each time, as Dr. Ketsev's notes did not correlate with the verbal discussions whatsoever regarding my diagnosis or prognosis. I went to Portland, Oregon Devers Eye Institute and had to have reconstructive surgery and another cornea transplant.My pupil adhered to my cornea with scar tissue causing a misshapen and permanently enlarged pupil. Due to the cataract procedure and the failed DMEK, I had so much scar tissue that my vision is permanently impaired. My second transplant was completely different. I experienced no pain, no pupillary block and absolutely no emergency services required. The new graft took, but the scar tissue will permanently affect my vision. Research specialists when it comes to your eyes; always get a second and even third opinion. Your sight is precious- be an advocate for yourself, because as in most medical situations, Doctors accept no accountability. I have never been contacted by Dr. Ketsev or any of his staff after being told I needed another transplant last June. read more

I was referred to Dr Katsev for lasik recently. I was very nervous about the procedure, but Dr Katsev and his staff made me feel calm and confident. The procedure was painless, easy, and life changing! I can't believe I didn't do it sooner! read more

Dr. Katsev, and his team of expert staff, impressed me beyond expectations. My problem was dealt with quickly, efficiently, and with minimal discomfort. During my minor operation (in-office) Dr. Katsev had a very steady hand and provided clear communication every step along the way. His staff was warm, compassionate, and attentive. If you're looking for quality medicine, I highly recommend this ophthalmology practice. read more

I don't typically write reviews but I felt compelled to sing the praises of Santa Barbara Eyecare. I've recently had cataract surgeries in both eyes and am completely blown away by the incredible results! Everything about the staff, facility and Doug Katsev are first rate. My expectations have been exceeded 10 times over...thanks to Dr. Katsev and crew for all! read more

Dr Katsev is a phenomenal eye surgeon! During our initial appointment, he steered me away from the procedure I initially wanted toward one that was safer for my eyes. He took time to answer all my questions and made me feel incredibly comfortable. My surgery took 5 minutes, and recovery was smooth (he even gives out his personal cell phone number in case you have after-hours concerns!) Everyone on his staff is warm, knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend! read more

Everything about Santa Barbara Eyecare is first rate. Parking was easy with plenty of spaces allotted to the business, the receptionists promptly greeted me with caring kindness and the doctors showed both compassion and professionalism. I've been fortunate to approach "middle-aged" with never needing vision care, and I had been apprehensive about seeking treatment, not knowing what to expect. All aspects of Santa Barbara Eyecare relieved any and all anxiety that I may have had. Their family treated me as "family," and I highly recommend all of the Katsev's for your vision care. read more

Dr. Katsev is not only a remarkable doctor, he's also charismatic and it shows in his staff. Dr. Katsev's talents made me feel confident and at ease about surgery. The staff is courteous, welcoming, and helpful. The initial and subsequent appointment process was a breeze. Getting through on the phone was effortless. All things combined made my experience a pleasant one. read more