they lie to you..Rude receptionist.. They rush you in & out without giving you information.. they say.. the receptionist will inform you.. BUT.. they insisted on a $50 fee to give you the results that you already paid for... Shady and my referral doctor took this place off his reference list!.. Shady..BEWARE! Wasted a whole afternoon!!! read more

I just left this eye provider, and I'm honestly furious and heartbroken over how I was treated. I've never walked out of a doctor's office feeling this dismissed, unheard, and disrespected. When the doctor finally called me, he barely acknowledged me and just said, "have a seat in a room,". No "hi, hello or how are you" An assistant came in after a while -- and honestly, she was the only bright spot of the whole experience. She was kind, personable, and actually made me feel human. But after that, I got moved into ANOTHER small waiting area that was dark -- no lights on, just the hallway lighting -- and I could hear staff yelling back and forth, even discussing patient information out loud. Just not what I have experienced at normal offices. When the doctor finally called me again, he didn't even bother showing me where to go. He just looked at me, said nothing, and when I smiled and said hello, he replied with, "yeah, go there." Once in the room, he asked how I was doing, and when I said "good and yourself," he actually said, "obviously not, you're here -- what's wrong?" The tone was rude and completely unnecessary. He spent maybe two minutes total looking at my eyes. Then he said, "you have this in one eye and it's showing in the other," and that was basically it. No explanation, no education, no time to ask questions. Just a simple "what else do you want me to do" I had to pull information out of him just to understand what he was even talking about. It honestly felt like he couldn't have cared less about being there. And the part that really set me off -- while I was talking, he pulled out his phone. Not to look something up, not to show me anything -- just on his phone, like he was texting, saying "yeah" as I was speaking. It was beyond disrespectful. I came here worried about my eyes, looking for answers and reassurance. Instead, I was rushed, dismissed, and made to feel like an inconvenience. I left more anxious than when I arrived. No patient deserves to be treated this way -- especially when they're coming in vulnerable and trusting someone with their health. read more

One of the best Eye doctors in the world that figured out how to cure blindness w his wife and colleagues at Univ of Chicago. Highly recommend even though he is superstitious :) read more

Shout out to these idiots for the lousiest eye exam ever. I explained to the optometrist that I hadn't had my vision checked in over 15 years. He threw three lines of text up on the screen which I guessed at; shrugged; and said I had 20/20 vision. Same for my wife. No testing of different lenses, asking for medical history, etc. etc. I literally could've printed out three lines of text on a sheet of paper and taped it to the wall of my apt and made the diagnosis myself. The geniuses at the front desk took about 45 minutes to get me input into their system too. read more

I had an appointment at this place and checked the reviews beforehand, and I was surprised by how bad they were. I decided to keep my appointment and try it for myself. Alisa, the assistant, was incredibly nice and helpful, and I didn't have to wait long for the doctor to see me. My appointment was on time, and the whole process was smooth and efficient. Everyone in the office was so nice to me. Maybe the service was different before, but I totally love the place now. Sometimes you can't judge by the opinions of others; you have to try for yourself. I will definitely be back. read more

In May 2023, I saw my optometrist at Target for my annual exam and new glasses. She recommended that I see an ophthalmologist for a more in-depth exam. So I got a referral from my GP, and I made an appointment to see Dr Yoon at Specialty Eye Care (West Hollywood) in July 2023. After my eyes were dilated and a doctor looked at them, she did not like what she found, and she told me "you really need to see an ophthalmologist." I replied, "yes, that's why I'm here." She then told me that she was an optometrist, and she said "all of our ophthalmologists are on vacation this week." I'll repeat that: all of their ophthalmologists are on vacation this week. She wanted me to come back in five days. I absolutely cannot afford to do this. My co-pay is outrageous; it's more than I make in a day at work. My experience with Specialty Eye Care is that I paid a lot of money to see an ophthalmologist, and they did not deliver. Would it have been so hard to let me know ahead of time that a specialist would not be available on July 5? Or at least to mention it before I handed them my credit card? It feels like a bait-and-switch scam. This whole ordeal was a complete waste of my time (total time, including a 58-minute hold when I called to make an appointment = 3 hours) and money. read more

This office is a mess and the blonde receptionist needs a serious attitude adjustment, corroborated with other reviews. She is a huge reason why this place is rated so low because she sets an extremely negative tone to your visit since she is the first point of contact. I have spent enough time in the waiting room to watch her interaction with everyone and it is appalling the attitude she feels entitled to give to any patient, including the elderly who have a hard time hearing. These are the kinds of things to expect here: * Have appointment canceled 10 min before your scheduled time with no apology * Wait for almost 2 hours with no apology * Mess up the appointment day but act like the mistake was not on their part and no apology * Don't even think of asking how long it will take because the receptionist will do absolutely nothing to check and her answer will always be a hasty "I don't know" and then rolling her eyes, even though it is a completely reasonable request given that it's mostly metered parking. When a rude troll is the person you need to interact with most, it does not make me want to return. read more

Waste of time and very rude and unprofessional service with an attitude. Don't come here if you can avoid it.

Long waits for the 1st time took 3 hours since they don't have enough "employees". They even gave us an appointment the next day so we got there @8:30am the next day & there was a sign saying it's closed. Especially why put on a sign where it says it's closed today instead of saying it's closed for now but we'll open later. Front desk asking how come you came knowing it says it was closed because I called the # on the paper that was placed on the door & they told me it's open. I can see why people hate coming here & put low ratings. read more

Specialty Eye Care - Notice of being closed. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - West Hollywood, California

I would like to notify everyone that while the doctor is knowledgeable and very nice, the staff members are terrible. I left two voicemail messages to find out the duration for the eye drops, but no one returned my call. I specifically asked to be called back by Dr. Gabriellan, but still received no response. The front desk lady, Marina, is absolutely rude and unprofessional. Right in front of me, she turned to her coworker and started speaking in Armenian, a language I don't understand, even though her Russian and English are pretty good. Just stay away from this office! read more

I was referred to Specialty Eye Care by my Optometrist since he could not see what I was complaining about after an extensive exam. I saw a very nice doctor at Specialty Eye center, who was also unable to see the problem after an extensive exam. However, she immediately made an appointment for me with Dr. Karine Gabrielian, MD at the same office. Dr. Gabrielian saw the problem in 5 minutes and then ran a few more tests and made her recommendation. I was extremely relieved that she was able to see the problem and provide the next step to me. All together I was very pleased with the service provided there. I am sure I will go there again if need be. read more

I had an appointment today at this office they had a sign at the door that office is closed . So I called the number they have on the sign . I received a call from the doctor saying the office it's open. So I said to him I am very upset I'm not coming to your office never again . I also told him I will give you a bad review on yelp. He answer me I don't care you can give me 10 bad reviews. Now I know why they have only three stars do not go to this place. read more

Specialty Eye Care - Ophthalmologists Near Me - West Hollywood, California

The receptionist is rude and hates her job. Its like a time warp to old Russia. This place is train wreck. The optometrist was professional and polite. Get you glasses somewhere else. read more

Terrible terrible costumer service , the female receptionist has no people skills. I asked her how long would it take for them to call my dads turn since his Appoinment was at 9:45 and it's now 10:37 she said I don't know. Then I said can you find out and she said I can't give you a time. She is so rude and i don't understand how this business is still open with staff like her. People come here by necessity and to get better and feel better about there eye care. This woman has no sympathy towards patients and acts like if she's forced to be here without pay. Must suck to be her, feel blessed for my job thank god I have never felt the need to be mean or rude to other people just because I'm not happy with myself . I will pray for this woman because she clearly needs some light in her life. read more

They book appointments through a shitty call center. Showed up, waited, filled out paperwork, PAID, and got into the room with the doctor before I was told that they don't do the service that I had booked the appointment for (and had clearly told the booker on the phone). Bad customer service as other reviews notes. read more

The doctor I saw was so short with me I don't even remember my visit. If you'd like a visual representation or example of what I felt like during my visit: Ever seen someone in a kitchen jump in a startled manner onto a sink, kitchen island or counter top because of a roach on the floor? As if I didn't feel bad enough cancelling 8 DJ gigs and being in bed for my Birthday & Thanksgiving week due to this eye infection, him sending me out of their with a coupon for $2 off some OTC eye drops that I already had was just an insult to injury. Thank god I had insurance of some sort because I'd literally decline the charges if I had to pay for this visit. The rest of the staff was cool, responsive and attentive. So yeah. Thanks read more

Dr Sarkisian is a professional and patient dr that I had ever seen. I really recommend to have eye exam with her read more

Horrifying. Coldest receptionists, the female doctor who saw ke prescribed the wrong prescription and they asked me to wait two months for another appointment. Embarrassed for any doctor who works here. Such an incredibly unfriendly staff. But at least hopefully they got rid of that female receptionsit at the Weho office who made ke cringe as I walked in. No excuses- make changes. Get a short list for cancellations going. Do the work! Called my insurance to complain. read more

The services are horrible They don't even deserve the star! The star is given just for the doctor service who is trying her best First of office send me to the wrong location I had to drive to Santa Monica location Office on Santa Monica has no parking The front clerk Alina i so mean that u don't want to be near her Services start from front desk and she had the worst attitude ever Don't recommend to visit this location to anyone !!! read more

Very rushed, Dr never addressed one of my main reasons for the visit. At least the office looks nice. I was able to get appointment quickly. But I had been scheduled first at a different branch, and though I was never seen there, they insist on sending my records there. Was told to call back for results, when I called back they said I had to call the other office. The other office didn't know anything about it. I'm Hostage to this clinic as it's the only one covered by my insurance. read more

I wish yelp offered no stars - that's how bad the service is at this place. To start, the receptionist is so rude and the tone of her voice is the worst. Her voice, body language is ill-mannered and disrespectful. With that said, the doctor is even worse than the receptionist. I saw Dr. Hovanesian who comes into the WEHO office once a week on Tuesdays. He was late coming into the office so i waited close to an hour to see him. He is uncaring and unkind, and doesn't answer any questions. He rushes through all the clients. I had a chance to observe the process for close to 45 mins b/c he put drops to my eyes and I had to wait in some dark room for the drops to be processed. The process is like a factory production company and not of a doctors office. He spends not more than 5 mins with each patient and noticed he doesn't answer their questions.The only comment i heard him say is book an appointment in such such time. There are many patients. The office not double but triple books appointments. He is arrogant and doesn't seemed to have any compassion for his patients. I walked out of the office barely being able see things clearly b/c of the drops. He didn't bother to explain to me what to expect, how long the drops are going to cause my blurry vision, etc. I asked what is the problem and his responses were he doesn't see any problem but to come back in a month. My question about why is my vision blurry was ignored. I woke up next day with a headache, dizziness and constant tearing. I called the office explaining the situation and was told that she would speak to the doctor and call me back. I didn't get a call back so I called again. I have yet to receive a call back. It's been 3 days. I end up going to ER the next day. Unfortunately, I don't have the best health insurance and can't find doctors within the network. Best of luck to people who are in a similar situation. read more

Rude & horribly unprofessional front office staff!! I feel bad because the doctor was actually quite a nice man. But due to his front staff paying no attention to detail or caring enough to listen to me, I got screwed out of my once every two years eye exam covered by my insurance & now they get a 2 star review. I made my appointment for an eye exam in order to get an Rx for eyeglasses and contact lenses. I stated this when making my appointment and also made mention of it when I arrived for my appointment 3/3/15. Front office staff barely looked at me and only shoved papers at me for me to fill out and sign. Before seeing the doctor a gruff woman in a doctor's lab coat/smock first gave me a quick exam while asking me what I've come in for...where I again mentioned needing an Rx for glasses and contact lenses...at the mention of contact lenses she said rudely, "Well you'll have to speak to the doctor about that." It seemed strange but I thought...ok, of course I will. She then proceeds to lead me into the exam room and starts to give me attitude when I mention that I've forgotten my contact lens case and would need to use one to store my lenses for the exam. Kind of huffing about searching for a spare case I can use. Dr. Steven Yoon is a nice man...very accommodating. He completed my exam and had written me an Rx for my glasses...then reads the note on my chart mentioning my need for contact lens Rx as well. He then tells me that they aren't able to write me that Rx and they don't perform contact lens fittings at their facility. Something in all my years of getting eye exams regularly and wearing glasses since the age of 8 & contact lenses since the age of 13, I've NEVER been told. I was then told I'd need to be examed by an optometrist to get that prescription...which I really needed as I mainly wear contact lenses. IF ONLY the front staff had paid any attention at all, neither of us would've wasted our time OR my free covered eye exam!! I then had to go to another facility and go through another eye exam in order to then get my contact lens Rx and a sample pair in the new Rx for me to wear. I ended up having to pay out of pocket for the 2nd eye exam as this place wasted it the first time around. That's $155 down the drain because of this screw up. Sorry to say that my 2nd exam and consultation was far more thorough and overall a much better experience. I won't be coming back to this place again....Dr. Yoon REPLACE YOUR FRONT OFFICE STAFF ASAP! This was a horrible experience and debacle to deal with due to their callousness and lack of attention to detail. read more

This is by far the worst experience I've had. First let me start with the receptionist, she had an attitude the first time my mom and I came here. Okay, maybe she was having a bad day? Second time we came still the same nasty attitude. She verbally said to us your appointment is at this date and time BUT wrote another date and time on the card? Second, the doctors are incompetent. My mom went to them for over a year and there was no change. She still felt pain in her eye from the pressure and they kept prescribing her drops to solve that issue but now I find out with her new doctor (of course we change doctors) that the drops she was given was causing that eye to have pressure. Lastly, they were always trying to call my mom to switch her appointments a day or two before the actual day. I understand if the doctor cant make it but to constantly not be able to come in on the date you schedule your patients? Just avoid going here! I just cancelled all of my moms appointments. Keep in mind I gave this place a chance for over a year hoping they will fix my moms eye. Oh! I almost forgot, the "specialist" told me "do you just rather me take off your moms eye?!" When I asked him why wasnt there any progress after a year. He said it with such an attitude like if he was offended. That was the last time my mom and I went. Switched doctors immediately. read more

Definitely less than 1 star service. Both receptionist & eye tech were cold and rude. It's one of those places where the staff hate their job and they want to make sure every patient walking in knows it. My first time here, waiting over an hour. Definitely my last time here as well. read more

Because of Dr. Hovanesian's neglect, my 4 year old little girl has a severe eye disease that has gone untreated for nearly 6 months that is effecting her vision. About 6 months ago, my daughter had some eye redness. We were referred to this doctor and he said it was pink eye. He gave no medication but told me how to treat her eye from home. He did not do ANY kind of exams or tests except to shine a flashlight in her eyes. Her eye seemingly made no progress after we diligently followed his instructions every day. I called for more guidance and they said to keep going. Another two months went by and I called for another follow up appointment. He did the exact same thing- took a look with a flashlight but said he could see some progress. This did not sit right with me. I took her to her 4 year old check up with her pediatrician and they said she was having vision problems in that same eye. After taking her to my regular ophthalmologist, not on a referral, she actually has an eye disease that has gotten severe enough (because of his neglect) to where I need to do 9 different treatments per day and it has hurt her ability to see clearly. Thank goodness, her blurry vision is not permanent or else I would have considered a lawsuit. To add insult to injury, my doctor told me that his instructions to treat my daughter's eye were also wrong and wouldn't have yielded results anyways. Needless to say, I am furious at this doctor's neglect and arrogance. If he is unwilling to properly care for a child, I hate to see what he would do to an adult. I saw this doctor at Specialty Eye Care in West Hollywood. I highly suggest that if you value your vision, do not see this doctor. read more

worst experience ever.... NEVER EVER GO THERE!!!! They are unprofessional and rude .... "Zarina" is by far the worst officer worker I have EVER seen ... they don't confirm any appointments... they don't let you know if there are problems ahead of time. you call to inform them that they made a mistake or make a complaint a about the service ( or should I say lack there of) they hang up on you and refuse to even try to apologize for their rude and unprofessional and moronic service. We have been Going to Specialty Eye Care since they opened years ago back in Hollywood and Marinna was amazing she was attentive, kind, helpful and very knowledgeable.. I don't see how the same people can hire from two ends of the spectrum. Zarina is so rude, she doesn't know anything about working with insurances, the medical field, or patients ... beyond disappointed. I would like to add that the Doctors are very knowledgeable and great overall but the office staff make it impossible to go there read more

Regarding the West Hollywood office - WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! Similar to other negative reviews, STAY AWAY FROM THIS OFFICE. If one puts a statement in capital letters, it's for good reason. If I could rank less than one star I would. On a positive note, if you do need assistance in working with this office, contact the office in Glendale and ask for the office manager - she is helpful. 1. The office staff at the West Hollywood office is exceptionally rude and incompetent. Honestly, the WORST I have ever dealt with. Do not expect to get a return call. Do not expect to speak to anyone who can assist you. DO expect to be treated rudely and talked down to. DO expect to have to repeat yourself several times due to incompetence. DO expect to be interrupted. DO expect to be placed on indefinite hold so that they don't have to talk to you, hoping that you'll just hang up. I was placed on hold for 1 hour and 20 minutes - and then they finally hung up. It was nice listening music and I had the time. I know it sounds hard to believe, but I promise you, my comments are not exaggerations. 2. I met with Dr. Steven Yoon, who was also rude - it was as if I was wasting his time by sitting in the chair. I waited for more than one hour before he would see me (and this was with an appointment); he spent no more than 7 minutes with me. 3. I called the office several times asking if the doctor would call me back in regards to a question I had regarding a prescription he provided. On one occasion the person that answered the phone offered medical advice to me. I was astounded! Two months later I am still waiting for the doctor to call me back - and this was after me calling the office a minimum of six different occasions asking for him to call me. I was told it was not their responsibility to call me back. I questioned that it wasn't their responsibility to care for the patient, and I was placed me on hold - for the fourth time in the conversation. However, this time I was placed on hold indefinitely (1 hr 20 min). So rather than ask an office manager to assist, they don't deal with the patient - they'll just place you on hold until you go away. People generally don't place reviews on Yelp unless they have a really good experience or a really bad experience. Dealing with this office has been the most trying I've ever had with any physician or his/her staff. I truly don't understand how this practice survives - save yourself the frustration and go elsewhere. You won't receive the care or support needed at this office. read more

I will admit, I was a little nervous about this place. It turned out to be a pleasant experience! The staff was friendly, the place was clean and the doctor was through! read more

Specialty Eye Care in West Hollywood is a nice new spotlessly clean facility with a professional and attentive staff. I sought eye care today for two reasons. The first was to have an old injury examined to make sure it healed properly. The second was to update my eyeglass prescription. The front desk receptionist, the office nurse, and Dr Yoon were all wonderful and I greatly appreciate the care I received. All of my objectives were satisfied and I left with a feeling of gratitude for having been well served. I always reserve five star reviews for medical facilities I have been to more than once and receive the same care and attention on the second and subsequent visits as I did on the first visit. I am hopeful that this will be the case and will certainly update this review if warranted. I will definitely be back but for now, S.E.C. West Hollywood gets 4 stars. And I will make no qualms about referring others to this facility. Thank you again Dr Yoon and staff! read more

Good doctors, Miserable front office staff. A smile goes a long way. It may even make you feel good. Try it sometime.

I called this place to make an appointment, but when I called to confirm they said I wasn't on the schedule. I scheduled something else for the time, but then they called me to confirm the appointment! I rescheduled it at that point. When the day came around, no one called to confirm, so I called the office. Again, they said I was not on the schedule. There is obviously a problem with the appointment system. And no, I did not call any of the other offices by mistake. So I am giving up on this place. read more

Good service and great people work here. Always clean and they take great care of you. Eyes are very important so regular check up is crucial. Doctors and staff members are professional. Keep it up guys, thank you! read more

THE bright spot was that, once in an appointment with a surgeon, he was willing to give me all the time and answers I required about upcoming surgery. BUT they have FOUR LA-area locations and NO common, coordinating patient database! Many staff try to be pleasant, but language barriers always slow and muddy communication. Other staff start out pre-annoyed. Maybe they're already upset by their inadequate computer system and patients being angry with them about that. Staff gave me a wrong date for surgery! They can't ever get paperwork to my main MD on time. One appointment SEEMED like it was a mistake and a repeat of previous visit, but staff covered and had me talk with an assistant. Time in waiting rooms seems interminable. When surgery date kept getting pushed off, they said the surgeon was out of town on a grave family emergency. When I later expressed my sympathies to the surgeon, he looked totally shocked--like there had been no emergency and it was all their cover story for the delays. No one there promised me perfect vision but surgery results were FAR below my expectations. Don't know if it's their fault. Vision is at the very lowest end of what I was led to expect as a range of outcomes. Very unhappy about that. read more

Two hour wait no explanation only because my insurance company sends me here. Avoid if at all possible

Great staff, great service!!! People who work here are very attentive! I don't why other yelpers are not satisfied with this place and complain about front staff, they seemed well mannered and professional to me. Well, it's my experience and I'm very happy with it. read more

They're secretary has a bad actitud I went in for exam contact glasses in February my appointment for fitting was to return back in March the beginning I drive all the way up they're and turn out to be they dint had them she could halve call me to let me know but they dint then I was sopouse to go back for fitting again at the end of March call me again and cancels me because they dint have it AGAIN I TOLD HER MY INSURANCE. WILL BE TERMINATED AT THE END OF THE MONTH I WAS LAY OFF WORK !! Her answer was call BACK WHEN TOU HAVE INSURANCE. THATS WHAT WE CALL COMPASSION THEY DONT CARE ABOUT THE PATIENTS SHE WAS VERY RUDE! The only reason I went theyre was because my insurance sent me they're because I was having problems with my retina I would not recomen them at all the receptionist is the face of the facility ! I told her I was goin to tan to her manager she said well they're not here anyway! read more