I highly recommend Dr. Cohen. He gave me the usual annual eye examination and two prescriptions: one for normal progressive glasses and one for computer progressives. WOW! I didn't know I needed computer progressives but here I am typing this on a computer I hadn't realized that I couldn't see! For my eyes I prefer to see someone with a lot of experience and so I am very happy to have met Dr. Cohen. read more

I saw this person twice 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 this doctor 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, this person, 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

tl;dr My pupils were dilated without notice, not given care instructions or warnings regarding said dilation, then left to figure out a way home. I have not been to an eye doctor in at least 24 years and this was my first appointment since I was a child. I saw Dr. Cohen and during the exam, I was administered some sort of drops into my eyes during casual conversation, not knowing what it was. He had said he would be back in a few minutes and nothing else. I was carted from the exam room, into a waiting room while he saw other patients in the exam room I was in and another across the hall. During that time I had blurry vision out to about 6 feet in front of me. I couldn't read anything on my phone or the various brochures 4 feet in front of me. At this time, I got a pounding headache, no doubt from the lack of clear vision. I was unsure what was happening, but assumed it would wear off in the "minutes" before his return. I feel it important to reiterate that there was no communication as to what any of the tests or drops were for. Finally, about 15 minutes later (I believe, couldn't read a clock to know for sure) I was brought into another exam room other than the one I was in previously to be reexamined. Told there was nothing else to do and we exchanged goodbyes. Upon walking outside, I was blinded by the light. I could barley make the two block walk to my car, hoping that there was a pair of sunglasses for me to use. If there were none in the car, I would be there for about the 4 hours it took to wear off. Thankfully there was a pair and I was able to safely drive home. As someone who had practically 0 expierience with dilation of the pupils, I had initially thought it was a symptom of my existing vision issues exacerbated by the drops. When telling my partner, she was shocked and aghast I was given no notice of the effects during the initial scheduling or during the exam. Admittedly, I did not read through the documents I had signed as a first time patient, so I am more than willing to accept negligence on my end. However, not saying anything about the aftercare is still very unprofessional. Overall, this was an odd and potentially dangerous experience and I hope this does not occur again, however, seeing a 15 year old review saying the same thing brings little hope to me. read more

Dr. Cohen was certainly friendly and professional,but he did neglect to provide temporary shades or even a warning about going outside after the dilation and exam. deduct one star. His office is shared with a optician and Dr. Cohen also seems to direct business toward the optician. deduct one star. read more

While I enjoyed the actual visit with Dr. Cohen for eye and contact exam, my subsequent contacts with this office have been rather aweful. The receptionist is unfriendly, talks sarcastically to patients, will cut you off, not be very helpful while trying to follow-up on orders and other general questions. I called a number of times leaving messages regarding contacts that were to be ordered for me. My messages were almost never returned, and when I got the receptionist on the phone she was always in a hurry to get off the phone showing little interest in helping solve your problem. It'd take her days if that to get back to you. I finally asked to get audience with Dr. Cohen to discuss my concerns and my experience, and you know service is very bad when she won't even let you talk with the doctor. I tried reaching out to her regarding her being very dismissive, unhelpful and while she acknowledged this, but continued to justify it saying she was "very busy and only one running office etc etc..." The solution to a busy office shouldn't involve bad customer service. Months after back and forth regarding getting the correct contact lenses, I left finding the place very unfriendly, not personable, and one that doesn't appreciate one's business or attempt to build community. I'd pass on trying this place again. read more

Came here twice, had a chalazion, got it removed within 20 minutes of getting there. Second time I came, I had an eyelash that was stuck in my eyelid. Got it plucked out within around 5 minutes. I've never had a better experience at a doctors. read more

Dr. Cohen is very professional and friendly. I usually have 1 or both kids with me and appreciate that he doesn't get bothered by them. He has also examined my daughter and he made her feel at ease. He has a pleasant personality and (as someone stated in an earlier review) a quirky sense of humor. I like that there is an Optician in his office...I had requested an eye glass prescription and all I had to do was pick them out...the paperwork was all done for me! I don't usually have any extra time on my hands and having it all done for me was awesome. I think he's great! read more

Nobody wants to start off a weekend with jabbing pain in her eye, but Dr. Cohen was able to see me and take care of me courteously (especially for a Sunday morning!). I appreciate that he explained to me what he was looking for (turns out a tiny piece of metal left rust in my eye--not recommended btw). The procedure itself (which was thankfully minor) was quick and painless. He also told me what to expect for recovery time, which was very helpful. Thanks Dr. Cohen! read more

Excellent ophthalmologist with a gregarious and quirky sense of humor to boot.

Dr. Cohen replied my message a while back and notified me that the rude receptionist has already been fired and a delightful person was hired. He wanted me to remove my review but i think it's more appropriate to amend it as the no-call-no-show fee is still quite unreasonable to me. Other MD offices won't charge $100 for the fee. At the same times, since I haven't seen Dr. Cohen, I will give him and his skills the benefit of doubt. Considering these factors, I'll raise his star from one to three. read more

Greedy. The doctor is nice but wants you to order everything through his office. He is reluctant to give you your eyeglass/contact lens prescription. He will dilate your eyes without warning and you have to ask for the dark glasses. The front office is unorganized and does not return calls. I have recently left 4 messages and have not had anyone call me back. They overcharged my co-payment by $5. read more

My appointment was on July 26th. Contacts were supposed to be here in a week and I'm still waiting for them! I can't say this is entirely the fault of Dr. Cohen and his staff but they certainly haven't been very helpful. I've also never had such a short eye exam. I was fine with it bc I didn't have any concerns, just wanted new contacts but now that they haven't even come I'm feeling pretty bummed out about the whole thing and wish I had just gone somewhere else to begin with. I guess sloppy would sum it up for this doctor. read more

Dr Cohen is incredibly friendly and very knowledgable. I've come several times and always been very satisfied with my visit- everything from my annual exam to new glasses and contacts prescriptions. Making appointments has been very easy, as has been getting prescriptions sent to me in order to buy glasses elsewhere. Looks like some of the reviews here are outdated - his secretary is lovely!! Highly recommend. I'll be back again! read more

This is my first Yelp review. I was traveling in San Francisco last week when my daughter poked her finger into my eye. It really hurt, so I checked the phone book and found Dr. Cohen. His very nice staff made room for an emergency visit and Dr. Cohen said I had a scratched cornea. He put a special contact lens on the eye and saw me two more times until I was all healed. I was very happy with my care and his office. read more

The location is awesome, the surrounding streets are full of really pretty houses. The reception is very, very cramped with the optometrist in the middle of the room. The receptionist is not very friendly but that's OK. The doctor is very nice, a bit older, very polite, answered all my questions, took the time, I would recommend him. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Cohen for many years. Receptionist has always been accomodating to me in office and over phone and so has Dr. Cohen. Nothing but good things to say about his practice. read more

Excellent service and always a pleasure for me. I live in SF but travel a lot. They always fit me in. Really happy with my new glasses. Nice to deal with real professionals. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Cohen for many years. I found him to be very professional and thorough in his exams. I have seen him for regular vision tests, and sometimes for other problems like a red eye etc. I was sent to him by my grandmother, who has been very pleased also. I personally think he is a great eye doctor. We both like his personality and his staff is very nice. read more

Dr Cohen is very nice. Office woman is frequently rude and sharp. Tried to recommend a friend recently & person spoke with Optician who was rude as well. Optician is curt and would recommend going elsewhere for glasses. read more

Awful, awful, awful. Doctor is sloppy and inattentive, staff is just terrible. Messed up my prescription, messed up my contacts order multiple times... I feel lucky I only used Dr. Cohen for a routine check-up and contacts, rather than anything more serious. read more

One star is for friendliness. His secretary is quite friendly and helpful. On the other hand, Dr. Cohen needs to up date himself. He prescribed the same eye drops over and over even I told him they didn't work. The last one he gave had too much steroid and actually damaged my eyes. After I told him I wouldn't buy my glasses from his shop, he was angry. Then, he retroactively billed services I didn't authorize. I have no idea if he did it or not. The charges were not there when I first received the bill. The subsequent bill came with new new charges. I refused to pay the charges. I am considering contacting the state medical board. My eyes were worst now than six months ago before I saw him. I went to see another ophthalmologist today and he gave me some great eye drops. read more

I felt obligated to review Dr. Cohen as I have experienced the exact opposite of his old, outdated, negative reviews. I truly believe these negative reviews are unfounded (most refer to his long-gone, unfriendly secretary) and do not reflect the great experience you will have when you pay Dr. Cohen a visit. I recently experienced cloudy and blurred vision in my left eye for several days. It bothered me all day at work and at the advice of my fiance, I made an appointment to see Dr. Cohen as this was really affecting my work performance. I haven't seen Dr. Cohen in several years, but remember him having a great sense of humor and being an excellent ophthalmologist. My mother, brother, and sister all go to Dr. Cohen for their eye- care needs and all rave about the excellent care and service they receive. His receptionist, Angela, is super-friendly and accommodating. Dr. Cohen has not lost his wit or sense of humor, and he was a joy to talk to. He performed a thorough exam on my eye and diagnosed me with glaucoma and a form of iritis. It was scary to learn that had I waited a few more days to get treatment, things could have been a lot worse for my eye. Dr. Cohen prescribed several prescription eye drops for me that I responded very well to, and brought my eye pressure down to normal levels by the time of my next follow up 2 days later. I'll have a few more follow ups as Dr. Cohen wants to monitor my healing. I know I am in good hands with him and would like other Yelpers to know that they will have a great experience if they choose to see Dr. Cohen, like myself and the rest of my family have over the years. If you are experiencing any eye trouble at all or just need a checkup or glasses/contacts prescription, do yourself a favor and make an appointment. Thank you Dr. Cohen for everything. read more

Dr. Cohen has since recovered and made considerable effort to engage me and make up for the previous experience.

I am super happy with my visit. I was in a bind and needed quick service - eye check-up and new prescription for contact lenses and they delivered! read more

Horrible experience. It was so bad, that I've opened a YELP account to comment on it. Receptionist was absolutely awful, didn't retrain calls, ordered the incorrect contacts TWICE. After getting a contact fitting from Dr. Cohen, my right contact didn't feel correct and was blurry. I tried toughing it out for a few days but then called and made a follow up appointment. That time, he told me the contact fit my eye perfectly and that he didn't know what was wrong. When I told him I was sure that something was off, he decided to change the prescription (or curve or whatever it is). The worst part is that he didn't seem to believe me when I adamantly told him I've worn contacts for years and something wasn't right. Now it is even worse, I can't wear my contacts and I've gone back to school and I now have crappy insurance. I would NEVER go back to Dr. Cohen's office again! DO not go here! read more

I've had a few eye exams here and always order my contacts here. They've gotten my orders right every time. The office is small and not terribly fancy but the receptionist and the doctor are attentive and thorough. I would recommend them. read more

I have been going to Dr. Cohen for many many years now and have always left happy. He takes his time, walks you through all the options, and answers all questions in detail. I really cannot thank him enough for helping with all my eye issues over the years. I would recommend him to anyone and will be going back for many more years to come. Thanks Doctor! read more

Dr. Cohen has been my eye physician and surgeon for overf 10 years and I'm so grateful he is. He diagnosed my glaucoma early and has been successfully treating me ever since. When I became allergic to one of the eye drops, he immediately treated the condition. I have learned if you have a medical condition with your eyes, you must see an opthamalogist. His office is convenient to Muni and other medical facilities. His staff are terrific. Sheila read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Cohen's for many years. He has always been professional and courteous, not to mention a terrific doctor, which is why I continued to see him despite the unfriendly secretary and inept billing service. I recently had my annual eye exam with him, and it was hands down the best experience I've had there. The new receptionist is friendly and very helpful, and I was in and out in less than 30 minutes with my new prescription. The receptionist ordered contacts for me (they work with my vision insurance which pays for contacts once a year), and they arrived at the office the very next day. My vision insurance was billed accurately for the exam and I only had a $15 co-pay, so no complaints there, and Dr. Cohen was just as professional and knowledgable as ever. I will definitely be coming back! read more

This was the worst eye exam that I have ever experienced. It was terribly unthorough. No warning for numbing eye drops, dated equipment, an MD that did not listen to the patient. I felt like he simply wanted to copy the prescription from my previous MD in Seattle. No opportunity to discuss issues and when I brought them up they were dismissed. Told him that I wasn't seeing something clearly and he asked "are you questioning me?" He offered a used contacts case to hold my contacts and when he decided the appt was over tryied to scurry me out without allowing me to put my contacts back in!! This was wretched. Told me I was a great candidate for lasik, this was after I told him that my eyes change drastically every year, I explained that my previous MD said that I should wait until my eyes stabilize, to which he responded "Oh, yeah, that would probably be a better idea." I called my insurance to complain and asked to be seen by another physician as I am SO discontented. read more

I am more than shocked at the levels of unprofessionalism and lack of regard Dr. Cohen's staff has towards its patients. I needed to get the recent prescription for a dear friend who is in my charge. She is elderly, an amputee and wheelchair I asked the staff if they would fax her eye exam results to another store where she could buy a less expensive pair that would fit her budget. The file Dr.Cohen had on my friend was hand-written and terribly illegible . Most importantly he failed to date and sign the document-----this is an egregious error that even a first year medical student wouldn't make. Therefore the prescription document was invalid. As I was trying to work things out, the receptionist hung the phone up in my face. The medical staff at Dr. Cohen's office have the maturity and customer service skills of a freshman at a local community college. They are gruff unpolished and not fit for interacting with people in a business setting. What is even worse than bad is the office is not handicapped accessible which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office is a mess from top to bottom and if Cohen is not at the facility, the staff are not equipped to handle the concerns of patients. My friend, who I care for, has vowed to never return after years of being treated by him. Because of Dr. Cohen's carelessness and obvious lack of preparation he has given his staff in his absence, my friend who is on a fixed income had to get a new eye exam at a different facility. The cost was 60.00!! All because the staff and Dr. Cohen apathy. They got their money. Any other issue is null and void to them! Run from this rag-tag doctor and his team of underprepared health care indigents!!! Run and find a professional facility, that unlike Cohen's office, promotes and practices the notion of putting the needs of the patient first. Shame! Shame!! read more

I had a wonderful experience recently with Dr. Stephen Cohen and highly recommend him for his high degree of skill, his compassion and professionalism. Last week my husband and I visited San Francisco from Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly after landing in SF, I felt what I strongly suspected to be a retinal tear in my right eye. I had a retinal tear in my left eye several years ago, so I was all too familiar with the symptoms. I was in a panic because my eye doctor in Atlanta warned me that a retinal tear requires urgent treatment by a specialist. My situation was further complicated by the fact that this happened on a weekend, in an unfamiliar city far from home. By chance I came across Dr. Stephen Cohen's name and number and called his office. He was on call over the weekend and called me back and gave me some advice over the phone. On Monday morning, in his office, Dr. Cohen carefully examined my eye and recommended that a laser procedure should be performed immediately. This procedure required the use of an operating room, and the California Pacific Medical Center operating room was closed on Mondays. Dr. Cohen was able to convince the hospital administrators to open the operating room so that he could perform my procedure. By noon on Monday Dr. Cohen successfully completed the laser procedure, and instructed me to see my regular eye specialist upon my return to Atlanta. When I got back to Atlanta later in the week and my regular retina specialist examined my eye, he praised Dr. Cohen's work as being high-quality and very timely. Dr. Cohen saved my vision in my right eye, and for that I will always be grateful to him. I am very grateful to Dr. Cohen and to Mercy Broni-Parker, RN, a nurse at the California Pacific Medical Center ASU- East department, who took great care of me with genuine warmth, empathy, compassion, and a high degree of professionalism in a very difficult and frightening moment in my life. I highly recommend Dr. Cohen. read more