Dr. Winthrop and his entire team were fantastic! From start to finish each and every member of the staff was extremely accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable! I would highly recommend Dr Winthrop and his entire team to anyone considering Lasik surgery. read more

I recently got LASIK with Dr. Winthrop, and it was a much simpler and comfortable experience than I expected. I was expecting a lot of paperwork, complicated billing, cold a dry technical explanations, but no, his staff was a pleasure, and walked me through every step, with minimal paperwork, and a simple credit card transaction. I felt very comfortable going into surgery because of the down to earth explanations from the staff and Dr. Winthrop himself. Surgery day was fun actually. I did't feel nervous at all. Again, this is due to the staff and environment. Oh, and the results are amazing! I see perfect, did not get dry eyes, ad don't see halos at night. I had -3.5 vision, without a stigmatism. I recommend Dr. Winthrop's LASIK to my friends and family. read more

Wow just wow, I was nervous about having Lasik but the staff and Dr. Winthrop put all of my worries to rest. Initially I googled around to see who was the best and found nothing but stellar reviews by this doctor. I asked a few friends and even my parents and then found out that my father even had his Lasik done here. I've heard that his reputation is so well received that people even fly from out of state to get their eyes done by dr. Winthrop. Amazing staff, in what felt like 10 minutes my eyes are now 20/20. (PS. I will update this in a year) if I don't forget ha ha read more

Dr. Winthrop and his entire team made the whole process of corrective eye surgery a breeze! No questions were left unanswered, and they were thorough and extremely pleasant. The procedure itself was painless and easy. read more

Ok so here is an update. I had my first LASIK IN 2004 and ended with 20/10 vision. I am now 72 and had Dr. Winthrop do an enhancement to my eyes as I had to wear glasses as everything at a distance was blurry. Their whole staff is great especially Claudia and Dr. Winthrop was very thorough during the exam procedures. If you read the warning literature its kinda of scary but they are a full disclosure office. The exam before the surgery was about an hour and the next day actual surgery time was less then 15 minutes with 30 minutes afterwords to relax. The next morning another exam and just came back from another exam a week after the surgery. Next exam is in a month. I live in OC so the round trip is over 300 miles going through LA but worth it to have the best. My reading glasses were at a 3.00 level now 1.50 but no glasses for distant as I am back to 20/20. Best investment I ever did. My regular eye doctor said to wait until I needed cataract surgery in 10-15 years but did not want to wait. Wanted to see and enjoy the beauty and riding without glasses. Don't hesitate to go to him, he is the best with excellent track record and credentials. You will not regret it. As a side note, my wife had the exam the same day as she did in 2004 but he told her there would not be enough improvement for her. So he is not just in it for the money.. read more

I could not be happier with my lasik procedure! Dr Winthrop's whole team was extremely professional and courteous. They are extremely efficient and now I can see clearly without glasses or contacts! read more

Awesome service, especially from Dr. Winthrop's terrific medical tech, Jeff Harbison. Very, very pleased!

Dismissive, arrogant, money grubbing jerk. Wouldn't take my insurance (Anthem Blue Cross) Waited 3/4 hour past appointment time, met with 5 subordinates, then finally for 5 minutes with Winthrop. He said he could do laser, but if I wanted the best treatment would cost additional 3K per eye beyond what medicare would cover. "Come back in a year, then I'll see..." I called a year later, same answer at desk, no insurance billing, I had to pay then make a claim on my own. I cancelled appointment, the received a bill for $60.00 for missed appointment. ONLY Dr. I have ever known who has these anti-patient attitudes. STAY AWAY....other Dr. in SB much better. read more

Got Lasik here in August after needing it for YEARS. Dr Winthrop and his staff were professional and courteous and outlined exactly how my procedure would go. My expectations were met and I am so pleased with my results. I definitely would recommend Dr Winthrop to my friends and family read more

Dr Winthrop and his team were great. They answered all of my questions and made me feel very comfortable about getting LASIK. The procedure went smoothly and with no trouble. Everything was professional and friendly. I definitely recommend him. Now I see 20/20! read more

Lasers to your eyeballs is pretty scary sounding. But Dr. Winthrop is so confident, the staff is so professional and the office is so well run-- it puts you at ease. At my day-after check up, it was just him alone in his office on a saturday morning wearing some very nerdy khakis. He checked my eyes, said I have 20/20 now, and gave me a high five-- definitely my favorite doctor of all time, recommend him 100%. read more

Dr. Winthrop and his staff are by far the best healthcare professionals around. I had my LASIK done yesterday and I feel great!! They were very professional from beginning to end. Jeff was outstanding during the consultation and during the measurements. He answered all of my questions and was very easy to talk to. Claudia was honest, explained everything about the procedure, and took really good care of me. Last, but not least, Dr. Winthrop....he was fantastic. He will answer any question and is 100% honest as far as expectations. During the entire procedure, he told me everything he was doing and what to expect. The whole procedure took about 20 minutes and it was easy! My eyes feel great right now! read more

On vacation, I woke up this beautifully sunny SB morning to realize- I forgot my contacts at home. The only optometrist open before 10am, the Office of Dr. Winthrop was more than helpful but also kind and considerate. Thank you so much for saving my whole trip!!! If you're looking for a compassionate and helpful optometrist, this is the one!! read more

Dr Winthrop and his staff provide excellent, professional care. There is always time for Q&A. Dr Winthrop and his staff are very responsive to eye emergency situations. In addition to my regular eye care, I had Lasik by Dr Winthrop with a great result and wonderful aftercare. Thank you Dr Winthrop! read more

Had lasik by Dr. Winthrop couldn't be happier! All the staff is educated and very friendly def recommend this place!

I had PRK surgery in December with Dr. Winthrop and he was fantastic. I could not be happier. He and his staff educated and took great care of me throughout the entire process. Dr. Winthrop called me from his cell phone the night after my surgery and the morning after just to see how I was. Definitely who you want to take of your eyes. read more

I just got LAZIK eye surgery (for astigmatism) with Dr. Winthrop yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. The procedure took place in a relaxed setting which was great for calming my nerves. There was an assistant in the procedure room whose sole purpose was to keep me calm by gently stroking my shoulder during the whole thing. The procedure was pretty much painless (about 10 seconds of discomfort on each eye) and took about a total of 15 minute. The recovery room was cozy and warm. Everyone is extremely nice and they accept Care Credit! What more can you ask for! Went in for my check up today and I now have 20/20 vision! Very happy client :) read more

I was beyond pleased with how great the entire experience was with Dr. Winthrop! I had LASIK done by him and went from being completely bling (rx 6.5 in my eyes) to perfect vision no longer needing contacts or glasses! He's your guy if your looking for someone with experience. He is so calming thru the whole procedure and talks u they every step of the way constantly checkin in and reassuring u. I am still just overjoyed and forever grateful. Plus, had I been the extremely rare case whereby something went wrong- he's the guy you want- a retina specialist. So if your considering LASIK, do it, and more so, get it done by Dr. Winthrop! You will be very pleased you did! read more

I recently had Lasik with Dr Winthrop and I was very impressed! His knowledge, professionalism and great personal rapport made the process very smooth and comfortable. Although the process is painless itself, I was very nervous. He and his staff were so supportive. An assistant even held my hand when I was nervous! My vision was 20/20 that evening and I was even able to go out to eat with the family that same night. Thank you Doc!!! read more

Just had lasik yesterday, and I wish I could give Dr. Winthrop and his amazing staff an extra star. I felt they were dedicated to ensuring and delivering positive results. They over communicated every step of the way, which helped keep me informed and feel comfortable that I knew what was going on and the overall process. They also have tremendous technology and each eye took less than 5 minutes from start to finish. If you're thinking of lasik in the SB area, I would highly recommend visiting their office for a consult. read more

I had seen Dr. Winthrop for 6 months in 2012 and he had helped my eye heal from a recurrent corneal ulcer. I was always so thankful to the man and when I moved back into the area I decided to set up an appointment (5 years later), because I recently had been having redness in my right eye, which caused me to stop wearing contacts. He has always been a somewhat stoic and disagreeable person but I didn't really care and I always went out of my way to be overly nice to him because I don't need people to be nice to me, actually...I just need them to be great at what they do. Indeed, he is arrogant, but like I said, I never minded because I felt he was one of the best doctors around. However, when I returned this year (2017), my appointment was interrupted because of the wrong payment/insurance info I was told by his receptionist. These kinds of misunderstandings are normal (every Dr.'s office experiences this!). I had wanted to pay out-of-pocket, but they wouldn't let me, which is understandable, since they explained they couldn't accept it because I was on Obama Care and they had to get an authorization from CenCAL first. I explained that my insurance would not approve it, yet they insisted they had to go through the authorization process and told me I would have to reschedule. Ok, the law is the law and what could I do? Needless to say, I was perturbed but not super upset because Dr. Winthrop was right there in the front office when all of this happened and I, of course, held my cool despite having showed up at 7:30 a.m., after taking the morning off work, etc. Obviously I felt inconvenienced, but most of all, I kept telling them "I'm just confused...Can you please explain to me again why it's this way and why the receptionist told me I could come and pay cash?" Two days later they send a certified letter in the mail : "After careful consideration, I feel it would be in your best medical interest to seek the services of another ophthalmologist. I have decided to discontinue as your ophthalmologist effective 30 days from the date you receive this letter." Can you believe that? I'm a loyal patient and even referred people to him - not to mention went to the same university where he taught (way to treat a fellow UCLA Bruin...BOO ). I was astounded but then read several bad reviews of the office online, including one here on YELP, which says he did the same thing to another lady with this type of "Dear John" letter. He apparently is in a position where he can turn away patents and doesn't have to worry about customer service. That's fine, but does he get rid of every patient who stands up for their rights? He has never been an exceptionally warm person but I thought he was fair and good, until now. Not only am I upset, Dr. Winthrop, I am really hurt. I held you in high esteem but you let your ego get the best of you. I sought your care because I really needed help regarding my right eye and redness, which has caused me to stop wearing contacts recently. You helped me before and for years I had been very happy that I had a great eye doctor that I thought was a cut above the rest but then you go and do this...You, Sir, have no loyalty to your patients and that is awful! I am deeply disappointed in your behavior and filed a complaint with CenCAL today. I encourage anyone who has received an unwarranted letter of 'termination of services,' like the one I did, to contact their insurance provider and file a complaint as well. They will follow up on it. read more

I had a "touch up" to my left eye after 11 years from my original Lasik procedure. Dr. Winthrop and staff were professional and thorough from beginning to end. I'm seeing perfectly again. THANKS DR. WINTHROP! read more

Imagine you're one of the top-rated ophthalmologists in your city. Imagine that our country is trying to create a fully-insured populace through the ACA and Covered California--the only option if you are not insured through the workplace. Would you accept this insurance? Not Dr. Winthrop! Apparently there's not enough money in it for him. We're long-time patients of his and have almost always been happy with his work and his office. But he's decided that he'll refuse anyone who doesn't have a gold-plated, employer-sponsored insurance plan. Thanks, Stuart. read more

My LASIK experience with Dr. Winthrop and his team was life-changing! If I could give his office more than 5 stars, I would. I went from having extremely blurry vision (I could barely see clearly a few feet in front of me) to having 20/20 vision in a matter of minutes thanks to Dr. Winthrop. I had my procedure done about a week and a half ago and have had zero discomfort after the surgery (with the exception of a tiny bit of dryness at night, which was to be expected). My vision is crystal clear without any side effects such as halos or sensitivity to light, and my vision at night (especially when driving) is totally normal. Like most people, I was definitely a little nervous about having LASIK done, but from my very first appointment with Dr. Winthrop and his team, I was reassured that the procedure would be quick and easy, and I would have little to no discomfort during the process. What helped me feel the most comfortable was how clearly Dr. Winthrop and his team explained each step of the surgery prior to the procedure, as well as the steps I would need to take after the surgery to care for my eyes as they healed. During the surgery, Dr. Winthrop kept me calm by updating me as he moved through each step of the surgery, letting me know what certain things might feel like (light pressure on the eye, etc.). One of his staff members also kept her hand on my shoulder during most of the surgery, which provided an added feeling of reassurance for me. After the surgery, Dr. Winthrop even gives you a follow-up call to remind you to administer your first round of eye drops after you wake up from your recommended 4-hour post-surgery nap. I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am to have had such a fantastic experience and to now have 20/20 vision. Life without contacts or glasses is better than I could have ever imagined! I can't recommend Dr. Winthrop enough. We are so lucky to have him here in Santa Barbara! read more

I got LASIK surgery on 1/25/19 and it was the best decision I've ever made. I had been going back and forth on the procedure for a couple years after my optometrist told me I would be a great candidate. I went to two other offices before deciding on Dr. Winthrop and I am so glad I made the right decision. Everyone in his office is super friendly and helpful. They answered all of my questions and I felt like I was in very knowledgeable hands. I also loved his track record with his patients and that is really what sold me. He takes great pride in his work and he spends whatever is necessary to keep up with the latest machine with the latest technology. The actual procedure was SOOOO much easier than I expected. I was very frightened going into it, but Dr. Winthrop explained every step before he did it and explained what I would experience. After my 4 hour rest, Dr. Winthrop even called me that night to check in and answer any questions. I was able to see and go out to dinner with friends! I had a check up the next day and everything went well! No pain and I could finally see! I tell all of my friends to get their eyes corrected, but only by Dr. Winthrop. My only regret is that I didn't get the procedure sooner. read more

I recently got lasik in both my eyes and am ecstatic about the results. Dr. Winthrop was amazing throughout the entire process and talked to me the whole time during the procedure. Professional well trained team and state of the art equipment. Highly recommend. read more

"WOW!"is right! After putting off Lasik for a number of years I finally decided to go for it. I am so glad I did. Dr. Winthrop and his whole team were organized, informative, reassuring and professional. I did not feel rushed into making decisions and felt like each of my questions (which they probably hear all of the time) were answered respectfully and patiently. They made me feel so at ease that even on the day of my procedure I was more excited than nervous. The procedure itself was a breeze. I was guided through the entire process and felt supported and comfortable the entire time. But best of all were the Results! I am kicking myself for not having Lasik sooner! Highly recommend! read more

What a great experience getting LASIK! I'm less than a week post-op and couldn't be happier. The ease of the process, the wonderful staff (shout-out to Jeff and Claudia and the nice lady who held my arm during the procedure, as well as Dr. W himself), and the exceptional results makes me wonder why I took so long to do this in the first place. I can't say enough positive things and I'm glad I didn't see anyone else for such a life-changing experience. I'm telling everyone I know to get a free consultation with Dr. Winthrop to see if they are a good candidate because the gift of sight (free of contacts and glasses) is worth every pricey penny. Don't wait! read more

I can see perfectly! Dr. Winthrop and his team are the ABSOLUTE best. From the consultation to the post-operative care, my experience getting Lasik performed by Dr. Winthrop could not have been better. Dr. Winthrop and his team are kind, thorough, extremely helpful, and highly knowledgeable. If you are considering Lasik (actually...don't even consider, just do it - it's incredible!), Dr. Winthrop is the ONLY doctor to go with! read more

My Lasik procedure was quick, comfortable and felt very safe! I wasn't worried once about the procedure because Dr. Withrop, Jeff and Claudia walked me through every step both before and during the surgery. They gave me a little kit with eye drops and instructions for after the procedure, so I wouldn't have to worry about anything! The entire process was very comfortable and stress-free! read more

Dr. Winthrop and his staff are amazing! I CAN SEE!!! It's a miracle! From my first appointment, the FREE LASIK consult to now (two weeks after the procedure), I have been very impressed. I was beyond nervous... but it was so quick and painless, and he explained everything that was happening every step of the way. There's no added costs, the price you pay includes everything- follow up appointments, eye drops, everything! It was an amazing experience and I am so thankful to be able to see without contacts or glasses for the first time in decades! Thank you Dr. Winthrop and all of your staff! read more

Dr. Winthrop is a very strange man. He is known for having bursts of strange behavior and being very unpleasant, and then at other times being perfectly cordial. Honestly I am unable to even guess what the explanation for this is. I am looking at all these high ratings and am just astounded. My mother went to Dr. Winthrop for years and found him perfectly fine. She was so worried about my eyes because of two progressive diseases that I have that finally she offered to buy me new glasses if I went to Dr. Winthrop for a consultation. So even though I had my own doctor, I went. He came into the room and literally spent about four minutes with me. He looked at my eyes, did not comment on how badly the glaucoma had deteriorated since I had seen him years before, and thrust a prescription at me for new glasses. Meanwhile I had noticed his (bad mood?) and had been trying to get him to be nice by telling him how highly my mother thought of him, etc. It did not work and he really was cold and I have to say, frankly, rude. He left the room (for good) and I realized that he had not even commented on the glaucoma and what the tension level of my eyes were. I had to run down the hall and stop him and politely ask him what it was. He was completely disinterested, did not want to discuss treatment, and I was really astounded. I had been really really polite to him. Afterwards my mother, who really worries about me going blind, said, "What did he say???" I was very very puzzled, and I said...."Well, nothing...". I told her about how he had acted and she was very sad and sorry and said she was sorry. The REALLY WEIRD thing is that some time after the visit I received a certified letter from his office. I thought it was a bill and was wondering why I had to sign for it, why he sent it certified. I opened it up and it was a letter stating that he did not want to be my doctor and I was never to come back to his office again. I could not have been more shocked; there was no argument, nothing, no reason I could think of for this behavior. I really felt very bad. When I went back to my usual doctor, who is a very nice guy and excellent doctor, I told him what had happened and he immediately said, without any kind of malice, "Oh, Stuart can do strange things like that. DEFINITELY do not take it personally; he is just like that". That made me feel a lot better but I still remember it with curiosity and hurt feelings. Now that I have written this, and it has been a number of years, I do recall getting on here and seeing a lot of very negative reviews about Dr. Winthrop. THEY ARE ALL GONE NOW.... I know that there are ways to get bad reviews removed and his office must have done this. The purpose of me writing this is to let other people know that if he acts this way to you, don't take it personally! But really I would not ever send anyone to him; there are other excellent opthalmologists in Santa Barbara. My mother never went back to him after this. One star for a very strange man.... read more

Dr. Winthrop is incredibly friendly and professional. I felt like I was in good hands throughout my LASIK procedure as Dr. Winthrop was there performing the surgery and talking me through the process. He is passionate about his job and holds his practice to high standards. I would recommend anyone interested in LASIK go to Dr. Winthrop. I am very pleased with my results. read more

My husband has been a patient of Dr. Winthrop for 12 years and is very happy with his lasik results. So when it came time for me to have it done he insisted that I see Dr. Winthrop. From my initial consultation to today, one day after the procedure, my experience with Dr. Winthrop and his staff has been outstanding. Dr. Winthrop made sure all of my questions were answered before the procedure and talked me through the entire process while he was performing my lasik procedure. He called me at home that evening to make sure all was well and gave me his cell number in case we had any issues over the weekend. He saw me this morning and reassured me that everything was exactly as it should be. I am amazed that the results are immediate. I can see details I was never able to see before. This has been life changing. Dr. Winthrop is the best, I wouldn't trust me eyes to anyone else. Thank you Dr. Winthrop! read more

I cannot say enough about the quality of service at Dr. Winthrop's office. Not only are the office staff extremely nice and personable, they are professional and efficient. Dr. Winthrop spent a generous amount of time explaining the procedure, what to expect, and answered all my questions. read more

I had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Winthrop and his whole team! They are knowledgeable, efficient, and welcoming throughout the whole process. The procedure itself was so fast and Dr. Winthrop talked me through every step. There was a nurse by my side making me feel relaxed and comforted and it was all over before I knew it. Yesterday I couldn't read the giant E at the top of the chart and today I can see clearly and drive myself around town. After 19 years with glasses and contacts I have such a sense of freedom and couldn't be happier with the results! Thank you Dr. Winthrop (and Jeff and Claudia too)!! read more

Dr Winthrup is the very BEST!!! I was scared out of my mind, to have lasik, Dr Winthrup and his staff are beyond accommodating and kind. He definitely knows his stuff, which immediately puts you at ease. He truly cares and wants you to have the best experience and vision possible, and will do what ever it takes to to make that happen. When I was searching for the very best lasik surgeon, Dr Winthrup was highly recommended by every person I asked. My vision is fantastic, I think maybe even better than he thought it would be. When it comes to your eyes you need the very very best! Don't mess around, go to the very best, Dr Winthrup. read more

Wonderfull experience with Lasik surgery here. Excellent staff, new high tech equipment, and an overall great environment. Dr. Winthrop is very skilled and personally takes care of you throughout the process. The procedure was simple and effortless on my part and the surgery itself was a breeze. I have recommended Dr. Winthrop to all of my friends and family inquiring about Lasik. read more

Yesterday I had my LASIK eye surgery with Dr. Winthrop. After waiting it out to have it done, mainly because I was afraid and nervous, I decided to go ahead and schedule it. Best decision of my life. My only regret is that I didn't have it done sooner! From the first consultation visit, I felt very relaxed and in good hands. The entire staff is so welcoming, calm, and very informative of everything that will be happening before, during and after the procedure. Dr. Winthrop is by far the best eye doctor! I have some friends who have had this procedure done by other doctors in town and it sure told me something when they didn't refer their doctors but referred Dr. Winthrop! Again, I can't thank him and his staff enough for this awesome experience! Everyone needs to go to him! read more

I had LASIK from Dr. Winthrop about 3 months ago and the results are incredible! The professionalism and attention to detail of Dr. Winthrop and his staff is second to none. My eyesight is the best it's been in my life and I couldn't be happier. If you want the best around....and you should, especially when considering an elective procedure on your eyes, go to Dr. Winthrop. He's invested millions of dollars into his equipment, staff, and training to give his patients the best results possible. That's why people come from all over the US to have LASIK performed by him. Do your homework and you'll see that no one else compares! read more