I cannot recommend Dr. Saba Al-Hashimi highly enough. From my very first office visit, the experience was excellent at every level; a thorough eye exam and a genuinely helpful discussion about the best lens options for my eyes and my lifestyle. His bedside manner is wonderful: warm, patient, and reassuring. He explains everything clearly, answers every question, and never makes you feel rushed. I understood all of his instructions at every stage, which made the entire process far less stressful. He recently performed cataract surgery on both of my eyes, and the results are beyond what I hoped for -- colors are vivid again, and my vision is better than it has been in years. Both procedures went smoothly, the surgery experience itself was calm and well-organized, and my post-operative care has been just as attentive; recovery went exactly as he described at every step. As a healthcare worker myself, I also deal with chronic eye conditions that affect my daily work, and he took the time to truly understand my situation. His staff is equally professional and kind, every appointment and both procedures ran perfectly on time, and he is conveniently located at both the UCLA Stein Eye Institute in both Westwood and Calabasas. Exam, lens consultation, surgery, and post-op were excellent at every level. If you need cataract surgery, chronic eye conditions, or other specialty procedures, this is the physician you want. Highly recommend. Thank you, Dr. Al-Hashimi, for giving me my vision back. Kathleen Ireland-Paterno read more

This review is for the scheduling office at the Oculoplastics Division specifically. They do not answer the phone during working hours. At all. I've called over and over on multiple days to try to reschedule an appointment and it's pointless. I've left voicemails and they don't call back. If you work there, please try calling during business hours and see for yourself: 1 (310) 206-8250 read more

Don't bother wasting time trying to get anything done here. Needed to schedule an appointment to perform an eye imaging exam that requires an equipment that is extremely niche and several ophthalmologist offices stated UCLA is the only facility that has one. This was for a job requirement with a fixed suspense date. UCLA Steins front desk, after hours on wait, bounced me around multiple phone desks. They forwarded me to a voicemail box. I received no word and spent two weeks trying to call them back. Eventually every person just gave me another phone number to call the "customer care" number which, surprise, leads to a voice mail box. This seems like they're just forwarding me to a complaint department to a black hole mailbox. Took forever to find but for anyone needing a Scheimpflug tomography/topography, there's an eye care center that seems to be the only other office that has an Oculus Pentacam and they actually pick up their phone. read more

I have called over a dozen times in the last 30 days in regards to my upcoming appointment. I have not received one call back as their appointment line does not have a representative to answer and obviously does not have one that returns phone calls. I am traveling for this appointment and am fearful I will arrive to no appointment at all. Really wish I knew beforehand. read more

Dr. Demer was following my child for a lazy eye, and unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing. On multiple visits, he arrived late and seemed to leave without thoroughly examining my child, often relying heavily on fellows or residents to perform the examination. We found his manner dismissive, impersonal, and at times arrogant. We never felt that our concerns were being carefully addressed or that our child was receiving the level of attention we expected. Eyeglass prescriptions were changed without a clear explanation of why the changes were being made, and despite continued follow-up, we did not see the improvement in the lazy eye that we had hoped for. What concerned us most was the lack of personal connection and communication. His interactions felt mechanical and rushed rather than compassionate and reassuring. When it comes to a child's vision, parents want a physician who takes the time to examine the child carefully, explain the treatment plan, answer questions, and make the family feel supported throughout the process. Based on our experience, I would not recommend Dr. Demer to parents looking for that type of attentive, hands-on care. We ultimately came away feeling dismissed and poorly cared for. read more

I have UCLA Health for my insurance and was sent out to Ucla Stein by Institute for my cataracts. They were all very friendly beautiful place and I will have my surgeries in November and December. They explain everything and give you options so I'm very pleased with my healthcare from UCLA Health. read more

Parking for those with disability parking is insufficient. The overflow parking is closed and has been for 6 months or so since I've been coming here. The additional parking requires you to walk up and down a ramps because there is no working elevator in the garage. Once you get to the building, you have to walk around a cordoned-off parking lot. Very inconsiderate to those with mobility needs. read more

The amount of grief I have experienced dealing with this place is beyond belief. I wish I would have never gone here, the incompetence is another level. Still dealing with insane bills that have been coded improperly and thus denied by insurance. It's like nothing can ever get fixed or done. Avoid Dr. Vivian Shibayama OD office. No respond to emails. And charges INSANE fees for an optometrist, not even a medical doctor. Over $500 for office exam that does not include a refraction (that is extra). My glaucoma doctor charges less for a cash price. read more

Do I like driving to this location and subjecting myself to the 405 Freeway? No, but they have a walk in eye clinic and free parking which does not exist at any other UCLA buildings here in Westwood. When you have an eye issue and can not see your regular doctor this is the best place to come. Every eye doctor here will see you within a reasonable amount of time, look at your eyes thoroughly, diagnose you, write a prescription if needed and you are heading back home. When you arrive, head to the front desk to check in. You will then have a seat in the main waiting area until they call your name. Once they call your name, you will be taken to a smaller waiting area until you see the eye doctor on staff that day. Easy Peasy! *50 spots available in the lot *Walk In's Allowed ~ no appointment necessary read more

Well, it sure has been challenging times for us over the last 10 days. The outstanding people who work here besides the brilliant doctors and fellows are AMAZING! The kind and caring nurses, the hardworking technicians, the wonderful front office folks and the beyond helpful surgery schedule people ( Annie) have been outstanding!! Our Doctor Simon Law is a superstar! He has been by our sides through every aspect of Bob's recovery ... his associates are brilliant too! Dr Yum ( A fellow) is soo smart with a lovely demeanor! With Dr Law's retina specialists and corneal experts, a plan has been created to help my husband get through these difficult challenges. We have been in great hands during these times and we feel blessed and super lucky to have everyone ON OUR SIDE! Even with the challenges we are facing, we have had and continue to have great experiences! Highly recommend Jules Stein Eye Institute and great praises for everyone here. read more

By far the worst customer service that I've ever received I literally got disconnected five times today and I wasn't able to speak with one agent not recommended whatsoever truly disgusting read more

I am a former patient now living on east coast. I was trying to reach my fomer doctor's office for referral info. I called the 310-825-5000 listed on the web site. No one answered on multiple attempts. Twice I was cut off after being on hold many minutes. Twice more I was transferred and transferred again, then cut off. It is shameful that The Stein Institute does not have a responsive, good telephone system. It's worse than being in a third country! read more

Do not waste your precious time as I did. Tried to obtain an appointment for 9 months based on a referral from my doctor, only for them to never answer the phone. When they do, they are completely disjointed, no one has record of who called who, when and for what. Truly an embarrassment of a medical facility. read more

I was referred to Dr. McCannel by my retina specialist. Apparently she's is a great doctor, hopefully one day I will find out. I've been calling for 3 weeks and have left at least 4 messages. No one ever picks up the phone and no one ever calls you back. read more

The staff is kind and explains the process. Dr Rootman is nice, patience and great good side manner. The care that he provides his patients are superb. We are happy with the service for eye surgery. They do not validate parking. read more

I would like to take the time to acknowledge Dr. Laura Syniuta. My son has been dealing with vernal conjunctivitis for years and I was feeling hopeless with past treatment. Dr Syniuta has been a God send. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, personable, attentive, and human! She is truly a breath of fresh air. I left feeling reassured of what my son outcome would be, a sustainable plan that is doable, and confident with type of care rendered. I am so grateful we found Dr Syniuta. If you are looking for a pediatric ophthalmologist specialist please start here! read more

I have had 5 eyelid surgeries with 3 different surgeons over the years and think I finally found the "A Team". The result is truly remarkable and they provide the full hospital OR experience with multiple surgeons and anesthesiologists so in case anything untoward happens you are in the best possible place. The front office staff are superb: very friendly, efficient and skilled at guiding you through the process. read more

My doctor was Dr. Shaun Lin Horrible experience and outcome with my cataract surgery I didn't have to use glasses work , to read my phone text or a book before surgery now I can't see clearly it's horrible it's awful and very very uncomfortable. I feel very insecure every day. I have to use glasses for every freaking thing very annoying do not get surgery unless you can pay for the expensive 20/20 vision. Needless to say I am a UCLA employee and I'm in this situation it's horrible. I am seeking other eye surgeons outside of this office for correction. read more

My first cataract surgery was performed on November 20, 2024, and the second in January 2025. Since these procedures, I have suffered persistent and severe eye problems that have significantly affected my daily functioning and quality of life. I sought follow-up care multiple times from the ophthalmology team, yet my symptoms remain unresolved. I was eventually referred to the Head of the UCLA Eye Center, Dr. Goldberg. After waiting over two hours, I was surprised and disheartened that he did not examine my eyes at all. His dismissive attitude and lack of evaluation were both shocking and deeply disappointing, especially given the severity of my condition and the urgency of my concerns. In addition to the ongoing medical complications, I have incurred over $12,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, with an additional $15,000 billed through my insurance. Given that my condition remains unresolved and continues to impair my vision and quality of life, these costs feel unreasonable, burdensome, and unacceptable. read more

UCLA Stein has the best eye surgeons in the U.S from minor to serious eye complications. They can do miracles for your vision. The No.1 Eye Physician Surgeon Retina that was consistent and precision accuracy; Doctor Irene Tsui best of the best. Do not hesitate not for a minute when your eyes need immediate attention. The customer service is good but it could improve. Waiting times are slow and seem at times not organized. read more

UCLA Stein Eye Institute is the best possible place to go for any eye correction. They are the best in quality of care, promptitude in appointments, choice of super-qualified doctors. I recently had both a cataract surgery and a small cyst removed and I cannot say how much I appreciated the quality of their services. Dr. Vu was incredible in both efficiency and patient care and I cannot recommend enough the staff that assists her. read more

Tried 4 times a day for a week to reach someone here. Their phones permanently go to voicemail. Left 2 voicemails. They never called back. Finally called another place at UCLA and when transferred from an internal number they will pick up. I guess they only want to speak with other staff, not patients. How could I possibly have surgery with an office that is unreachable? Off the list. read more

My neuro eye doctor, Thanh-Liem Huynh-Tran, MD, was exceptionally knowledgeable and kind. He noted all the specialists I had visited, and was reassuring that I was making the best choices regarding my necrosis of the brain and balance issues. He carefully regarded the cds I had brought from City of Hope, and wrote detailed notes for me. A blessing! read more

My doctor referred me here for a test, and the office was extremely difficult to contact and schedule with. Given the direct referral within UCLA, I was told that they would reach out to me to schedule, which they never did. Then I called 4 times and waited on hold for over 15 minutes each time. When I finally got onto the phone with someone, they said they'd put me through to the neuro-opthamology department, but instead sent the call back to the main menu (for another 15 minute wait). Finally I got someone on the phone and they said that the neuro-opthamology department line was busy and they couldn't schedule for them (even though that's the number I called), so they'd have to leave that department a message, and I would hear back within 2 days. They told me that this was because the neuro-opthamology office was understaffed. I have an urgent medical issue and it's now been a month that I've been trying to make an appointment. read more

Honestly the best staff and care . The best !!!! Doctors and staff the best . Very modern and clean. So lucky to be here in LA and have UCLA read more

A year later and I am still dealing with this office giving us an appointment at a certain time and then having to wait over 2 hours to be seen. They need better schedule management and not trying to squeeze as many patients in and not caring how long we sit out there waiting. Very bad managed office. They run it like a third world country office! If it was not because this doctor did the surgery for my dad I would be gone! read more

We've been here all day for a 30-minute procedure. And we weren't the only ones waiting all day. This was ridiculou.

This eye institute has the best equipment and the best eye surgeons for any type of eye surgeries. The office is staffed with friendly and professional staff members with excellent care support. read more

Disgusting experience as far as lack of sanitizing and disinfecting. The machines you must rest your chin, forehead and face on are NOT sanitized properly. To place your chin and forehead on the metal frame and have it be sticky and to have to press your surrounding eye area on a padded silicone cushion which SMELLS like someone's nasty cigarette smoke skin oils is absolutely disgusting and worthy of notifying the state board of California. If they can't be bothered to swab down the machines before so many people have to place their face on them the least they could do is thrown down a tissue (it's why we use seat covers on the toilet. This is absolute laziness on the part of the staff!!! The chairs in the waiting room are clearly never word down either. For a total of maybe one hours worth of active direct service expect to spend about 3 1/2 hours......that's if you have a morning session appointment. I imagine it gets even worse and more disrespectful of patients time for afternoon appointments. Expect to pay close to $20 for using the parking structure on property. They don't validate which is fine. But they shouldn't waste so much of your time. What even more pathetic is the signage for the office is lame. Especially with clientele all having vision problems. It's archaic dinosaur cobweb style around there where they do not use visual or audio aids for sight challenged people. read more

I feel as if the doctors I have used at Stein Eye are at the top of their game. One of the clinics is really busy so there can be a substantial wait. However, it's all dependent on how much time each patient needs for his/her problem. Try to make appointments at the UCLA campus as early as possible. read more

Stein doctors and staff do mot return calls nor inquiries in My Chart. Very frustrating.

My husband went in with a very infected Chalazion that required oral antibiotics. The Ophthalmologist there misdiagnosed it as something else and sent with home with a topical antibiotic and told him to wait it out. He had to go to a private doctor the next day and he immediately recognized it and properly diagnosed it and said it had to be removed and it would not go away on its own and it required oral antibiotics. At one point, I would've assumed Jules Stein was the best place to go for your eyes but the two doctors we dealt with were not the quality ophthalmologists I would have expected. read more

I went to Walk In Service at 100 Stein Plaza and then Imaging in the building next door. I arrived before 8 AM to beat the crowds. The entire experience was perfect. All staff was professional and friendly. I arrived before 8 and left at 9:30 on a Monday, not bad! read more

I came here with a huge Chalazion on my eye. I was prescribed antibiotics and was misdiagnosed. Was prescribed antibiotics for a Chalazion and received no treatment. I didn't have an infection. I ended up having a surgery done by a qualified eye doctor elsewhere . I couldn't believe that an "Eye Center" at a reputable hospital will misdiagnosed what every average person can google and realize the condition have had (a Chalazion). The misdiagnosis and delay in treatment caused me unnecessary pain and for the condition to get worst . this caused me more serious complications and the need to end up with two eye surgeries. I will never step foot in this place again. read more

There are some amazing doctors here that really do care about their patients and will take good care of you. My experience with the MDs have all been above and beyond great. Their assistants or intakers are also very helpful and will work with you. The only sad side can sometimes be their schedulers and staff members. Most are okay, but a few of them give off a, "I don't really care, but just here for my paycheck" kind of presence. And for others who has mentioned about their making appointments over the phone...It's true you will be on the phone, maybe a few times, then after a few calls you'll get a person or worse, their after hours dispatchers that will take a message. Best recommendation is to make your appointments in person, if you can. But generally, this is a great hospital (minus the bad apples). I happen to have had a bad experience with my doctor's front scheduler staff and some manager that was there. Basically, the manager used a very negative tone when I asked a simple question and dismissed me and another patient who was standing behind me trying to check-in. And this manager had the audacity to say I was using a tone on her. What kind of BS response is that? We're patients, or customers of your institution. We should be treated with the best patient care! How dare you use accusatory language and tone when you're suppose to provide a positive atmosphere for all patients. And rolling your eyes at me was absolutely unprofessional! But don't worry, I've already wrote a formal complaint to their Patient Feedback department about this individual and have informed my doctor about this incident. They need to re-train this individual about empathy and how to speak with patients, because that manager was on some other planet and quite frankly, very rude. As for parking, they do have an open parking lot, though currently as of this review, it is limited due to construction. So if it's full, you'll have to park across the street at the Medical Building underground parking lot. Parking in both lots are $15 daily, no in and out privileges. I personally believe the parking pricing is way overpriced and it hurts us patients' pockets if we come here frequently...those parking fees adds up very quickly. The hospital is right next to the Westwood Shopping district, so you can walk around the area, too. read more

Total decline in patient care. Patients are objects to be used for quotas and revenue only. Awful. Awful Awful staff and Doctors are overwhelmed and don't care at all. They make mistake after mistake at your expense. I went undiagnosed after 3 years! I'm now partially blind. Not kidding. It's your eyes don't gamble with this place. It's now a pile of rubble to what it once was! Don't buy into the past. Run. read more

Only thing good here are the machines and technology. There was one good doctor that was a fellow and left. The rest of the doctors are okay but not outstanding. Secretaries are horrible. They are not nice at all, always confused and blame the confusion on you . Like how are you supposed to know where to check in when they have different departments with different requirements. For example if you are getting a test that belongs to neuro-ophthalmology you can't check in at the main desk. You have to check in at Neuro-ophthalmology, even though the retina specialist ordered the test. You find yourself running from Doris Stein to Jules Stein , which are different buildings, and in the meantime they tell you you are late to your appointment because you were trying to find the right desk to check in at. Marianna (dyed bright red hair) is especially horrible at the front desk. She wears a lab coat and I guess she thinks she's a doctor but she just supervises the secretaries. She tries to intimidate you and make you feel bad for not understanding whole Insurance process and continuity of care process. UCLA can do better and should do better than to hire somebody who enjoys demeaning patients. It would be nice if they could be more considerate especially since some people get really bad news about their vision not being correctable or about a chronic diagnosis like partial blindness or glaucoma. We are already going through enough and don't need her sass. read more

I have been visiting the glaucoma department of Jules Stein for a number of years and I must say the care and kindness of the staff is excellent. My Appointments from the receptionist to my to my visit with my Dr. are always timely and thorough. The front staff Julianne an Beth are wonderful. Anyone considering the eye Institute can rest assure they're in good hands. read more

There is no doubting the quality of the doctors at the Stein Institute (we've only been to the pediatric division), and that should be all that matters. But it isn't... There are a LOT of other problems with this office. First of all, it is a nightmare to schedule an appointment here. You will have to wait months to be seen, THEN there is a possibility that your appointment will get rescheduled. When you do show up for your appointment, COME EARLY. There is ALWAYS a huge line and you will end up waiting either way. Long wait times to see the doctor. Always. When you do eventually make it to your room the nurse/assistant usually comes pretty quickly. But then you end up waiting 30-45 minutes for the doctor. It's ridiculous. They never save our insurance for some reason. We've had the exact same insurance for years! And every single time we come in they tell us they don't have it on file and we have to submit it again. Seriously, every time? Last, and this may seem like a small thing, you have to pay for parking and they don't validate. Overall, we come here for the high quality of the opthalmologists, but if it were just down to the convenience/administration of this office, this would be a one star review. read more

Our Dr. Sarraf is excellent, sometimes the wait is longer than expected but overall service and the way we are treated is excellent.