Vision Development Center

After a lifetime of relying on Cigna, Lenscrafters and Costco for eyecare, stepping into the Vision Development Center’s Encino office was, well, eye-​opening. Instead of the sterile, lifeless optometry offices I’d been to in the past, the Vision Development Center’s offices are like the super-​cool dentist my mom took me to when I was a kid, the one with the best toys in the lobby and the treasure chest full of post-​appointment reward toys. The walls were plastered with homey (and interesting!) bulletins about eye care and framed letters from happy clients. The office staff were all pleasant, cheerful and personable, as if they were genuinely happy with their careers, unlike the drones at Lenscrafters. Dr. Wu was professional and genuinely friendly, as was the optician who helped me find the best deal on glasses. They take VSP, so I walked out of there with a complete eye exam, a contact lens exam, a pair of trial contact lenses and a pair of nice glasses with a few extras … for the low price of $ 145. Amazing. They even partner with a Lasik doctor, so as soon as I can afford it, they’ll help me figure out the insurance and logistics side of things. I can’t wait!