Vision Boutique Optometry

all the staff that works here is so nice from the minute u walk in to the time u leave. people talk about hidden fees but they’re not. dr. koers is up front & if u suspect something might be extra just ask! the ladies at the front desk as well as the doctor are super nice & truly care about helping u. I’ve gone to numerous optometrists & no one has been more kind than this place. if u care about your vision go see them

A coworker referred me to Dr. Koers when I was new to San Diego. That was over three years ago and I’ve been seeing him ever since to get contacts and glasses. The office staff are friendly, professional and polite. Dr. Koers is also very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. He thoroughly explains all the exams and results which I really appreciate.
Overall, I like that this a small office. I’m usually the only patient in there and everyone is so attentive it makes me feel like a valued customer! If you are looking for a new eye doctor, I highly recommend you visit Dr. Koers.
The only downside is that the parking lot can be a little crazy!

I have been a patient of Dr. Koers at Vision Boutique for 6+ years now and have literally had zero complaints. The service, location and the staff here are all top notch and extremely friendly. Dr. Koers is probably one of the most knowledgeable Optometrists around and he tries to explain things to you as you’re going through your exams. The explanations of things as it relates to your eyes and your overall well being is way above and beyond the everyday activities for a typical eye doc. Dr. Koers and his staff are all genuinely kind and will work with your schedule to accommodate any fluctuations or shifts. The location itself has a great selection of frames and lenses that are readily available, great sunglass options as well… IMHO the only downside to Vision Boutique is their parking lot, but that is in no way a reflection of the establishment nor the services provided. If you are looking for a good Optometrist, I would definitely recommend Dr. Koers at Vision Boutique.
Pros–
Friendly
Knowledgable
Location
Explanation of services
Availability
Takes VSP
Cons–
Parking stinks
Can be pricey (may be industry regulated)?

I honestly don’t know where these negative reviews are coming from. Dr. Koers’ staff is incredibly professional and polite — they went out of their way to find me another appointment at the last minute when I had to cancel, and were just in general really nice people. And Dr. Koers took a lot of time to explain to me why I was having the problems I was with my old glasses, make sure my new ones would work exactly right for both my laptop and desktop, and get me all set up with a wonderful eye mask for my end-​of-​day eye exhaustion. It was, by far, the best experience I have ever had at an eye doctor, and I will never go to another one as long as Dr. Koers is still practicing.
I mean, I don’t want to be a jerk, but if THESE people aren’t nice to you, I think you might have to look inward…
I did notice that Dr. Koers runs some tests my other eye doctors haven’t, but if this is a concern for you, I would just ask to speak to the doctor about it. I imagine he has a reason for it, but if your finances are truly that tight, I can’t believe Dr. Koers would insist on throwing you into the poorhouse over a $ 50 test. He’s just too nice!

This place is great. Everyone from the staff to the Dr is professional and knowledgeable. The place is updated and not like many of the other outdated optical offices that i have been. When I want to look good this is important because I feel more confident that they will style me in a good way also.
This place is not inexpensive but I feel that the quality of service that you get from them more than makes up for the prices. And let me tell you, I have been to many optometrists and even the awful ones are about the same price. so, if your the reader that feels that they overcharge, maybe you should go to costco or walmart where the Dr has no invested interest in the quality of care and the products that you receive. I give this office the best rating because of the quality of care and the premium brands and products that they carry.

Dr. Koers is the best eye doctor I’ve ever been to. He’s extremely knowledgeable, kind and very professional. He always takes extra time to explain things and just has an outstanding repoire with patients. He really is awesome!
I’m really shocked to see the negative reviews on here. I went to another eye care center for twenty years, and was seen by 3 different eye doctors in the group and none were as kind and patient as Dr. Koers. I left my old eye care Ctr bc it felt like a factory… the doctors and staff just shuttled patients in/​out and it felt very impersonal. I’ve never had anything but positive experiences at vision boutique. The staff are so friendly. From reading the negative reviews it looks like they’re from patients who were not respectful in their own right towards the staff. It’s sad that these reviews are kept up on Unilocal,even after Dr. Koers appears to have taken a great deal of time to investigate and refute them.
Anyways…I hope others check out vision boutique bc I’ve had nothing but great experiences here.

By reading the Unilocal reviews, one would think my choice in eye doc’s was a poor one. However, I’m thinking I was pretty smart to come here. (I chose it because of it’s close proximity to my office and the fact I like to give local businesses my dough)
First impressions were fine, nothing great. Friendly staff, clean office, the basics. I did my paperwork and was asked to sign a form stating that I had to pay for a couple of exams that my insurance didn’t cover. That scared me because my first thought was that it was going to be an expensive annoying visit.
Then they took me back for 4 tests and all was fine. Then I got to meet with Dr. K. He was SUPER cool, SUPER informative, and you could really tell he cared about his patients. I specifically asked about contacts and he basically told me that it would be a waste of my money. (agghhh…love when people are honest) After the exam, he sent me out to be fitted for my glasses and the search started.
The lady who helped me with my glasses (can’t remember her name) was so incredibly patient and honest. I basically told her she had to tell me if I looked like a geek or not since I wasn’t the best judge of that. LOL She spent a lot of time with me finding regular glasses and sunglasses. After putting her through the ringer, I made my choices. She then did some calculations to figure out which way would be less expensive for me. I really appreciate that they look out for their patients in this way. I’m not made of money, and anything I can save is truly appreciated.
Thanks for the great service, see you shortly when my glasses come in!

I have been going to Dr. Koers for 10 years. He is not the cheapest in town but he is the best and worth every penny. I work very long hours using my eyes so it is critical for my glasses to be accurately dialed in. I just go my new prescription and am very happy. Dr. Koers always takes a considerable amount of time performing meticulous tests to make sure that he has my prescription very accurately dialed in.

It’s unprofessional and embarrassing for a doctor to label one of his former patients as spam. This really shows the true character of this doctor and his vision boutique.

Expensive and Overcharges.
So I chose this place because it was close to my work, I had not done much research. When I got there they handed me a form that not only said I had to pay co-​pays of $ 20 for the eye exam and $ 60 for the contact exam (fair enough) but I ALSO has to pay for some retina mapping ($ 39 or $ 49 cant remember) that the doctor requires AND additional $ 29 for a glaucoma test… seriously they charge for that as a separate expense. They said my only option to make it less expensive was to sign a waiver for the glaucoma test… in all my years having to get eye exams I have never been somewhere that did not include that as your eye exam.
When I questioned the cost, mind you she said that I have «the best insurance», the receptionist told me that their price is standard and everyone charges the same. So basically she was telling me that paying $ 120-​$ 200 out of pocket after insurance was normal. This didn’t even include my contacts yet, which I don’t know how much over my co-​pay they would have charged me because I bounced outta there faster than you can say «wtf».
Anyway, after checking around I found that is NOT the standard, $ 80 actually seemed to be standard… $ 20 for the eye exam and $ 60 for the contact exam. None of this required retina mapping and additional charge for glaucoma testing. I eventually went to a doctor closer to home that not only had the glaucoma test as part of the standard eye exam but when all was said and done I only paid $ 40 for my eye exam, contact exam AND contacts. Plus the doctor and staff were actually friendly and helpful!
Save yourself the hassle and go see Dr. Rosa in Encinitas instead.

I would give them a 0 star if the choice was available…
I was informed that my appointment was canceled when I arrived at the clinic. What’s more mind boggling was the reason… It was apparently offensive that I interrupted the assistant when she called the day before and told her that «sorry I’m in a meeting, could you call back please» followed by hanging up the phone. Did she call for something urgent? I did not know because she never called back. Did Dr. Koers have the courtesy to inform me, his new patient, ahead of time about canceling my appointment? Apparently not, or he simply dialed the wrong number?
As a professional, I wanted to talk to him in person and understood the situation better. He started going on and on about how ‘selective’ he is with his patients and he expects patients to call back if the clinic calls. In the end I found out that the call was about bringing in my eye-​glasses, if I wear them, to the clinic (in fact I have ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision and do not wear anything). Really? Why can’t you or your assistant just leave me a message?
Has it occurred to you that not all of us have a cushy job at the office, ready to answer a phone call from an optometrist at any given time? I happen to have to respond to a few code blues, to adjust patients’ chemotherapy regimen based on their failing renal function, to optimize patients’ antifungal treatments because of the fungal infections spreading in their lungs in the hospital when your assistant was «too busy to call me back». I see and consult patients on a daily basis, with the attitude that my professional expertise will help them go through their cancer treatments more smoothly. Dr. Koers is obviously in the health care field with a different attitude — snobbish. I will remind myself never treating my patients the same way I was treated by him. I guess I am thankful for this lesson learned.

I thought the doctor was very knowledgeable and exceptional at getting the right eyeglass prescription. I was informed during the exam that the contact prescription would require a separate appointment so I ordered the eyeglasses through their office and scheduled my next appointment. I mentioned to the young lady taking my order that my lenses were cracked and I needed my glasses earlier than later and she assured me that she would watch for the order and contact me immediately. I noticed that it had been a while since they ordered my glasses so I called the office and they informed me that it had arrived several days back but their system had not sent the email notification. When I went to pick up my glasses, I shared with lady that I was disappointed that she did not call me like she said she would when my glasses came in. I also provided feedback that since their office ran 30 min late in starting my exam, then they should allow 15 min late time for patients like other MD offices. I never raised my voice and told her that I didn’t do a written review but am just sharing my feedback with her. The next thing I know… I receive a letter signed by the doctor saying that they no longer want me as a patient. Leaving me to find another doctor for my contact lens prescription. When I called the office asking about the letter, they informed me that it is the doctor’s policy.
Update in response to the Doctor’s comments:
I was not a «no show»…I called the office out of respect saying I was running 10 min late and was only 5 min away and was told not to come in. Your assistant did not keep her word and call me when my glasses came in so that I would have less days with my cracked glasses. Calmly sharing my disappointment should have been taken as a positive way to improve your system rather than a sign to get rid of a patient that provides honest feedback. I know for a fact that I was very late being taken to start my exam because I breastfeed and watch the clock when my baby is with a sitter. You could have just said your office was busy that day but decided to again blame the patient. The fact that you did not follow-​up with a call like the assistant said you would and just sent a generic letter said it all. It is clear that your office does not value or respect its patients. Through Unilocal,I realized that this is the office’s standard practice. I’m glad that I am now open to finding a doctor that puts his patients first.

I was presented with a document when I came for my appointment and that document was my commitment to services and additional ‘co-​pays” above and beyond the standard exam. In the past, I have been presented with something similar in this office but just declined, no problem. For some reason, I was not allowed to decline this time and was given a lot of push back when I pointed out that I had just had a retinal exam by an ophthalmologist and didn’t need this service. The doctor personally said he would not get paid by insurance if he didn’t do this test and I didn’t pay the extra co-​pay. My insurance company completely disagreed and lodged a complaint on my behalf. I had hoped that somehow this was all a miscommunication, but when I saw the doctor’s response here, I realized that it must not be.
I spoke with my insurance company again and I confirmed that not only is the test I was attempting to decline not required by them, it is not covered. The additional «co-​pay» I was trying to avoid is, in fact, not a «co-​pay,» according to insurance, and is just a fee that goes straight to the doctor. As for the accusation of insurance fraud posted in the doctor’s reply, I do not understand how this matter could in any way have been interpreted as an attempt at fraud on my part, as all I was doing was trying to decline additional services and additional «co-​pays.» I just wanted the standard exam and to pay the standard co-​pay. I did suggest the doctor’s office call insurance right then and there, but they chose instead to give me the number and said I could call myself.
This is really all quite upsetting. I used to bring my kids in just to say hi to the women who work the front desk.
I have filed a complaint with the State Board of Optometry in addition to my insurance company. Meanwhile, there has been no effort beyond the defamatory post by the doctor here on Unilocal to clear this matter up.

Dr. Koers has been our family optometrist for the past 10+ years. Dr. Koers is able to explain things to people in their language and to the level of detail they want with compassion, concern, and a smile. Everyone in the office greets you with a smile and is very helpful. Even my 4 year old son can’t wait until he is old enough for routine exams like his big sister. I like him because he is brilliant at figuring out effective prescriptions, but we love him because he is one of the nicest, most sincere people you will meet.

I recently moved to San Diego from Minneapolis and was in search of a eye Dr. I was referred to Dr. Dale Koers from Dr. Edwin Chen. I cannot tell you how amazing my experience was from the time I walked in till the time I left. Dr. Dale Koers was so thorough and it was the best experience I have ever had getting my eyes checked. I have been wearing contacts and glasses for 20+ years and I have never had a eye Dr. get my vision to where I can see as well as I can now after picking up my glasses from the Vision Boutique. I do have a very strong correction and my glasses are thin, light and beautiful. Thank you so very much Dr. Koers you are truly amazing and I’ll bring my family to your office in the future.
To all the people in San Diego looking for a caring eye Dr. with lots of experience this is a top notch Dr.

Dr. Koers is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things. I came to him after years of wearing contact lenses and then having cataract surgery on both eyes. I wasn’t sure what options would work for me and I wanted to understand what all these different tests and machines were doing. He took time to answer all my questions. Beyond that, I can see really well with the prescription he wrote, which shows that he is able to translate his knowledge into practice. The front desk staff is efficient and pleasant. My only regret is that the selection of eyeglass frames tends to be on the expensive side with designer labels. No standard, basic no-​name frames here. But they’re good about not pushing you to buy theirs, as they are good about not pushing extra services. I am lucky to have found Dr. Koers and I recommend him without reservation.

This place will try to con you into spending more money than you need to on procedures that your insurance does not cover. They don’t tell you that the insurance doesn’t cover it just that the doctor recommends it and then scare you. On top of this they will drop you, kick you out of their practice, if you are late or miss an appointment twice! This happened to my friend and I immediately transferred out of there! They are money hungry and superficial and in an economy like this these tactics underline how desperate and calculating they are. Do not go there for your care – there are plenty of other optometrists in the area.

I came here to get an eye exam for glasses and contacts after a recommendation from a coworker. It was all great. The women up front were super friendly and helpful. The doctor was friendly and took the time to answer all of my questions. I didn’t feel rushed — which seems to happen more often than not in doctor’s offices. After I was done, one of the women up front spent quite a bit of time helping me pick out the perfect frames. Great selection of frames and super friendly. Love it. And they take VSP.