Ocean Park Optometry

This practice has incredibly poor communication and a low skill level. I came here for my yearly checkup a few months back and needed new contacts and glasses. After spending the time with the doctor and waiting the 2 – 3 weeks for my glasses and contacts to arrive, both showed up incorrect and had to be remade. I then had to have a second appointment with the doctor to check the prescription which took significantly longer than it should have, roughly two hours between waiting for the doctor and for the staff to communicate with each other. Weird, my prescription had to be «modified». Finally after all that, things were corrected. Within a couple months of wearing my new contacts, I came across one that was defective. When I called the office to get a replacement lens, I was told they would get back to me. Of course, no one did so when I followed up, I learned that the replacement had in fact been ordered and would be in within 2 – 3 weeks. When I called roughly 2 weeks later to check on the lens, I received a return voicemail letting me know the lens would be there that day to pick up. When I went in the next day to pick it up, it was nowhere to be found. I then learned that the lens received was in fact incorrect and had been sent back and it would be an additional 2 – 3 weeks. Seriously? No one thought that maybe they should have notified me of this so I didn’t make a special trip to the office? I’m now at roughly 5 office visits for a situation that should take no more than 2.
This is a poorly ran practice — on the staff and doctor level. When it comes to health, professionalism is a must. Neither the doctor or staff have earned my trust that any of them know what they are doing. Take your business elsewhere.

I’ve been a patient/​customer here for several years.
Visionworks has friendly and competent staff that knows how to work with your insurance offerings. Antwanett in particular is well versed in this, and is always consistently kind, respectful, and professional. If you’re purchasing contacts or glasses, she will patiently take you through all of your options and price out the bells and whistles based on your insurance coverage.
I’d been to three other optometrist offices before Visionworks, so I know what typical offerings are. I saw some reviewers who seemed confused about why the Opto-​map was optional — but I think that this is actually pretty standard practice for offices with the Opto-​map machine. Its right that they make it optional, because its not a procedure that is covered by insurance. And if you do have some risk factors for retinal issues, you probably do want the option of using the technology. I don’t know if they still have them, but they used to have these laminated papers that clearly spelled out these types of charges.
I like having the option of scheduling an appointment on the web, and confirming my appointments via text message. I like not having to do the eye puff for glaucoma testing.
I trust Dr. Ito’s medical expertise — I do not need my doctor to be my best friend, I need them to be competent and give me the best patient care that I can reasonably expect.
Lastly, when I did have a scary eye issue due to a bad reaction to a particular contact lens solution (Opti-​free Pure Moist for me is satan in a bottle), I felt like Dr. Ito and her staff addressed my concerns professionally and practically (with my type of insurance coverage in mind). I was prescribed drops to heal faster (and they electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice, so that its already being prepared for you by the time you leave!), and also received sample products to soothe my eyes while they were recovering. Five stars for this past experience, and all others over the years.

I love this place! Me and my family have been going here for years. Dr. I and her staff are amazing and always so pleasant! I am a totally coward with eyes lol, I have an eye phobia sort of and get really squeamish with eye stuff but I know if something ever serious went down with my eyes Dr. I would definitely keep me calm and collected and fix everything :) I love knowing that I have a good doctor to keep my eyes healthy and I recommend visionworks to everyone! A+

We had a great visit with Dr. Ito. The staff was very friendly, appointments happened on time (no wait time) and the diagnosis etc. were all very professionally executed. I didn’t end up needing anything, but my partner needed glasses and the lady was really nice, let him try on close to almost every pair of frames in the shop. Also was great about giving us an itemized receipt and explaining the financial payment aspect.

I had been going here for over a year. I also got my boyfriend to go here. Dr. Ito rushed me through the process. She was also 45 min late to the appointment with no apologies. No bedside manor. We all have our bad days but I went in again and she rushed me through the again. I didn’t complain. Maybe they’ve become too busy or burned out — either way I won’t be returning. My glasses gave me headaches and fell apart within 9 mos. Ms. Ito also told my boyfriend on his 2^nd visit that his eye site had «improved» and adjusted his script she previously gave him instead of telling the truth and admitting the previous exam and prescription were wrong. Wow. Would have had more respect for the truth– don’t like being lied to. I went to to Sears optical– much better customer service, knowledgable and much better prices (free parking too) I’ve seen the filtered reviews for Ito and all her retorts and admonishments to previous Unilocalers– there you go for the real picture

I have never been flat out lied to by a business as much as i have been by Visionworks. Here are the facts: 6÷23÷15 I had eye exam. No need yet for contacts or glasses, just simple pair of reading glasses. I am told they will be ready in about a week.
On 7÷8÷15 i call, speak to antoinette, and ask why my reading glasses arent ready. She says they arent finished yet by the lab because the lab is running behind due to july fourth. I call back on 7÷15÷15, speak again with antoinette, who again tells me that they arent back yet from lab. Since it is over three weeks, i ask her to look into it and get back to me (she never does). I call back again on 7÷22÷15 and have identical conversation, this time with ruben (glasses are at lab, etc).
This all makes no sense — and no one ever called to explain why it was taking a month — so i called my insurance to have them investigate. They called visionworks and were told the exact same thing by antoinette that she had told me. My insurance then called the lab, and the lab told them whole different story: they hadnt been sent the order until 7÷17÷15, they completed the order 7÷19÷15 and shipped them and they were received 7÷21÷15… Which means that they were actually there when my insurance and i both called on 7÷22÷15.
I went to pick up my bought and paid for glasses on 7÷25÷15, a saturday. Their hours are 930 – 330 on saturdays but apparently they decided to go on vacation that day and arbitrarily closed the office. They do have customers email and text info so they could have notified customers to avoid inconvenience (and if you are familiar with westside traffic you know it is a major inconvenience).
Without a doubt this is the most inept, unprofessional, business service I have ever experienced in my life.
If you like being lied to by a bunch of spin doctors and waiting over a month for your eyewear at a business that may or may not be open during their posted business hours this is the place for you!

So I have a new insurance carrier and I’m dreading the thought of finding an optometrist within my coverage. No one likes changes but I’m so glad I found this place. I called and Antoinette answered the phone. She was so kind and took down my information and told me she would call me back to find out if I was covered through my insurance (much better than putting me on hold so this eliminated the awkward stage of waiting) Got a call back within 5 minutes from Cindy who too was very helpful. I’ve already had an eye exam through Costco but I needed contacts and glasses so I walked in there without an appointment. The vibe inside was very pleasant. A lady who was assisting someone took the time to smile at me. (Looked at her name and it was Antoinette) Cindy helped me look at glasses without the feeling of being pressured to purchase any. She had really good opinions and was very honest on what works well with my face. The first choice she gave me I fell in love with (although I opted to just purchase contacts at the moment.) I’m definitely coming back here to get my next eye exam and hopefully purchase those glasses.

Dr. Ito and her team at Visionworks are friendly, efficient, and courteous. At other optometrist offices I have felt pressured to purchase expensive items but I came back to Visionworks because they do not pressure their patients. I arrived 10 minutes late to my appointment but was still seen within 5 minutes of checking in and updating my records. Dr. Ito as usual takes time to answer questions and give recommendations. I also was able to purchase my contacts in the office the day of my visit, so that was great. I’m glad I came back to this office for my eye exam this year.

I have to re-​review Visionworks again and bump it up from 4 stars to 5 stars. My vision is pretty wonky, and I thought I’d drive Dr. Ito crazy by trying on so many different pairs of lenses, but she is totally committed to getting her patients the right prescription that she’ll spend however much time needed to get it right. Truly awesome.

I’ve been coming here 4 years and absolutely love the staff and quality of service I receive. I am always greeted and treated with respect. Dr. Ito is one of the smartest Optometrist I’ve met. I totally feel comfortable there. A group of smart, strong and kind women. This place is awesome!
Tandreia

They handled my insurance issues and put credit from my contact trial towards my new glasses that I love. Took a little time and communication wasn’t the greatest but at the end of the day the doctor and manager where very helpful and took care of my needs.

I recently went here for an exam and refill my contact prescription. I’m relatively new to the neighborhood, so it was the Unilocal reviews that lead me to this place. Great staff, great service, great selection. I’ve never had my blood pressure taken before by an optometrist, but hey, I’m knew to the US healthcare system, so I figure there’s going to be some differences. Very up to date on trends, and in regards to my contacts, they had me switch to a new lens as my old one didn’t exist anymore. Very comfortable and no complaints.
My only issue is that there are a few things they offer part of an eye exam which «aren’t covered» by insurance companies (not just mine, all). They made these tests sound extremely important.
This isn’t so much their issue as it is the healthcare system, but if it’s so important and considered part of general eye health, why would it cost extra on top of my insurance plan?
Anyways. I’ll be a repeat customer as long as I’m in the neighborhood.

I had been dreading going to the eye doctor for a long time and waited until the last possible moment before I ran out of contacts when my co-​workers suggested Visionworks. I made an appointment online and was e-​mailed all the forms I needed to fill out so it was all done before I even stepped foot into their office!
When I walked in for my appointment, I signed in to the iPad at the front desk and was taken back to start my eye exam after waiting only a few minutes. Pretty normal procedure here but I did notice how clean everything was – a must for an eye doctor’s office! I finished all the tests and met with Dr. Sarah Ito, who was incredibly warm, kind, and helpful in explaining the results of my exam, as well as suggesting a prescription and contact lenses that fit my needs. She put things in terms that I could understand, which is difficult considering how little I know about anything medical!
Once Dr. Ito had checked my prescription, I was assisted by a woman in the front who looked at my insurance plan and worked through the paperwork and calculations to see what I owed. She was easygoing as well and told me the office would call and e-​mail me when my prescription was in (which they did) and that was it! Simple enough.
All in all, this was actually a pretty enjoyable experience, everyone I encountered was knowledgable and friendly, and the office was a beautiful, clean space. They also worked very efficiently so I was in and out of there quickly (about a half an hour total). I would definitely recommend Visionworks, especially if you hate going to the doctor as much as I do!

Dr Sarah Ito & her office staff are amazing. Up to date equipment to check your eyes. I was taken care of the second I walked into the door, through the exam & picking out my glasses. Very friendly & helpful staff, I recommend this office to my family & friends

I have been going to Visionworks Optometry for several years now. I don’t work or live near it anymore but I continue to come for my yearly contact lens exam because scheduling appointments are always easy and the staff are always very friendly and knowledgeable. I have changed jobs but luckily it is the same insurance. I am also happy I have purchased eyeglasses here. There was 30% discount on the frames since I purchased them within 30 days of my contact lenses purchase. I was especially happier since I found out they accept care credit card for any purchase over $ 300. I found this very helpful since my purchase was around the holidays and I couldn’t afford to pay by cash or checking account. I can not say enough good things about Visionwork Optometry and I hope my review will bring new business to them.

Great customer service in helping select and fit my Oakleys. If I ever needed them adjusted I could just walk in and they would get them just right.
The Crizal lenses I purchased here for the Oakley frames are the best I have had so far and are extremely scratch resistant.

Dr Sarah Ito and the crew always do a thorough job. I have been going here for 4 or 5 years and have been impressed with their service. The technicians know their stuff and there’s very little turnover telling you they must take care of the employees!
I love that they remind me for annual exams via texts.
Making appointments online is great.
Antwanett always knows which frames look great and researches how to «max out» my insurance!
Sometimes, I even read their newsletter!

I admit it. I am one of those lurkers that usually reads the reviews but never posts. However I figured my experience needed to be on here based on just how awful my experience is. I don’t know if the other reviewers are paid for their reviews, or maybe the people giving this place a thumbs up really had a 5 star experience (which I really hope they did because no one deserves to go through 2 hours of hell like I did).
So let’s fast forward to the appointment. First of all Sarah Ito was recommended to me by a co worker. I am sure he is one of the 5 star reviews, and nothing against him but I have a shaking hand giving this place even 1 star.
I made the appointment over the phone. It was very easy to do and they took me in on the Wednesday I requested. I thought I was coming for a great experience. I was very nervous because this was actually my first ever eye doctor appointment and my eyes never really bothered me until I got this feeling like my eyes are tired (I sit on the computer all day for a living so I figured that’s what it was from).
My appointment was at 11am, but I like to be early to everything so I was already walking in at 10:30 just because I figured there’s paperwork to be filled out. As I walked in I wasn’t really greeted by anyone until I finally said I am here for an appointment. The girl at the counter asked me my name and as I proceeded to tell her she gave me paperwork. She also said:
«We couldn’t find your insurance»
my response was;
«I told you guys over the phone I have VSP; I was on my benefits confirmation page at work while I was on the phone with you making the appointment».
«Sorry you have to call and find out» the girl responds rather annoyed.
«Ok…shouldn’t you be doing that? Shouldn’t you have verified my insurance before I even showed up to my appointment I made 2 days ago?»
So I sit there on the phone for 32 minutes, on hold for 28 of those minutes trying to figure out my id and group number, which I of course get because I am OF COURSE insured by VSP as I told them over the phone”.
By this point I am very angry. I have never been to a doctors office where I have to sit on hold and verify my insurance which is something a doctors office has always ALWAYS done for me in the past. I don’t consider myself spoiled in this aspect. My mother is a doctor: I know how things are done. If you care about keeping the patients business that is.
So fast forward I annoyingly give this girl my ID and group number and say «see I told you I was insured. Shouldn’t you have done this for me 2 days ago??? Don’t you have a system where you can verify insurance info? And if you don’t why didn’t you call and verify?»
The girls response was «sorry we didn’t have your number»
This got me even more mad. I clearly remember giving them my phone number. How dumb of them not to write it down. Most office will even call and give you a reminder of your appointment. But this place didn’t even have the brain to write down my number.
I sat there for 20 minutes after until a very nice girl (the only bright part of my appointment hence the one star) took me to a room and did a whole bunch of high tech tests on me. I spent most of my time with her; not the doctor. Which I am actually thankful for because she was the only positive thing there.
The doctor was… how do I say this nicely… awful. That’s as nice as it gets. She has absolutely no compassion. She told me how bad my eyesight is, and how she can’t believe I have never seen a doctor before (I’m sorry if every doctor was like her I would never see a doctor again). She told me how my eyes are crossed (they are not). I broke down crying from her offensive condescending demeanor and she had no response at all. The worst bed side manner I have ever seen. Mind you as I have stated I am 27 years old and my eyes have never bothered me, and my outlook on life is (as wrong as it may be)”; if it’s not broken why fix it?
Then I spent an hour with that very nice girl again learning how to put on contacts. She was a sweetheart and had a lot of patience. Like I said she is the reason for the 1 star.
After all that they charged me waaay more then that mindless girl at the counter told me. That should be illegal. I asked her 10 times how much it would be for an eye test with my insurance and she said $ 10 with co pay. Somehow that number went up to $ 250. I understand it would be more with the contacts, what I don’t get is all the other charges they hid in there.
Bottom line, awful doctor; awful mindless staff who does not verify insurance and has you do their job only to make themselves look ever more unprofessional by saying they couldn’t call you to ask the provider again because they didn’t have your phone number.
I really do hope that nice girl gets another better paying job because I can’t imagine how it is to work with such unprofessional people. Props to the girl 10 thumbs down to everything else.

I’ve been coming here for a number of years and Dr. Ito always takes the time to explain what’s going on with your eyes and really makes sure she’s giving you the right prescription. The assistants are very nice and were helpful when looking at glasses frames and going over my insurance coverage. There is a huge selection of frames and a diverse option of contacts to try.

See the photo I attached of my prescription. There is a $ 35 charge to recheck your prescription no matter what, no matter how much time has lapsed, no matter if they made a mistake. Sarah Ito just wants your cash.
My exam is from 10÷10÷12, 5 months from the date of my review. Also, sometimes you don’t get new glasses right away after an eye exam. I also wear contacts and didn’t have an immediate need for new glasses. But when I needed to figure out what was going on, Sarah Ito only wanted more money from me.
What is really happening is that Sarah Ito caught herself up in a lie and is trying to work her way out of it. She even used her Unilocal response to advertise the luxury brands she carries. What a slimeball.
2 Unilocal Elite reviewers have given this place 1 star. Many of the 5 star reviews are from users who have 2 reviews, and seem to be fake.
Everyone — Unilocal WORKS. I *never* would have gotten this type of response from Sarah Ito if I hadn’t turned to Unilocal