Chiu Kenneth, OD

Not a happy customer… Noticed my glasses had formed bubbles causing a big distraction. Went to see what Costco opt dept could do. Was told there was nothing they could do since its been more than a year. Glasses are warranted only for 12 months. Was really disappointed as I always thought Costco was very customer oriented. I’m not a kid that has mistreated my glasses. They are defective. Period!
Needless to say, I will no longer get my glasses from Costco.

Feeling refreshed!
Today’s visit was life changing, because I met Dr. Chiu. I came in for a 11:20am appointment, was warmly greeted by the receptionist then sat for a little bit. Dr. Chiu came out a little time after that and was very friendly and professional. The whole eye exam was a breeze. I’m thankful that Dr. Chiu was so thorough, I’ve had issues with dry eyes when wearing contacts and today was the first time I learned I had allergy eyes. Mind you I never really took notice or had other symptoms. Dr. Chiu quickly recommended a special eye drop solution and gave me a sample, it literally took a few blinks and I felt the difference right away! That in itself earns him the 5 stars. I would highly recommend him for his professional and very approachable manner, as well as knowledgeable. Thanks Dr. Chiu!

I went to see Kenneth Chiu for a problem that has been nagging me for over a year — that is my left eye has been under strain probably because the R eye prescription was a bit too strong. Initially, he had thought it could be due to stress, yet he meticulous, carefully, objectively triangulated on the problem, ultimately confirming my suspicion. From my experience, other optometrists may have dismissed my concern and may not been as careful to figure out the problem. In fact, my previous prescription was done at another costco optometrist (which I suspect was done incorrectly). Kenneth Chiu remained objective and did a great job following through. I was impressed with his professionalism, objectivity and work ethic.

With myopia, astigmatism, and the early stages of presbyopia, it can be difficult to get a good vision prescription; I’m used to needing multiple visits with a new optometrist, and sometimes making do with a suboptimal prescription for a while. But Dr. Chiu got my prescription right the first time, sharp and clear! In addition, service was friendly and courteous. I’m very happy with my experience.

This office was very friendly and professional. The service was great and the receptionist was very friendly and I was half an hour late and even though they were busy they tried to accommodate me.
Turned out I needed an ophthalmologist appt so I ended up canceling my appt anyway but they were still very friendly.

Stopped by this place because it is inside of costco and it’s so close to where I’m living.
Can’t really comment on price since I honestly don’t know the going rate but it was under $ 100 for everything all said and done for a contacts and glasses prescription. Of course that also includes the basic exam.
I was grace fully serviced by Andy Montalvo, OD and he was really friendly and helpful. Everything went really quick and smoothly.
The place was clean, friendly, and easy to deal with.
Remember: They only take AMEX or Cash. There is an ATM by the members services counter if you need it. I think the service charge on that machine is $ 1.50 or so.

Kenny and Tomi are five-​star opticians. They are both quite professional and provide great customer service. The service by Kenny and Tomi is right up there with the over-​priced optometrists. I have been to this Costco optical location on several occasions and these two guys always provide great service; even when there are Costco crowds!

I decided I was long over due for a new pair of glasses, and that I should save a little money and get them at Costco. Naturally, this required having the resident optometrist look at my eyes and figure out what prescription I needed. I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Chiu’s service, as he got me in and out in very little time, and was able to see me despite my not having an appointment. He’s very nice, and so is his receptionist. The exam cost just under $ 50, and it was money well spent.

Service = always friendly. Always helpful. Smiles help!
Unfortunately, showing up on a Saturday, appointment or not, does not bode well for everyone involved. The waiting area is limited.
Prices = moderate.

I’ve been to a few optometrists over the years and I would have to say Dr. Chiu has proved to be the best. He is efficient, thorough and pleasant. He usually is right on schedule and it’s rare I’m not seen on time. Whenever I need to make an appointment, his staff – who are the best – are always able to schedule an appointment within a short amount of time. In addition, his fees are reasonable. I would recommend Dr. Chiu to anyone who is looking for a good, competent optometrist where you actually can find parking. The office is in the Costco location off Hickey Boulevard in South San Francisco.

It seems old school for certain businesses to provide good customer service let alone DECENT service. However, Dr. Chiu is an exception and showing that maybe, just maybe customer service may make a comeback.
I found the receptionist to be very friendly and although I did wait about 15 minutes Dr. Chiu greeted me with a smile and was very friendly. Actually the entire time I got QUALITY service. He patiently went through all the tests, asked me questions, gave advice, and even went through a couple contacts because he wanted to make sure I was comfortable with the lenses. The price of $ 89 for a basic contact eye exam DEFINITELY meets my recession budget! I called several places that were way more and then also charged a grip to come back for refitting. The only thing I would improve is sometimes the calls goes to voicemail even outside lunchtime (did this 3 out of 4 times I called) so you may have to call back or wait for them to call you back.
Overall, Isn’t it funny that people doing their job and treating people nice and being friendly is cause for a big deal? However I’ve had bad service so I stick to people who value me as a customer so Dr. Chiu you have earned a new regular customer. Could Dr. Chiu charge more, sure but with this type of service he is the BEST deal in SSF. I hope he continues to value his customers and keep prices low… even if for pity sake for poor people like me. :)

i had to get my glasses adjusted AGAIN. they were giving me a constant eye ache. i actually saw dr chiu today, who is the namesake of the joint. he is much more conscientious and detail-​oriented than the other optometrists in the office. you can tell he actually cares about the patient’s outcome and satisfaction. he gave me a completely new workup. we’ll see how the glasses go, but so far i am much more impressed with him than the other guys.

Dr. Chiu is awesome. I’ve been looking for a good eye doctor since I moved to the Bay area in 2002, and I finally found one in — of all places — Costo South San Francisco. Who knew?
I’m nearsighted, and I have astigmatism AND presbyopia (need reading glasses) so I ‘m pretty much the trifecta of vision issues. As a result, previous optometrists/​ophthalmologists have been reluctant to take the time to get my vision just right. Not Dr. Chiu! He worked with me as long as it took, through various kinds of contact lenses, until he nailed it. I’m so happy!
He’s patient, meticulous, and always nice. And since he’s in Costco, he’s VERY reasonably priced — the price of the exam and contact lens fitting includes all the follow-​up. Plus I can always get an appointment within a couple of days (often same day).
One note: his office office staff frequently lets the phone go to voicemail, so leave a message and they’ll get back to you. That’s really my only complaint — and you can’t ask for anything more than that.
I just wish I’d found Dr. Chiu 8 years ago!