These folks are great. Have purchased glasses and contacts over the years. Today they saved my eyes! They found a screw to replace the paper clip that was holding one of the arms... crooked as they were! They polished them up and I can SEE! So nice to have a local optometrist in the area! read more

I have been extremely satisfied with Dr. Sim at Albany Berkeley Optometry. She is a true detective who will solve your complicated vision issues. I have an astigmatism, one nearsighted eye, one farsighted, and wear contacts as well as glasses. With her excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and her willingness to experiment with various contact lense types, my vision is better than ever. I am grateful to have her in my neighborhood, because I would be willing to travel far and wide to see her. The office staff are kind and helpful as well. Cannot recommend Dr. Sim and staff highly enough! read more

This is a fantastic optometry office. I initially started going here because it was one of the only places I could get glasses for my baby, but me and my husband have both switched over here. Everyone is so friendly, Courtney is so helpful! They have good appointment availability, I came in one time during my lunch and made it back to work in 30 mins! They've also been really helpful with insurance! read more

If you reading reviews to find an optometrist or to get new eyewear you are at the right place! I stay somewhat near to the location and I think it's a good thing to support your local businesses so Albany-Berkeley Optometry was my choice. Courtney helped me with my appointment and I felt very welcome to a new place. Thank you! April made sure I was comfortable until I saw the doctor (just a few min) My optometrist Dr. Makedonsky was very thorough and I actually learned some things from her. I recommend her to you. Returning for my follow up, I was greeted by Courtney and as I checked out some of the glasses, I asked her for her opinion on how some looked on me. She was very helpful and I really appreciated this because it helped me feel relaxed and confident with the glasses I had chosen. So I tried on more glasses. She got busy on the phone and Lisa came right over to help me with some more choices! It was cool. After my eyes were dilated I returned to try on more glasses. Determined to choose the one pair I would love today, tomorrow and in a year from now...April helped me make my final choice! Thank you! Thanks ladies for all you do because you do it so well!!! (I actually look forward to coming back... :) read more

I happened to drop in here a few days ago hoping that they might have cases for sale that would fit my Solar Shield fit-over sunglasses. Not only did they have cases in two sizes, they GAVE ME ONE FOR FREE! HOORAY!! read more

I read some of the bad reviews and could not disagree more. I have been going there for my glasses for 19 years and always had the best service and the most friendly staff.. i would not go anywhere else read more

I was a client for over 18 years. Dr. Goldberg was one of the best optometrists I ever encountered. After her retirement, I examined by Dr. Ashock, who is also a great optometrist. In the past, they call a day before the appointment as a reminder. Unfortunately, this time never got an appointment reminder call; instead, two hours after my appointment passed, I got to call to let me know that I missed my doctor's visit, and I have to pay a $50.00 cancellation fee. I tried to explain to the person I spoke with that was not fair; you guys you supposed to call me a day before besides that I'm a long-time client you should not impose a cancellation fee. The lady I spoke with told me that this is new management, and you have to pay. I believe they do not care about client care; it is more critical for making money than keeping their patients completely satisfied. I'll never go to this place, neither my kids and wife either. read more

I took my 3-1/2 year old to have her eyes checked today and Dr. Ashlock was just fantastic! My daughter was very nervous about going to get her eyes checked and Dr. Ashlock made the experience so much better for her. She has a young child herself so she knows how to relate. I would not hesitate to make an appointment for myself with her. I do agree with some of the other reviews- I think the selection of glasses is low and a past order of mine did have a couple of snafus, but they were immediately fixed. So maybe you go elsewhere to get your actual glasses, maybe not. But for the exam itself, these guys were just great. And if anyone has ever taken a toddler to any doctor, you know how much of an ordeal this can be. 5 stars for Dr. Ashlock! read more

This clinic doesn't care about your eyes and your health but making money and maximize their profits. I have been with this clinic over 6 years. The service was good. Until these two years, they changed a lot of receptionists and doctors. Last Saturday my husband got one eye injured. We called for emergency appointment. After checking with us that our insurance DID cover for this type of appointment. The receptionist made an appointment for us. In one hour, we received called from her again saying the doctor on duty REFUSE to see us, told us go primary care for a referral to eye specialist. We said we could go to you and get a referral for a specialist too, considering our primary care is off on Saturday. Then they changed their story and told us to go to Emergency Room. If you can't count on a doctor when you are in need, why will you keep him/her? We are definitely not coming back! read more

Unfortunately, after a happy 30+ year relationship with Albany-Berkeley Optometry (ABO), I'm no longer able to patronize this business. There was a misunderstanding over an eyeglass order that caused unnecessary conflict. I placed a good faith deposit on eyeglasses pending receipt of a trial frame that ABO said would arrive a few weeks later. Almost two months later, ABO staff called to say that the frames were unavailable, and, therefore, the order could not be completed. I logically requested that the order be cancelled and the good faith deposit returned. The next day I received a call from the manager, refusing to refund the deposit stating that all sales were final, which is fine except that no sale was ever completed. We were still waiting on a frame to arrive before finalizing the sale and placing an order with the lab. After some tense back and forth, ABO eventually agreed to the refund; however, not without exacting vengeance. The manager banned me from ever doing business with ABO again. How did a straightforward transaction turn into a world war? Regrettably, after 30 years of fruitful transacting with ABO I'm now looking for a new optometrist. This might not have happened in Dr. Goldberg's days. The amount at stake is not small: $1030, otherwise, I probably would have let it go. Very sad to end a 30+ year relationship this way :( Thanks. read more

Courtney rocks. I own a pair or two of extra glasses just because of her.

Stopped by here while I was on a business trip because my lenses had popped out. Heard great things about this place and that they had a great collection of frames... I wouldn't know because of the way that Lisa was talking to me, which made me turn right around and walk out of the door. No one wants to come into a place of business and be talked down to or scolded for asking if you accept insurance, and if you don't want to show me frames because you have better things to do, then just say it. Don't be miserable. Just answer the question with a smile and go about your day. If you don't know how to talk to people, then leave the customer service industry. Try talking to people the way you did outside of work, Lisa. It probably wouldn't be pretty. read more

Readers' Digest version: Optometrists fine, office staff terrible. Avoid this place. Long rant version: Back in 2001 had my eyes examined here because it was close to home Exam was fine, office staff rude and inexperienced--wound up getting frames and lenses elsewhere. Fast forward...11 years later...thinking things must have changed, and it is so conveniently located, I scheduled an appointment for a Saturday afternoon. When scheduling the appointment, I gave them my insurance information and asked them to verify, as it had been less than a year since my previous exam (elsewhere), but I was having problems with my vision. At 4PM the Friday before my appointment they called my cell to see if I could come in at 9AM Saturday, as the Doctor had an emergency and would not be in Saturday afternoon. Right. So I said OK, and confirmed with them that they had verified my insurance. Go in at 9 AM the next day for my appointment. They tell me they left a message Friday afternoon that the insurance would not cover the exam and that they had cancelled the appointment. I did not receive the VM. Turns out they left it on my home phone, not my cell. The message was from 4:30 Friday afternoon--why didn't they call my cell, when I had spoken to them on that number a half hour previous? No idea. Message on home phone explained that the insurance did not OK the visit, and it would be out of pocket for the exam, but I would still get a 20% discount on frames. They still had me scheduled for 9 AM, please call if I needed to cancel. Even if I had gotten the message, it said to call if I needed to cancel, not that they cancelled the appointment. Never again. read more

I've been going to this office since the 1980's but things have sure changed. I've seen a number of great optometrists here, including Lisa Verdin and Jessie Lui, who have both left the practice. I used to find cool frames here but now I buy my frames somewhere else. My most recent experience here put me over the edge and prompted me to write this review. I was in-between frames on my insurance policy and bought, out of pocket a beautiful French frame. The store that sold me the frame told me to be sure to purchase a digital progressive lens. Out of loyalty, I brought my frame to Albany-Berkeley Optometry for the lenses, thinking it would be good to stick with a place that had my history on file. First, I was told that they do not sell digital lenses (in 2011). Then I was told to consult with one of their lens fitters who knew a bit more. He told me that he was the only one trained in digital lenses and that he does not recommend them at all (in 2011). He talked me into what I've recently learned is a very behind the times non-digital lens, and it performs very poorly - blurry on all sides with a very narrow field of vision - and, I paid only a small amount less for it than I would have paid for a state of the art digital lens. I've recently learned that in all the recent times I ventured away from Albany Berkeley Optometry to purchase my glasses elsewhere, starting in 2009, I've been fitted successfully with amazing state of the art digital lenses from, for example, Hoya and Fizio. I just didn't realize they were digital because I was told the brand name of the lens, but not that it was digital. My impression is that Albany Berkeley Optometry is far behind the times in terms of staffing and expertise. I really regret paying $350+ for outdated lenses in a fabulous frame, when I could have been offered fabulous lenses for maybe $75 more - over a lifetime of wear, this is a big deal to have missed the boat. Who wants to throw away $350 lenses - I am stuck with them, even though the performance is marginal, until my prescription changes enough to justify replacing them. read more

I'm very pleased to get my first eye exam in here. My Dr. is so friendly and helpful. The opticians are so patient and helpful to help me picking my new frame. Highly recommended to everyone. I will come back for my contact lenses exam next week. So excited! read more

DO NOT GO HERE. i had the worst experience ever! The first time i went here i had to wait about 30 mins to get into my appointment. i'm pretty sure they forgot about it. Dr. Lui was fine and that is the only reason i am giving any stars. When i came to pay my bill at the end- they told me my insurance didn't cover it! i had even confirmed my insurrance with them over the phone the week before! they waited until AFTER the appointment to tell me that- so i had to pay out of pocket! i think the bill cam to $270! then i came back a few months later to pick up my perscription, since i obviously had to buy glasses somewhere else. I called the day before and they said it would be ready and waiting. Guess what, IT WASN'T! they were incredibly rude, when it was there fault! there were 2 receptionists and both of them felt the need to be rude to me, not just the one who was helping me! i will never go back and give them my service or money. they don't know anything about treating patients- and need to find new jobs if they are so unhappy that they take it out on customer! read more

I've been a client at this optometry office for 25 years. Dr. Goldberg has been wonderful all these years, I've never once had a complaint, always a pleasant experience, always got the right glasses and contact lenses. Then I moved away and tried other optometrists, closer to me, but none could fill Dr. Goldberg's shoes or had a staff as capable as hers. So last week I decided to take a 3 hour drive to visit this office again for an eye exam and to order new glasses and contacts should the doctor warrant that. I have a severe hearing disability and even with my hearing aids, it can be difficult to communicate with me, especially now that we are all wearing masks. Dr. Goldberg used to be fabulous, never impatient, always made sure I could hear her despite her voice being on the soft side, never seemed irritated or short with me. All that changed on my last visit. The staff was wonderful throughout, had no problems repeating something I could not hear, they remained friendly and helpful and I even had a great conversation with the woman helping me pick out my frames (unfortunately, I didn't catch her name). However, the doctor.....I have no idea what her name is since she never bothered to introduce herself.....was the exact opposite. She thought that since I was near deaf screaming at me would be optimal (it wasn't), and when I then still have problems hearing her, she got irritated and short, treating me like a recalcitrant child. I finally had to tell her that yelling didn't help me hear. She also was extremely condescending when she asked me how long I wore my contact lenses. When I replied until they gave me a problem, she interrupted me and scolded me, saying I should never wear them longer than a month. What made her think I did? I'm not stupid just deaf. At any rate, it was a very, very unpleasant experience and I shall not return to this office which once served me so well. I love the staff but the doctor needs some lessons in "bedside" manner. I haven't received my new glasses yet but I can only hope that they will fit me and serve me better than this doctor, whatever her name might be. Two stars for staff only. read more

I live in oakland but continue to make this trip here for my eye care because the staff and optometrists are great. My eye exams are quick and not a lot of waiting. Lisa helped me both times I've come in and she genuinely cares I leave satisfied with my eye care. Always a good experience here read more

POOR SERVICE. BAD COMMUNICATION. NO ACCOUNTABILITY. OVERPRICED. The one star goes for the frames I picked out. There is one person who seems to know what he is talking about. I got him 2 years ago for my last prescription (Philip). Too bad Philip is so popular or the other customers know to steer clear of the others. Other than that, this place was devoid of customer service, knowledge about frame options and pretty unprofessional. I brought in my prescription from my optometrist down the street. I picked out my frames in less than 10 minutes. But waited an additional 10-15 minutes to get someone's attention so I could complete the order. Almost 2 weeks after the order was placed, I got a call that the glasses had arrived. When I went to pick them up, i noticed that there was something off about the new prescription and brought it up twice to the woman helping me. She never said, Oh let me check the prescription for you. Both times she brushed it off as "Oh, give it a week to get used to them" when I said it. Well, I tried walking home in them and nearly tripped on the sidewalk because the optical distortion. So I had my eye doctor's office down the street check the prescription of the ordered glasses and they had been ordered incorrectly. I believe that everyone is human and capable of making mistakes. But the overall unprofessional way my situation was handled was a bit unsettling. I went back to discuss what had happened and was met with a very defensive response and barely an apology for the mistake made and no offer of recourse or extra assurance that the replacement order would be expedited until I suggested it wasn't fair that I pay for a product that I have not had use of in 3 weeks time. When I suggested that I should get a refund until the replacements were ready, I was met with more defensive behavior and response of I can't do anything without my manager and he won't be in until Thursday. After I left the store, I was then called by the same woman who basically threatened that she would not order the corrected prescription if I tried to get a refund. 1/30/11 Then, after being told that a rush order was placed (which I didn't believe), I called a week after and was told that the order would be ready the following day. I actually couldn't go until the weekend, (4 days later) because of work. When I arrived, I was met with blank stares from the staff. When asked why I would be told they were ready when they were not, nobody had an answer. SUPER RIDICULOUS AND UNPROFESSIONAL. Alas, I am still without glasses 30 days after placing the original order. Sadly, I am left with no confidence in this place and will NOT be returning here for any future orders. read more

Really amazing staff! So helpful, caring, and generous. They are completely willing to go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable and leave satisfied. I will definitely be back! read more

Staff here was exceedingly nice to my husband and I while we were in town from out-of-state and had a bit of an emergency. They went above and beyond to help us out-- thank you Lisa and staff! read more

I'm surprised that I haven't written a review about this place until now. I have been getting my exams, glasses and referrals to other weird kinds of eye doctors ever since I moved to beautiful Albany. They have always been friendly, efficient, helpful and very knowledgeable. A lot of different office staff has come and gone through the years, but A-B O has always managed to find the good ones - personable and professional, yes, but also with that intangible essence that makes a employee more than a worker bee. I love going there. I know they'll get it right and I always have fun interacting with the staff. When I was trying contacts they did their level best to help me make them work. I kept going back because I couldn't figure out the mechanics of the process. Eventually I gave up and went back to glasses, but the staff really went out of their way to make my experiment succeed. They're always ready and willing to help as I continue to find new ways to damage my glasses. Thanks, Albany-Berkeley Optometry! read more

Had an eye exam and bought glasses & contacts through them. Prices for glasses were pretty comparable to what I paid in SF for designer frames. The glasses came quickly. I need to have a re-exam due to my "fussy" stigmatism and horrible eye sight. Both times they gave me trial lenses and re-ordered my glasses which came quickly. The staff is all friendly and easy to work with, not sure what happened with the other reviewers. I've been wearing glasses since I was 1 year old, so I've been through a number of optometry offices, it's one of the better places I've done business with! read more

I recently got fitted for contact lenses by Dr. Luu, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Dr. Luu was knowledgeable, friendly, and was willing to answer any of my questions. I was really surprised to see that there were several bad ratings on here based on their customer service; everyone I interacted with was friendly and patient. When I was learning how to put in my contacts, Jennifer was extremely patient with me and made sure I was comfortable putting them in and taking them out. I can't say much on the fairness of their prices, as this is the only optometrist office that I've been to, but it seemed reasonable. I highly recommend this place. read more

What a wonderful place! My boyfriend and I stopped in to get his glasses fixed, and all of the staff were very friendly. We had called ahead and already knew it would be a good deal, but it turned out even better than we expected! I highly, highly recommend coming here for your optometry needs. read more

Bought some cheap plastic frames online that were too loose for my face. These ladies adjusted my frames to fit my face for free and in 5 minutes. Friendly AND helpful read more

Doctors here are great. Staff is really uneven and often uninformed, and always try to upsell. Get your exam here. Buy the glasses someplace else. read more

Best Optometry joint in Bay Area as far as I'm concerned, Lisa & Lisa were BIG helps,& went far beyond usual duties to help Me out!

This office deserves much better reviews! I've been going to Dr. Goldberg for years and she is great--thorough, patient, willing to explain things. The frames are a little expensive for me and I sometimes buy the actual glasses elsewhere but no one has ever made me feel embarrassed about this--in fact they've helped me when a lens fell out of the frame. In short, this is a really good place--I would definitely recommend it! Maggie read more

This afternoon I received wonderful service from Trixie! I had my frames repaired and was given some great advice. I will be back.

I got my vision test from Dr Tara Pahlevan, got the prescription and went to get glasses but the new glasses I got turned out to have the wrong prescription it made me feel dizzy wearing them. I went back to seek help but Dr Pahlevan wasn't very helpful. She tried at the beginning but lost patience, raised her voice and left me to sit there. Fortunately a shop assistant was very nice she did not give up on finding out ways to help me. I expect a good doctor to stay cool and calm, and focus on figuring out ways to help a patient/customer, not this doctor. read more

I came in with a broken pair of glasses, needed a new pair as quickly as they could. The stuff is superb from desk personnel to optometrist. Lisa helped me choose an excellent pair of glasses, carefully went over the prescription for computer/music and was able to deliver within two days a perfect pair. I recommend them to all my friends. read more

I've been coming here for years and never had any problems. Today I went in for a basic eye exam. I saw Dr Sim. She's a piece of work a little condescending there doc. So unprofessional. Geez please don't talk to people like they are stupid. I have a follow up for eye dilation and specifically asked for someone else. This will be my last visit. You just lost a customer read more

First time here!! The staff is great and very professional. The OD Doctor was kind and very professional answered all my questions. I would highly recommend. Thank you for the great service. read more

The sales associate was more interested in telling her colleague about her real estate license than she was selling us glasses. It was clear that working with us was an imposition, and that she wasn't particularly interested in doing so. No worries--we took our business elsewhere. read more

I have been going to Albany-Berkeley Optometry for 25 years. The staff is incredibly helpful. They went above and beyond to ensure that I received the glasses that I wanted. I saw Dr. Goldberg for 25 years and loved her. But I had my first visit with a new optometrist after Dr. Goldberg retired recently. She was great! My guess is that all of the optometrists are wonderful. Highly recommend this practice. read more

I didn't have an eye exam at Albany-Berkeley Optometry, but I did order three pairs of glasses. Staff seems nice enough, but office struck me as poorly organized. After being told pair would be ready in three or four days, I had to wait two weeks. Perhaps an exceptional case. read more

One of the best experiences I've had with a practice! Dr. Cheung and every single person I connected with -- whether it was on the phone, at the front desk, or in the patient room -- was nice, efficient, super helpful, and had it together. Everyone. I really felt they were looking out for me, whether it was from a medical perspective or an insurance perspective. Few doctors' offices meet the mark across the board (expertise, demeanor, service, etc.). I wish all medical offices operated this way. read more

Really inexperienced. I had difficulties from the beginning in making an appointment and all the way down the line. Not recommended.

My 3 year old was seen by Dr Angela and she was so nice that my daugther was willing to cooperate fully for a full hour of visit.