My first visit today. A wonderful experience, OK, like anything good the practice is in demand and you have to be patient, both for an appointment and while you are there, but when it was my turn I did not feel rushed at all. Dr. Bern is a great doctor and a gifted teacher. He explained everything so well and patiently. I really appreciated his time and effort in educating me to become a more informed patient. He seemed to anticipate almost all the questions I had floating in my head and answered them before I even asked them. This shows two very important traits in a physician, experience and empathy. The staff are friendly, efficient and considerate. The office has a good atmosphere and seems to be managed very well. I look forward to my next visit, seems like I will need new glasses ;) Tips: Being near downtown San Mateo to be on time make allowance for finding parking. If your first visit allow 15 to 20 mins before appointment to get the paperwork done. read more

This office is in chaos. I spent an hour waiting for a scheduled appointment as people stacked up in the waiting room. The doctor was fine, but they seem to want to run a high-volume, instead of a high-service operation. read more

Dr. Bern is an excellent Dr. but to make an appointment with his office is really a disaster. It has been about 2 weeks that I am trying to make an appointment and they put me on hold for over 20 min. I finally hung up. Still not able to make one. you either need more personnel or this person needs to be replaced. Dr. Bern, you need to have a serious talk with your front desk staff, they are extremely unprofessional and put patients on hold for over 20 minutes. read more

Dr. Bern patiently listened to problems, offered solutions and give clear straight forward answers. Especially kind read more

This is my experience with the office staff. - I called to make an appointment and confirmed that they were in my healthcare network; however when I showed up they stated I was not. No problem, I heard good things so I paid out of pocket. Since I only arrived 10 min prior to my appt and not 15, they rescheduled me..., which again was acceptable and note they quoted me $329, $375, 320 and finally got it to the "over the phone" quoted price for new patients which is $229. Seriously.... - 2nd time round: the office staff tried to price gouging me AGAIN by adding both an exam and what I was there to see the ophthalmologist for a specific reason. After insisting, they agreed that I could decline the annual vision exam that I just had with my optometrist under a year ago. However I had to again go thru the entire price process.... - 3rd time round: Lori is a standout as she was helpful and friendly I was not able to receive an appt with Bern, so I was scheduled with Filer. I had to wait an additional 40 min as he was running way behind--REALLY, I was still early and for my 1st appt and they did not take me and I had to wait 40 min?? Will post update once I am actually able to see Filer... Dr. Filer is a 10-Star and I will be writing a review for just him vs his office. read more

Dr. Bern is a true physician. He clearly has many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. I could tell that he was being very meticulous in examining me, and he didn't stop until he was satisfied that his exam was complete. When he discussed his findings with me, he spoke very clearly and explained everything well. He was genuinely friendly and patient, and did not make me feel rushed at all. I recommend him without reservation. The office staff was friendly and efficient, and I did not have any problems with scheduling. read more

Came recommended; lovely reviews but I'm stil on hold after 9:09 and have lost patience. Too bad would have loved to have at least seen such a great eye doctor! read more

Thanks to Dr. Bern and his very helpful team, who helped me get a prescription filled for a medication which seemed to be in short supply. I appreciate it! Will read more

After 3 weeks waiting for a prescription and two weeks without my wife's eye drops they finally came through with fulfilling the request. Probably a bad receptionist didn't relay the message. read more

I highly Recommend Dr. Bruce H Bern , I went with my wife to check her eyes and the doctor said doesn't need surgery yet , so I had a bad experience with another Dr . because they told us you need surgery right away , thanks God We visited Dr. Bruce . He is the best in san Mateo area , He is Honest just said to my wife to wear sunglasses and use drop eyes that's all .. thank you very much Dr . Bruce. read more

Well I have to concur with one previous reviewer that it would be nice to see someone who is highly rated in this field. However when I called, I was immediately put on hold and stayed on hold for another 10 minutes before I hung up. Not the type of initial interaction I was hoping for and assume it's a reflection of the state of the practice. So moving on to try to find an appointment with another highly rated practice/physician. read more

I'm new to Dr. Bern and already a fan. This is an expert physican at the top of his game - a good man to have on your team. Here's why I'm so happy... I chose him based on several different web review sites that featured patients and family members, praising his diagnostic powers. Some patients were getting scary and complex diseases spotted early enough to save lives (vascular, coronary, cancer/tumor etc.). That impressed me. A small number of reviewers remarked, crankily, that Dr. Bern wasn't great with bedside manner, or seemed terse. I think I can shed some light on that. Here's what I saw: 1. Diagnostic: 5 STARS. He correctly identified a form of dermatitis that irritates eyelashes and lids. I'd been walking around assuming I'd caught some conjunctivitis somewhere. Nope - turns out my sticky, watery eyes are related to other annoying skin issues I've been having (and not treating) - what other docs (3) called "adult acne" and treated with Doxycyclin (twice, two docs), Dr. Bern said "Probably it's this... but let's send you to my colleague Dr. Webb to make sure." I got Cadillac entree to the also expert Dr. Webb, Dr. Bern's staff made the appt for me (next day!), and Dr. Bern wrote extensive notes for me to give Dr. Webb. 2. Length of appt./thoroughness: 5 STARS. See below. 2. Bedside Manner: For Me, and PTs like me - 5 STARS. Dr. Bern has an initially directive style. I'm ok with that when the clinician in question is actually expert - and he is. When you begin, he might correct you perhaps with "Let me diagnose, I want to hear symptoms" (I'm paraphrasing). That might sound brusque, but he DID need to hear a pure symptom list first - and I said "I figured conjunctivitis." He was correct to stop me and redirect me. Once he had the information he needed, he went to work ruling out many things - and he looked me over, CAREFULLY and slowly, commenting extensively on my skin type (N. European, prone to a bit of rosacia, some acne here and there..). He spotted a healing scab behind my ear (rare for me but still), and explained that he suspected this was likely a form of dermatitis... He explained how this happens, how I get it (genetic), and why not to worry, and how we treat it - assuming he's right. (News flash: He's a modest expert - wow). Bruce Bern is an intellectual fellow with a strong desire to educate his patients (I saw an MPH-type degree on his wall, so that explains a lot). I could see that he might express frustration if a patient demonstrated either lack of interest or pig headedness about taking advice and reporting results. While waiting, I heard him address two patients (very elderly) with care and genuine kindness, and a colleague with respect and a gentle tone. This is not a tough doc. But he will respond most enthusiastically to patients who demonstrate a capacity to be active participants in their own care - allowing him to be the expert, but actively taking responsibility for ourselves. He went to some length to make sure I saw his preferred expert - quickly. Then he provided the name of an Internist. I told him I was shopping for a new one. To any Yelpers worried about "older" physicians. Dr. Bern isn't particularly old first of all (late 50s? typical of an expert doc). He enthusiastically recommended a young female internist (part of a husband/wife team) to me - saying she's read up on everything, still taking new patients, smart and well connected. I think Dr. Bern is a class act. He's gentle enough for me. Because I didn't come to him for hand-holding primarily, but to get my eyes sorted out. I'm delighted and relieved that he was able to diagnose me correctly when 3 other physicians (internist and 2 dermatologists) missed my dermatitis. Call me impressed. And call Dr. Bern if you want an expert. :) read more

Dr. Bern is a great doc. He fixed my cataracts in both eyes. He's one of those docs that really seems to enjoy his profession and is up to date on the latest science. He takes time to explain things and is genuinely concerned with the patient's well being. Dr. Bern is very detail oriented and compulsive in a good way. His office is efficiently run and it was rare that I was kept waiting. My only complaint is that I had to pay for a refraction multiple times with a year. This is probably just an artifact of how insurance works, but perhaps they could give a discount if you have to have a refraction done more than once per year. I think I'll end up paying for a refraction three times this year. read more

office is horrible. On hold for over 15 minutes. had to wait nearly one hour beyond my scheduled appointment. when in waiting room I could hear Dr. Bern speaking to all his patients and their personal lives, vacations, health issues. This is because he leaves the door open. Finally got into patient room, waited again for another extended period of time. Finally Dr Bern came into the room, I got up and closed the door. Dr got up and opened the door. Horrible experience. Never ever going back. read more

This review is not based on Dr. Bern himself but on his extremely rude office staff specifically Victoria. I called in asking some basic but also urgent questions and seeking advice and I was shown zero compassion and empathy for my situation. Someone with this type of temperament should not be in this profession let alone this position in reception! I was truly disappointed with my interaction and thankfully found someone with a lot more patience who could LISTEN to their patients or potential patients. read more

Dr. Bern is an experienced ophthalmologist and a scholar. Dr.Bern performed cataract surgery on my left eye in Jan 2014. It has been more than three months now and I am still seeing good (20/25). At first I was told there was complication since I had Lasik surgery done about 13 years ago. The result could be +/- 400 and reading glasses. Dr. Bern could not for sure what the result gonna be, so I seeked for second opinion. But I got the same answer except if I wanted to wait for a newer technology. It is really hard to say when the new technology gonna come out. It could be next month or next year... who knows when ??? I was thinking the sooner I get it done, the sooner I could recover better (seeing) since I m younger(age 52) . I had everything arranged from work already so I decided to give a try. The procedure was not long but the waiting was. I guess that's normal for hospital. I went back to his office for followup the next day and a thorough check the following week. I was so glad I could see 20/25. It is just like before and even better. Dr. Bern studied my case and did the best for me. I really could not ask for more. Dr. Bern is very thorough and sincere, he demonstrated his professionalism in very way. I recommend Dr.Bern to any person that needs advice or treatment for eyes. read more

Dr. Burns performed lasik on me many years ago and did a terrific job. Great office and enjoy the follow up visits. Highly recommend this group! read more

Dr. Bern is an excellent ophthalmologist. He is very opinionated about one's medical history (as well as other things). He recommended me to a better family practice doctor, which has turned out to be a great experience. read more

The wait time was more than 30 min but doctor thoroughly checked my eye.. would definitely recommend

Very disappointed at how the office handled my annual check up. Make sure you ask all the questions before you show up for your appointment. I have been wearing glasses/contacts for 25+years. The visit was thorough, a bit slow, as different doctors came to examine different things, but I was fine with that. Both doctors seemed knowledgable and paid attention to the somewhat extended issues that run in my family. When I went for my check up I was 1 year postpartum and I had just stopped breastfeeding. I also mentioned that my eyes were a little dry and the doctor answered it's because of the postpartum hormones and gave me some drop samples. They also said that I had to come back for a contact lens prescription since I was not wearing my contacts that morning (this has never been the case in any other office I have been in the 25 years I have worn glasses/contacts). When I asked why, I was handed a printout of "contact lens exam policy". Since there was no other way and I actually needed contacts, I agreed to it. When I came back for my other appointment, they didn't bother check my insurance, but instead I paid $100 out of my pocket on the spot (I assumed my insurance claims were covered since I did my annual check up the week before). A month later I received a bill for $200 and when I called them they said it's because you came for a medical condition which was *the dry eyes comment*. I was shocked - I've never paid $300 for an annual checkup, especially since i have insurance benefits for the specific services and they are in network. Needless to say, I'm not going back. read more

Dr. Bern began seeing my Mother-In-Law several months ago. He was instrumental in identifying the cause of double vision experienced by my Mother-In-Law and referring her to a neurologist. It turned out that my Mother-In-Law has a very rare skull base cancer. We would never have known, had Dr. Bern not detected the possible causes and sent her for further testing. Other Opthamologists had misdiagnosed the double vision, leading to a delay in her treatment. While my Mother-In-Law believed her deteriorating vision could not be corrected, Dr. Bern was able to improve her sight through a simple laser surgery procedure. He is a caring, empathetic physician; not afraid to make referrals to specialists to get to the bottom of the issue at hand. I am grateful for the assistance he has provided my Mother-In-Law and would highly recommend him to others dealing with eye and vision issues. Dr. Bern is excellent at helping the patient to understand the course of action required to assist with improving vision problems. He is patient with the elderly and those with failing memory (as my Mother-In-Law is), and works well with family members to coordinate care. He is one great doc! read more

In reading Dr. Bern's response it is clear to me that he has no idea what patient he is talking about. I was in pain from having to sit so long in his office because I suffer from spinal disease, diagnosed by orthopaedists, not controversial and having nothing to do with the reason I consulted him. I'm not sure what other "chronic condtion" he is referring to but one of the chronic conditions I have had--for more than 20 years has been diagnosed by competent otolaryngologists, including Stanford and UCSF using a battery of diagnostics tests that CAN diagnose this disease and there is no controversy about the etiology of this disease or whether it is a distinct disease entity. So when he says he suggested I see a specialist in this area (and says "Her doctor is good, but a generalist-" that's completly wrong, my doctors are specialists, not generalists) and after providing him with my complete medical records and tried to tell him --as he talked over me--about my doctors and my history-- apparently he wasn't listening nor did he review my records. In the end, I found a competent doctor who diagnosed my problem as occular migraines (migraines without the headache) and was told that I had "classic" symptoms and that any properly trained opthamologist should have recognized these symptoms and been able to diagnose the disease. read more

After what they did to me last year, I am not thirlled with this place at all. I will not say what they did, but they all know. I like Dr. Bern, but am I am sorry still does not make it go away, I thought I was over this, but I am still pissed. read more

If you are on Medicare, this doc is not for you. Everything was okay with my eyes in this office until I went on Medicare. After they tested me for glaucoma, I was told I had a 25% chance of getting it. They did a test on me and told me everything was fine. The next time I was tested, same thing. Tested again, and the test failed. They called me back to retest me. Everything was fine. Then, he ordered another test for people who have a 75% chance of getting glaucoma. That's when I decided to go to another doctor. I took a glaucoma test and my pressure was fine as it always has been. This happened to my daughter-in-law also when her insurance changed to a better plan. Same scenario with the glaucoma testing. Nothing was wrong with her eyes either. read more

My husband and I are professionals who work on the peninsula; you might say we're middle-aged if we're in a good mood. So we appreciate professionalism, we value our time, and we want to cut to the chase. Dr. Bern is the best ophthalmologist I've had the privilege to know, and we have been his patients for over 10 years. He is on time, but he is thorough, and I don't feel rushed through as I have at other doctors' offices. He is the real deal, and I like the way he's not just checking our eyes, but asks detailed questions about our general health. I don't feel like he's just trying to sell glasses, but he really looks at the big picture: family history, and occupational history. Over the years, I've seen health care change a LOT, where patients get less and less time with the doctor, where the squeaky wheel gets the oil, how you have to be your own health care advocate to get what you need. In Dr. Bern's office, however, it's what health care should be, where the wheels are always turning in his head, I'm not just another number, he's looking out for my husband and me. Also, the staff is terrific. They have a really nice selection of glasses, and I love mine and have gotten lots of compliments on them. Everybody there is professional and pleasant. The office nice and modern, too, open and airy. I've referred many people to Dr. Bern and that's what I'm doing now! You should go there! read more

Amazing. This guy knows his stuff. Park in the garage and not on the street. I kept worrying bout the two hours limit. I left feeling enlightened. The front desk girls are amazing too. read more

Dr. Brownell said " he has the best hands (surgical) I've ever seen! Having known him for 20+ years, I agree!!

I have been seeing Dr. Bern for about 2.5 years now. I started to see him when recommended by my GP. Dr. Bern has always taken great care of my eyes. The exams are very thorough, and I have been given much more information about the exams, and my eyes, than at any other eye doctor. Dr. Bern has always been given me the utmost care and concern- we are never rushed, and he explains what he is doing, what he sees, and what, if anything, I need to do to take better care of my eyes. I had a prescription for glasses from another eye doctor, when I moved up to the Bay Area. When I saw Dr. Bern for the first time, he updated the prescription, and I was very happy to be able to choose glasses in his office. The choices are immense, and the staff is very helpful. And, i would add, the whole office staff is wonderful to patients. I have never seen anyone that is less than completely happy with Dr. Bern. Dr. Bern has also been very good about advice on my blood sugar- I have learned as much from him as any other source. He did not have to mention anything, but, he did- because he cares about his patients. Dr. Bern is 'out of network' for my health care plan, but, I am still seeing him anyway because he is the very best! jtw read more

Hi ! I am a longstanding patient of Dr. Berns and I indeed have a very serious congenital vision problem ( ROP). Years ago I learned what a GREAT doctor he is.After having had a DISASTER surgically with another MD in San Fran I was relieved to meet Dr. Bern who treated me conservatively. He is cautious and thorough and is a reputable physician. I have never had a problem with his office staff but who cares anyway as it is the MD that you should care about - the one who works directly on your eyes and he is the VERY BEST !! read more

I've had the opportunity to live in many different parts of the United States over my lifetime and since I was diagnosed with glaucoma early in life, I have been treated by several Ophthalmologists in the numerous parts of the country where I have lived. So I feel I have a particularly good knowledge base for providing this review. I started seeing Doctor Bruce Bern in 1994 and can say that he continues to impress me with his professionalism, his demeanor in the office, how he greets and speaks with his patients, and overall how comfortable I feel when I go to his office. Through all these years I feel I have been getting the best possible care. He has regularly taken the time to answer questions and make sure I am well informed. After a recent cataract surgery Dr. Bern performed for me, and seeing his demeanor in the surgical facility and the care I have received since my surgery, my opinion is that I am very fortunate to have found the best in the business to care for me (and my family). read more

I am giving Dr. Bern the highest rating possible because of the excellent care he and his staff provide me. Recently I experienced a sudden, partial loss of vision. I was referred to Dr. Bern from a retina specialist. I was able to get an appointment immediately. After a multitude of tests, Dr. Bern patiently explained all results and implications. He has terrific communication skills--I feel like I can ask him anything and he will give me a clear, straightforward answer. Dr. Bern clearly cares deeply about his patients. He and his staff operate an efficient and effective practice. I trust him immensely and feel like I am receiving top-notch care. read more

Dr, Bern did cataract surgery on both my eyes. One was done 14 years ago. One was done two weeks ago. I have very high corrections so there was approx. a 7% chance of retinal detachment each time. I ended up 20/40 in the left and 20/20 in the right, despite having corrections over 20/1,000 pre-surgery. My left eye had other issues as well. No problems. Dr Bern cares. He is a perfectionist, and that is what you want in a surgeon. His office runs like a well-oiled machine. I trust him. I know I could have had a very different result with a different doctor. Not everyone gets great results in cataract surgery. Originally I was referred to him by a retinal specialist. I was going to have someone else do the surgery. He said: "I see his work. He is the best. You have go to him." I am glad I did and you will be glad as well. Ray G read more

Dr. Bruce Bern is the best ophthalmologist in the peninsula!!!. I have been his patient for at least 8 years. He performed cataract surgery on my left eye in April. It was comforting to discover (while he was conversing with the attending anesthesiologist) that he had just operated on 3 physicians. DOCTORS KNOW WHO THE BEST SURGEONS ARE AND THEY GO TO THE BEST IN THAT FIELD!! Everything went so well that in November I had Dr. Bern operate on my right eye. I discovered this time that the attending surgery nurse was also a satisfied patient of Dr. Bern. Once again I was very happy and pleased with the excellent results. read more

I was fortunate to have Dr. Bruce Bern recommended to me for cataract surgery on both eyes. Dr. Bern was very thorough and meticulous on making sure my eyes were ready for the surgery procedure. Having very bad eyesight and having worn hard contact lenses for 50 plus years, it took about a year for my eyes to adjust. I was able to see 20/20 in both eyes after the cataract surgery. The task of putting contact lenses in each morning is a distant memory. Dr. Bern is very attentive as well as his staff. I always enjoyed going in for a visit! Michael M read more

I visited Dr. Berns office 2 years ago and he performed surgery on my right eye for a cataract. my first impression of their office was it was very commercialized. i had to get an eye exam even though that wasn't covered under my primary insurance. i have a separate insurance plan for that. Dr. Bern performed the surgery and everything went well and i went in for my follow up exam. after that, i saw my optometrist for regular eye exams outside of their office. recently, i noticed blurred vision in my left eye and called to schedule an appt with Dr. Bern. the office clerk said he would call me on Monday. i thought that was strange, but said o.k. she called me back on Monday and said Dr Bern didn't want to see me because i didn't go in for my follow up visits. i explained to her that i had separate insurance for eye exams and couldn't go to their office for that because i would pay out of my own pocket. i was in shock that Dr. Bern refused to see me because i didn't use their office for my eye exams. i thought he specialized in cataracts. i am glad he has so many patients that he can pick and choose which ones he wants to see. i thought the whole experience was very rude and unprofessional. the office clerk wanted to give me recommendations after that and i declined. there are other good doctors in my area perfectly capable of looking at my eye and that will show some respect and kindness to their patients. read more

Dr. Bern has been my ophthalmologist for the past fourteen years. I am 100% satisfied with the care I've received from him including cataract surgery on both eyes. After the cataract surgery I had a reason to see a retinologist who remarked that he was always impressed with the quality of Dr. Bern's surgery. Dr. Bern is an excellent physician who has a very high level of skill along with a friendly and honest disposition. I would trust his judgement and care regarding any issue relating to my eyes no matter how serious it might be. read more

I was diagnosed with glaucoma nineteen years ago and since I have been to several different ophthalmologists including those when I lived in Malta Europe for three years. Upon my return to California I was refereed to the Pacific Eye Specialists located at 50 So. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo. I saw Dr. Bern and was quiet impressed from the very first time and knew that this is the kind of place I will want to continue coming to. This is a state of the art facility and a place where one can feel pampered and feel comfortably and at ease. During my employment at Mills Health Center I never hesitated to boast and then refer my friends and clients to come here. I take it very personal since I feel like I'm part of the family with all the special care I receive. I am grateful for Dr. Bern's generosity and the kindness of all his staff. Thank you all for the professional care you provide and for taking the extra time to make certain that your patients are in good hands. read more

I recently had surgery done by Dr. Bern and I am very pleased. During the last two years I have been going to Dr. Bern, he kept me very informed as far as my condition was progressing. I can't reccommend Dr. Bern enough. Five stars are not enough! read more

Great eye doctor. Very knowledgeable and through. Explains things so you can understand it. Also, gives lots of free cute bottles of eyedrops! read more

Dr. Bern is a fantastic eye doctor. He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and patient and also is a very nice person. My entire family sees him and we couldn't be happier. He and the entire office are a pleasure to deal with! read more