Dr Franz Michel As good as it can possibly get! Kindness and care that exceeded my expectations. I had pterygion in both eyes for at least 30 years, which is a long time to deal with it but I got used to it and to the almost constant pain! I was too terrified of surgery to get them removed. A month ago my ophthalmologist said: "they are growing and you should consider surgery". I made a first appointment with his recommended specialist it was in 7 weeks. Not wanting to wait, a week later we found Dr. Michel on line and called on a Wednesday. First impression: I had a kind person on the phone and I was NEVER put on hold or dismissed!!! And I got a first appointment for the following Wednesday! Only a week! Wow! It is a 3 1/2 hour drive to Oxnard from here but it seemed worth it. The day before I get a call from the super kind and responsive office to confirm and asking: will your visit be in person or on the phone. Well, I didn't even know I had the option! So I emailed the photos of my eyes and Dr Michel called me exactly at the scheduled time and went over the options right away. Clear, detailed and caring and kinder than I had ever been treated by a health professional. It turned out my insurance didn't cover everything, but at this point I was convinced I wouldn't let anyone else take care of my eyes so I agreed to have the procedure done ... IN A WEEK! I was terrified and panicking, the anxiety level was ridiculously high but I managed to get there the next Wednesday and Thursday at 9 am we were at their office and met this incredibly caring , patient and professional crew and finally, Dr Michel in person. I was nervous but their care, as if I was the most important person on Earth, helped tremendously. I was having the procedure first on my left eye, where the pterygion had been the most significant, invasive and painful. Honestly, preoccupation is a waste of energy with this clinic! We went back to the hotel to sleep the rest of the day and night. Amazingly, without any fear or anxiety he repeated the process the next day on my right eye. Right after the procedure we went to a delicious restaurant and when the waitress saw my covered eye she asked what happened and I explained. Her words after she found out she knows of him: "Oh, he's an amazing doctor, my mother had that surgery done by him like 12 years ago!" After great food we drove back home, with Dr. Michel's phone number in hand, just in case... Here's the thing: a doctor that isn't afraid to give his patients his phone number and actually answers or replies to texts at anytime is a doctor who knows his specialty and is passionate about his patients and his work. You don't get that every day. read more

I'm a 51y old male from Phoenix Arizona and had a Pterygium identified on my right eye for 3 years. The growth was irritating and already into the green part, soon to obstruct the vision in that eye. I saw 2 different doctors in Arizona and neither wanted to operate on Pterygiums so they told me to just monitor it until it affected my vision. After intensive research and the use of ChatGPT, I found a Pterygium expert named Dr Franz Michel in California. The reviews and referrals for Dr Michel's Pterygium removal were stellar and had me feeling more than hopeful. I scheduled a telephone appointment and sent Dr photos and close-ups of my eye. We talked for at least 40 minutes about options. Dr Michel was never in a rush and answered my hundreds of questions. Dr Michel is such an expert in this growth he was able to help me understand it all so much better. We decided I was a good candidate for removal of the Pterygium. The office folks were equally great getting me scheduled and help navigate costs and insurance questions. Of course my insurance was a major pain and everyone in the office worked as a team to get the surgery covered. I should note, if my insurance did not cover it, the cash price offered was extremely fair and manageable. My wife and I made the 7 hour drive from Phoenix to Oxnard and found an affordable little motel 5 minutes from the Dr office. (Seaside Inn & Motel (A little divey but was clean, safe and close to the ocean)) The day of the surgery was so calm and pleasant. They got me ready and while the numbing meds kicked-in the doctor spent another 30+ minutes talking about my eye, the surgery and the recovery. The actual surgery was easy. I was awake and felt no pain or discomfort. My feeling was that it went perfectly as planned with no surprises. The recovery was equally easy, just chill and don't rub my eye and use my eye drops. I had soreness, but nothing that wasn't expected and very easy to deal with. We stayed in Oxnard a few more days and drove home. I am now 3 weeks out and my eye is doing great. I have follow-up appointments with Dr Michel via text and phone to track my progress. Even though living far away, it was worth the trip for me. Dr Michel has many patients traveling distance so they dealt with my situation perfectly and were totally accommodating. Dr Franz Michel is the real deal with the best bedside manner. He really is The King of Pterygiums. The women who run his office are also all absolute professionals. I can't thank them all enough. Attaching 2 photos. In one you can see the Pterygium and blood vessels. In the other, the Pterygium is gone and you can see the skin-graft healing perfectly. I hope my long review helps someone make a hard decision on finding a doctor they can trust. read more

Franz Michel, MD - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Dr. Franz Michel is wonderful and the entire staff is too! I flew out from Texas to CA specifically for my eye surgery. I had my ptergium removal from my left eye done in October, 2025. My recovery, at this 4 month mark, has been great! I have NO REGRETS having my surgery done, only gratitude! My vision is better and I am now comfortable looking people in the eyes! My opthomologist in TX is highly impressed by Dr. Michel's work. I was informed of Dr. Michel's ptergium surgery ability 12 years ago by my optometrist, Dr. Griffith, in the Target optical dept. in Newbury Park, CA. He initially found my ptergium growth. He gave me Dr. Michel's card and I held on to it all this time. I'm sure glad I did! Dr. Michel is caring, concerned and a clear communicator. His right-arm tech, Naomi, is fantastic with communication and follow through on call backs and providing valuable information pre AND post op! My surgery experience could not have been better. I am eternally thankful on soooo many levels! read more

That photo is not the Dr. Michel who performed pterygium surgery on both of my eyes in Oxnard, CA. In any case, Dr Franz Michel in Oxnard (with offices elsewhere in the LA area as well) is efficient and extremely competent, with a very low recurrence rate. It has been about 2 1/2 years since he removed my pterygia with a minimum of fuss, and the cornea of each eye still looks clear. His office is easy to find and the staff are wonderful. I would recommend him without reservation. read more

What an awesome experience I had here today! I saw my regular eye Dr yesterday and he said I had a cyst on the white part of my eye and needed to see a specialist. I called all over trying to find someone who treats this. Called yesterday and Naomi got me an appointment today in the Oxnard location. She was very helpful and sweet. She even checked how much it would cost through my insurance if I needed surgery. When I came in Dr Michel came and greeted me right after I filled out my patient form. He has wonderful bedside manner. I actually have cysts in both eyes upon examining me. He set my mind at ease, and said they should resolve on their own and I do not need surgery. I feel so much better. He's really good at explaining things, and answers all your questions. The place was easy to find with plenty of parking. If I ever do need surgery I damn sure would come see him. Thank you again! read more

I am very grateful to Dr. Michel and his staff for their heart felt care and professionalism. I went to Dr. Michel with a severe pterygium (after ignoring it for years it had blinded me in my left eye). I was also developing a psychological complex about how I looked, since there was a film covering about 70% of my eye (it looked terrible). My surgery was amazingly easy. I didn't feel a thing except some pressure and the recovery wasn't difficult. As a health provider myself (a chiropractor) I did quite a bit of research into the different types of surgical methods used for pterygia. It was clear to me that Dr. Michel was at the head of his field in pterygia removal. I traveled from Minnesota to southern California for the surgery and am very glad that I did. Now, five months after the surgery my vision in my surgery eye is quite close to the other eye and my surgery eye looks just like my normal one. What a relief! Thank you again Dr. Michel! read more

Franz Michel, MD - Five months after the surgery. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Oxnard, California

Removed a pterygium for me that was unsightly. I was super nervous about the surgery and that it would be painful. It was not, and Dr Michel changed my life. I went from having this ugly ptergium to now have clear white eyes. I am so happy with the results! Other surgeons told me there was a highly likely hood of it growing back, and it really deterred me. After a year of research I finally found Dr Michel and I am so glad I did! read more

Pterygium Surgery . I've never written a review before but with the results and service I received I am more than pleased to write my very first one. I noticed I was growing extra tissue on the corner of my eye and it began to grow bigger and bigger covering my eye. I did my research and came across Dr. Franz Michel and found nothing but great reviews. I called up the place and spoke with Noemi who was just amazing . She mentioned she herself had eye surgery with Dr. Franz Michel and was extremely satisfied with his work and wasn't just saying that because she works there . I'm not going to lie I was scared .I wish to become a pilot and getting eye surgery just magnified that fear . I am very grateful from the bottom of my heart for Dr. Franz taking his time to explain everything and for his team that provided great care . read more

I found Dr Michel when I was searching for eye doctors in Ventura County to complete bladeless, no cut LASIK surgery. After going to multiple consultations, I decided to go with Dr Michel because he took the time to explain the process, the Laser he would be using, etc. I knew, based on his experience and success, he was the doctor I could trust with my eyes. After surgery, he gives you a bag which contains eye drops, a pair of sunglasses and a card which has his personal cell in case you have questions before or after hours. Dr Michel called the day after surgery to make sure I was doing okay, which was greatly appreciated. Prior to the procedure, I couldn't see beyond an arm's reach - now I see 20/15. Dr Michel and his staff are very accomodating and professional. read more

I went in to get an eye checked out for possible pterygium not knowing much about it or if surgery was necessary. Dr. Michel was very honest and informative. It turns out he did not recommend surgery yet and recommended some eye drops instead (which have been helping). Also, the office is neat and staff is very professional. read more

I am writing this on behalf of a friend who doesn't speak very good English (Thai). She recently had a growth on her eye removed from Dr. Michel at his Oxnard office. Unfortunately uninsured have to pay out of pocket, and not cheap at about $3200 (but that is a good price when compared to other offices). That said, follow-up visits were included in the one time cost, and she even had to go back to have a little more work done (common) all included in the same price. She really wanted me to write this for her because she was thrilled with just how personable and caring Franz is. He takes the time to walk through every step, and then explains it again differently. He's also extremely friendly and customer service oriented. What could have been an emotionally and physically painful experience, my friend found to be an enjoyable experience. We need more doctors like Franz, who don't think of themselves as Gods, but instead well paid servants. read more

Dr. Michel is the best! I had him remove the ptergiums once in my eyes. His work is outstanding! He's not only knowledgeable but is also approachable and makes himself available. Thanks to him, I no longer have ptergiums. I'm so glad I chose him and had the outcomes I expected, complete removal of ptergiums. Highly recommended! read more

I am a surgeon myself, so I was very picky about who I chose to operate on my eye. The first day I met Dr. Michel, I knew he was the right man for the job. His bedside manner is incredible. He is knowledgeable, kind, compassionate and takes his time explaining things to his patients in terms they can understand. His office is warm and his staff was very kind as well. I have only good things to say about each and every encounter I had with Dr. Michel and his office. Probably the most important thing, however, is his experience and skill level. I don't think you can find anyone in southern California that does more pterygium surgeries than Dr. Michel, and his recurrence rate is far below the national average. His after care was impeccable as well. I never paid out of pocket for any of my after care visits, and I could tell that he genuinely cared about me and my results. My eye looks perfect now, the soreness is gone, and I have Dr. Michel to thank. It is my pleasure as a fellow surgeon to give Dr. Michel my highest recommendation. You will be in good hands if you go to him! read more

If you have a pterygium, Dr Michel is the best doctor to help you with it. I consulted with Dr Michel because of a recurrent pterygium in my right eye (the first unfortunately unsuccessful operation was done by another surgeon in San Diego so I ventured elsewhere). During my first visit with Dr Michel, I was convinced he was the only doctor that could help me with my eye. We scheduled the second visit to be the pterygium surgery in Oxnard. The surgery was a success. After now about 6 months there are no signs of recurrence. Dr Michel is such a humble doctor, it was very comfortable talking to him. He is very straightforward. With every visit he discussed and explained all of my options to ensure I was well informed during decision making time and aware of any side effects. It was worth every visit driving from San Diego to Oxnard/Newbury Park. The ophthalmologists in San Diego (at least the three I had experience with) were all very hesitant to treat pterygiums because of the high recurrence rate. Dr Michel, however, is more concerned with the patient's quality of life (of course along with patient eye health) and with his proven track record and surgical techniques he attacked the pterygium head on. My right eye was chronically red and inflamed from the regrowth of the pterygium, I was always embarrassed to be in public. He considers each patient's unique situation and does not just "go by the book". He assesses the condition and makes treatment decisions based on what he has seen work and also what the patient is comfortable with. I was so fortunate to have found Dr Michel. He is the ONLY doctor I would recommend and refer to pterygium patients. I will forever be grateful to Dr Michel and staff (the ladies at the practice are all so friendly, diligent and helpful). read more

Dr.Michel is an amazing Dr. who was recommended to me by my regular eye doc for my condition.He and his staff were very kind and compassionate.I never felt nervous or uncomfortable at any time,never had any pain during or after my procedure which was done perfect. My eye looks and feels great! Thanks again Dr. Michel and staff !! read more

I saw Dr. Michel for the first time yestarday. He was great. He identified a misdiagnosis that had me on a yearly schedule of testing. But, my eyes are healthy, and I would have never known it if I didn't see Dr. Michel. He is very intelligent and efficient, so you won't have to spend the whole afternoon there. Definately a recommended doc! (By the way, I see him in Newbury Park, not Oxnard). read more

I was a new patient to Dr. Franz. I needed an ophthalmologist. This was the most pleasant eye doctors appointment I've ever had! I have a family history of glaucoma and cataract. He was thorough and kind. His staff was friendly. I would recommend him to anyone. Just the best! read more

Dr Franz Michel removed my scar tissue (Pterygium Growth) in September 2012; the surgery was on my left eye which had already had the procedure by a different doctor in May 2006. The 2006 experience was horrible, but the experience with Dr Michel and his staff was great! He did a whole lot and he always took time to explain; never in a rush! He was more professional, and he is up to date with latest technologies and procedures. My recovery was quick and only with minor discomfort. If needed, I will definitely come back to see Dr. Michel and will recommend him wholeheartedly. read more

I'm late in writing this review...about a year after Dr. Michel performed EpiLASIK on my eyes. But I'm doing it now because you need to know that you can trust Dr. Michel. I have EXCELLENT vision. I had finally decided to do LASIK because I was tired of contacts and glasses, but totally scared to trust someone to be doing surgery on my eyes. So I did my research, read online, looked for good doctors and searched for their "health grades." I had decided it was going to be between Dr. Michel and Dr. Shapiro. I heard of Dr. Michel through a friend that had done a different procedure for her keratoconus issue (which went very well). I had also heard of Dr. Shapiro's great reputation. I sought a consultation from the both of them and I decided to go with Dr. Michel. They both recommended I go with EpiLASIK (no-cut) due to my corneas being thin. Additionally, they both use the latest technology (wavefront technology). Dr. Shapiro's consultation took three hours of my time (he was seeing other potential patients at the same time so as patients, we were taking turns seeing him). Dr. Michel's consultation was 45 minutes because I had his undivided attention. The one thing that I did like about Dr. Shapiro's consultation was he simulated what it would be like to be on the table. He put a device on your eyelids to prevent you from blinking. If you can handle that for a minute or two then you can do this surgery-so that experience gave me a feeling of confidence. Since they were both equally skilled, they recommended the same procedure and used the same technology it really came down to pricing. Dr. Michel offers way better pricing. Dr. Michel did the same procedure for half the cost of Dr. Shapiro. Dr. Michel also offers prices based on the type of surgery you select (i.e. EpiLASIK was less expensive because it does not require cutting meaning another machine is not needed) whereas Dr. Shapiro charges one flat (and very high rate) for whichever surgery you go with. The reason Dr. Michel is able to offer better prices is because he rents a LASIK facility whenever he needs to do his surgeries. This means he doesn't have to own equipment and maintain them whereas Dr. Shapiro does. This explains why Dr. Shapiro was able to simulate what the procedure would be like. The LASIK facility that Dr. Michel rents was top of the line and looked like an upscale facility. Thoughts on the procedure itself...it happens in a flash, you don't feel a thing and you can see perfectly once you get off the table. I did not experience any pain afterwards either. So just do it! You won't regret it. I only regret waiting so long to do it. It's awesome to see in the shower, to wake up in the middle of the night and see where you are going, to apply makeup with ease, to be able to buy whatever pair of sunglasses your heart desires, and to actually enjoy snorkeling!! read more

An outstanding optometrist. Dr. Michel is caring, professional and I've been to many eye doctors. Staff is courteous as well.

I wanted LASIK surgery and found Dr Michael. He explained the procedure to me very well, and really took his time to make sure I knew what to expect. I was a borderline case as my eyesight wasn't really awful. He gave me no pressure to go ahead whereas I know other surgeons would have been happy to take my money. I had no-one to pick me up and drop me off at the surgery location so they arranged a cab for me....no charge. I was very impressed with the professionalism of Dr Michael and his staff, as well as excellent results. No more glasses! read more

Dr. Michel is a real professional, honest, and caring doctor. I have met him only once and I am impressed.

I finally has decided to get lasik surgery because i had i coupon for Dr. Dougherty office. I went in his assistant was the one who did all the mapping and exams on my eyes she said I was a candidate for surgery. But apparently i had to get the surgery done that same week because their sale was going to expire. I only saw Dr. Dougherty for about 2 minutes because by then his assistant had answered my questions. Luckily I ran in to a friend who recommended me to Dr. Michael. I was very hesitant to go but I did. He did all my exams and made me feel really comfortable. He is a one man show! he was with me before during and after my surgery. Before my surgery I called his office about 20 times because I was so nervous - his staff was very patient with me, and i received a call back from him every time. He performed PRK which is the no cutting method. I love my vision I couldn't ask for more!! read more