I don't always leave a review (yes, i'm one of those kind of yelpers) but I have to leave one for Dr. Gary Lee and his staff! I'm a long time patient from back in 2001 and I personally think the office is the best in El Monte. He's very personable and fun to talk to and will make the best decisions for your eye care! His staff is great too and are very attentive. If you're not sure which frames look great on you, Lydia and the other girls will steer you in the right direction. Dr. Lee and his team have gone above and beyond to have contacts available when I forget to order ahead of time. They also adjust my glasses any time at no charge and they do so with a smile. Don't get mislead by bad yelps. Dr Lee is the best. read more

See all

his is a horrible place. They want to charge for the pd number saying it's not part of the prescription, so you have to buy glasses from them. Equipment are old people, the receptionist is horrible. All they want to do is up charge on everything. Been going to other optometrists for years not once was I told the pd is not part of the prescription. Came here base on a referral but I won't be going back ever read more

First experience here was amazing, I was a walk-in, I came in with my fiancé to order his eyewear, and I ended up getting an eye exam. Doctor was so sweet and made me feel comfortable during my visit. After having the same eye doctor for years it was scary for me to let a stranger examine my eyes. The ladies that work in the front desk are friendly and always ready to assist. It's my second time back as an emergency walk-in and my visit was respectful, friendly as well as making me feel welcomed and comfortable. Brianna, and Malessa are amazing and so sweet. Thanks ladies for a pleasant visit. These ladies truly care about their patients. read more

I usually don't write reviews, but this is warranted. Let me start off first by saying, I think the women at the front desk run this place like they own it and the doctor is scared of them. I believe they are practicing shady business deals. Don't do business with this place if you have medi-cal. I purchased glasses in January 25' (for my son) Medi-cal paid a portion and I paid the rest out of pocket. Fast forward to March, the glasses were accidentally broken out of our hands situation. I called the office and spoke to one woman and told her what happened. She told me that medi-cal doesn't replace frames. I asked her if that was medi-cal policy or their policy, she did not answer that question and I asked her multiple times. I searched the website of medi-cal and they do replace or repair if proven it was out of control that they became broken. I went into the office to get them replaced and, first they no longer had the frame, then they had to order it and I had to pay $60. I told them no that medi-cal covers the cost of repairs or replacement. Then they said that it's only once every 12 months and because we only had them for a few months, it didn't cover them yet. Then she tried to say they don't cover them at all and that was their policy of their office. And then tired to say she didn't have any record of me paying a portion out of pocket. And I told her I could show her my bank statement. And that threw her off because she knew she was lying.. So we have to have them for a year in order for them to covered? Makes no sense and no where in their office is this policy stated. I then asked for a copy of the prescription so I could take my business elsewhere and they stamped this on it.. (see picture) Never in my 30 years of wearing my own glasses have I seen anyone stamp that on a prescription. I knew from the day we walked in I was going to have problems just because of the way the women at the front desk conduct themselves and the type of customer service skills or should I say, lack of customer service they provide. Being that this doctor and the daughter I believe, have been here for more than 20 years, I believed the service and buying experience would be a pleasant one. Except I got attitude from the women. I could see if the frames were expensive but, they weren't. Beware of their business tactics. I can only imagine the other people they got over. I went to another optometry office shortly after this and boy with a big difference in customer service. The office has been open for 40 years and in the 40 years the lady who helped me said she has never seen a prescription with the stamp that they put on my prescription. Weird or shady? Maybe both.. read more

Gary A Lee, OD - Business - Optometrists Near Me - El Monte, California

What a waste of my time I came to get my eyes checked at 12:30 and there was a sign at the door reading "on lunch till 2" so I went to run an errand till 2 I came back and there was a line of people outside waiting I waited till 2:30 and no sign of employees showing up still. I couldn't wait any longer. And after speaking with people in the line this seems to be a common occurrence. Don't do business with company that waste your time. Very unprofessional. And frankly outrages. read more

The receptionist was very rude. I called the previous week needing my prescription and she said they would email it to me. Never got it so I called today a week later and when I asked for it again the lady said "well we can't keep emailing it to you so you can just come pick it up". Reason I needed it over email was because I just had surgery and I'm unable to move and can't physically go and pick it up. Horrible customer service read more

All I did was show up here for DRAMA. Don't bother coming here. I was a customer at this location for a couple years. The egos here are insane and they don't seem to enjoy their job or lives. I have really good insurances and this place I've come to find out would charge my insurance for services I've never received. They would charge me money and when I ask why they make some story up. But when I call my insurance company I've learned they never billed them AT ALL. So I called this office and let them know. Their response to me was "well bring my lenses back and don't come back!" WHAT? I have 3 eye insurances they billed for contacts when I never asked for contacts. Talk about a scam. And they have the nerve to take my money. The doctor here is very nice but the girls at the front desk are MISERABLE with themselves. They never smile, the conversations are minimal, not friendly at all. When you call they sound lazy they will say they will call you back and never do. If you don't like your job or life don't take it out on the customer! Look for another job. read more

I have been going to this office for numerous years and the assistance is always flawless. Malessa and the staff are constantly experienced and efficient, they constantly go above and beyond to meet a patient's needs promptly. I highly recommend this office for all your vision needs. read more

Able to make same day apt. Doctor was helpful I went for a basic eye exam, office seems like a it's being updated, and a decent selection of frames if you're in need of them. read more

Worst customer service ever!!!! Receptionist who answered the phone and is on the front dest , has an attitude and is not helpful... read more

Been coming here since I was a kid. Whenever I go somewhere else I'm not as happy with my prescription as when I get it here. Maybe their assessment tool is higher quality I don't know. Front staff is very professional as well. read more

So I was recommended by a friend and tbh from my experience, it's not that bad of the environment but I did a test there and bought glasses there and it's almost about to hit 2 months and still haven't gotten a word about them. So I have to keep calling and they keep telling me that it'll be ready within 2 weeks and it's past that and still haven't gotten a word. I called today and told me that i have to wait another week and I'm impatient now. read more

I have nothing but good to say about this optometrists, any time i am in need of some new glasses or even sun glasses. Dr gary lee's office is always my first stop. Malessa was kind enough to not only offer me the tinted option on my glasses when i was looking into buying them but also fixed them if they had any little issues all it took was a couple of second to stop by and i was happy with my glasses ! Great optometrists read more

The doctor isn't very friendly or personable. I'm not sure if she's shy or what? Her attitude made me and my family feel like we were bothering her. This is weird because we are a big family of 10, but instead of feeling thankful for the new clients, she didn't appreciate the business. Also, she gets annoyed and impatient with kids, too, just FYI. Also, the staff isn't very friendly or accommodating too. Overall, I'd give it a 1 star for having a decent variety of glasses. read more

I've been coming to this place for years, it's really great, the girls that work there are very nice and very helpful they take real good care of you, they have a lot brands and great frames to choose from and affordable. read more

Been Going to doc Gary since I was 1 1/2 years old and now I am about to be 27 years old they are friendly and nice and they take there time to explain everything they help u find a amazing frames for ur future of ur face love how they are able to work with u in every aspect thank u for another amazing experience can't wait to pick up my new glasses so excited ... an amazing new look at the office looks very nice love the new look read more

Gary A Lee, OD - New look love it - Optometrists Near Me - El Monte, California

Many options to choose from and very helpful and knowledgeable, girl at the front desk was very helpful with the whole process definitely recommend to all my family for any vision care or vision products. My glasses came before the estimated time and were very prompt at Informing me my glasses were in. Thanks again to the staff you will be seeing me again. read more

Horrible customer service, front desk and the other workers has a very bad attitude. They hang up calls or just don't answer phones. Don't go to this eye doctor because you're just wasting your money and time with them. read more

11.11.10: It was time for some new glasses. I made an appointment a couple of days earlier, so I did not expect to really wait that long. Arrived and was greeted by an older woman. She had a very hard time finding my file. It took her about 15 minutes, it was file right but for some reason she kept spelling my last name wrong. I even wrote it down for her. Anyhow, after that I noticed the other girl up at the front barely checked on my insurance. They should have done that before I came. So of course, I waited for that as well. Finally, after 35-45 minutes, it was my turn to just get air blown into my pupils. Next, it was time to see the doctor. I have to say he was very nice and patient. He seemed very detailed explaining things in simple people terms. He gave me a new pair of contacts and it was time to pick out the frames I wanted. It only took me 15 minutes to find the one I really want. Of course, this is not my first time here, my very first time I was shown all the glasses that was covered 100%, and this girl instead showed me all the expensive glasses. Anyhow, I am still happy with my choice. I did not know my full insurance coverage in details but I knew some information. I had a hard time with the girl that was helping me. I wanted to add certain things such as anti-reflective coating. She kept telling its extra for this and for that, and I kept telling her it is covered. She really did not felt like looking fully at my coverage to help me correctly. She just assumed what coverage I had. It was very annoying, I almost felt like telling her, "give me the damn paper and I'll do your job for you". In the end, I paid for very expensive glasses, which cost $240. I paid 160 total including Co pays and lenses with my insurance. Therefore, to spend that much I expected better service. Oh yes, I almost forgot to mentioned how they remind me about picking up my glasses. I was called every other day, and I was given mail to pick up my glasses. Three different people had called me, two I have talked to. The first one told me my glasses are ready. I told her thank you, I will pick it up when I can. She responded, "When will that be?" I said, "When I can". She said, "You need to pick it up as soon as possible", I said "ok, bye". Second time was similar, they were very demanding, as if they were running out of space to hold my glasses. What is their problem? If only yelp had a way to hear the voice msg, they gave me. Very rude and aggressive. Poor Dr Lee, I would not come here again. On my last day there, I picked up my glasses, and Dr Lee helped me in explaining the difference of feeling and seeing through contacts and glasses. He was very helpful, unfortunately he's the doctor, he only checks out your eyes, and once he's done his so call little helpers takes over. read more

The girls working there are really helpful they have great prices a viraety of frames they help you asap been going there for years

Worst receptionists ever. So rude and disrespectful. Unhelpful. Unknowledgeable. You can't even look at the glasses on the wall and see if there's something you're interested, yet one if their friends was just sitting around trying on glasses as if they owned the place. Absolutely the worst. Just avoid if possible. There's many other places that are much better. read more

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! Honestly I don't know where to start. I live in riverside and work in Whittier so I'm not familiar with the area at all. I woke up one morning put my contacts in and one decided to roll back up in my eye. I tried getting it out but it broke in my eye. I put my glasses on and decided I needed to just go to work and I'll try getting it out later. Unfortunately, I was so uncomfortable that I yelped a eye doctor and saw the reviews for Dr. Lee so figured I would give it a shot. I got to the office and just so happens the doctor was still on vacation (staff got the days mixed up) but that was no problem....the girl with the tattoo on her neck (didn't catch her name) ended up getting the rest of the contact out of my eye!! While I was leaving I was in need of a new pair of glasses. I had recently had an appointment by my house but the selection sucked. Not here...I found exactly what I wanted and ended up getting my favorite pair of glasses I've ever had! I'm so excited to have found this office. Thanks to all the girls aT the front for helping me with my experience! I will definitely be back and definitely recommend this office! read more

Gary A Lee, OD - My new Gucci glasses! - Optometrists Near Me - El Monte, California

Been coming here since I was in 4th grade. That's about 12 years! I totally recommend this location. Staff is always great especially Melissa and the elder lady in the front. I miss dr Gary lee but the new dr is just as great too. They will keep having my business. read more

I had a great experience at Lee Eye Care. They were able to get me in for an appointment quickly. The staff were very friendly and attentive, and I had only a short wait time in the office before my appointment. Dr. Kristen Lee did a great job explaining everything and answered all my questions about my changing prescription. Malessa was very helpful, particularly in assisting me in ordering contacts. Overall, a great experience and would recommend this office to friends and family. read more

Really bad service!!! When You call them they hang up on you and they never pick up again girls In front desk are rude they are just on there fone read more

This place was recommended by a friend who's had a good experience here.....Not me! Long story short I ordered my glasses and been going often to tight them and last time I went they ended up sort of burning/scratching the glasses... Sadly staff tried to blame it on me saying how do you clean them? My answer was I use lens cleaning wipes and I just got them 2 months ago.... They made a face ughh then a girl said you can bring them tomorrow to fix them.. Of course they are the ones who ruined them right?! When I picked them up. 8 days after noticed they didn't add the Anti Reflective Coat ... I didn't go back didn't feel like dealing with the moody staff... The only nice ladies there are the old lady and the girl with short hair.... Optometrist is really attentive tho but not going back anymore. read more

This office has great staff members,the receptionist is very friendly has a positive attitude and is always ready to get you started and very welcoming. I highly recommend going in and getting all the information you need and getting the best eye exam you can Get. During the difficult times with Covid-19,they have every responsible guideline needed. They help you in a respectful matter even during Covid but as a patient here for a few years I can honestly say because of Covid I understand why they can't always be behind you to help due to my own health and for the sake of themselves. Don't think all the bad reviews are real. 5 out of 5! read more

They called & called my phone without leaving a message while I was sleeping after working all night. When I returned the call to find out why the connection took half a second to register and I was greeted with, "Dr.'s office...don't call if you're not gonna say nothing! Who is this?!" I explained that they had called repeatedly I was told, "Yeah, well not by me. Who are you?!" I've never been treated that way by a provider or any professional business & if that's how Dr. Lee does business I would recommend going elsewhere. Also, to the receptionist with the attitude, Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut & be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt! Go back to school, your job is to answer a phone...the least you could offer is proper grammar when you're attempting to communicate! read more

This office staff is totally useless and should be replaced while dr still has a practice .it took 3 trips to get a prescription and a 4th trip was planned because prescription was for a different brand. yesterday office was asked if they closed for lunch was told no go to office was closed for lunch today was told dr would be in at 11am called was told now 1 pm person should have discussed with dr and corrected problem or had dr call to fix such a simple thing by the way we have been going to this dr for 25+ years ,no more ,staff is useless we live 20 minutes away so trip round is 40 minutes what a waste read more

I have been going here for years. Dr. Gary Lee & his team are very professional & attentive. They also have done a tremendous job of revamping the inside decor. They also carry a wide variety of styles of frames to choose from & always will to provide suggestions. They and orders come in rapidly. I highly recommend! read more

The best customer service, very friendly receptionist. No long waits fast service . All I have to say this is the place to go it's easy as 1,2,3!!! You won't regret it read more

Staff was very nice and friendly. I came in as a walk-in and Melissa and Cindy were quick to help. i came in for replacement contact lenses and was seen by Dr. Gary Lee promptly. if your looking for a great optometrist and staff, drop bye and and get your exam. read more

Been here coming since i was a child and til this day still a patient of Gary Lee's, staff is great, and love the way the remodeled the inside of the building!:) read more

Clean and staff very helpful and friendly! Glasses are reasonably priced if you go in without insurance.

Been coming to Dr. Lee's for over 10yrs. Love the ladies and customer service... And loving the new renovations... If u need a eye doctor I highly recommend Dr. Gary Lee read more

The same day I posted the review I got a phone call from an employee asking about who the rude worker was. She doesn't work there anymore, it seems. But the person who called me was making suggestions as if she already knew who it was. It made me uncomfortable as I took it to be unprofessional. It meant she had to look up my contact info through their records and that made me uncomfortable too! After this I am sorry to say I wont be returning. Luckily there is another great optometrist closer to my home. read more

I have been coming to Dr. Lee since I was a little girl and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. He has always been very nice and personable. His staff is really helpful and gives great advice when choosing which glasses to pick. Dr. Lee and his team are the best. read more

First time coming here with my daughter referred by my friend, and I loved it! Staff and Doctor were all great and helpful not to mention quick service. Doctor Lee is very thorough and makes you feel comfortable. It's always nice to find a good doctor, and I will highly recommend to friends and family read more

Amazing customer service!!! I've been coming here for years & never once had an issue! The staff is always attentive & have such amazing customer service. They even help out when I'm indecisive on which pair of glasses to pick from all the options they have there!!! Seriously glad I've continued to come here all these years & I don't plan on going anywhere!!! Thank you to all the staff for being so helpful & attentive, you all are the best!!! read more

This place was recommended to me by a friend. I called on a Thursday at 1:50pm to make an appointment and was put on hold for over 20min. I wont be coming here due to horrible customer service, the receptionist was very short and dismissive before putting me on hold. I had high expectations, Dr.Lee should consider hiring an efficient staff. read more