It says everything about the trust I have in Dr Wong that I flew from Michigan to La Jolla to get my eye inflammation diagnosed/helped during the Covid crisis. He, and his stellar staff (Hi Katie!) went above and beyond any threshold to help me during this really upsetting time. I received a diagnosis in short order as well as focus on causal effects and plan building to handle this systemic inflammation. Dr Wong's knowledge, skills, kindness and a ton of patience made what truly was an anxious time much more bearable and even fun. You can't go wrong with Dr Wong. Hugs to all in his oasis clinic. Got great sunglasses while there, too! :-) read more

Had a really great experience here today with Sarah helping me out to get some new glasses, something I had been putting off for way too long. She was patient and knowledgeable. GW has so many great frames to pick from! 2-3 week turn around till I get my new glasses seems a little long. Just glad I got them ordered. read more

GW Eye Associates - Optometrists Near Me - La Jolla, California

Eye exam was $464 dollars, all of my insurance was used on this appointment taking off $250 leaving me with a remaining balance of $251. Extremely expensive, tacked on additional services with out mention including glasses exam for $150 and retinal photoes for $39. Most expensive service I have ever gotten, had to email multiple times to get an itemized bill. All my insurance benefits are out and this doesn't even include the price of the contacts. Front desk left me on hold until I hung up. Never going back. read more

Doctor(s) are great and quality of care is good. Like others have mentioned below, prices are shockingly expensive and insurance doesn't seem to cover nearly as much as it does at other competitors....hmm... The 2nd issue is their supply chain. Contact's take forever to be delivered to the store. If they say 2 weeks, assume it's a month. Care and expertise is great but when it comes to pricing, insurance and supply chain, there is definitely a bit of a sketchy feel with the operation. read more

My family has been going to GW Eye Associates for years and we were happy with the service until the past year. Months ago, I showed up for a regular check-up appointment and, after waiting for about 15 minutes and noticing that so many people were waiting that there wasn't anywhere to sit, I asked how long the wait would be and was told they were running about 45 minutes behind - so I left and didn't go back for several months. A few weeks ago, I went in for a check-up again and was quoted $855 for new glasses, which I cannot afford. Since then, I've requested a copy of my prescription 4 times and still have not received it. I also can't get a return phone call. Unfortunately, my family will now be looking for a new eye doctor. read more

Insist on an UPFRONT WRITTEN ESTIMATE with these folks. Good optometry services EXCEPT Dr. Wong consistently RENEGES on his VERBAL PRICE ESTIMATES with me. I'm told the bill is paid in full then each time, I later get an invoice with an extra "MYSTERY" charge. There's no breakdown, no explanation, no code for the extra charges. The office manager said she can NOT explain them, and said no one is available to explain them. Because there's no explanation, it's impossible to tell if you're being double billed, or being billed for a service not provided, or if they're reneging on a discount. The amounts vary widely, and I pay for the services myself upfront so there is NO INSURANCE involved. read more

Never stepping foot there again. I went to see Dr Wong to update my prescription and buy two new frames on sept 6th. Everything was ultra expensive as usual. When one if the frames were ready almost 3 weeks later the prescription was wrong. I sent the glasses back and it took until now (december!) to get the glasses back. Nobody called me to update, or explain. When I asked for a refund they denied. And guess what? The prescription is still not great. I do not recommend. Lots of frills, and bad optometry as well as customer service. I will not be returning. read more

This place is a total rip off. I'm so mad at myself for paying so much for the most cheap little pair of glasses. Not only did they forget to put in my order (which I spent forever there getting taken care of) but then they lied and made up some excuse about why they were over a month late. Now, it's like the lenses have no prescription. I sent them an email letting them know how terribly disappointed I was in the glasses, the the dr guy called me back and left me a voicemail. I called him back and left a voicemail thanking him for reaching out and to please call me back. Never heard from him again. Save your money! Go to LensCrafters. This place is a scam. read more

Was visiting San Diego for the weekend and forgot my contacts. Rachel helped me quickly get some to hold me Over for the trip! She was so lovely!! Thanks Rachel! read more

Took my AO aviator in for a replacement screw. Super happy with their work. Five stars.

This place is a complete scam. They up sold me on so many lens features that were completely unnecessary to the point where my glasses were unusable. These lenses cost me thousands of dollars and, when I brought them back to be fixed, the office ghosted. Stick with Warby Parker. I don't care about the expensive lenses, I just want them to work. Warby has never disappointed me. read more

I have been coming here now for three years and it's always a great experience. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They have a great selection of glasses and sunglasses. The doctor is very knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. I cannot say enough great things about this place. Thanks so much for the awesome customer service today Rachel. read more

While visiting from out of town I lost one of the bridge support pads from my bifocal glasses and the metal support was digging into the bridge of my nose. Walked into the store without appointment and explained to Rachael my dilemma. She asked if I could wait a few minutes and returned soon with 2 new pads and spent another 5 minutes helping adjust them perfectly. When I asked the cost she said no charge "we're here to help the community". Thanks for the excellent service and great attitude. Plus, if anyone is shopping for glasses the displays seemed to have endless choices. read more

I was told my insurance is "terrible and doesn't cover anything". Now I know "anything" is what they determine. Was charged $1,257 for 2 sets of lenses. However, despite my "terrible" insurance, Wong went ahead and billed my insurance $870. Not the $1,257 he charged my Visa. Received the insurance statement today, and insurance covered $190 stating "patient not legible for custom lenses". Not the statement from Wong, of "terrible" insurance. Wong and his billing clerk, Phil, didn't bill insurance because the stream of tests he runs aren't legitimate to screening or diagnosing. Insurance law in California clearly states: "Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for the payment of a loss is guilty of a crime . . . ". Which is why Wong charges patients a different amount than he bills insurance. The problem is Wong doesn't disclose that insurance will not cover the tests. This is a fraudulent business. Thank goodness for social media and licensing boards. I encourage everyone to call out Wong's ill-conceived patient care practices. read more

These people have no clue what they are doing. They had all the information about my insurance but did not understand what they paid. The first time I went there they told me what I owed and I paid it. The next time I went they told me what I owed and I paid it. One year later they billed me an extra $49.60 even though I paid them everything they told me I owed. They cost me 3 times more than any other optometrist has ever charged me. I personally think they are crooks. Why did it take them a year to tell me I owed more money from a year before. I will never ever go back to them again! read more

The billing department still deserves a 1 star rating. They have not responded to the calls and emails from my now former insurance company, as well as my work provided advocate program. They have been paid TWICE and are refusing to refund me my money. Shows how professional they are. It's been 3 years with all this back and forth! read more

Dr. Wong has been the most helpful doctor! During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to help me find a solution for my ongoing medical issue (I suffer from strong and frequent headaches - after exhausting all other resources, including my primary care and neurologist, Dr. Wong was able to solve the problem). I called him one day and provided my medical history and he looked at the prescription he had on file (see his brother usually at Wink located in Solana Beach). He advised that since I work on the computer for an extended period of time, he could adjust my 'distance' prescription to accommodate computer working and add blue light protection to help alleviate the headaches. He didn't even make me come into the office during the pandemic, instead FaceTiming me to discuss and pick out the frames, sent them via priority mail. I have to say it's been about two weeks since receiving the glasses and I haven't had a headache!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU DR. WONG, you have truly improved my life and so fortunate to have worked with you on such a QUICK solution with no hindrance due to COVID-19. read more

The ladies in this store just repaired my sunglasses. They were very professional and friendly. I would strongly recommend this business.

My partner is always on the lookout for better optical places. We miss our place that we went to in Chicago who personally handled all our glassess and contacts. The place was called Contacts and Specs. I saw some reviews online in Chicago about it later but our experience was always great. Igor the owner always took care to make sure that the glass frames you chose fit your face. I would give that place 5 stars. However, back to the new place. So my partner goes to G.W. Eye associates and gets his glasses here. He has good insurance coverage so he is entitled to more than I have (we both have VSP). So he had seen them for eye exam and was taking me with him to help choose frames and sort out what he is eligible for. He chose great frames, Drs. Wong were the optometrists who did all kinds of eye tests (both optometrists are brothers). So he gets his glasses sooner than expected and they are great. Here is my story, excellent service, attention to detail. I went for an eye exam and I had more tests than when I went to the opthamologist for my yearly exam (related to the diabetes). Nothing major wrong except my eyes are now getting old and I needed bifocals. I just spent a tremendous amount of money on 2 new glasses last year which are fine but now I need bifocals or progressives as they call it now. Well Wendy is the frame consultant, so we sit and look at various frames and make judgements on which looks good on me. I am really delighted on the attention to detail. After several choices being narrowed to one, I just keep agreeing (not Wendy's fault- I am sucker for great service- I would have given my kidney). Wendy then adds up the cost and whoa! its almost more than I spent last year on my glasses (2 of them). My VSP plan only calls for frames every 2 years so I had to pay that out of my own pocket as well as the lenses. Of course this is when I should have said maybe not this one, do you have anything cheaper. But no! I say okay, can I charge that...Stupid me. The good news is that the glasses are great. The bad news more debt ----see Bloomie's shopping last Sat----. Overall - This place is great. Warning, if you cannot afford it, let them know so they can help find something in your price range and not be shocked after you have chosen the frame. read more

Thanks to YELP I found this place and am so glad I did! I walked in to shop for new glasses and they had quite a few frames to choose from (I had my eye exam elsewhere). If you let them know what your budget is they can really help you narrow it down. I walk in, the receptionist makes a copy of my perscription, and walks me over to their showcase of glasses. He introduces me to the lady that'll be helping me and in a few minutes (after she wraps it up with her customer) she comes over asking me what kind of frame I want, yada yada. We grab about 10 frames and sit to try them on. I go over the first few and notice more girls come over. I couldn't decide between 3 pairs and I can't tell you how nice it was to have so many opinions! Everyone was super friendly and they all helped me narrow down my choice (there was absolutely no pressure either). The price for some of the frames are more than others, but if you have a budget, let them know and they'll totally work with it. read more

They are a good looking operation. Do not get a second opinion though after you choose this location, and if you do, do not let them know you got a second opinion. They will make you feel pretty inferior if you do tell them. Prices are pretty high for glasses as well. Services are pretty expensive as well. Even with insurance. Just be aware before you go. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Gordon Wong for five years. I find him to be intellectually curious, skilled in his craft, and personable. In addition to annual eye exams for my 12- and 10-year-olds, he has helped me mitigate eye styes. During COVID-19, he has converted his outdoor courtyard into a waiting area so patients can go directly into a private exam room from fresh air! read more

Great service, easy to schedule an appointment, and it's near my place of work! The staff is extremely kind and helpful. They fit my glasses to my face even though I didn't order through them and are always available if I need to come in for any urgent treatment. I would recommend this place to all of my friends! read more

If you want the best I highly recommend GW Eye Associates. Dr. Wong provides an exceedingly thorough eye examination, the staff are caring professionals, and the environment is simply elegant and welcoming. I and my family feel most fortunate to be under his care. You will know immediately that he does not consider you just another patient--that he cares about you as a person and wants to give you the best possible results. What a find! R. E. Brown, May 22, 2020 read more

For 10 years, I have gotten excellent routine service and care from both Wildon and Gordon Wong at their 2 locations. Additionally, they quickly and efficiently handled an emergency situation I had and even helped me solve a problem with glasses purchased elsewhere (lesson learned!) Highly recommend! read more

I am a dissatisfied customer because of billing and misleading statements by both Janessa and Dr. Wong. On Saturday Dec. 11, 2021 I sent Janessa my insurance cards and asked if my appointment would be covered, and was told "yes", based on that I made an appointment for Dec. 23, 2021 I would not have made the appointment had I been told there would be extra charges. After my appointment Dr. Wong asked me for $75 and that would be returned after it went through insurance, which it was not! You're later billing stated that was for refraction, which you did not tell me when you asked for the money nor did you say there would be extra charge for doing refraction before doing it. Your employee and you both had my insurance info almost 2 weeks before my appointment and failed to tell me at any point that there would be extra charges. This treatment is either bait and switch or unethical which ever you prefer to call it. read more

If you're one of those people who likes being fawned over and lied to by people who are offering a commoditized service at about five times its value, you will LOVE this place. But if you want solid, competent service from people who are not violating the Federal Trade Commission's Practice Rules ("Eyeglass Rule", see http://www.optometry.ca.gov/lawsregs/eyeglass-pript.pdf), go elsewhere. Here is my story: I had left my contact lenses in Chicago and needed new ones, but the woman at the shop told me this was no simple matter. Under California law, I would need a complete exam -- at a rate of more than $250 -- to get new lenses. Now, we all know that contact lens exams these days are usually free if you buy a year's supply of lenses, but she informed me that this was a very dangerous practice, and that California law required either a new exam or a fax from my Chicago eye doctor. So, I called my Chicago doctor (who is affiliated with Custom Eyes on Southport, if you are looking for good service). He had never heard of such a law (he said an e-mail usually suffices), but he wrote up a prescription and sent it over. Two days later, GW Eye Associates couldn't find it, so he sent a new one. This time, GW informed me that it wasn't properly signed. "California law is very strict in this matter," their sales manager explained. "It must be signed and dated and clearly legible. This one has a smudge and no signature." When I told her that I was growing skeptical of this law's existence, she became quite huffy. "WE always follow the law," she insisted. "I'm sure you can find some chain store that will cut corners, but they are also endangering your vision!" I was again advised to come in for an exam, but instead called Custom Eyes. They then sent a signed copy... but GW now told me now it must be reviewed by management... this is oh, so complicated... it's all for my own good... they have a REPUTATION to uphold... four hours later, they called me back to say that, because this was a special situation, they would honor the signed letter and sell me lenses for $10 each. By then, however, I had done some research and learned of the Eyeglass Rule I allude to above. It's clearly explained on the California Board of Optometry's web site (http://www.optometry.ca.gov/lawsregs/eyeglass-pript.pdf). GW Eye Associates doesn't follow the law -- they make the law up. It's a shame, because they do seem like the kind of father-and-son boutique that I like to support, and they may actually be OK for high-end glasses. Pity they're such lying snots. read more

I was incredibly disappointed with my experience at the practice of Dr. Wong. As a college student, I felt that it would be much more convenient to stay local with a new optometrist closer to school, rather than travel to LA every time I needed an appointment. I found the practice here on Yelp, was encouraged by the reviews, and decided to give it a shot. The practice is great-looking, and the staff was very helpful. My other optometrist always made sure to outline the costs of procedures, lenses, contacts, etc. before getting to work, which I appreciated. I asked before the exam to make sure it was covered by insurance, which I was informed it was. Because my prescription had changed, however, I was asked to try a new pair of contact lenses. I had no clue that this would cost me just over $90, here however. My old optometrist NEVER charged me for trying out lenses, and I was always given a 10% discount on my purchases, even before rebates. I would have at least expected the courtesy of a mention before I was asked to pay, up front. As a college student literally taking out loans of about $9,000 per year since I can't pay it with my own meager paycheck, this threw me under the bus pretty quickly. I find that as soon as I chose to go back to my old optometrist, the staff at GW was reluctant to send over my new prescription, and had to ask them to do so SEVERAL times each day to get the information. A very nasty way of doing business, in my opinion. I hope others take caution before jumping in on Dr. Wong's practice. Guard your checkbook carefully! read more

Dr. Wong was kind enough to see me, an out-of-towner, on the day after Thanksgiving. I had lost my glasses and really needed new ones for the remainder of our trip! Dr. Wong was friendly and knowledgeable. He helped me pick out frames I love, and he made the glasses in his on-site lab in less than an hour! It was remarkable customer service. The final cost was more than I would pay at a mall place, but less than the boutique near my home in northern California. Absolutely worth it. Good-looking eyeglasses, fast, from a thoughtful and calm professional. He saved our vacation. read more

First the positive things: Nice charming location, easy parking. Gordon Wong is a wonderful doctor. He will take the time to explain issues in as much detail as you wish. He is never rushed. He is thoughtful. He is kind. Five stars for Dr Wong. However, this experience was overwhelmed by the negatives. My only desire was to get a replacement pair of glasses that were at least as good optically as my current pair which have a damaged frame. The first pair of glasses made for me were worse in far vision than wearing not wearing glasses at all. They remade the glasses, but I was then unable to see a computer screen without tilting my head way back. That was fine, I am patient. I am willing to try again but what was annoying was how aggressive the sales people got with me basically saying I did not understand how glasses worked and implied that I was lying when I said that my current glasses functioned perfectly both in distance and for computer and for reading. They said that was impossible. Instead of making it right their approach was to try to bully me into taking a pair of $1000 glasses that were clearly not functional for me. For this last reason, I cannot recommend this store. This is very sad as it should be very easy to give good customer service as that is really the only thing they have to offer in what has essentially become a commodity business with lots of options both online and in the mall. La Jolla needs a good place to buy glasses, but the glass fulfillment part of this establishment is, to me, is in need of a makeover. read more

Greeting - nicely done but initial exam assistant did not introduce herself or call me by name. Filling out forms - a few on paper, the rest done with automated touch screen which was mcuh faster. Exam process - Meeting with Dr. Wong - went well. Explained the new equipment and what its purpose is. After additional test, discussed state of my vision. Post exam meeting with Tammy - she presents well but did not have a full break down of what my insurance would pay as compared to the glasses, lenses etc available for sale. they had on hand. Had to ask for receipt with list of services. Post Exam - no written summary of today's results to take with me or test results only verbal analysis. Something on paper to take with me would have been better. Paid $85 out of pocket as that is how much they are over the coverage amount. This information you must find out a head of time. Post Exam - parking - when I arrived, no one at the parking booth and open to park. When I left, attendant on duty who asked me to go back up to the office and get validation. I was not offered any parking valuation upon entering or leaving the offices. Prices of the lenses and frames are high. Overall a good experience but just a few adjustments would make the place a top notch professional eye care service. read more

Great place with great staff! Janessa was so sweet and so helpful on a last minute request. I would recommend this place to anyone in the San Diego area. read more

I'm new to La Jolla and so surprised by the negative reviews--it's as if we went 2 separate places. I've been to the office 3 times and all staff was always professional and courteous. I love Dr, Gordon Wong, a charming expert. He thoroughly examined my eyes then walked me through the process of new contact lenses and glasses. When they arrived, the glasses weren't quite right and they very businesslike about having them remade. I am very pleased on all counts and will definitely return to Dr. Wong in a year. read more

I decided to try out GW Eye Associates based off of the yelp reviews (and their ability to accept VSPN insurance), and it was absolutely fantastic! I was a walk-in client on a Saturday afternoon and they started helping me right away, explaining all the different options I had with patience and clarity. They also definitely didn't pressure me into buying anything / upgrading my procedure which is nice because other places can be really pushy. The eye exam was actually fun because the girl who helped me was really nice, nothing was uncomfortable, and they have this crazy machine that avoids eye dilation (and takes 30 seconds to use). Dr. Wong was super friendly and considerate; he analyzed my work/exercise/sleep habits and decided on what kind of contact I should use. He carried out the exam with super-human like speed while training one of his associates and talking to me about UCSD. The lady who helped me pick out glasses even saved us from a parking ticket but asking if we were in 2 hour parking. Talk about being considerate! She was super quick in picking out glasses that looked good on me and they had a TON of brands to choose from (and very high-end/exotic brands for low prices, like another yelper said). Anyways, it was an absolutely perfect experience from start to finish. I've found my new optometrist! read more

Gonna start going to a new doctor at this point. Second checkup in two years they've tried to up my prescription and I've had to go back again to bring it back down because my eyes never adjusted and it's still not right. As someone who's gone to both locations, the staff in Del Mar are not very helpful either. They def want you to buy their glasses and wouldn't communicate with me when I requested my prescription for Warby Parker. Moving on. read more

My husband and kids were driving from LA to La Jolla. Halfway to La Jolla we realized we forgot the kids contact lenses (we are going snorkeling, kayaking, swimming). I called optometrists in La Jolla in a panic. The other one in town referred me to GW Eye associates because they said GW Eye carries more contact lenses in stock! I got my optometrist in L.A. to fax my kid's prescription. GW Eye gave us a box of the trial contacts for free. They were very kind to help out a non-customer! Very grateful for their kind help. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this office. I woke up with a very painful eye infection, and found GW from a quick search online. They were (thankfully) able to squeeze me in that morning. The office itself is very nice and the front desk help was SO friendly and caring. I saw Dr. Wong shortly after I arrived. I have seen over 5 optometrists in the past two years, and each one dismisses my eye problems with a simple diagnosis of "dry eyes" and sends me on my way with lubricating eye drops. Dr. Wong was incredibly knowledgeable, and rather than giving me a "quick fix", he actually sat down with me to make a long term game-plan for the rehabilitation of my eyes. In addition I actually got a real diagnosis and medicated drops that cleared up my infection within a couple of days. Dr. Wong asked that I call him the next morning to let him know how my eyes were healing, just in case I had to come back to take a different approach. (I have never had an eye doctor care that much)! As if all of that was not enough, Dr. Wong also put me in contact with a great laser eye surgery clinic, because I had mentioned I was very interested in the procedure. He even made a special call and got me seen the very next day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place... especially if you want to see an optometrist who actually CARES about the health of your eyes!!!! read more

My mom called me from Palm Springs (where she lives) in tears that she thought she was going blind :( Turns out she has what's called "floaters" this is something that is common with the aging process. My mom and I went to an Eye Dr off Washington St wont say her name but it was AWFUL. Fast food medical care that's for sure. My mom said "forget this lets go and we walked out." Then my mom said "lets go do Dr Wong." I said "where is he located?" "La Jolla" she says.. (Eye roll) of course it is....My mom loves to go the most expensive places lol. Well let me tell you this, it was worth every penny and more. $250 for a FULL comprehensive eye exam, with state of the art (or so it looked!) technology. Dr. Wong despite us doing a same hour/same day rushed in appointment due to the fear my mom had that something horrific was going on-took over an hour with us explaining delicately to my mom what was going on. He is so so professional, courteous, kind and intelligent. I cannot say how grateful I am to Dr Wong for caring fro my mom so empathetically, and with such compassion. I do not think that this was even "forced" behavior I just think Dr Wong is an awesome DR. My mom has/had tearing of her vitreous which causes these constant spider webbed floaters in her one eye. It has been over a week now that she has had them but thankfully her retina has no damage. We do have to go back in 4 weeks to make sure it is still ok. Dr Wong did not even have to dilate my moms eyes (which she was freaked out about) he has this awesome camera that takes a microscopic level photograph of the eyes. Dr Wong explained everything to us and actually showed her eyes on a screen it was incredible. I really cannot say enough great things about Dr Wong, a true class act- fantastic DR. Highly recommend. I will be going to see him for all my own future eye exams too now. THANK YOU! read more

I went into this store to buy a pair of Maui Jim glasses. At first I was greeted by a sales associate who was very friendly. I picked out two pairs of Maui Jim that I was interested in. Then all of a sudden an older lady with glasses barged in and said I know more about Maui Jims and insisted on taking over. She was obviously an owner or manager as the sales associate cowered to her rampage. This manager then proceeded to "put my Maui Jim picks back in the display". I asked a question about the color of the fames and she got me a Maui Jim book and said everything is in here. Instead of buying Maui Jim, I was treated like one of the many homeless, left the store and jumped in my Aston Martin and went to another store. DON'T SHOP HERE! read more

Ok, so I am not one to choose a doctor online but since I am from NY and my primary doctors are there too, I went out on a limb and it was a winning shot! These guys were AMAZING! I read the reviews and was very skeptical because it's a doctor and also, its my eyes, but I liked what everyone had to say to I am adding to the list of 5 STAR's! I called in the early morning and I had an emergency with my eyes, what turned out to be pink eye! They said could I be there at 9am, it was 8:15am when I called, and I was like sure. I arrived at the office, which was relatively easy to find (lots of off street parking in La Jolla) and went in. Like everyone else said, the Front Desk was fantastic. They were attentive, remembered I was the one who called, well hey it was 45 minutes ago, and asked for my id and gave me a form. Now.....you would expect about a 30 to 45 minute wait as a new patient in a doctors office from the time you re-submit that lovely form of who is your emergency contact, etc. I was in an office in 15 minutes....again, stunned! Dr. Wong was just great. Polite, knowledgeable, asked me questions and was not like a CVS, minute clinic drill. For the record, I have worn glasses for more then 15 years and contacts for 10! This was not my first rodeo. In all those years, I have not had a doctor's experience go like that ever! I have found my new eye doctor in California. read more