A lady named Lema helped me pick glasses! So nice and helpful! Great overall service, for the exam as well

I'm not going back. Dr Gross has no bedside manner. He asked question while I was answering he started talking and examining me. He gave me a prescription but basically stated IRS not going to work. He asked me the pharmacy I used and while I was answering him he said nevermind and printed it out. The procedure he told me about he didn't explain & when I inquired I was told I'll see you in about 10 days or so. Huh? I went to check out the front desk older lady was ABSOLUTELY USELESS. I asked her if she could send my prescription to the pharmacy I use & I was told he already printed it out. As if she couldn't be bothered to send it to my pharmacy. I asked her about the procedure that I may have to have done and she misused big words as if I didn't know that she had no idea or couldn't be bothered to explain. Needless to say I'm going to inform my insurance company as well. Totally unexceptionable behavior. Some people need to realize that we have choices in life. read more

The entire team at Helm Vision provided me with an exceptional experience. I was absolutely *blown away* at the level of service, quality of care and overall value I received. I wore glasses from age 6 and then switched to hard contacts at 14. At 24, I was prescribed soft (Toric) contacts for astigmatism. My Rx was -7.0 in both eyes with moderate astigmatism (without corrective lenses, I couldn't see my own fingers when I extended my hand at a full arms length). I feared I would not be a candidate for LASIK, but chose to inquire anyway. I chose Dr. Helm, because he is the only Board-Certified Ophthalmologist in my city who has the Allegretto Excimer laser (which is state of the art). Moreover, Dr. Helm has 28 years experience and completed a corneal/refractive surgery fellowship from UCLA. After my initial call to Helm, I was directed to only wear glasses for 2 weeks prior to my initial checkup. Dr. Guan conducted a routine eye exam, but also checked my eye pressure and corneal thickness. (They dilated my eyes which was mildly uncomfortable- (in terms of discomfort, I'd say it was a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10). They touched a small apparatus to my eye which was not uncomfortable, (just unusual). The exam was finished. The entire exam took about 2 hours. I found out a couple of days later that I was a candidate for LASIK. I scheduled my appointment on a Thursday afternoon and was very anxious about the procedure. I worried that something might go wrong, or that I wouldn't be satisfied. (My anxiety level was probably a 9 on a scale of 1-10). Upon checking in on the day of surgery, the staff at Helm were calm and confident. I was given 5mg Valium (which was most helpful). Dr. Helm rechecked my vision and directed me to a waiting area, outside the laser room. I was surprised that there was a window between the waiting area and the operating room. I had the privilege of watching another patient go through the procedure before me. Even though he was quite nervous, I could see that his breathing slowed down after the first eye was treated and I heard him laughing during the second eye. I found this extremely reassuring. When the man sat up, he smiled and I could tell everything went well... I was next... I lied down on the table and my eyelids were shielded and stabilized. Some measurements were taken and then quite a few anesthetic drops were applied to my right eye (my left eye was covered). Dr. Helm placed some ink marks on my cornea and then positioned the microkeratome over my eye. Once the device was in place, I felt a peculiar suction gently tug on my eye as my vision faded to black (it wasn't scary, I was prepared that this would happen). There was absolutely no pain- hardly any discomfort... I sensed the laser shaping my eye and I heard a nurse counting some percentage levels (25%... 50%...) I accidentally moved during the procedure, but the laser tracks the eye 400 times per second. I was asked a few times to reposition. The laser fired for about 30 seconds and then the corneal flap was closed. I could already see perfectly at this time. Dr. Helm applied some kind of bonding to the flap for 60 seconds and then repeated the procedure on my left eye. By this time, I was laughing and realizing how silly I was to have been nervous at all. I tried to give thumbs up gestures to the others in the waiting area to reassure them (everyone was nervous). As I sat up, my vision was slightly cloudy, but already excellent... It only took 10-15 minutes once the procedure started. Until this point I had felt no pain... Absolutely zero... About an hour after the procedure, I tried to sleep at home, but wasn't really able- the anesthetic wore off and I experienced some discomfort- it kind of felt like I was looking at a bright light, even though my eyes were closed. My eyes were tearing a lot and I could only open them for a second or two at a time. (Discomfort level 4 or 5 out of 10). Luckily, it only lasted for 3 or 4 hours. I slept fine (wearing an eye shield) that night. When I awoke, I was immediately euphoric. I had absolutely no discomfort and could see PERFECTLY--- maybe better than perfect.... From my bed, I could look out my window and see amazing detail on hills that were miles away. Crystal clear too. I was elated... I returned for my follow up visit and tested better than 20/20 in both eyes. Why was I ever nervous for this?!? I can't recommend Helm Vision Clinic any better. From start to finish, the entire experience is an A+. read more

My mom taught me to not say anything at all if I can't say something nice. In that spirit, I give the office staff 1 out of 1 stars. They are professional, kind & efficient. The remaining score is 0 out of 4 stars for Dr Gross & the optical staff. My glasses have been sent back 3 times because the prescription is wrong and Dr Gross has actually blamed it on me although I haven't been to opthamology school. I have, though, worn glasses for almost 30 of my 40 years without ever having a problem with a new pair. I think the common denominator is Dr Gross. (Sorry, Mom, if that wasn't nice.) read more

Everyone from the front Desk to the optical techs are very professional and friendly. I have been here more than once and it's always an amazing experience. read more

I tried this optometry since I was new to the area. The doctors are just ok, and on some visits, I feel rushed. As far as the staff office , the manager for the optical department acted put out when I needed help fixing a missing nose pad. When she had none that fit my eyeglasses she supposedly ordered new ones, it's been 3 months and I never received the nose pads to fix the glasses. As for the quality of products, I rate this even lower, I ordered lenses with the highest scratch resistance but these lenses seem to be the worst. I had to replace the lenses twice in a year for scratches. I've been wearing glasses for many years and their lens quality is the worst. read more

I am shocked that I was charged $175.54 to have a contact lens that was stuck in my eye removed. I called and talked to office manager who said they had to do comprehensive exam and use a slit lamp to find foreign body. Lol Let's just say I won't be using this place anymore for my eye needs. The cataract surgery lens one if their doctors installed was also the wrong power. Be aware of the service they provide. read more

Waiting over 2 hours for a dr visit is way too long. Two waiting rooms? Is that supposed to make the wait easier? Then they didn't even bill the correct insurance. I carry vision insurance which they billed for my glasses, but not the exam. For that they billed my medical insurance, which meant They could collect two copays instead of one. Error? Or more money for the office? This place is a factory, not my kind of medicine. I'm looking for a new ophthalmologist. read more

Has been my eye Doc for years. Dr. Helm and his entire staff are beyond a doubt the best. Both cataracts fixed, and after care phenominal.

The entire staff at helm vision group has been very professional and friendly, but a special shout out to the optical department!! Above and beyond to make sure you find what your looking for .. and all working together like a well lubed machine! Lema , Bri , and Ashly all the girls... absolutely amazing how quickly I got my two pairs of glasses great fashion selection, and with a level of service that is priceless read more

I had a great experience with Dr. Craig Helm and his team. I had astigmatisms and poor vision in both eyes. I wore glasses since 8 yrs old. With Dr. Helms help, I decided on Mono Vision, and don't need to wear glasses anymore. It was a smooth and painless procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Craig Helm and the Helm Vision Group. read more

Very unhappy!!!Not only did they move and not notify me but they lost my sons file!! All the new office could do is blame Dr Engn's old staff! If you took on this Dr you should have made sure all files where transferred not just tossed into storage where things get lost! read more

The doctor himself is fine. The issue I had had more had to do with their billing practices and office policy. Like many medical offices these days, the objective of the receptionish is to get as much money as possible from him when you walk in the door. Not only the appropriate co-pay, but also any additional excuse for a charge. In my case we went in for a opthalmologist follow-up, and the Dr Helm happened to do a vision check as well. Instead of billing for the medical portion and the vision portion, they instead billed just the medical, and had us pay in full for the vision check. Why? Because Dr Helm was not accepted or qualified for the vision? No. Because it was not a full and valid eye exam (in addition to the medical portion of the exam)? No. But instead because it is their office policy and Helm chooses not to accept the lower vision coverage payment (rather accept only the full amount from the patient). Next step is to communicate this to vision coverage so that perhaps the entire group gets removed as a provider, post displeasure in any matter possible on the web, and commmunicatre this to all pediatricians, and other doctors that may refer Helm to their patients. I recommend you try anyone else but Helm group for service. Either providers accept the insurance or not - not tweet their policy at every opportunity to overcharge patients and deny them of their coverage. read more

This review is for the eyeglass dept, Maxi Silver is great, she really knows what she is doing, I've worn glasses for 20+ years, but this time there was a minor problem with them, it was not really the prescription, it was hard to describe, they just felt weird to look through, she had them redone to match the curve of my old lenses, who would have known that would make such a difference, somebody experienced like Maxi. Thanks, Maxi!! read more

I took my dad there to get glasses. We've always gone to costco. He got his glasses in 5 days. They were the besy progressives they offer, some digital lenses. They also did a reading pair in office within 20min! Such great service from the moment you walk in. Will tell all my friends! read more

This place was excellent. The doctors were great! I had very little wait time. And when I got my glasses, they didn't really fit correctly. They ended up being too small for me and they replaced my new glasses with the larger size glasses at no cost and very promptly. I am now extremely satisfied with my new glasses. I used to just wear reading glasses and this is the first time I went to wearing glasses all the time and I love them. I love being able to see all the time. Thank you to the great staff and doctors at Helm Vision Group! read more

Dr. Helm is so friendly and caring, as well as, knowledgeable. He not only is this way in the office but also outside of the office. I was in the hospital getting ready to do a biopsy when he appeared and encouraged me with compassion. I know I'm in good hands when I need an eye treatment or a check up. He's also fun! Dr. Helm hires the best people! Everyone in his office is friendly, kind and caring. They all are good at what they do! Lama is patient, knowledgeable and so kind! She has helped me with my glasses in all aspects! It's a process that takes time to choose a pair of glasses and then to get them adjusted to the right and comfortable position! But Lama makes me feel comfortable with this process! I have not felt rushed at all! She cares and wants them right as well! Stacy and Ashley have been wonderful too! They take their time helping to make my glasses right. They explain things very well! I love the people in this office! Thank you Dr. Helm for all that you do to make our eyes the best they can be and for all the precious people you hire to help us!! God bless you all! My husband and I highly recommend the Helm Vision Group! read more

Dr. Helm restored my vision to better than 20/20! My vision before the surgery was very bad. I couldn't pass the DMV vision screening, even with glasses! When I came out of surgery with just the first eye done, it was hard to believe how bright and beautiful the world is. A week later Dr. Helm did the second eye and I really cannot express how wonderful it is to see so clearly! I had very bad cataracts. Dr. Helm put in the Tecnis Intraocular Lens. I went from not being able to read much, even with glasses to being able to read everything without glasses! It's hard to express how grateful I feel to him and his supporting staff. My old Doctor did not want to do this type of lens. So I would have had bright vision but still would have had to wear glasses. I think Dr. Helm is quite brilliant in assessing people and their vision needs, and doing what's best for them. The back office was great and the appointment people wonderful in giving me the appointment times I needed. The insurance people were wonderful in assessing what my insurance would pay. I live in Thousand Oaks and traveled and hour to see him. It was well worth it. I trust Dr. Helm completely and am grateful for his great care! read more

I've been going here for years. Amazing service (Bri is wonderful) and an excellent selection of glasses. I used to go lenscrafters but after coming here I noticed the difference in quality of my lenses. they provide a thinner lens for my super high prescription and they have wider frames for my face. Fantastic place. Definitely recommend read more

All The professionals at this location have taken care of my family and I for many years. My experience with the entire staff has been outstanding. With Bree helping choose a nice frame and explaining in detail all coverages, to Mayra Hernandez and her great smile that is very welcoming and has been exceptional in handling my personal vision problems. I cannot ask for anything more from their professionalism, knowledge and attentiveness to my vision needs. read more

I have worn glasses/bifocals since I was three years old and contacts since I was ten (I am now 32). I was farsighted, had astigmatism, and had an eye turn. I have seen countless optometrists and ophthalmologists over the years and all of them told me that I was not a candidate for laser correction nor would I ever be because of all the things wrong with my eyes. Then I met Dr. Helm. I had little expectations thinking that not all of my problems could be fixed and that I would come out of surgery still needing glasses, at least for the eye turn. I can't tell you what a miracle it is to wake up in the morning, to open both eyes, and to see the world in a way that I have never seen without glasses or contacts. To me it's a miracle and I am grateful for Dr. Helm and his expertise. It has been 8 months since I had the procedure and I am typing this very review with no glasses or contacts, and I am not squinting or shutting one eye to focus! I found Dr. Helm to be very professional and very good at answering all my questions. I felt very confident in his abilities and in his knowledge of my medical condition. He also has the ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. Helm called me the night after my procedure to see how I was doing and I have followed up a few times with his optometrist. I found the staff to be very friendly and the office is clean and organized. I would and have recommended Dr. Helm to my friends and I would not be afraid to do so again. read more

Bri Weilbacher was again so helpful in helping me choose the type and style. She answered all my questions and I felt very well taken care of as I have the last few times that I have obtained glasses read more

The staff of The Helm Vision group is Outstanding... the moment you enter the office you are greeted with a smile. The whole staff is very professional& kind . The waiting time was minimal. Also the person who assisted Me with the options on frames choices was so helpful Thank You ... As a follow up to my first review Would like to complement Bri Weilbacher Very professional and courteous. Went into the office to pick up my glasses Bri smiled and asked if she could help. Bri took the extra step to make sure my glasses were adjusted correctly and that I happy with the fit. Bri is a great asset to your office. read more

This is the best optometry office in SC! The doctors are great, wait times are short, my prescriptions are always perfect, they have an awesome selection of frames, and the girls that assist in finding frames and fittings are so nice and helpful! I would highly recommend! read more

I love Helm Vision Group!!! First off, the staff here is amazing. From the girls in the front, to the doctors, to the people who helped me pick my glasses, everyone is so nice and friendly. Dr. Guan is the greatest!!! They are way better than my previous eye doctor, Santa Clarita Valley Eye Center, as they were able to correctly diagnose my prescription and give me the correct power contact lenses (the other doctor didn't). They have such a great selection of glasses too! I love my new ones !!! read more

Today I had an appointment to see an Ophthalmologist, when I check in it seem okay but as I look back they were not welcoming at all. I noticed they have eyeglasses so I asked the technician if I can also get my eye check for possible new glasses.. She said she will have the front desk to check my coverage, then she came back and said I have no insurance coverage. When I went to the front desk the three personnel stared at me with darts and made me feel like a liar and that I do not know what I am talking about. They were simply rude and did not want to help. So I said I will call Vision Center instead to get my eye check for new glasses. Eventually one of the front desk personnel came up to me and confirmed that I do have Insurance coverage but their shop is not approved. She apologize but it was too late they already made it clear they do not want my business. When I saw the Dr. and all is well he said he wants to see me in one year and I said I will never ever come back to this office. I said I have never been so humiliated and they never seem to care. I know I am new customer to their office but they certainly never made me welcome. I urge anyone to who looking for an Ophthalmologist is to search for other doctors instead. Helm Vision Group definitely made it clear to me that they not want my business and that they do not care. So sad, but there loss. No one should be treated poorly as they did me. There are other doctor office out there, DO NOT DO business with these people. read more

I have known Craig Helm for more than 15 years. I wore glasses for over 30 years. I am a successful LASIK patient who has has 20/20 vision for more than 9 years. Just recently, my wife has cataract surgery and she now has 20/20 vision. To all those looking for a successful eye surgery, Craig Helm is the best! Wouldn't trust anyone else in the business. Pain free and quick., honest and trustworthy, a caring person. Thanks doc! read more

I want to clarify that my issue with Helm Vision Group was primarily with the billing practices there. Following my Yelp review I got a message from Dr. Helm that he was interested in what was going on with my situation and would like to talk to me. I appreciated him reaching out and showing that in fact he does care about his patients. I feel Dr. Helm provides good quality care, unfortunately they have gotten a bit out of the price range I can afford. read more

It was my first time getting glasses and I came to helm vision. They had an amazing selection of glasses. The opticians were so helpful and knowledgeable. I got my glasses in 20min! Great customer service. I will be coming back here in the future for my eye care. Thank you! read more

I was always a little sketchy about having lasik done. I didn't even enjoy putting contacts in. It turns out lasik was the best decision I have made. The staff was super helpful and courteous especially to my 3yr old daughter who went with me to the consultation. I was extremely well treated every step of the way. Dr. Helm was super personable and he and his staff made eye surgery as comfortable as it could be. Being able to see 20/20 less than 16hrs after surgery and after 15yrs wearing glasses is indescribable. I almost look forward to my appointments. I would give Helm Vision's staff a 6th star if it was an option! read more

Dr Helm is the best eye doctor in Santa Clarita, he is very thorough and he treats you like you are a friend rather than just a patient. I had LASIK done with Dr Helm and was amazed at the results. I fell on my face and broke my glasses and when I called to schedule my LASIK they squeezed me in and I had almost no downtime without my glasses. He has an extremely warm personality and I would never go to anyone else......thank you Dr. helm! read more

I am new to Helm Vision. I needed an eye exam and new glasses. I was able to get an appointment the week that I called. I didn't have to wait long to be seen as I was happy to browse their huge selection of frames while a waited.Lema in optical was super helpful and gave me a few ideas on frames before I saw the Dr. I was seen by Dr. Engn and he was great. My exam was easy and painless. I then met with Lema again and she had many styles of frames waiting for me. She was so helpful and I got glasses and sunglasses that I am very happy with. If you are looking for an office that has everything this is the place to go. read more

An overall amazing experience, the entire staff in all areas exceeded my expectations.. I needed a complete eye exam and new contacts. Dr. Chua was great in guiding me through the process. She helped ensure I had the right prescription and also helped me into a pair of back up glasses. The optical team was also great - I needed help picking a pair that I liked and the entire team made me feel comfortable with my final selection. They are also very good at knowing the in's and out's of insurance coverage and helped me maximize my benefits since I was getting glasses and contacts. I love the "text" feature that lets you know when the order is in. I recommend this group, you can't go wrong. read more

From the Doctors to the girls (Bri & Stacy) in the eyewear dept. everyone is extremely friendly & very professional!!! Personally I think Bri & Stacy deserve a raise!!! read more

My first time. Waited two hours before being seen, doctor was switched. Doctor walked in at 5:15 pm, looking agitated. I said something is wrong with one of my eyes. Instead of looking at the picture of eye first, he went straight to trying glasses. At 5:45, he asked to dilate my eyes. How could he start working on prescription without even looking at eyes first? Will not go back. read more

My experience wasn't the best. I did hours of research to find a LASIK surgeon here in CA I felt I would like to meet with for a consultation (hey you only have one set of eyes). I chose Helm Vision Group as one to meet with due to not only their Yelp reviews but also they're medical reviews and accolades. I called today to schedule a consultation and while the woman I spoke with was quite kind and polite, she wouldn't schedule me for a consultation. I was asked if I wear glasses or contacts. I told her both, but primarily contacts. She stated I would need to be without them for two weeks. I explained that for my job, that's not an option. I'm not allowed to wear glasses. She stated it was in order to get an accurate measure of the thickness of my corneas. I then tried to explain that I have been diagnosed with abnormally thick corneas, so I would like to at least do a consultation and meet with the surgeon. I was told no. The other surgeons I've consulted with had no problem with meeting with me if I went two days prior without contacts. All have been willing to sit down and talk with me, none were surgeons at those scary discount places. I had chose this as my third consultation because when it comes to my eyes I will not settle. While I appreciate that they want to do their best, and as such have standards in place, I do not appreciate the total disregard for even being willing to meet with me face to face. After all, that is what a consultation is partly for. One of my top concerns is finding a doctor willing to listen to me and treat me as an individual. I was not given that respect here. I'll be having my surgery with Durrie Vission in Overland Park KS. They're consistently ranked as top in the nation, they were fantastic during my consultation, and restored my fathers vision from severe cataracts. They are so well loved that they frequently treat patients from out of town, and have the process streamlined to help you schedule all appointments at once. They're worth the trip in my opinion, especially after my interaction with Helm Vision. read more

Absolutely FANTASTIC staff, beautiful and comfortable office, and excellent doctors. From the time I walked though the door, until I left, I was treated like a VIP. In particular, Myshelle went out of her way to make ordering and fitting glasses painless and comfortable. I am not easily impressed with medical offices, but I certainly am with this one! Don't go anywhere else for eye care---Helm Vision Group is all you need. read more

I had cataract surgery about 6 weeks ago and all went well.In the following weeks after surgery Helm vision did a couple more eye exams which showed I needed a different eye glass prescription from prior to the surgery. I attempted to get just lenses from them in frames that I already had but since they were Oakleys they had to be sent directly to Oakley and the cost was excessive @ $434.00 just to change the lenses. I decided to just get the written prescription from Helm but they wanted to charge me $80 for a prescription that I feel my Ins. company already paid for. IMHO this is way out of line & border line illegal. I am very disappointed with this group since I had the surgery with them and they decide to add additional charges on top of all the expense of the cataract surgery. Obviously I will not be returning to Helm and surely would not recommend them to anyone. read more

This place is nothing short of amazing! Everyone was extremely helpful,friendly and, professional. It took me a while to find the perfect pair due to the large selection. With help from Bri, Maxi, Lama and ,Stacy I am now able to see clearly ... in style! read more

Maxi and Chad went above and beyond the call of duty to provide me with the best experience ever!! I will never go anywhere else for my vision needs! read more