My latest visit was with Dr. Tran. They are very down-to-earth, direct, and clear.  Wonderful communicator. Offered insights I had not heard before. They forgot one item and called me to make sure they communicated it to me.  Good work! I highly recommend Helmus Optometry. My wife and I have been going for years and we appreciate the service, the great communication, and the attention to our health. Thanks read more

They are extremely patient w me and my contact lenses order. It was my first time there so I was clueless.

From the moment I called in to schedule my appointment I have had nothing but fantastic customer service form the front desk team to seeing Dr Tran to pinking out frams. Dr. Tran was very knowledgeable took her time answered all my questions. The Optican Jessica was also amazing and give me lots of advice and helped me pick the right frames that I just fell in love with I'm very excited to get my new glasses and will be returning. read more

I'm so happy with my new optometrist! My experience of booking the appointment was disappointing (the woman on the phone sounded snobby and made things way more difficult than they needed to be) but I'm really glad I gave them a chance anyway. Once there in person I found everyone to be friendly and helpful. The doctor was thorough and personable. The woman who helped me pick out my glasses treated me like her best girlfriend, in a good way. She also helped me figure out how to save a lot of money and still get what I wanted. I'm recommending them to everyone! read more

Helmus Optometry - Optometrists Near Me - Davis, California

I have been going to Helmus for years (abt 18years) but the past 4 years has made me second guess if I will continue to go. It went from family friendly to a commercial typical optical office feel. On top of that, I absolutely do NOT like all the text messages and emails I am sent for reminders and feedback. My calling in for an appointment is my telling the office that I made a commitment to go. One reminder the day before I can understand but a text to confirm the appointment I just made, then another a day before to confirm yet again then a reminder day of then another thanking me for the visit and please give feedback....too much. Please go back to family friendly and knowing your patients instead of the hello take a number type place. Feels really weird to give this feedback for a place my kiddos grew up going to and now they are adults :( read more

Paid $200 just for lens replacement and they wouldn't even give me a case for my glasses when I picked them up bc I didn't buy their frames. Won't be recommending this place. Do better. read more

I barely filled out the intake paperwork and my name was already called. The technology the use and how smooth this office runs is exceptional. Relaxing and very thorough exam and discussion. Highly recommended. read more

I stand by my constructive criticism of this business. The proprietor has responded twice. Once (see my previous review) in public in which she seems to blame the customer. Once, in a private email, she has a very different attitude. Her email of 1/2/20 at 5:11PM is quoted in its entirety: "Dear William, I am writing to apologize on behalf of the optician who initially ordered the wrong temple length for you glasses. She is no longer working here. I would be frustrated if this happened to me as well. This is a detail-oriented business and I will continue to focus on recruiting competent staff and training my team so we can avoid situations such as these in the future. I understand you wish to pursue eye care services elsewhere, so I've compiled your exam data and have attached the chart notes here for your convenience. Please let me know if I can assist you in any other way. Sincerely, Dr. Julie Helmus, OD Helmus Optometry (530) 758-2122" read more

I accidentally broke the side of my glasses and needed to get it fixed right away. However, Helmus Optometry were able to repair it right away. Shakir was able to fix it in less then 4 minutes and it was free of charge! The staff was also very nice and welcoming, not to mention the free salami and crackers :) read more

I have been going to Helmus Optometry for a few years now but last year when I went, I was charged for retinol photos and the additional cost was not disclosed to me beforehand. The person who did the first set of test just asked me to down to take a photo after he did the test where they puff air into your eyes. I thought it was part of the exam but found that it wasn't after I already paid and reviewed my bill. I looked into this and read that a lot of places do this and it's absolutely not right. I read that you should openly disclose that you want the exam only and nothing additional before hand. I can't even imagine how many other people were charged this fee unknowingly. read more

Always amazed at the service I get at Helmus + Baker! I've gotten several pairs of glasses here and always so excited by the wide selection they have available for me to pick from. My experiences with the doctors has always been incredible and they have been really attentive to my questions and concerns. I've also been really pleased with how they've handled insurance questions and pricing concerns. They always work to make sure I know exactly how much I'll have to pay, and make sure that amount is as low as possible and give me all of the options available. I also have had the problem of my glasses need to constantly be readjusted and every time I go in to get them adjusted, I'm seen in almost no time and they fix my glasses super quickly, with no questions asked. On one occasion, I had lost my glasses case and they gave me on they had on hand free of charge. All and all, I always get excellent service and will continue going so long as I live in Davis! read more

I called today September 17th and I asked if I could come in and get my glasses adjusted. The lady that awnsers the phone tells me that they are going through a remodel and there short staffed!!! A five minute adjustment wasn't important to this place I won't be coming back to helmus ,I'm sure there's plenty of optometrist that would take car of my needs without excuses!! read more

My experience at Helmus was wonderful. Shakir and Tamalyn helped feel super welcome and assisted me with my optical needs and made it very easy for me. read more

I want to thank Helmus and Baker Optometry for being superb at what they do. The ONLY reason I'm sad to leave Davis, (I've been less than welcomed here, which is odd since I'm human) is because of how far I'm going to have to drive to come and use you. The new prescription I have has finally given me the ability to read comfortably again, which I have not been able to do for years. Most offices have failed me. No one could get my eyes right. Friendly staff, (sorry about the hurry I was in my last visit) and always polite and helpful. Someone finally got my eyes right. After wearing these a week, they feel great and I will never use another optometrist+ again. God forbid my insurance in any form of future I have doesn't cover you. Thank you. read more

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! I went to them recently because I was still having trouble with frames/lenses/prescription from another optometrist. I had already spent soooo much money out of pocket that I was hesitant to go anywhere, really. But when I spoke with Nadia on the phone, I immediately felt like I was going to have a good experience with them. And I sure did! Nadia was professional, kind and helpful on the phone. She set me up to see a Dr. there as well arranged me to see the AMAZING Josie for assistance with new frames/lenses. Dr. Paymaun listened to my issues kindly and spent extra time with me reviewing my prescription and making sure we had gotten it right this time. He even mocked up my prescription in a fancy pair of futuristic looking glasses and had me walk around for a bit to be sure I was comfortable before sending me off to get frames. That leads me to the incredible Josie! I have NEVER worked with such a skilled optician in my life! She's fun to be around and super creative and honest with frame choices. She thoroughly explained lens choices, etc. I have worn progressives for 15 years but learned more from her in an hour than I ever had before. I am seeing better now for sure! And love my super fun frames! I will never go anywhere else for eye care as long as I live in the Nor Cal area! read more

For years we came, but no more. The place is packed all the time. Staff is nice, but not feeling the love and care from the past. Also, my favorite Dr left to open his own practice. Dr Mark Helmus is nice, but just not a place I feel they can spend the time to care for me any more. read more

My suspicion is that this business is going down hill since the original Helmus duo has retired. 1. Expensive glasses 2. They really push the extra tests and exams 3. Their billing department specifically an employee named Maggie is incompetent and won't take accountability for mistakes. I have full vision insurance and was incorrectly charged by the office for my visit back in August of 2020. They made a claim with the insurance for an out of network doctor. They then reprocessed the claim in November because they hadn't been paid. Meanwhile, in September I had received a check from the insurance for the difference because the claim was filed incorrectly and they thought I was the provider. In December I received a letter that the claim was being denied. I called Helmus 3 times in December and each time the billing person Maggie, was unavailable. When I finally got a hold of her, and told her I would pay back the amount on the check to get this issue resolved, she said she would look into it and call me back. I never heard back. It is now February and I called again and she didn't have an update. There was clearly an administrative mistake on her part, but she wouldn't admit that it was their mistake. I have now worked directly with the insurance to send the money back and will NEVER be a patient at Helmus ever again. $40 isn't a big deal, but the time and energy it has taken me to figure out the details and the negligence on the provider's part has been frustrating. I would have appreciated that the provider take responsibility for their mistake and do a better job at providing updates or resolving it. read more

This is an update to my old review. I have since seen Dr. Baker twice, and I really enjoy him. Not only does he have a similar sense of humor to my own, but he has a good memory. My dad passed away last year and my family submitted an obituary to the Enterprise. That was back in September. I saw Dr. Baker approximately a month ago and the first thing he said to me is that he's so sorry to hear of my dad's passing. I asked him how he knew, and he said he read the obituary in the paper. I know it was just a quick exchange to express condolences, but it left a huge impression on me. With how many patients he undoubtedly sees, I am just a drop in the bucket, and it made me happy to know that he knew such a minute detail about me and made sure to share his condolences. Anyway, as for an actual review, the whole office is still pretty fantastic. Everyone here is so pleasant, and when I expressed to the assistant that conducts the preliminary testing that I hate the test that blows air into your eyes, she said she would warn me when it was about to happen so I could prepare. I really appreciated that. Dr. Baker is awesome, and he remembered that I was hoping for my vision to be stabilized this year so that I could undergo Lasik. It turned out that it was, and he asked if I'd had any places or doctors in mind to see. I said I didn't, but that my friend is going to a certain doctor in Sacramento that advertises all over. Dr. Baker asked me if I wanted his honest opinion, and I said of course. He told me of the results he'd seen with that doctor, when other patients who previously received Lasik by him would come into Helmus and Baker Optometry for an eye exam later - and that this doctor's work was not always highly accurate. Dr. Baker pointed out that someone in my age range, eye health, etc, would likely be fine, but that he's seen results that he's not completely happy with. So I asked him who he recommends, and he gave me the name of a doctor who always has highly accurate results. I looked this doctor up on my own later, and he has very high ratings on Yelp. It looks like I will be going there when I'm ready to undergo Lasik. I'm looking forward to (hopefully) not having to wear glasses anymore, and I am super thankful to Dr. Baker for his honesty and his help! read more

I have had numerous good experiences at Helmus Optometry and wouldn't hesitate to recommend going there. It's easy to work with the staff on appointments and contact lens orders, the space is nice, and most importantly I trust the doctors - which is something I haven't felt in many of the optometry offices I've gone to. Definitely the place to go in Davis! read more

My husband and I were visiting Davis when his glasses broke. Helmus Optometry was great! They fixed his glasses in the time it took for us to get some lunch. Friendly, helpful, professional....definitely recommend. read more

Nothing like getting into a hot car, putting on your glasses and having everything look all blurry. I forgot about not leaving glasses in a hot car! The lenses were crazed or whatever it's called. Figured I was gonna be out a lot of $$ to get them replaced, since it was totally my fault, but found out they were under warranty! So cool they replaced them for free!! Love this place!!! read more

I somehow had an abrasion in my eye and it was painful. I called on a Friday morning to see if someone could see me that same day. They squeezed me in, Dr Julie Helmus looked at my eye, gave me a bandaid contact, antibiotics and reached out to me on the weekend to make sure I was ok. She also called Monday morning and I went back in to make sure it was healing. She was kind and professional. I am greatly appreciative of her focus on the issue. read more

I have been a patient of Helmus Optometry for several years. I like the office staff, but the best experience I've had with Shakir Iqbal, optical manager. He is very professional and detail oriented. I am not a very easy client, because I am very particular. He is very professional, kind and patient. read more

I've been going to Helmus Optometry for decades and can highly recommend them. Now that Dr. Mark and Dr. JoAnn have retired, their daughter,Dr. Julie, has taken over and is doing an excellent job maintaining the very high standards and excellent patient care that they've been known to provide. read more

Helmus + Baker is top notch! Everyone there is extremely professional, and staffed by knowledgeable and friendly employees. The place is spotless, bright, has customer parking and just enjoyable to be in. I made my appointment online, and you can opt for text reminders, email or both. I've been a patient since 2015, and am still as pleased today as I was two years ago. Dr. Baker has a great sense of humor and demeanor, and he is laser focused (bad pun) when he's doing the exam and explanations. I am also pleased with the large selection of frames and lenses, and while my prescription did not change, I did purchase prescription sunglasses, which is a first for me! Keep up the great work! read more

This place is top notch. Beautiful Space with a huge selection of frames. The staff is excellent from start to finish. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I am not sure which Helmus is correct, so I will just review both (with the same review). I came here once in college. Dr. Joann Helmus gave me a great and informative exam. I finally learned what was wrong with my eyes (other than the fact I could not see long distances). They have a small but decent selection of frames. In fact, I think I got my most expensive frames ever here in 2004. When I was done, I walked over to Hunan and had lunch. So yeah, they offer a great location in downtown Davis too." read more

Do yourself a favor and do not come to this establishment. After being a faithful patient for 10+ years, this week I have chosen to no longer be a patient with Dr. Helmus. While I loved Dr. Mark as my eye doctor, his staff has proven to be incompetent, unprofessional, and lacking any kind of customer service. It is truly unfortunate as the service has only declined over the last few years, and personally it got to be so bad that I can no longer bring my business to this establishment. The tipping point for me began 7 months ago when I needed to re-order contacts. What would have been an easy task turned into a frustrating and impossible one due to the staffs lack of competency toward understanding my insurance, combined with rude and disrespectful service. While nothing had changed on my insurance end and I was well within the timeframe of my prescription to re-order, they refused to let me purchase any new contacts. At the time I was able to speak with Dr. Mark and he graciously let me get what I needed. Only for his staff to then tell me that I was covered and no longer needed to pay. This week I got a call saying that they were wrong and my insurance did not cover me, so they would be invoicing me 7 months after the fact. I had called to make my annual check up and did not get a call back to make an appointment until more than 3 weeks later, upon that phone call they did not even make an appointment with me but tell me about their errors and invoicing me for their mistakes. Being very frustrated I told them I no longer desired to be a patient and to please close my file to which the highest office manager replied that that was "no problem, have a nice day" and hung up on me. There was absolutely no apologies, no condolences or any type of customer service to try and keep me as a patient, and I am completely floored. TLDR; Dr Mark Helmus is a wonderful eye doctor but his staff is not worth putting up with in order to see him. read more

shady, messed up, horrible place... They gave me different contacts from my prescription. When I found out, they tried to cover it up and told me my eyes were fine without even checking. The optometrist told me the contacts would be a little uncomfortable because of my astigmatism, so I thought it was normal. But in reality, the contacts were digging into my eyes. Horrible place read more

We've had poor experiences with other optometrists in town, but Helmus Optometry is great. Their office functions like a well-oiled machine: Appointments run on time, everyone is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, office visits are thorough and everything is explained in detail. We are so happy we made the switch to Helmus! read more

Dr. B, Thank you for replying, but unfortunately your staff has misinformed you. First, I know that my eye glasses did not change, and you never said that they needed to. The person who helped me 2-3 years ago misread your prescription and got the wrong glasses/ or tried for an hour to convince me to get the wrong glasses. Ultimately the supervisor at the time clarified the issue and I was right. The person initially helping me wanted me to order glasses that were 180 degree the opposite of what I needed. But ultimately, I got the glasses I needed. Second, when I made the inquiry over the phone I was given misinformation, that I could spend $350 on glasses when I used both insurances. Only when I came in was I apologized to for the misinformation. I was not given the information you describe over the phone- I only received similar information in person. The reason I thought dual coverage meant dual coverage was because I was specifically told that by the person who I spoke with over the phone- I had called to ask how it works and was told wrong. When I spoke to the technician though I said I would like to have no payment on my end I also initially mentioned that I already have glasses with anti-glare and crizal lenses, the prescription of which had not changed. I informed her that I often read outside and was told that if I wanted transitions it would be about $60 or so dollars extra. Please consider this logically, if I had known that I could get glasses with transitions and pay a $35 co-pay, as my husband did, I would have done so. $60 seemed steep, especially with dual insurance. I WAS NEVER TOLD THIS WAS AN OPTION. You are incorrect, I was not given the options you mention. In fact, I was given very few options and your tech did not tell me what the benefits would have been had I opted to get two pairs of glasses or to just have used my other insurance as primary and not used my other insurance at all. Lastly, again you were misinformed. When I came back in and asked if I could exchange the classes for transitions, different glasses and pay the co-pay, I was told that you do not do that. That I would have to pay the copay for the new glasses with transitions, and any additional costs associated with the glasses that I had already received because the difference would not be covered. There was no way I could return these glasses that I no longer wanted. It had nothing to do with me wanting to pay zero cost. And I was made to feel as if it was my fault. The technician said explicitly: "it is your responsibility to know what exactly your plans cover". It I had known, I would not have asked. My husband was there the whole time, and while I was somewhat agitated, I did not raise my voice or act rude or anything, and ultimately I was briskly asked to leave. The lady said you can either take the glasses or not- my husband commented to me on her rude behavior as we left. read more

First of all, my son was prescribed one of the MOST EXPENSIVE brand of contact lens on the market. His daily wear lenses were going to cost me over $600/year using this newer type of contact lens material. His current contact lens brand is $250 a year, so I asked to have his prescription changed back to the old brand. Prior optometrists that I have seen have ALWAYS informed or warned me of the price of potential new lenses and allowed me to make the choice. Secondly, though this office has very good reception, as another reviewer has commented, the follow through is HORRIBLE. I have called 2 days in a row now to have my son's contact lens prescription changed to the old brand of contacts but I have no yet heard from anyone. The sweet receptionist keeps telling me she will get back to me, and I believe that she will, but her doctors are not responding to her requests. If it weren't for the good up front phone service, I would have given this office 1 star. read more

First off, I haven't gotten my eyes checked in maybe four years. I've only been to one optometry before coming to helmus and baker, and it was definitely not a great experience. They charged me a ton just to get my eyes checked, pressured me to buying the one year subscription of contacts, and gave me a pair of glasses that did not fit correctly and the lens was close to breaking off any minute. My experience at Helmus and Baker was AMAZING. The moment I came in for my appointment, I was immediately taken in to get my eyes checked. Most places make you wait, sometimes well after your appointment time. Dr. Baker introduced himself kindly and even spoke of his family. I only came in for my eyes checked and for glasses but I told myself I might as well get contacts as well since I need a new prescription. The front office lady, not sure which but she wore purple glasses, was so much help. She helped me find the perfect glasses and we decided on burgundy ray bans. She told me the two options of how I can apply my insurance coverage to either my glasses or contacts, or both. Gave me a whole explanation for both options and which one I would save more on, which was nice. I ended up getting glasses and a year's worth of contacts for such a good price. A years worth of contacts after all the rebates only came out to $66 for me!! Update: picked up my glasses and they helped fit it perfectly by heating the ends to make sure they don't slide off my face. Definitely recommend. read more

I've been a patient at Helmus + Baker for over 3 years now and I couldn't be happier. The staff is always friendly, helpful and welcoming. Dr Baker is always a great joy to see. He always has suggestions and tips for me, and is always welcoming and friendly. The online appointment system is perfect for folks like me who are always just too busy to call. My contact always arrive way faster than the estimated time. Most people go years without visiting their Optometrist. Me... I like mine so much, I make sure the first thing I do on the new year is make an appointment! :) read more

This was my second visit to this optometrist. I saw Dr. Baker, and he was great! I arrived on time and was seen within 5 minutes by the tech who does a couple of short eye tests. Then I immediately went in to see Dr. Baker. He is so friendly, and even though I havent seen him in two years he remembered details about me that we talked about last time and we caught up on what was new. I brought in my old glasses because I had accidentally stepped on them two days prior, and he adjusted them on the spot and tightened them to fix any crookedness my carelessness had caused. Then he cleaned the lenses, woot! The exam was quick and painless, and my prescription changed slightly so he printed me a new prescription in case I wanted to get glasses from somewhere else. I like that they do this, even though I get my glasses through them anyways. Then I waited another 2 minutes to talk to a tech about getting my lenses updated on the existing frames that I had. She said it might take about a week to get my glasses back in; imagine my surprise when they called (and also emailed) 3 days later saying they were ready to pick up! Prompt, friendly service, and very professional and helpful when choosing frames/lenses. They are in a great downtown location and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new optometrist. read more

Ive been going to Helmus Optometry for 3 years and I love it! Not only is it easy to get appointments, but you dont have to wait long to be seen on the days of your appointments. Dr. Baker is my optometrist but all of the staff is very friendly and ready to help out. They have a wide variety of eyeglasses as well. I highly recommend them for any of your eye needs! read more

This optometry store in downtown Davis offers a full service. From exam to contact lenses to eye glasses, it has it all! The doctor was professional and the staff very friendly. Definitely recommend. They also take many different kinds of insurance! read more

The optometrists overall have been pleasant, however my primary issue is the appointment policy. I was told recently that because I missed 2 appointments (no-show) that I can't make any more appointments and am able only to call daily for a walk-in availability. That would have been a fair policy only I did not miss 2 appointments. I missed one due to having flu symptoms/high fever, and I called once I had my facilities. I work in a medical setting and am very cautious about exposure. I also cancelled one appointment as I still had a fever. I attempted to explain this and was informed I had no additional options. We have 4 family members who were going twice a year, so have a history of keeping our appointments. It was disappointing to have such an unfair reaction without an option to discuss. We won't be going back. We are a 2 parent working household and value consistent providers, very unfortunate and disappointing experience. read more

I would have lost the vision in one of my eyes without Dr. Julie finding a problem and quickly getting me in to see a specialist. She saved the vision in my eye and I am filled with gratitude. She's never in a rush and genuinely shows compassion and caring. Her office runs smoothly with the staff being meticulous about their protocol to keep us safe during the pandemic. Helmus Optometry is truly a gem in our town! read more

In 5/2014 I got new glasses from them. They just gave me the glasses and didn't check if the glasses fit correctly. Fortunately I have been wearing glasses since I was 10 and knew that the fit was just fine. Since I have received my glasses, I haven't dropped them or stepped on them in anyway but cracks from the frame started inching it's way into my view. I have had many glasses over the years and this has never happened with previous glasses. Now I am going to get new glasses this year because of this optometrists poor craftsmanship. I would of tried to rectify the situation but I live in Texas now. This is so frustrating and disappointing!! read more

Helmus Optometry - Poor craftsmanship. Glasses form cracks overtime. Glasses were not dropped, stepped on, or exposed to any extreme temperatures. - Optometrists Near Me - Davis, California