Well, you can never tell what works for some people. I live in the neighborhood and have walked by many times. One day the optometrist engaged me in conversation and made me realize that I was looking pretty out of date. OK, that's her job, but I was a willing participant. So I decided that my 6-year old frames were making me look old. Months later I wandered in again and worked with Balvinder, the owner. She spent an hour with me trying on pair after pair of glasses, bringing out stuff that wasn't yet on display. I felt like she knew exactly what was working and what wasn't for me. After many iterations, she finally was able to say "That's YOU!" and I had to agree. Partner agreed, family agreed, strangers in restaurants agreed. I needed someone high-touch like Balvinder, who has a gift for figuring out what works and what doesn't. Oh, and the frames were slightly less expensive than I had expected. But alas, the lenses, being progressives and all, were more expensive than I had wanted. But a girl's gotta see. Highly recommended, especially for those who don't know what they want. read more

I love Iris! Dr. Yarwood is extremely upbeat and friendly. His assistant, Kevin Joy... was a JOY to spend time with picking a pair of new frames. He was very honest about what looked good on me and what didn't. :) I didn't feel pressured to buy the more expensive frames, though he was def. Doing his job as a sales person. Beside the amazing personalities in this optometric center, another reason I go there is for their amazing selection of frames! They have some of the most original and fun frames! I just went yesterday for an exam and new frames.. I can't WAIT to pick them up next week. :) I highly recommend this place to everyone! I will come back and post a picture as soon as I get my new glasses! read more

Really good service and communication! I needed to order prescription safety glasses for work. The frames were unfortunately back-ordered (with a third party manufacturer), however, this office called me several times to update me about the arrival status of my frames. Very pleased with the service! read more

Worst place ever!!!!! They literally refused to cancel my appointment after I said I no longer needed to come in then they proceeded to bill me ! Like what????money hungry and charged me for a service I didn't even need, WOW!!! read more

So I am new to the whole having insurance business. I stopped in to Site for Sore Eyes (a shop just up the street) and asked if they could help me figure out if my insurance covered it. Not only were they rude, but they sent me away in a very condescending way like "Come back when you know how to do this." So needless to say, I was discouraged. I noticed another place though, Iris, right up the street and stopped in. The woman at the desk welcomed me, did a quick search and assured me I was fully covered. She wasn't bothered by helping me and set up an appointment on the spot. The prices are a little steep, but the customer service, especially in comparison, is impeccable. read more

Great service! I found Iris Eye Center vía my insurance provider- I hadn't been to an eye exam since I moved from SoUthern California and was a bit hesitant because my previous eye doc was so good (Shout out to Dr. D Lin!). But, I finally decided it was time to get over my grieving period and started looking for a new provider. I'm so glad I went with Iris Eye Center. The staff was friendly, accommodating and efficient. They have awesome hours (open later than most and Saturday appointments!) and Dr Jacques was very thorough, gentle and made me feel at ease. All in all, I walked out of there with new glasses, peace of mind that my eyeballs were good for a couple of more years and very content with the whole experience. Highly recommended. read more

Great service from everyone! They helped me find the best frames for my budget and gave me a fantastic deal so that I could get the best pair of glasses possible with my vision plan. I'm not always very good at picking the best fitting frames, so I really appreciated the guidance I received from the friendly staff. read more

I didn't care enough to write Iris Optometric a review until I experienced the most fabulous customer service at another eyewear store. The stark difference between how I felt at these two places made me really reflect on how awful the customer service at Iris is. I have not consulted with or interacted with anyone at Iris except Balvinder, the office manager. She is dismissive and makes you feel as if your complaints are trivial. She is also completely terrible are adjusting frames! the frames i bought here (costing a hefty couple hundred bucks) have now been adjusted 5x over the year i've had them, 3x by Balvinder. the last adjustment was from the new place - without knowing where i got my frames the lady helping me told me "when i adjusted your frames i felt really sorry for you! (for wearing them like that for so long)!" i was shocked because she validated my frustrations at my ill fitting frames, and because she adjusted frames - which i bought elsewhere - without complaint, free of charge. I did not feel like i was pestering her..quite different from how i felt approaching Balvinder. my next review is this new eyewear place..don't want to dishonor Iris by comparing names in the same review. read more

Had a very wonderful experience at iris optical. They are very professional and friendly and very helpful. I would recommend this place for high-end designer frames and glasses. A perfect place to find what you're looking for. read more

First off, everyone here was very friendly and welcoming. They continued to be friendly as I waited for 45 mins past my appointment time as they explained they had a difficult kid come over last minute from the Children's Hospital. Fine, whatever, not a big deal. In that time I got to watch as several people negotiated their bill. One women was balking somewhat at the $750 price tag on her sunglasses (transition, prescription, etc) and the family of the aforementioned child was a little unsettled as well. The doctor was a little spacey but fine. However, when I got my bill I just about shat myself. For a contact lens exam and fitting I was charged $220 and that was after they knocked $50 off b/c I don't have insurance. I'm sure rent is high on Piedmont Ave but holy shit. I would recommend this place to rich Piedmont residents who don't care or to people who are excellent at haggling a decent price. Unfortunately I am not one of those people. read more

Very professional and courteous staff at this local eye center! I found there to be top-quality service and product selection. Best place I have experienced in the Bay Area so far. read more

(apparently all the negative reviews were removed from this business- I didn't know they could do that on YELP! This is what I posted last year agreeing with the MANY reviews talking about the contact rip off and over-pricing). I agree with JS. I will never go back. What a rip off! That said, I thought the Doctors and office staff who work there were nice and prompt to return my phone calls, but the place was a total scam for contact lens wearers. If you only wear glasses go ahead, they have friendly Drs. and a good (although expensive) selection of frames. But for contacts they charge $150 for a fitting (I actually compared all Doctors in the area who accept VSP insurance and the going rate is $25-75)!!! They also made me come back twice (a waste of my time) and just gave me the contacts I already wear. I was not a new contact lens wearer and all they did was look at my eyes for 5 min then charge $150 for what other Drs. charge $25-50 for what they call an "easy" or "re-fitting". Of course if you have VSP vision insurance this $150 charge plus the $100 they charge for the eye exam will eat up ALL your insurance for the year and you will have to pay out of pocket like I did. If you go to any other Dr, in the area you will have money left after your exam to help defray the cost of contacts. Also beware of the thing the make you sign when you check in, if you read it carefully it will obligate you to this $150 contact lens fitting. When I asked about it and said I didn't want new contacts just my old prescription renewed, they refused to see me unless I signed it. So I did, like an idiot. Buyer BEWARE! read more

Very friendly owner and watch out - they will rip you off. They had me take an exam that was not covered by my insurance, for absolutely no purpose - they are not doctors so the exam is meaningless. Even if it showed an abnormality they could not diagnose you. And I found out later that they ordered some of the most expensive lenses for me, which given my prescription, were not needed. I would stay away. read more

These people are terrible. I came back after two weeks because my new glasses are giving me headaches. I thought I just needed to get used to them, but I literally can't wear my glasses. The woman was dismissive and completely unsympathetic, and I will now have to pay out of pocket for new glasses somewhere else since I used my insurance at this horrible place. Also, they charged an extra $20 "materials fee" on top of the usual exam fee, which I have never seen before, and doubles the cost of the exam if you're using VSP. Wholly unscrupulous people. read more

I can say that the staff was really nice, but I felt scammed. I only wanted an exam, but they all but forced me to get a prescription. My eyes were dialated, and I couldn't focus or see clearly. They let me pick frames almost insisted. Then I bought glasses. I felt cheated after. Especially since the frames broke in less than a year and the paint started chipping in less than a month. I won't go back. I won't reccomend. PS The glasses were overpriced and the selection was limited (with respect to style). read more

I love coming here! Bal is the best! She will get you the best glasses! Everyone is so friendly and the vibe is so relaxed. The doctors are top notch. They are all so nice and laid back. If you want a very relaxing experience come here! The frame selection is amazing!!! I have been going to Iris now for several years and never once disappointed! read more

I bought two pairs of glasses at the same time for the first time ever, after I discovered the fabulous selection. And had a great time doing it! Surrinder, Liz and everyone else made picking out glasses a lot of fun. What lovely people. By the way, the new location is near Fenton's. read more

The DR spent a lot of thought dialing in my prescription. I have a small amount of astigmatism and she worked hard to get exactly what I wanted. It's been a few months and I still love my new lenses. read more

I have been wearing glasses since I was 7 (I am now 42). I discovered Iris about 10 years ago and have not gone anywhere else, since. I had such bad experiences prior - including poorly made frames and glasses in the wrong prescription. I now live in WA State and have been for the past 6 years and I still go to Iris in CA! The owner Balvinder, provides stellar customer service and takes her time with each client. She has a gift for knowing what looks just ok and what looks stunning. Whenever I walk out of there I feel like the glasses I have chosen were made just for me. I highly recommend Iris if customer service and a quality product are a priority for you. read more

It was a good eye exam. It was really hot though in the room. I didn't see any glasses I wanted. Look at their glasses before making an appointment if you like to get them at the same place. I like more designer frames such as Kate Spade and they didn't have any. read more

I have been a client and patient at Iris Eye Center since 2016 and have had 100% positive experiences there. The owner, Surinder, has a perfect eye for the best frames for you (in the last four years I have purchased two different gorgeous frames!), and he is an overall wonderful human who makes you feel like family, and genuinely cares. Elizabeth, Kristina and Kevin are all wonderful staff, who also remember important details about your life, your eye health needs and preferences, and who make you feel like family. Dr. Devane has been an outstanding physician every time I have seen her over the years, even catching a retina detachment in one of my eyes at one point and ensuring I got an appointment with a specialist super promptly. She really saved my eye! I have also been seen by two other doctors there who were equally wonderful (Dr. Schultz and I believe Dr. Graham). I get my contact lenses and glasses from Iris Eye Center each year, and I bring my frames back any time they need adjusting due to daily wear, and I always look forward to the experience of coming back. I could go on and on about how much I appreciate the professionalism and care of the whole team at Iris Eye Center, and how much I recommend them, especially in these COVID19 times. They extra sanitize everything and continue to be as warm and dedicated as always. Thank you SO MUCH Surinder, Dr. Schultz, Dr. Graham and Dr. Devane, Elizabeth, Kristina and Kevin for being so fantastic! I wish you each and the eye center continued success, always! read more

I should have done this after my first visit, but seeing as I've been back for four pairs of glasses, I can now honestly say that each time I've been incredibly happy with the service I have received here. Not only are the people who work here professional and friendly, they have great taste in style and are patient and helpful. AND, they have a great selection and the best deal in town on frames and lenses. Being someone who is forgetful and clumsy, I burn through glasses, but on the positive side of that, I have a hassle free, no-fail place to go! Thanks Iris Optometrics! read more

I had to contact my insurance company (VSP) on several occasions to make sure things were done properly. Apparently, they did not understand the process for people who need "Medically Necessary" contact lenses. Also, if you require a more comprehensive eye exam I wouldn't suggest going here because they do not have advanced exam equipment like other offices I have visited. However, I may return just for glasses because they do have a unique selection of frames. read more

What a great staff. The optometrist is so nice, it was amazing. The exam was better than any i've been to. They really cared, and the opt. tech was as helpful and bubbly as anyone could be. They will get you a nice pair of glasses, and they take VSP. I brought in my own pair and wasn't afraid of adjusting and cleaning everytime I came in. I got my glasses in 4 days, that's the fastest i've seen in 10 years. read more

Fantastic selection of frames and the people who work here couldn't be more patient or helpful. I have an extremely high prescription and particularly appreciated their large selection of small frames. Worth asking if this is what you're looking for -- they may have additional options that aren't currently on display. read more

Iris, great customer service. VSP, customer service couldn't be worse. read more

I had a very good experience. I needed a same day eye exam appointment and they were able to get me in without a problem. Dr. Yarwood was very friendly, thorough and knowledgeable. His eye exam was painless and easy. I would recommend him in particular if you have difficulty with eye exams or glaucoma testing. He is very patient and low pressure. read more

My wife and I just got new glasses at Iris - and we LOVE this place. It is small and homey - and the staff are so great! We would totally recommend this friendly place to all! The staff were extremely nice and Dr. Yarwood gives the best exam around. The frames are original and of beautiful quality. We were very pleased with our exams and glasses and service. read more

They have an impressive selection of the frames I was interested in, and the service was friendly, patient, and helpful. 5 stars! (Parking here on Piedmont can be challenging, but I understand they're going to be re-locating) read more

They have an amazing selection of frames and a great service team. I also had an eye exam with Dr. Nassef, who was warm and professional. We are happy to find a place we want to stick with so close to home. read more

i'm trying to be fair and debating between 1 or 2 stars. but for iris optometric, me-really-thinks not. so 1 star it is. my gf bought a pair of "scandanavian" frames here in oct 2010. total after frame, lens and whatever the office manager, Balvinder, recommended was ~$450.00, AFTER insurance covered the MAX amount. the frames on their own w/o insurance was about $375 if i remember correctly (I helped her pick them out). they were adjusted at pick up, and then again 1 week later, bc the frames aligned badly (were lop-sided) when she wore them and required constant adjustment. after the 2nd adjustment, she decided to put up with her frustrations to avoid being a high maintenance patient. months later - aug 2011 to be exact - she decided to have another optometrist adjust her frames bc of the problems she was having (and to avoid hassling iris). he gave some unsolicited information re: the frames. after some thought, we returned to iris bc $450 for glasses that are worn DAILY should be comfortable. this review is NOT for the doctors that work at Iris but for Balvinder. although she may have good intentions, she stuck us as fake. upon hearing our complaints, she re-adjusted the glasses and told us since it was over 1 month since purchase, there was nothing she could do. she did tell us to return in 1 week if they were still a problem, and offered to re-do the same frames and lenses free of charge, in case the frames were just a bad pair. my gf is a busy student so could not go in 1 week later. we went in today, sept 2011. due to balvinder's fake demeanor we did not expect her to uphold her previous offer. my gf only wanted to tell balvinder she was still unhappy. after some discussion, balvinder first said "she is wearing her glasses so they can't be that bad" (um okay, she needs them to see). then informed us she would do lenses again at 20% discount. 20% is similar to a discount patients pay when they pay out of pocket (no insurance) or in cash - not much of a discount at all. at this point i asked for the second time where she got the frames, as most brand name frames have a 1 year warranty. these frames came WITHOUT a case or warranty (outside of the 1 month post purchase). balvinder replied as she did before "my brother buys frames from europe". i got frustrated at her vague answers mixed with pretense and an empty offer at re-doing the frames. after a more heated discussion balvinder informed us she wanted us to leave and that she no longer wanted to talk to me, as i was accusing her of buying frames off the street.. so once again..balvinder, you are in the business of customer service. customers are your business and you should follow through with your promises, and stand behind your products. we will never return here. my gf's glasses are still cumbersome, and balvinder refuses to rectify this (and claims she does not have the power to). read more

Terrible service. I had to wait 50 mins for an eye exam when I had an appointment. I called ahead to make sure they had my preferred brand of contact lens in house and after the exam they did not... During the exam Dr. Wotkyns ran out several times to see other patients, extending my exam even longer. I felt very pressured to buy more contacts than I need. When I asked for me prescription to purchase lenses elsewhere they gave me the wrong prescription! Nothing about this experience has been positive. Go elsewhere. read more

It is true that the store has a very nice collection of frames but I want to discourage anyone who is lured by the selection from going in the store and engaging in any kind of business there. I only wish I had read some of the reviews before I went in there last week, I certainly would not have given any of my business to Iris Optometric. My experience was very much a replica of some of the same kinds of dissatisfactions expressed here. The store manager Balvinder is a liar; she tells you whatever suits her at that given moment, without showing any kind of dignity or respect for the customer. Last week we went in to choose a frame and lenses for my son in the store, and I noticed a pair of frames that I thought I would order after I got my prescription from my eye doctor. I told her that I liked those frames and I would return the following week to order them. She said she would give me a good price on them the following week. When I went in today to put in the order with the frames I had chosen, I thought it would be a quick and short visit. First, no one seemed to remember the conversation we had the previous week. They tried to bill me the whole thing, even though I told them my son and I had the same insurance and it would be the same arrangement, it took them forever to figure out my portion. I reminded Balvinder of our previous conversation and how she would give me this price, she completely backtracked, tried to charge me a higher price for the frames claiming that they were "special" even though they were the exact same pair! She did nothing to retain my business when I told her I was disappointed with how she treated me as a customer. In fact she proceeded to greet a new customer coming in while I was still speaking to her. I firmly believe these kinds of bait and switch tactics have no place in honest business practices. It seems like the prices of frames are at the whim of the store owners, without any set price. What is $220 one week is $240 next week, without any explanation of show of concern for customer satisfaction. After 30 minutes of waiting for them to give me a just price, I left in frustration, without getting my prescription filled. Balvinder made no effort to bring me back or make things better for me, her customer. Obviously she doesn't need my business, nor do I want her services. Honesty, openness, consideration is what one expects from businesses that serve the public -- there surely are others that would be happy to have my business. read more

i got tired of squinting. . .i knew i needed an eye exam and glasses so in i go. excellent service, dr.fenn is very nice, knowledgable and quite capable. my insurance didn't cover the upscale gorgeous frames, but i was able to find a nice looking basic pair for a "reasonable" price. now i don;t have to squint anymore. the client base is diverse, glad to see that they are affiliated with dhildren's hospital and do lots of exams for kids :) read more

so i didn't buy my frames here, but this place is so incredibly nice. i am out of contacts and needed them ASAP and my old optometrist seems to have disappeared into a sea of saline so i just walked in and they had an opening. they took me immediately, called my insurance, sent me off with free stuff and they were so nice i wanted to go back and hang out with them. their frames look cute too, although i didn't look too extensively. i've lived off this street for 5 years and had never ventured in and am so glad that i did! read more

They are very friendly, the prices are very affordable...Love the place, it has the feeling of Europe, the touch of fashion...I keep going there for my RX glasses, and they always give me the BEST DEAL in bay area read more

A friend suggested I go to Iris Optometric for my next pair of glasses. I must say, the service and personal attention exceeded all expectations. It was a wonderful experience . I would recommend this optical center to anyone who is not satisfied with their currant optical service . read more