I've been coming to this location for a few years now. I park at their parking structure and get my parking ticket validated so it's free parking. I always make an appointment a few months in advance online because time slots get filled up quickly. One thing I don't love is that I never get to see the same optometrist. I would prefer to see the same one and it is possible if you can secure an appointment with them. Checking in is quick and easy. A staff member will call your name when it's your turn. In terms of pricing it may depend on your insurance. You can purchase contact lens and glasses at this location. If you're unlucky, the staff member who assists with purchasing contact lens might be on lunch time or left for the day. You can purchase them online too but I prefer to do this in-person when I'm there. Depending on which contact lens brand you use, they may offer a rebate. Make sure you have an invoice for the contact lens and exam fee if you plan on submitting a rebate. I do this every year and the process is easy. So far I have a pleasant experience at this location. All optometrists I came across are friendly and professional. The location is clean and spacious. read more

The worst Kaiser experience in my over 35 years of being a Kaiser patient/member, and more than once at this location. I refuse to go back. The nurses and some of the front staff is lazy rude and will gaslight you if they can and put the blame on you for lack of doing their job. They will not take any responsibility for their laziness and lack accountability. If there's cameras in the waiting area upper management needs to review and see what kind of people they're employing at this location. The worst part is instead of asking why someone's been sitting in the small waiting area they choose to instead have a full blown 20 minute conversation about nothing with someone else who's there with plenty of time to blow. Not till I got up to speak to someone else and was asked to interrupt their personal conversation about nothing did they acknowledge that I had been waiting for almost an hour to be seen. They had proof that I had checked in an hour before but initially denied it saying the self kiosk check in was not an option at this location. Then how did they know exactly when I checked in. It even took a picture of me when I checked in. They're also not good about coming thru with the drs follow up requests for an appointment. This too has happened more than once. They continued being rude therefore I had no choice but to walk out and not be seen by Dr.XIE. The nurse without a voice nor the energy to walk into the waiting area to call me in was just as bad if not worse than the front desk people. No voice, and no energy to walk outside of her cubicle to call patients name. That's how you end up waiting an hour to be seen and even then only because I got up to ask the front desk. read more

Had lasik surgery and the doctors made sure everything went well and every question I had they answered for me. Definitely recommend this establishment if you're considering lasik. read more

Its very sad when you're trying to call the Vision Center on the phone. They keep giving you the appointment center over and over and over. Very sad state of things....Kaiser can do better than this... read more

I am writing to express my disappointment with the service my 10-year-old son and I received during his appointment at this Pasadena Optometry yesterday, October 3, 2025. We have Kaiser and sent here. We had a 4:00 p.m. appointment, and despite arriving and checking in at 3:19 p.m., we were not called until 4:49 p.m. The receptionist informed us that the delay was due to a patient arriving late, which pushed back everyone's schedule, and also mentioned that we had checked in early. However, it was noticeable that several patients who arrived after us had already been seen. In fact, my son observed that everyone after us was already finished. To add to the frustration, when another patient arrived 35 minutes late which the patient loudly expressed and heard by everyone, the receptionist accommodated them without hesitation. This experience is particularly concerning given our previous visit to your office a few months ago. On that occasion, we were 7 minutes late, and the "office policy" was strictly enforced and the male receptionist told us we won't be seen, resulting in us not being able to see the optometrist. I was pissed but we respected the policy and left. In contrast, during our recent visit, we arrived early and were kept waiting for 1 hour and 30 minutes, including 41 minutes before our scheduled appointment time and 49 minutes after. We were called after asking twice. When I inquired about seeing an available optometrist during the wait, my request was not accommodated. First, if your office is going to enforce a late policy, it should be standard and applied uniformly without discrimination, rather than being subject to individual receptionists' discretion. Second, it would be beneficial to provide your receptionists with training on professionalism and politeness to ensure a positive experience for all patients. Third, if a patient arrives late, it would be more reasonable to adjust their appointment time accordingly, rather than delaying other patients who have arrived on time. Patients who arrive late should be accommodated after those who have arrived punctually, not at the expense of other patients' time. read more

This was my very first visit at this Kaiser vision center location in Pasadena. The staff were all extremely helpful and welcoming and the location was extremely clean. I had some location concerns prior to my visit due to covid but quickly felt reassured that this location was thoroughly following every safety measure. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a machine that checked my temperature which was pretty cool. It took me a couple tries to figure out but was able to get the machine functioning properly and had my temperature checked. My eye exam was with optometrist Rassamdana and she was so nice and informative during my visit. I could truly tell that she was really passionate about her job and cared for her patients. I plan on scheduling an appointment here again in the near future should I need to. read more

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials Pasadena - Temperature check upon entrance. - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

Today went to get my new glasses, this is what I got: my new glasses are bent, right lenses bented inward. The top of right lenses is wavelly. Left lenses have a scratch. When I point this to the men that took. are of my glasses, he told me there was nothing they could do. I paid for new glasses and got this, see pictures bellow, which I can't see well with. How could I, look at them! Absolutely an abhorrent, appalling service. When I asked to talk to the manger I was told she was busy and would call me. Never did. This is wrong, unacceptable. read more

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials Pasadena - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My eye glasses were ordered December 26th--that's 2023. They were due Jan. 11th--at the latest b/c I am "blind w/o correction". I can't drive or do my job until they come in b/c the prescription changed so much. Since Jan. 11th ( it's now Feb. 7th) Vision essentials has lied, blamed others, lied some more... kaiser hasn't helped a bit. They have assigned 5 different grievance counselors and NOT ONE has even called. The manager for Vision essentials, Angela says she's "backed up". Yeah--backed up by THREE MONTHS. They could care less!!! They have been sitting on $1250.oo of my money. They won't return the money or the prescription so I can go elsewhere. And Kaiser is supporting their game. THREE months to get eye glasses made--and counting. Angela said yesterday it may be another 3 weeks. And I am supposed to be at the top of the "queue". read more

Good experience here. The Optometrists have been friendly and helpful. There is also glasses offered at this location. Pros: - easy to book appointment through the kp.org website or app. - they offer parking validation - parking in structure - easy check in through kiosk or receptionist Cons: - appointments fill up fast in my experience. I had to book my appointment a month in advance. read more

The sales lady approached and said you can't seat here as I was looking for frames to purchase she was alone and all the seats were free as you see in the picture I took and she was looking straight at me probably saying in her mind oh shit I am in trouble!... read more

I see Dr. Boyamian for my eye exams and she's great! Finally someone was able to provide me the proper prescription glasses that Linden optometry couldn't get right years ago. I just wish they had a wider selection of glasses/sunglasses. -2 stars for the incorrect hours provided on their automated phone. They close at 6PM M-F not at 6:30. This is misleading information. read more

Excellent care for whatever the need is. Good referral services if necessary to see a specialist.

Reliable service from optometrists and people who help you choose glasses. Short waits. Nice choices. Conveniently located. I love the Saturday hours read more

First experience with Kaiser as my new health/vision insurance provider, and not loving it so far. The wait wasn't bad, but immediately upon being called back by the doctor, she left to resend paperwork for a previous patient (without excusing herself or giving me any courtesy at all), came back, and proceeded to inform me of the patient's personal situation, which I found to be extremely unprofessional. We then went to an exam room, in which she continued to work on/send this other patient's paperwork, and then began my appointment. She kept the door open (until reception became too noisy, then closed it), which made the beginning of the appt feel exposed and not private. Without going into vast detail, trust was not established during the visit, and, unfortunately, I would not recommend Dr. Karen Chan Wang to my family or friends. read more

I have been coming here for quite a while now - my earliest memory was coming to get glasses at age 8. The staff are very welcoming and I have had some quality optometrists throughout my years. Whenever I need my glasses adjusted, my go-to person is Geri. She is incredibly patient in helping people choose glasses, and is very skilled in making sure they sit on your face correctly. Sometimes it takes quite a few tries to get them just right, yet I never felt rushed or anything. Also, the woman who always does the pre-appointment testing (eye pressure & astigmatism) is very sweet. She always recognizes my mom and I and welcomes us with a smile. Lastly, Janice, who works in the contact lens department is very helpful and responsible. She ensures that the orders are placed correctly and communicates well over the phone. The glasses selection is a bit limited, especially for individuals such as myself who do not have a very pronounced nose brim. However, I appreciate the service I have received and the deals they offer on contacts and glasses. Overall, if you have insurance with Kaiser, I would recommend giving Vision Essentials a shot! read more

Super fast and efficient service ordering new glasses. Communication was great, optician recommended the perfect frames. The new spectacles fit well, the lenses are great. High quality and professional. read more

Yelp Challenge 2016: 26/100- My mother gets her vision appointments and glasses here. It is WAY more convenient than going to the colossal Kaiser Sunset location. Dr. Wang, in particular, was amazingly patient with my elderly mom who wouldn't answer those "is it better like this or better like this" questions. The eyeglass ordering is super easy and the staff is great. We ordered new lenses for mom's existing frames and, although quoted for a two-week turnaround, they arrived in 5 working days- awesome service! I had asked that they notify me when the glasses were ready, and this too went off without a hitch. The technician was extremely patient and kind when we picked up the glasses. The office is clean and has restrooms. They have a large selection of generic and designer glasses. A fantastic alternative to the congested Sunset location. read more

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials Pasadena - Lots of glasses - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

The doctor was great. Everyone else not so much. During both visits once I was suppose to be seen by the lady I'm suppose to order contacts from/ the glasses people I was forgotten about while they saw other people. When I asked when I will be seen I was told "you're next in queue" I never was. Lucky for me the doctor saw me and expedited my help. When picking up my glasses they forgot a pair and turns out the screws were lose. They "tried" to fix it but said they could order a new frame and I could pick it up another time. I didn't want to come back so I cancelled. I won't ever go back there. read more

I was recently examined by Dr. Irene Wong and I found her to be very professional; she was not only explained the disease process in detail but secured me a more comprehensive test referral immediately. Dr. Wong was patient and compassionate. She called me in person to let me know the result of the test; the whole process was very smooth. I have been a RN for 30 years, I know a good practitioner when I see one. read more

Oh God, Kaiser really needs to train Perry Mason, the so-call manager, on customer service training. He was talking down to female patient that had her appointment canceled on her for no apparent reason. He kept talking over her loudly, so I bit my tongue long enough hearing his constant belittling and lack on compassion towards her. Perry talked like one of those customer service people from Indiana, nothing against those people, but they just read from a script. Finally, an administrator came down to hear what was going on. Once she got involved, this "Uncle Tom" turned and walked away, but while walking away Uncle Tom winks. What a piece of shit this guy is. Kaiser really needs to improve their training and stop canceling people's appointments without providing alternative appointment scheduling. read more

I was reluctant to come to the eye dr during COVID but needed a new prescription. The office was clean and they sanitized everything. Dr Boyamian was super helpful & professional. She fit me into new contact lenses that help with my super dry eyes. Also I have very sensitive eyes and always end up getting the glasses remade several times. Not this time! Dr Boyamian pinpointed the issue of my base curve and the glasses were perfect the first time. I will be coming back again!! read more

Dr Irene Wong is the best ! She is great at her job. The girls are in the office are funny and very nice ... would recommend highly . read more

By far the WORST kaiser experience I have ever had. The ONLY good thing about that place is the doctor Jennifer Fang. She is amazing! very kind, patient, and informative. I even got lost and was a few minutes late (about 4 minute) I apologize for my inconvenience since I hate being late anywhere. The rest of the staff was HORRIBLE. One of the staff who helped me schedule an eye scan was great but sadly I didn't catch her name. The employees at the front desk were not even at their front desk to ask questions, and the staff who do the sales for glasses. Called EVERYONE but me. Even Dr Fang came out to check on me wondering why I was still there. Just when I thought I was going to be called one of the employees said my name then said OH WAIT NO then called someone else who just got out of the exam room. Keep in mind I had got out of the exam room an hour, and a half ago. I asked multiple times when if I would be called soon. Yet they kept calling other people. I left this is so sad to see Kaiser allow this kind of behavior. On top of that I got a parking ticket because I thought my 2:20 p.m appointment was going to be no more than an hour. I parked in front where there is 2 hour parking. At this time of posting it is 4:24 p.m. Really Kaiser? That is what you allow? Your paying customers to get neglected. Not ONE of the employees asked me for help or if I needed something besides Dr Fang. Below is my proof that I was there read more

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials Pasadena - Proof of my visit - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

This place is terrible! Ordered my glasses first week of August. Have yet to hear back from anyone on an order status and won't answer any phone calls! I've left voice mails, and have called numerous times. This is extremely frustrating! Nothing left to do but walk in. read more

Have been going to this office for many years. I find the staff helpful and pleasant. I have received excellent care from the optomistists except for one whose refraction Rx was completely in error. After struggling with the glasses I came back and saw someone else, who acknowledged that the Rx was completely wrong. Dr, Gin corrected the Rx, and the new glasses worked well. He retired, and now I am assigned to the same person who got the Rx wrong and who gets terrible reviews as well (so it is not just me). I feel trapped as there is no one else with an appointment available for 3 months and this is a surgical followup. read more

My experience at Vision Essentials in Pasadena was completely positive. Dr. Wang was prompt and efficient. The staff in the dispensing area was helpful and accommodated my requests to "recycle" two old frames instead of purchasing new ones. Wait time was short. I was very satisfied with this visit. read more

I tried making a contact lens appointment online but everything showed up as "No appointments available" so I had to call. Pain in the arse! We played phone tag for a good 4 days until I finally asked for the Contact Department's direct line. After that bump in the road, everything was smooth sailing! I always come to this location because of my insurance and it being the closest to work. The office is large, clean and comfortable. The ladies at the front are all so sweet. The contact guys are friendly and helpful. After ordering my lenses, he tried to find rebates for me so that I can save as much as I can. My optometrist this time was Dr. Houson. He was AWESOME! i've been here a few times and this guy is my absolute FAVORITE! He's very gentle, kind, knowledgable and does everything he can to make me feel comfortable being there. He was quick, and still very professional. I didn't have time to stay and pick out new glasses this time, but they have a decent sized selection there. Most likely I'll be back for those soon! Finally...don't forget...park in the structure! The entrance is on Wilson, and there is validation for 3 hours (not that you'd be there for 3 hours). Although each year I dread finding out that my prescription gets a little worse, coming to Kaiser Pasadena Vision Center makes that process so much more bearable. read more

Not many people know this but there's parking in the back. You can get validation at the front desk for your visit. Dr. Irene is great. She is very nice and knowledge. Overall, I had a great experience. Also, to make an appointment, you can make an appointment on the KP Mobile application. Just show up that day and they will take care of everything. Now if you don't have the app or a smart phone, you will have to try to call them directly and they may not always pick up the phone. I know the contactlense department doens't pick up their phone. A comment about Kaiser's Vision Plan. I don't like how they charge $120 for contact lenses fitting fee. We are only given $150 allowance for every 2 years so this sort of used all of it us. You might want to shop online for contact lenses and glasses because it is a lot more affordable outside. There is a copay for your appointment FYI. read more

Do not get your contact lens exam here. Kaiser considers contact lenses cosmetic, so it costs $79+ (more for astigmatism). There are few places that charge the same amount for a full eye exam. However, with Kaiser, you get an eye exam, return for a contact lens fitting, and then return for a follow up. Three visits! I asked the "contact lens fitter" why I needed separate exams, and the fitter said Kaiser wants to maximize productivity. In other words, Kaiser wants to cram more patients through the system at our expense. read more

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials Pasadena - The crooked "Faith" sign is how you know it's a professional workplace... - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

Offering no appointments until November, ludicrous!!! I'm just supposed to drive around with an expired eye prescription and scratched glasses for the next 3 months, great job, Kaiser! read more

I have had a good experience visiting the facility, most people were friendly and to the point. I tried a couple of different docs and they had a good general knowledge although sometimes not updating the notes in the system. I did have to wait a little while which is a pet peeve of mine, so when you go, be prepared to wait for a while just in case it happens. It's worth mentioning that there is validated parking in the garage directly behind the building and sometimes there is street parking available right out front I give it 4 stars, mostly for the waiting... the rest I can handle read more

This place is great to me. It use to be on Lake street. But they moved. Nice location. Across from Rite-aid. Very friendly and helpful receptionists. Also the tech are very helpful in giving info to your questions. The nurses are also friendly when prepping you to see the doctor. Great place to get glasses. read more

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P.S. In writing my review, I refer specifically to Kaiser's Appointment system in general and not to the Optical Service Department. One has to go through a series of gate-keepers to even make an appointment outside of one's primary provider (which can be done online). Consider yourself lucky reaching a live person to help you, and even then, they may not be able to. One can always tell what the company's priorities are based on that first call! In Kaiser's case, I don't believe it is the patient that comes first. Sorry. Just telling it like it is. read more

I have mixed feelings. Dr. Jin was great. I would give him 5 stars! He was friendly, professional, efficient, and on time. He even tried to show me a way to text on my phone using voice recognition. (I was turning my phone off as he walked in for my appointment.) The facility itself is very clean, including the bathroom. The receptionists at check in were nice. I checked in and was seen right away. I didn't catch her name but the first woman checked my prescription on my glasses, did the eye puff test, which I fear, and did one other screening (involving a picture of a hot air balloon at the end of the road) in a machine. It was the one that focuses while you look in. I asked what it does and she said it was for figuring out the basic prescription. Then I was seated back in the waiting area and Dr. Jin came out. He took me to another room. He made a little bit of small chat about my phone, school, work, and family. He then proceeded to examine my eyes to determine my prescription. He told me my prescription and asked if I wanted to get glasses. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. Then I waited for the optician in the waiting area. This took quite a while. At least 15 minutes. I didn't catch her name because she didn't introduce me or have a name tag on. She was not friendly at all. I would give her 1 star. I asked her if she could adjust my current glasses because my prescription turned out to be the same. She said she wasn't responsible if she broke my glasses. She then poked fun of my glasses stating what was wrong with them and that they were old. She had trouble adjusting them, which is funny because I usually adjust them at home on my own without any problems. I think she just wanted me to buy new ones. She was the only negative part of my experience. I'm considering contacts and asked about the contact exam. They have another office inside the offices solely dedicated to contact exams. It costs $109 or $159 if you have astigmatism depending on your Kaiser insurance. They have a wide selection of glasses. They seem a bit pricey. I looked at several and they ranged from $150 - $300. They also have sunglasses. So, I would go here for the optometrist and eye exam because my experience was positive but I am not so sure about the optician and actual glasses. However, there was another optician who seemed a lot nicer and bubblier. I was actually hoping to work with her. I guess it is the luck of the draw. 5 stars for the eye doctor 1 star for the optician averages out to 3 stars. read more

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Wow. I should have read reviews before going to this location. Doctors are great but the other employees need more training. Customer service is non existent. There's also not enough seats for the members they book for appointments. They don't even tell you to validate your parking before leaving. I paid for parking twice before another member told me they validate. The employees are very unprofessional socializing loudly in the optical sales area. Don't even bother calling this place to get help. They hardly answer their phones and if they actually do they will put you on hold for over 10 minutes. Save yourself money and a headache and go to Costco for your vision needs. read more

I'm happy I read the Yelp reviews before making an appointment for my dad. I highly recommend Dr Irene Wong, she's a wonderful optometrist. She's kind and patient and goes over everything. Highly recommend if you have a senior parent or grandparent. read more

From the receptionist to the optometrists and the technician-this place is great! I found them to be helpful, patient and give excellent service! read more

Shout out to Ruby who helped us with checking insurance coverage and picking out glasses. I was waiting to be called to pick out glasses but there were 3 elderly patients called before me. Ruby was the only employee available to help us during that time but she took her time with each patient to help them. The first patient was disgruntled due to the price change that he received regarding his glasses. Ruby patiently explained why the price change happened and did excellent service recovery. The second person had some questions with ordering glasses from outside and Ruby explained how the process goes for that. The third patient had questions regarding billing in her account and Ruby explained patiently and methodically to the patient regarding her billing questions. Mind you none of those patients ordered glasses that day from her but she helped them in all other ways that counted for them. Awesome employee! She makes Kaiser Permanente look good! Keep up the good work! read more

My husband had his appointment cancelled twice and was notified less than 24 hours prior each time. They didn't provide him with an appointment slot anything earlier than a month from the previous date and they ended up cancelling again. When he asked if there were other optometrists that could see him, they did not provide him with alternative options and told him to go to another optical center. read more

It was my first time having a eye exam. Dr. Wang was very gentle and explained everything very thoroughly . They are taking every safety measure when dealing with patients. All surfaces were clean and after each patient they would spray down the area. Everyone was so nice! Especially Noyva! She helped me pick out the perfect glasses and explained what my coverage consist of. She helped save money and she's so funny. Thank you to all the staff that made my visit VERY pleasant!! read more