Great, professional service...a bit pricey but awesome location and hours. I wanted specifically wanted to mention the customer service I received from Liz (3/10/26) she acknowledged me the moment I walked in making sure I felt seen and valued. After asking for my name, she kindly asked me to take a seat and let me know she would be right over. She did come over right away with my file in hand and asked how she could help. Her demeanor was so warm and genuine and she explained every detail, each step in the process, giving me specifics about what my insurance would cover, what options were available to me, then concluded the transaction efficiently. I was very impressed by her behavior, engaging personality and professionalism. This was such a pleasant interaction and I wanted Dr Kurtbay to know what an amazing employee he has. What a wonderful way to end my workday! read more

They did a really great job. The younger doctor (I believe it's Dr Kurtbay's son) is very detailed and good at his job. I would definitely recommend him! read more

Dr Kurtbay is good, but his office is not. Let me tell you why. 1. No price is marked on all of the frames. This is so inconvenient since you have to ask them the price every time you find a satisfied frame. 2. The Asian lady was not patient at all. She just wanted you to get the frame and pay for it. 3. They locked the office even during daytime. Yes. You read it right that they locked the office 24 hours 7 days. You have to wait on the street if they decide there is too many people inside. 4. Their bathroom is not allowed for you to use. They asked you to use the bathroom from Starbucks that is next door to them. So 5 star doctor, but 1 star office. read more

I've been wearing contacts and glasses for distance vision for over 10 years, and this was the first time ever that an optometrist failed to prescribe the right one and made the exam and his suggestions so confusing and irrelevant that I had to see another optometrist. In addition, Dr. Kurtbay recommended glasses for reading when I never needed them. I ended up going to another optometrist and got the right prescription in a smooth visit, finding Dr. Kurtbay's prescription off even after 2 followup visits! I was also told by my new optometrist that my eyes are perfect for reading and that I didn't need any glasses read more

Dr. Kurtbay has been helping our family with eye care and glasses for years. We trust his clinical skills and his wife is excellent at helping choose frames that fit the face well. They are a great duo, kind staff and excellent care. read more

Oh boy - where to start? ...I have come here a few times over the past 5-6 years. Live in the neighborhood. They always have a GREAT selection of frames! That's why I endure the painfully poor customer service (historically). The experience (service) is now worse due to their COVID protocols. From having to enter and exit through a metal gate, being stopped at the entrance, to check out my new $350+ frames looking at a mirror through the window, from outside-in... to the HORRIBLE communication throughout this experience scheduling... back and forth texting to schedule an appointment... not communicating their COVID protocols clearly... to upon arrival having to send/ sign multiple forms to prove vaccination status/ COIVD questions/ etc. ... then being essentially asked to leave once the payment receipt was signed... man! I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Waste of time. The entitled customer service representative could not answer which frames they have in my size and stopped responding to texts. I guess they do not need customers and sales. read more

Comprehensive exam and explanation and exceptional customer service for selecting frames. I came to the store first time and the end to end so far has been excellent. I got clear instructions for paperwork. Dr. Kurtbay did a very thorough exam and explained everything along the way. I had two prescriptions from before - one was over correct and another one under corrected. He worked through it patiently to help me find the correct prescription. It was the best customer service experience for glasses selection in my entire life. Just ask for Noah when you go. Noah listened to what I wanted and then helped me search from selection. He helped me discover new frame style and helped me find the color that looks really good on me. When we couldn't find the frame with perfect match of color and style (it was not being made anymore), he helped me try over two dozen frames to find what looks best. I have a frame that I really like and am excited to wear it. I generally don't wear my glasses because I don't like way I look with frames, but now I will! Thank you Dr. Kurtbay and Noah! read more

I have been visiting Dr. Kurtbay for over 20 years. Great service and selection. Many don't know this; they are a family-run business. My wife and children now see Dr. Kurtbay. Highly recommend. read more

I didn't see the Dr. himself, but am reviewing the staff & eye wear selection. I've been in dozens and dozens of eye places over the past 18 years and can differentiate the people who know their stuff from those who are bluffing. PRODUCTS: 4 stars on selection. They carry prodesign: denmark, which I had been searching for ever since moving from East Bay and discovering it in a Site For Sore Eyes (Dublin). Reason is because prodesign carries acetate/plastic frames with attached nose pads! (For those of you without a defined nose bridge, this is a necessity.) I scanned the other brands as well and they seemed to have the basics. SERVICE: I can tell you that they really want to make you spend MORE money. Trying to upsell you on unnecessary additions and reassuring you that VSP is really great and covers so much more than other insurance plans. One of the staff, an Asian male, is the most annoying. As one of the female staff members was helping me calculate the financials for my glasses, he walked over, stood beside her, and hovered over us the entire time. She looked up at him expectantly and he said "I'm just observing." For what... She had it totally under control. Go away. Then he chimed in every so often with very unhelpful and unnecessary tidbits, commenting on how my phone area code was from Phoenix. What a nuisance. Very unprofessional. What is his deal? Get a life and move out of your parents' house already. You're 30. The rest of the female staff is somewhat professional and friendly. One of the ladies got defensive when I said that the glasses didn't feel right. Telling me "Well, you will have to go back to the doctor you got your prescription from, because we can't do anything about the lenses." Lady, I meant to say, the frames weren't sitting on my face correctly. (Of course I said it in a polite manner) Then she said, "Oh, let me get someone to help you with that." Lose the Asian man and this woman. RESULTS: I got my frames. They're great and unscathed. Reluctantly, I asked the Asian man (who was the only one capable of handling tools? and the one adjusting my nose pads, to my unfortunate dismay), what tool he used to adjust my nose pads. I really did not want to step foot into this place again if, God forbid, my glasses need tweaking. So he says, "You're not going to be able to buy it at one of these shops on the street (no shit Sherlock)." I replied, "I just want to see what it looks like." So he fetches it, and holds it above my head, not letting it go. Wow, can the paying customer handle it for a second to etch the image in her brain? Complete dick. BTW, I could probably buy it on eBay. DON'T GO unless you have an emergency!! read more

Love all the staff here. Dr. Kurtbay is truly great at what he does. Cares about the patient and wonderful conversationalist. Told me stories about his upbringing in Istanbul and his family. Good selection of glasses - particularly TC Charton. It's a brand created by an Asian women for Asian noses (or lack thereof). 10/10 experience. read more

My family and I have been getting our frames and lenses from here for many years. We have an optometrist at Kaiser so they always do our eye exams. During the beginning of Covid we could not get into see a doctor at Kaiser. My son and I made an appointment to see Dr. Kurtbay to have him examine our eyes. We picked out new frames when we went in to pick up our glasses after they came back from the lab neither my son nor I could see out of our glasses. I don't know what Dr. Kurtbay did during the exam, but he clearly did not capture our prescriptions correctly. I believe mine had to be remade twice and my son's once. Fast forward to a few months ago and it was time for new glasses for both of us. We went back to our doctor at Kaiser and came in to Dr. Kirtbay's office with our new prescriptions. I had my own frames that I had purchased from another optical shop because it was a frame I really loved, and my son picked out a new frame from a company called OVO optics which prides itself on having glasses that are very durable (and expensive). My son barely wore these glasses for two weeks and one of the arms fell off. We brought them back to Dr. Kurtbay's office and they were able to put the arm back on. A couple of months go by and the arm comes off again. my son brought them back in and was told that they cannot fix them. They told him if they fix them they would break even more. I called the office and told him that this is utterly ridiculous. These are brand new frames that should be under warranty and they accused him of abusing them. My son is a responsible young man, and does not abuse his glasses. I had a few back-and-forth texts with the office, and their final resolution was "we will give you a discount on another frame". I almost laughed. As if I would ever come back to their office. I had asked them three times for the name and number of the manufacturer which they never gave me. They finally gave me the frame number and model. I actually emailed the manufacturer through their website and have yet to hear back. So bottom line is stay as far away as you can from this office and definitely do not buy any frames from Ovvo optics. One final note, their Covid protocols are ridiculous. I see their business failing within the next year or two if they don't start letting customers into their shop. read more

If you don't buy glasses, they don't check your pupillary distance even though you paid for checking eyes for glasses and their behaviors are so bad. It was such a bad experience I had. I don't recommend it. read more

I am leaving a one star review. Dr. Kurtbay and the staff were friendly, but my visit to get contact lenses was way more expensive and the billing was not transparent so I will not. I am leaving a one star review because I got billed for a 'premium' contact lens exam (I still don't even know what that means) WITHOUT BEING TOLD it was a premium exam, or that there was an option for a standard exam. I think it's skeezy to bill for a premium exam without communicating that to a patient, especially with the knowledge of a patient's insurance policy. As a result, I paid over $120... just for exam ($39 for laser scan and $85 (including 10% discount from insurance)), not including any actual lenses. This is not what I would expect with insurance! I have Eyemed, if this is helpful to anyone. I returned for a contact lens fitting (to decide which lenses were better) (maybe this was the 'premium option?!?!), I asked whether I would be able to opt for a "standard" exam next time, and the Dr. started complaining about the finances of his practice. Okay, but don't leave me out of my healthcare decisions to opt for a premium service. read more

I love dr. Kurtbay! My yearly eye exam is always a breeze. Old lenses that need my new prescription? Also never a problem. The staff is kind, courteous and responsive and I always leave with exactly what I want. read more

Aug 2017: I've been a customer here for 10 years, but I can no longer recommend it. The only thing that holds true about my old review are my comments about Dr. Kurtbay himself. Unfortunately, the service is very poor now. The staff are unhelpful and combative. Insurance is processed in an opaque and manipulative way to maximize your spending instead of maximizing your value. When you ask for your prescription, they leave some information out and drag their heels when you demand the full results of your costly examination. The prices are still as high as you'll find anywhere, but you get no value added. It's a shame. read more

I've been a client for nearly 2 decades, continuously receiving expert quality eye care, customized eye corrections, unique selections, and exceptional customer service. Dr. Kurtbay is personable, professional and a pleasure to work with. read more

well, i have been going to dr kurtbay for more than ten years for eye exams and contacts and lenses for my glasses. initially i was worried about my eye health because i am Diabetic Type 2 -- and Dr Kurtbay has new highly advanced eye exam machines that really examine your eyeball health. lately since Coronavirus it is a Super Hassle to be a customer patient of this business! they do not answer phone calls, only text messages. Super Strange and a Super Hassle. if you want an appointment you text them and they text back arriving at kurtbay optical is WEIRD-- -- they have a prison-like gate entrance, and you stand at the entrance and text them to open the entrance barred gate (looks like a prison) and let you inside. obviously they are paranoid about Coronavirus. or Precautionary or Whatever. - dr kurtbay is a nice affable guy read more

Yelp, I trusted you! You never failed me before...I should have known better than to trust a place with so few reviews! My friend and I were sorely disappointed...Dangit! This place appears to be just what a person could ever want for their eyes...nice office, close to home, high yelp reviews...sigh...I thought I was doing everything right - Yelp and I generally see EYE to EYE. This will be our first fight. Don't get me wrong, they were nice...kinda pushing their own product and agenda(but what good business don't, right?). They were so kind and here I was so trusting...they even worked with the insurance company so that there wouldn't be too much out of pocket expense. We're thinking - pretty nice...my friend thought he hit the jack pot when they told him everything he'd be getting...sooo he thought! ...oh what??? $500 effin dollars??? for what?? pieces of glass and some plastic...sigh - they took advantage of my trusting nature!!! I'll give them one star (cause I can't go any lower) - for showing me CLEARLY how wrong I was to trust!! read more

REFUSED REFUND: The sales rep at Dr Kurtbay's office sold me an expensive 270-day supply of daily disposable contact lenses that turned out to be 270 individual lenses (or half that many days- 135 pairs). When I realized what happened, I called the office to either correct the mistake, or get a refund on the unopened lenses. Dr. Kurtbay suggested that what happened was a misunderstanding, refused to offer a refund, but extended a store credit for the one unopened box (I had opened the other two). With no intention to buy anything else from his office, and having exhausted my insurance AND my partner's vision insurance plan I'm on (and then some) on a 135 day supply, I guess I'll go blind for 2/3 of the year. Bad form. SERVICE: Besides the experience above, the staff at the store was pleasant, and happy to show me various frames and contact lenses. They were able to process two insurance plans (sadly in hindsite, since my insurance is now depleted on a measly supply) quickly, and got me into my appointment on time. EQUIPMENT: Dr. Kurtbay's optical equipment seemed very modern compared to Dr. Dong's (competing doctor across the street) and Lens Crafters. I was generally impressed in this department. VISION AFTER VISIT: Very good. Dr. Kurtbay did a nice job choosing the correct prescription. However, one of my eyes is not tolerating the contact lenses well, so I'm not sure the lens was the right fit. FRAMES OPTIONS: There are a good but not huge amount of frames options at the store. They tend to be more contemporary in style, and I had some trouble finding frames that would fit my head (many of the frames tend to be on the more narrow side). OVERALL EXPERIENCE: I won't be returning because I was (probably unintentionally) misled about what I was purchasing and offered unacceptable recourse when the error was spotted. However, for the person living in the Inner Sunset who needs a local eye doctor and is happy with contemporary frames, there are enough positives here to make him a worthwhile consideration. But, if you're buying contacts, make sure you get what's promised in writing. read more

Ahhhhh! I have mixed feeling about this place. I am 33 years old. I have needed glasses FOREVER and just got my first pair a few months ago. Dr. Kurtbay is in my hood and takes my insurance, VSP. They were my first stop looking for glasses and I found a pair that I liked yay! Dr. Kurtbay himself gets 5 stars. He is awesome!!! Since I'm new to wearing glasses he took time to fit me for the perfect prescription. My prescription was too "perfect" for me, having not ever worn glasses so he adjusted it so I could get used to them and he was not annoyed at all. He is a great optometrist!!! Service was good. At the time (2 months ago) I would have given it 4 stars. The woman who helped me seemed to know all about glasses and exactly how my insurance worked...and this is why I am very confused. I loved my glasses the first week but noticed they covered my eyebrows and stuck out of my face, they became very uncomfortable. A few weeks ago I went looking for a new pair of glasses that fit better. I went into a shop and saw the same pair of Masunaga's I was wearing, but they looked slightly different. The sales girl pointed out that I was wearing the "Asian fit" with a built in nose piece. What? I'm so new to wearing glasses I had no idea Asian fit was something that existed. The woman at the shop who discovered this also straightened the glasses for me which was never offered to me at Dr. Kurtbay's. I called Dr. Kurtbay's the next day and told them I had received the Asian fit glasses. They did exchange them for me. I'm not sure if I had originally tried on the Asian fit or they accidentally gave me the Asian fit. Had I tried on the Asian fit and ordered them I feel like the sales woman should have told me this, especially knowing it was my first ever pair. If I was accidentally given the Asian fit they should have noticed...or at least asked to straighten them for me when I picked them up and tried them on (they were obviously very lop sided on my face) Being new to glasses I had no idea you can make adjustments. When I picked my new Masunaga frames up I felt very uncomfortable. No apology it was pretty awkward. They have a great selection of glasses and Dr. Kurtbay himself is great. If this mix-up hadn't happened I'd give them 4 stars but I feel like they took advantage of me knowing it was my first pair. read more

I'd honestly rather go to one of those two hour timeshare presentations. At least with those, you're going in expecting to be sold to. I get it, as a business you have to do what you have to do to make a buck, but if I can offer some advice...at least listen to your customer, be transparent in what you're doing, and don't let a customer leave without a prescription in hand. I was at the office for over an hour - 80 minutes to be exact. About 90 seconds of those 80 minutes were spent doing the actual eye exam with Dr. Kurtbay. I spent a good 30-45 minutes just cruising through their waiting area, which I recognize now was just a feeble attempt to get me attached to a set of frames I'd just need to have. After explaining that I'd get my frames elsewhere for a quarter of the cost, the staff FINALLY told me about something other than the super ultra premium they talked about as if it was the norm. As a guy who wears glasses no more than 8 hours a day, there is no way I need any of that. So, I didn't purchase lenses, paid for the visit, and left. I'm glad I looked at what the staff handed me, because it was just a glorified receipt - I didn't even get my prescription. I literally had to walk back inside and specifically request it. Five minutes later, I have it in hand and am being given another pitch about how they can fit their lenses into any frame...whatever. Everyone was very nice and my prescription was accurate. I wish I could support a community business, but to do that, the business has to support the community, too. This is not an office I'll be returning to. read more

So, I went with the reviews and since his office is conveniently located, headed here to get my eyes checked for glasses and contacts. The good - nice enough and located on the N line. Decent options for frames there. Professional. However, this was probably one of my worst fittings ever! I actually needed to go back in to get refit and then they still didn't fit well but as I was going out of the country within days, had to live with it. Definitely won't be back. I don't have the time to return over and over again for refitting. read more

I took my daughter to see (or to see better,lol) Dr.Kurtbay yesterday and I was very pleased with the service and professionalism. Dr. Kurtbay was very informative and gave us lots of advice, he seemed knowledgeable and the exam room was full of what appeared to be some really high tech and impressive looking diagnostic equipment. Overall the staff was very warm and welcoming and the women that helped us pick out new glasses was great too! I would highly recommend them to anyone!! read more

I lived in the Inner Sunset for about 7 years, but it wasn't until 2 months before I moved to Alamo Square that I finally switched to Dr. Kurtbay's practice. I needed an eye doctor that accepted Saturday appointments, and Dr. Kurtbay fit. I was also pleased with the fact that on the many occasions that I had to visit the office (all on Saturdays), I always manage to see Dr. Kurtbay himself, or another optometrist who might be fresh from UCSF. At Hyperoptics, it was always an Optometrist's Technician who saw me on Saturdays. The staff are puppy-friendly, and themselves have photos of their doggies plastered to the wall. Slight gripes - though always friendly and pleasant, the staff takes a gander at my generous VSP vision policy through my employer, and always try to upsell me to the most expensive frames and lenses, saying "Oh, your policy's so good, you've got a lot covered... etc. etc. etc." I don't necessarily want brand new $600 frames every year and let them know so. read more

Friendly, conveniently located, with a wide range of tasteful and stylish frames, quality lenses, and a nice opto-map machine that means I only have to get my eyes dilated once every 3 years. I find the staff here friendly and professional, excellent at understanding and managing my insurance (VSP) so that I don't have to think about it at all, and really helpful at picking out flattering frames. (This is always a challenge for me, since I can't see anything when trying on new frames. They haven't let me down yet!) Dr. Kurtbay has a warm, approachable, very professional manner and seems highly competent to me. The office has been prompt, accessible, and communicative regarding any request I've had, including when I wanted to pick up a copy of my prescription before traveling. I will happily continue going to them as long as I live in the area. read more

Optomometrix Optometry sold us very bad quality glasses for my son. We followed their advises when selecting the glasses and after few days the paint on the glasses was already partly gone. Additionally, after they realigned them, 2 spikes came out of the frame. As a result, yesterday when my son gave me a hug one the spike that comes out of the frame planted itself just below my right eye. I now have a scare... I would have thought that they would try to fix the situation as quickly as possible, but instead they need to discuss with the manufacturer and told me that at best they would replace the glasses (hoping they will) in 2 to 3 weeks... read more

I was looking for an optometrist on Yelp and read the reviews. I don't know why anyone would leave a negative review for this place. Not only was Dr. Kurtbay extremely professional and thorough, but the staff was impeccable as well! The woman was very patient and helpful when I tried on a zillion frames after I told her my price range. The asian guy was extremely helpful and nice too! They told me all my options and didn't try to pressure me into spending more than I wanted. They processed my VSP insurance so easily and I received my new glasses within a couple of days! They are GRRREEAATT!! read more

Lately, I've been trying to shop local! So about a month ago, I knew I needed new glasses and wandered into the neighborhood eye dr's office. I had no idea if they took my insurance or had an appointment. Turns out they took my insurance and knew how much coverage I had within about 5 minutes. The Dr. happened to be available and saw me on the spot. Then I ordered new glasses (they helped me pick some out that were really cute!). Then a few weeks later, I decided to get sunglasses also. I have some that I already like and I didn't have that much to spend. They offered to just replace the lens of my current sunglasses frames. That saved me a ton of money! I thought that was really nice of them to make the suggestion. read more

Kurtbay hooks a brotha from another motha up. Although I'm not related to him, and although I'm not a "brotha", he still did indeed bring out the bad ass skills(as if optomitrists have "mad" skillzz) in order to help me out. I walked in, 1 week till departure with a need for funky cool, yet durable glasses. His super friendly staff was more than helpful and keenly guided me towards frames I really liked. Highly recommended, his strong accent and even stronger knowledge of optometry will be sure to leave you squinting for months. Albeit because your smilng so wide.... read more

They carry Oliver Peoples!!! Wahooo, a frame shop with premium / well-made frames. Carrying OP also means carrying Paul Smith, so together, it's a great collection. I also saw they carry Kate Spade & Calvin Klein. I would trust these are also made well but as most would know, KS and CK make things other than eye wear whereas I know OP and PS are known for their eye wear (PS has other product lines). Go to Quinn - she's very helpful and has a great eye for picking out frames that go well with your style/face shape etc. Didn't have an appt with Dr. Kurtbay so not sure. They take VSP insurance! And it's SO convenient to get here. They're on Irving and 9th in the Sunset, and the N-Muni line stops right in front of the store (literally) if you're going west. read more

Great, fast service. I went there to look at frames and they have a great selection! Lots of brands like Prada, Paul smith, Paul frank, Tom Ford, matsunaga and lots more. They accept VSP insurance and the turn around time was 1 week even though they said usually it takes 2 weeks. I had asked if they can put a rush on it and they sure did :) I'm very happy and would highly recommend them :) read more

I have serious eye problems (four eye surgeries and changing prescriptions) so I don't go to just anyone. I see Dr. Susan Day at UCSF as a surgeon, but Dr. Kurtbay is greta for my prescriptions. At first I was turned off by his mandatory eye-exam machine, but I was convinced once I saw how it worked that it's better than doing the eye dilation. He's not the cheapest, but he's very nice, and I saw him three times (without extra charge) to try to find the right contact lenses for me. His accent is kinda great, too. Like he was a spy in his former life. read more

Agree with all posts. Dr. Kurtbays place covers it all, including cool sunglasses like Muai Jims, Lasik and regular checkups. A few of the staff are UCSF chicks, so they're pretty knowledgeable. This is on 9th and Irving, so lots to eat after your done. read more

I've been going here for almost 7 years now. Every job I've had, they've been able to take every insurance I've had without a problem. Their selection is great and the staff are super patient when helping you pick out a pair of regular glasses or sunglasses. They really know what they're doing, and they seem to have a pretty good selection no matter what budget you are on. I moved out of the Inner Sunset years ago, but I still keep coming back. Dr. Kurtbay himself, is really nice. He's a soft spoken guy, who has always remembered my name. He explained everything in the process, from what machines do what, to the pros and cons of contact lenses and LASIC surgery. I've been hard on my glasses at times, and even years after I've bought them they've helped me fix them, replace nose pads, re-attach broken temples, and pop lenses back in. This place is the definition of a friendly neighborhood store, and I highly recommend them if you need glasses or any eye care products. read more

Very good Dr. Good staff, if you have issues you're encouraged to coma back until they're solved. 10/10 experience from beginning to end.

I want to support this local business and have been willing to pay more for my glasses to do so, but I can no longer step into this optometry office. The sales staff are nice people, but the pricing of products is inconsistent and the explanation for charges is inexplicable. read more

I went in with my glasses asking for an estimate to replace my lenses. I was told $100. Came back with my prescription and was told $200 to $300 !! WTH !! A 200 to 300% misquote?? WOW !! read more

Dr. Kurtbay was super nice and answered all my questions clearly and patiently. The staff is really awesome and the guy who helped me spent a lot of time picking out the best glasses for my price range and style. They take VSP and were really on top of what my coverage is, but in the end the prices were still sort of high... read more

somehow I had a good feeling about this place before reading any reviews or having any referrral. I first came here to fill a presription that was written elsewhere. Unfortunately that one was not quite right. I had also damaged my frames. The Dr. and staff were very helpful including filling out the paperwork since I had also damaged my writing hand (still on the mend), and my glasses were ready again within a few days. I neither work nor live in this area-I once upon a time did live in the area-but recommend coming here even if it is not logistically convenient. read more