I have been seeing Dr. Serene for at least 5 years and started going to this location a few years ago as it is closer to my home. I was originally going to the Lake Merritt Location and when I found out about this office, I started making my appointments here. The staff is always responsive and when there is a delay in my contact order, they let me know. Dr. Serene is always friendly and attentive and hardly have to wait long for my appointment. I usually park in the neighborhood as there is free parking in the residential area read more

Laurel Optometry - Storefront - Optometrists Near Me - Oakland, California

First and LAST time using Laurel Optometry. They have super kind staff but their "quality control" is absolute garbage. I ordered prescription sunglasses on August 29, 2025. My glasses didn't come back for a month and they are always closed (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday). Only being open 3 days a week makes it extremely difficult for customers. I came in on Thursday, October 9, 2025 to get the glasses and they were already scratched. Never even worn and they had a gash in the lens. How is this possible that not a single person noticed this? I will not be doing business with them ever again. read more

Laurel Optometry has been my eye doctor office for two years. You can call or email for appointments (I like to email) and it's usually easy setting an appointment a month in advance. I usually go towards the end of the year but I know they get really busy around that time. I've had appointments with both doctors at this location and both gave great service. The staff are also wonderful as well. Overall it's great service, efficient, and nice to go to if you are a patient. My sisters go here and they also like it. They've been patients at the Lake Merritt location for over a decade but moved to Laurel since it is closer. read more

I would not recommend and I will never return. Terrible service and nonchalant attitude and dishonesty were my deciding factors. I am currently searching for a new optometry provider that can help me. This place was not it for me. read more

My family and I have been coming to Laurel Optometry for 15+ years off and on, based on my insurance since we lived in the neighborhood when Dr Oakamoto was still running the business. However, in the last couple of years, I haven't been impressed with the service. Last year, I went in with my daughter for an eye exam. We were provided back-to-back appointments but when we got there, it appeared that we may have been doublebooked because the visit seemed a bit rushed as neither of us had our eyes dilated for the exam which is what typically happens when we go in annually especially since I have such a high prescription. In any event, I went with it and ordered new contacts that took approximately 2-3 weeks to get them in and I spent a good amount of money there along with my daughter. When calling for status, it's just always the same answer, they haven't come in yet and that was the extent of the customer service. You call the doctor and she is never there because she's at the other location and if you call the other location, she's never available. I tried calling again this year in hopes of getting a new brand of contacts that worked better. I called the doctor's cell phone, and left a message, and still no response, so, I called the office and she was not available and never got a callback. It's disappointing, to say the least, that the service of this office has gone downhill so drastically. read more

This was a premier operation under Dr Okimoto. My wife worked for her as her first job in the early 1980's. I had received wonderful service for over 20 years until the change in ownership and connection with Lake Merritt Optometry. I was told to pick up prescription in two weeks and it took four. Go to pick up at the time they texted me and the bars are locked. Call and am told to go to the other location near lake Merritt I get there and my eyeglasses are at the location that was locked in the Laurel district. This seems to be an issue in many service areas and even the friendly neighborhood optometrist renders unprofessional service. read more

I chose this location because I live in the neighborhood and was hoping to support a local business but after the experience I just had I can't honestly recommend this location for anyone in the East Bay area. There is significant construction in front of the location and I struggle to find parking in the neighborhood. I was 10 minutes late for my appointment, I had called to notify them, but no one picked up -- when I arrived I apologized profusely but the front desk staff was incredibly rude. I had waited months for this appointment, but their tone (which felt condescending and unkind) upset me so much that I actually walked out without being seen. Recommend taking your business elsewhere! read more

I think these people are very nice but I'm very confused about how they run their business. I had my first appointment nearly three months ago and have still yet to receive contacts. Firstly, because they forgot to order trial lenses (so I had to follow up a few weeks later to see what was up; unfortunately, they also ordered the wrong prescription lenses). I also wasn't able to order glasses during this time because they forgot to give me that prescription, which I had to also remind them about. Then, they ordered contacts for me (and said they'd provide me with an update), which also haven't arrived, and it's been again almost a month. Again, very nice people, but I don't know if I'd recommend this place if you don't have a ton of time to kill continuously following up with them. read more

I was greatly disappointed that Dorothy retired, after going there for years. The new woman seems OK but a value was transposed in recording my prescription. I had to make three trips to Costco returning my new glasses twice, when they finally said I should go back to doctor as there could only be an error in the prescription. After a second eye exam I asked if there had been a transcription error and was told yes. This can happen any where. But there no apology whatsoever and while I was never treated badly was also never treated on a personal basis. I am looking for a new office. read more

Does not return texts or voice-mail even when given a referral from another office. Would not recommend.

Very friendly and knowledgeable. He didn't try to push anything on me and I appreciated his professionalism.

Dr. Ngin was just wonderful - patient, kind, and thorough. Ana was also very helpful. The place is clean and while their options for eyeglass frames on hand were limited, I was able to go to their lake Merritt shop to find a pair for my white face rather easily. The eyeglasses arrived a week or so later. I also got contact lens prescription and lenses. All of these progressive. It took a while to adjust to the contact lenses, but again, they were very patient and I felt no pressure to finalize my prescription or orders. I will definitely be supporting them in the future. read more

The doctor who replaced Dorothy is good but the new office staff do NOT follow through when they say they would, and do not know the inventory. I broke my glasses and called if they still had the same frames. The guy who answered the call said "no". I went in and lo and behold, there were my frames. He also said they would call back when new frames came in, NEVER DID!!! read more

Nice helpful friendly staff. A small selection of frames but what they have is good, and I find that I get overwhelmed by too much choice anyway. read more

Love this place! Standard and reasonable prices, great service and really nice to have a connection with the staff and Dr Ngin. If I went through Kaiser, I'd have none of that for the same or more $$. Plus-local neighborhood business! Score! read more

Needed an eye exam and Laurel Optometry was able to schedule me in, emailed me covid precautions, and reviewed my copay prior to the app appointment. Also, once they reviewed my benefits, I was told of additional benefits I didn't even know I had which I used that day off the appointment. Thank you and stay safe! read more

I'm not sure how it's possible that one could look forward to a doctor's appointment, but I've had to go in 3 times about my contacts in the last month or so, and Dr. Okamoto made it enjoyable. She and her staff are hilarious as well as very professional. I hadn't been to an optometrist in over 3 years and I was expecting judgement, but instead was met with warmth, a very thorough exam and an optometrist who made it her mission to find me contacts that would work with my lifestyle. It helps that they are within walking distance of me, but I'd drive out of my way to access the amazing eye care I've been given here. read more

I went in for an eye exam and the service was amazing ! The lady at the front named Anna was really nice and helpful. I'll definitely be going back and I recommend this place. read more

Dr Okamoto is a very good optometrist that takes her time and gets your prescription just right. She is a hoot as far as personality goes. You might be a bit startled by her manner but remember that you are going to get the best vision when you get your glasses so just enjoy the comedic part of your visit, relax and tell her which is better, "1 or 2". Excellent frames and the staff are really helpful if you want to know what would look better on and what is cool looking. We wouldn't want to look unfashionable, would we? Well I got my wish! Excellent vision at a decent price. read more

It had been a while since I had gotten my vision tested and I was completely dreading it. I found this spot and thought I'd give it a try. So I walk in a nervous first-timer not knowing what to expect. Dr. Okamoto is hilarious and made me feel comfortable right away, even while getting my pupils dilated. She took the extra time and effort to make sure I was relaxed but also to give me the most accurate prescription possible. I only wish I had been able to get an appointment sooner but now I know why they are booked up. Can't wait to continue taking my crappy eyes here. read more

I love the service they provide here at Laurel Optometry. Dr. very kind and to my family and the workers in the front desk, amazing people with good sense of humors they def made us smile there. I recommended this place to my family members. Thank you Laurel Optometry. read more

I wish I could give this Optometry office 5 stars. Dr. Okamoto is wonderful--by far one of the best eye doctors I've seen. She is professional, thorough, and incredibly accurate. The ONLY reason I am not recomending this location is because of the front office secretary/office assistant. She has been nothing but rude and difficult. I had tried to continue to see Dr. Okamoto despite the treatment I receive from the front, but it isn't worth it. read more

Everyone here is friendly, yet professional. It has such a personable atmosphere. It's a somewhat smaller optometry business, but has everything you need for complete eye care. I've gotten several eye exams and two pairs of eyeglasses here over the past few years. There's a nice selection of frames from different designers. Rhea's fantastic. She helped me try on countless frames, and offered her honest opinion about each. She's adjusted my new frames to fit my face perfectly. Dr. Okamoto's great too. She has a caring manner that always puts me at ease. Her exams seem very thorough. She takes time to explain what she's testing for at each step. Once, I initially resisted getting my pupils dilated, but Dr. Okamoto gently and patiently convinced me of its importance. I'm totally happy with my experience at Dr. Okamoto's. I'm seeing clearly, feeling confident about my optical health, and have received many compliments about my glasses. read more

Dr. Dorothy Okamoto has been serving my family for three generations -- my grandparents, parents and now me! She has always satisfied us with high quality, reliable glasses and contact lenses. My mother even worked for her many years ago; she only had good things to tell me about working for Dr. O. So, once I needed glasses of my own, well, there was only one person to go to. She has the greatest humor and makes every appointment comfortable and memorable. She has always given the best quality exams and my glasses always last for YEARS. That's what I call getting your money's worth! I once went to the Costco OD, and it was miserable compared to going to Dr. O. Her work ethic is unique and nowhere else to be found. You'll feel like a long missed niece or nephew visiting an aunt who calls you all sorts of joking names like "boo-boo". Her office team is just as wonderful as herself. I highly recommend you make an appointment with her. You'll leave her office cheerful and with good glasses or contacts -- at least, I always have! Parking is not bad at all, as long as you don't park on MacArthur but on the neighboring streets. read more

Not the greatest bedside manner. Went to Dr. Okamoto years ago; she spent more time inquiring about my personal life than my vision, which I found invasive and rude. I finished up getting my eye care needs from her since she'd already done the exam, then I promptly moved on to another optometrist. When I went to pick up my prescription, I ended up seeing another doctor there (Dr. Carpenter?) who was fine, but Dr. Okamoto had already soured me for future visits. I'm very happy with my current doctor--Dr. Mo--who is wonderful and actually just down the street. read more

I have known DR, Okamoto through my church. As I am a diabetic, I need to have an optometrist check my eye sight two times a year. Compared to other optometrists that I have had over the years, DR. Okamoto has a very personable and friendlt approach with her patients. If you prefer a sterile, no non- sense approach, she is not for you. read more

Dr . Okomoto is fantastic. She is professional , knowledgable, progressive and down to earth. She also is humorous and makes you feel comfortable in her office. The staff is also very competent and knowledgable and downright funny. I had an amazing experience dealing with this office. I was used to dealing with a huge office in SF that felt like a money mill. Dr. Okomoto Office's made me feel like I was dealing with a Dr. who cared about me and my eyesite rather than just turning a buck . I highly reccomed her. read more

Just wrote a review about the shop, but need to say that this doctor KNOWS HER STUFF. So bright and witty. The appointment was like seeing an amazing new friend at lunch - she takes all of the anxiety right out the second you meet her. I love all of my eye doctors, but she is, by far - the BEST! Will return to see her for sure. I trust her completely! read more

She and her staff are great and a pleasure to be around. She is like that fun aunt that you look forward in seeing on holidays.

needed a contacts prescription and decided to go here for my annual. used my regular insurance but my experience here with the optometrist reminded me of when i had medi-cal. fast, hasty, impersonal visit. did not even share if my power had changed & sent me to the front desk. front desk staff is great and very through/ helpful. would recommend looking elsewhere for a better quality experience read more

I always love to support the businesses in my neighborhood and it is not hard to do when there are so many good choices. Dr Okamoto has had this practice in my neighborhood for over 25 years. She is now in semi-retirement and has added Dr. DeLeon to her practice. Dr. DeLeon has the same great neighborhood spirit. I always find the staff to be very professional and helpful when I have to take on the chore of picking new frames for my glasses. These folks are a great part of what makes my neighborhood (The Laurel District) so great. read more

The staff are welcoming. Dr Okamoto takes her time. I'd definitely refer friends and family

I absolutely wanted to like this place, but I had a really BAD experience. I was scheduled an appointment with Dr. Debbie Deleon. During my exam, I felt that I was rushed. My instincts told me that this will be disastrous, but I had faith that Dr. Deleon accurately measured and checked my eyes. After I picked out my glasses and paid for them, Rhea (the optician/receptionist) lost my credit card. She claimed that she gave it back to me, but I knew I never got it back. I felt like a criminal as she searched through my bag. I spent over 30 minutes waiting for her to find my credit card and she finally found it on the floor. With the glasses I ended up with, I was never able to adjust to them. I didn't understand why that was, and I thought my eyes needed more time to adjust. However, time didn't change anything. I've had glasses for years, and never has this happened. In fact, I see better with my right eye with my old glasses than my new. This made me believed that Dr. Deleon DID NOT accurately examined my eyes and thus gave me the wrong prescription. I went back to the optometry place, and explained my situation to Rhea--the optician/receptionist. She opened my file and lied to me by saying that there was no change in my right eye. After I accused her of lying, she finally admitted that there was a change. A change is a change regardless of how small the change was. She then tried to drive me away by saying that I could go anywhere I wanted to. Duh, I already knew that! If I hadn't gone here, I wouldn't be in this mess! She also said that there's nothing they could do about it because I surpassed the 3 month timeline. I don't know of any business whose philosophy relies on customer dissatisfaction, deceit, incompetence, and negligence... oh that's right... the Laurel View Optometry! Definitely do not go here if you want an accurate prescription! And definitely do not go here if you want to be treated with respect! read more

I have been going to Laurel View Optometry ever since I was a teenager. Even though I have moved out of the immediate area I still make it a point to come here for all my eye care needs. The only difference between then and now is: I now bring my husband here as well. You can't get better customer service from the front desk and Dr. Okamoto is great. Here you can expect to be treated like a person with individual eye care needs and not just a name on a file. Additional, they have a nice range of eye glasses to pick from. Although you are not required to get your eyeglasses from them it does make it really convenient. read more

I love Dr. Okamoto! She is spunky and has a great sense of humor, which is rare when it comes to eye doctors! She found this growth on my eye & sent info to Kaiser, my health care provider, who immediately took care of it! I have been seeing her now for about 2 years & will continue to do so! You should, too! read more

Dr. Okamoto and her staff are great. She is silly at times but always thorough and thoughtful. I have been to a number of optometrists in the Bay Area, and she is my favorite. They take VSP too. read more

Her prescription for me resulted in lenses that were far superior to any other glasses I've ever had. She takes the time to do some fine tuning tests that other optometrists no longer bother with. I won't go to anyone else. read more

I have gone to Dr. Okamoto for years. She is wonderful! I have horrible eyesight and also have issues with my eyes from all the chemotherapy I have done and she has been so awesome with her recommendations on managing my issues. I also like her staff. They are good at follow up and really listen to the patients. I go to many doctors and I would highly recommend her to anyone! read more

Updated review from 4 to 5 stars. Scheduling and office communication were better this time; I still wish it were easier but Dr Okamoto is so great it doesn't really matter. My visits are truly enjoyable (see below) and I leave knowing not only that my eyes are in tip top shape but that she cares about the whole person. It's going to be a sad day for me if she retires! read more

I recently went to Laurel Optometry for an eye eval and glasses update and was very pleased with the exam and everything else. Dr. Okamoto is personable and very up to speed, really knows her stuff. She has all of the latest equipment and she even did a retinal scan, something other optometrists have never done in my previous exams. The entire staff is professional and knowledgeable. Glasses do NOTlook good on me but when I picked out the glasses I wanted in their office, the first pair I choose from the display were perfect. So that painful process was averted completely. A great experience, and the glasses are perfect! I look great! I never say that. Ever. read more