In my 50-plus years of wearing glasses, I've had probably ten different optometrists (because of moving, insurance changes, etc.). After my first visit to Pasadena Optometry Center today, I'd say without a doubt that Dr. Van Woerkom is the finest optometrist I've ever had. Why? They all get the technical stuff right. But Dr. Van Woerkam is unique in his willingness to explain things to me, welcome my questions, talk with me about options, and so forth. I was extremely impressed and will gladly come again. A few other things were also very positive: * Friendly, helpful office staff. * Good selection of frames. * Good parking options (either pay in the lot or lots of nearby street parking). * Comfortable waiting area, not too crowded. So, I highly recommend Pasadena Optometry Center. read more

Van Woerkom is a wonderful, friendly guy who I enjoy seeing. The office staff has, over the last two years, messed up my orders, been unprofessional, wasted time, and was unfriendly. That says a lot given I only go in once per year. After the mistakes last year, I debated not going back. I decided to give them another chance and it didn't go well. read more

My go to optometrist for the last 15 years. Great staff and Dr. Sandy Gee is awesome. The office is easy to get to and there is ample parking. Highly recommend. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Van Woerkom's for over 15 years, I can only say nothing but the BEST about the doctor, his staff and this office. Dr. Van Woerkom is the most knowledgeable amazing doctor. He spends time giving the most thorough eye exams and he explains everything. The front office always welcomes you with a smile when you walk through the door and Sam one of the office techs is such a sweetheart, his smile and fun personality makes coming here even better. I had a few little personal situations where Sherri the office manager got back to me immediately, she too, was very nice and helpful. Dr. Van Woerkom has no hidden fees and is VERY reasonable with his fees. And of course, this office is immaculate!!!! I HIGHLY recommend this office!!!!! They are truly the BEST!!!!! read more

I really like this place. I feel like my eyes are definitely raken care of and walked me through all the imagery. I def recommend.

Dr. Craig Van Woerkom has saved my life twice. I have worked with numerous doctors my life, but he is exceptional and compassionate about his patients. Truly a light in the dark medical field. He will advocate for your needs no matter what. He is truly special and wonderful. Thank you for always giving me hope read more

It used to be that businesses cared about their customers, especially their long- time customers. This is not the case at Pasadena Optometry Center. I have always enjoyed the optometrists at POC and have always had bad experiences with the office staff. Always, and I have been going to this concern for well over 20 years. No longer. I believe today will be my very last day. That goes for my wife and child as well. 1. When quoting a price, be honest. DON'T SAY $280. SAY $310, $280 for the lenses, AND $30 for the co-pay on your insurance. Pasadena Optometry Center Staff have obfuscated the truth for so long that they believe they are saying the numbers correctly. Goodbye. 2. When customers come in with brand new frames that they have purchased somewhere else (In America, people are free to purchase anything anywhere. That's how it works) do not make them sign an old form that calls brand new frames - old. The form that every customer is made to sign if they bring in any frame from outside the store whatsoever reads: "I have decided to use my old frame." The customer who is purchasing $310 worth of lenses beyond the insurance deductible (already a scam) is forced to sign an inaccurate waiver. Goodbye. 3. When a customer politely enquires for a staff member they have already called. DO NOT SAY: "I'll see if she has time. SAY: I realize that you were here earlier today, that you probably called in advance and I'll make sure she knows you are here. Goodbye. Do not go to this place until they get their office staff a new attitude towards their customers. Sincerely - Paul Lazarus. The New Robin Hood If this is the new world, I want the old world back. read more

Dr. Craig Van Woerkom and staff saved my vision! Noticing a small vision blockage, I called the office. Despite not having an appointment, they told me to come in immediately. After a quick exam he told me I had a detached retina. He and his team went into action, not only securing approval for immediate treatment from my insurance company, but also getting me an emergency next day surgery appointment when none was available. The surgeon told me that had I waited a few days I would have lost vision in that eye permanently. Dr.Woerkom and staff took my case in their hands and made all of this happen. If he's your eye doctor, you know how good these folks are. If he's not your eye doctor, he should be. read more

I really like Dr. Woerkom's services being so thorough and accurate. I also like the glasses made from the Optometry department. They are not too cheap and have great quality. I recently had nose pads added to a new pair of glasses. It took longer than expected to get the nose pads but they are very done. The glasses came out very sharp thanks to Dr. Woerkom's prescription. This,place certainly spells quality. read more

I am so impressed with this Optometry practice. We are visiting from Northern California for my Nieces wedding this weekend. My Wife left a bag at home and it had her contacts and solution. If any of you have ever left your bag or forgot to bring your contacts I have a feeling you know how stressful that can be. I called around to a few Optometrist offices and they were not too helpful. I called this practice and a lovely lady answered the phone, I explained our situation and Sherry Howey who happens to be the practice administrator said to come over. I arrived at the practice and I walk in the door and I am greeted with a big smile. I said I am Frank I called about the contacts. Sherry goes into the back grabs the contacts and says enjoy the wedding! I wish I could give 10 stars!!!!!!! Thank you Sherry. read more

Dr Van Woerkom is an excellent doctor. he gives complete explanations, answers questions, and is very polite. His skills are excellent. I'm glad he's my opthalmologist. read more

Dr. Craig Van Woerkham and Dr. Sandy Gee are great, and the entire staff is professional and polite. I had my eye exam today after a two year hiatus, with Dr. Gee and she was very kind as always. Dr. V did my contact lens exam some years ago and was very patient and kind too. I used my insurance on a new pair of frames and Ms. Joyce was very patient with me. Beats a crowded, less personable place like Lindens any day! Highly recommend. read more

Dr. Elizabeth Snowden is amazing! Kind, patient, knowledgeable and professional. Think I've found my new optometrist! read more

This is the worst optometry place I have had in the last 40 years. I ordered my frame and glasses, and immediately they charged my credit card, and they told me it would be ready in 2-3 weeks. I did hear anything from them. I called them on week 3...they had no idea when it would be ready. I called them on week 5, and eventually they told me the glasses are ready but they did not have time for me to pick to up! It is really a bad service. read more

5 star....great optometrist,great staff,great atmosphere. I have been coming here for years and I am completely happy with the service. My reading and sun glasses are all Prada's and I never have any issues with the frames or lenses. Dr. Gee is extremely professional and Joyce the Manager is very polite and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Pasadena Optometry Center. read more

I've been coming here for years. Dr. Snowden is an excellent optometrist and does a careful job with my eye exams. No complaints about this part at all. The problem arose when going over to the commercial side to buy new lenses. I unhappily waited 35 minutes just to hand someone my current glasses and request they put lenses with the new prescription in them. I was even less happy to discover that the cost was over $550 for one pair of plastic lenses. Note: This was JUST the lenses, no frames, and not an extreme prescription. So, I will continue to get eye exams here, but will take my prescription elsewhere to buy lenses and frames. Rip me off once, lose my business. read more

Once again, I have to commend the professionalism, friendliness, and efficiency of the staff and services. Dr. Snowden is just the best. She always takes her time with me. All my questions are answered with thought and attention to detail. Can't recommend her enough. Also, I saw Dr. Van Woerkom last year and he was equally fantastic. They take their time with you! If you have a ton of questions, don't be shy in asking. The staff is friendly and helpful. They've done some renovations which make the place look beautiful and modern. I've been coming for 3 years and hope to make this my eye home for years down the line. read more

Went for eyeglasses. I have been going to Linden and thought a smaller optometry will have better services. I noticed that there is a small selection of frames. There was another customer inside the room so I waited. That customer left after 20 mins. Then the lady disappeared. You think if she knows there is a customer waiting she would have come out and told me how much more time I have to wait. So I waited for another 10 mins. (which has been 30 mins after my appointment time) the lady has not come back. I got up and asked them to cancel my appointment. Then the receptionist got up, trying to find the lady I suppose. But I told her not to bother and I left. I gave them 1 star because at least there is a waiting area and two people working at the reception area. read more

I highly recommend this place. Extremely through eye exam. Very satisfied. My family will be going here now.

Hands down the best optometrist in Pasadena. Dr. Van Woerkom is masterful in dialing in my very complex prescription. His office does not do any sort of pressure sales for lenses/frames. And when you do talk to the opticians, they are very skilled in getting you the right size and desired frame look. I've been going to Pasadena Optometry Center for 5 years and I make the 1 hour drive gladly to get top notch service. Thanks doctor for the great service! read more

My family has always been taken care of well at this optometry center. What I appreciate most is how well they help us with adjusting our glasses if (when) they get bent out of shape. Special thanks to Jaime, who is great with children and adjusting children's glasses. Whenever my son's nose pads get pushed back due to sports, Jaime is always able to adjust them back without any problems. If you have kids or if you need adjustments for your glasses, this is the place to go. read more

This is a team of true professionals. We've seen Drs. Snowden and Gee for more than a decade now. One of us is pretty healthy vision-wise, but the other is a coke-bottle glasses type. Both of us get thorough exams and stellar attention from the doctors. We've never had to wait for more than 10 minutes and they ushered me in today without delay. On my visit with Dr Snowden today, she patiently answered questions and explained everything in layman's terms for me. They took pictures of the retinas and she explained the structure and health of my eyes. I can pin the tail on the macula now, thanks Dr. S! They also provide a great selection of glasses and skilled assistants to help select the best ones for you. I couldn't find my pair today since I was in a rush, but the assistant listed the ones I had an interest in and will call me after she orders more, smaller, different colors etc. (I'm not obligated to buy them, if I don't end up wanting them.) Lastly, they take our insurance and we've never had an issue with billing. Never. That in itself is priceless! (Hope I didnt just jinx myself!) Keep up the great work, Pasadena Optometry. read more

Be prepared to wait for the eye exam. Sat in the room for 25 minutes until the doctor showed up. Ordered my glasses and was told months then weeks. Called back seversl times and wad told they would call me back. They never bothered calling me back. Don't waste your time if you are looking for a place that practices good customer service read more

Brought my dad here for an exam and couldn't be more pleased. Dr. G is excellent. Very thorough, courteous and patient. The staff is friendly and fast. The tech who helped fit my dad for his glasses was super friendly and helpful. She was able to get us an amazing glasses package that fit our budget. I came back for my own exam and the experience was just as positive as my father's. The exam was more thorough than any other exam I've had in the past and she answered all questions to the issues I was having. She has a great sense of humor and really knows her stuff. I highly recommend! read more

Pasadena Optometry Center - Nice selection - Optometrists Near Me - Pasadena, California

I scheduled an appointment for an annual eye exam and needed to get a pair of glasses too. I arrived for my appointment on time. My wait time was unusually long (longer than 30 minutes) due to somebody having an "eye emergency"... The technician that did my initial exam was awesome. She was so sweet. I finally saw Dr. Craig Van Woerkom and he was so nice and had a very calm, gentle demeanor. I probably asked him 50 questions about eyes because it's so fascinating and he answered all of my questions. He's very knowledgeable and passionate about optometry. He was very patient and gentle. The lady that helps you pick your frames was also nice and very patient. They have a great selection of eye glasses. I got a very sexy pair of Diane von Furstenberg glasses. I also got a retina exam on this fancy new machine they recently got. Good doctors are so hard to find. I'm glad I found one!! I would recommend this doctor to anybody. read more

I've been a client here for more than 20 years and will not go back. While I very much appreciate the doctors who work here, the office manager lies to cover up a clear failure to keep accurate records. What's worse is that the office manager provided me with the medical records for my daughter (over 18) and my husband (different name from me) without their consent. HIPAA violation anyone? Her behavior is frankly putting this practice at risk. I asked to speak with Dr. Van Woerkom about the situation, but the office manager clearly did not convey that request as it's a week later and I haven't heard from him. Someone like that should not have access to private information or the public. It's too bad because I liked all of the medical staff. We'll go elsewhere now. read more

Very convenient location and friendly, helpful staff! Dr. Snowden was so sweet to me during my eye exam and I got great training on contact lens use (as a first-time user) from Ivonne! Thanks so much :) read more

This place is very well organized and clean. Dr Van Woerkom is great. He is professional, experienced and patient and caring. He is willing to listen to patients' concerns and provide his best expertise possible at each visit. His staff members are friendly. read more

Dr wong is the best dr - kind and caring and goes beyond what most optometrists do. She always finds ways to get you coupons or deals on medication as well. Her prices are also very fair compared to other places. Thank you for your dedication and your thorough exams. read more

Dr. Gee has been my optometrist for around 13 years and I cannot recommend her enough. Her staff is very helpful, although it can be somewhat difficult to get a hold of them on the phone. Dr. Gee is one of the kindest, most thoughtful medical professionals I have ever dealt with, which is unfortunately difficult to come by these days. She remembers details about my life from years ago which always makes me feel comfortable and welcomed, but also assures me that she is providing me with the care I need. She is sure to address all of my concerns and takes my family medical history into account with each exam so as not to miss any important issues. read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid and can't imagine going to any other optometrist! Dr. Van Woerkom is my main optometrist and he's always very friendly, helpful and takes the time to explain what's going on with my eyes and what all the images/tests actually mean. The staff and nurses are all amazing, and are always welcoming, friendly and upfront about copays. They always try to ensure I'm getting the best deal possible with my insurance! This place has seen me through my first pair of glasses and helping me put in my first pair of contacts. Wonderful center and I couldn't recommend it enough! read more

This office has a fantastic staff who go out of their way to help anyone. I'm not even a patient here (yet) since I live in New York, but was in desperate need of something and Sherry went out of her way to help me. What a terrific place. The next time I need eye care while in Pasadena I will certainly come here for their wonderful service. read more

Dr. Gee is great, and if my review was based on her alone it would be five stars. My low rating is based on the issues I had when trying to contact the office for various requests. After my glasses were ordered, I had to call and check to see if they were ready, rather than being notified by the office. When talking to them on the phone twice prior to picking up my glasses, I requested that a copy of my prescriptions be ready as well. By law, they were supposed to provide my prescriptions after the exam, whether asked to or not (but they did not). The prescriptions weren't ready when I picked up my glasses despite my requests, so they said they would email them. I agreed that this would be fine, but didn't receive the email until I called the office again a couple days later to request my records. After this 4th request, I received the scans of my prescriptions via email. I also contacted the office to obtain my PD measurement so I can purchase prescription snorkeling goggles, something their office doesn't offer. This measurement is something they have to take when fitting you for glasses, so I know they have this information. Many offices are reluctant to give it out, though, because it enables their patients to buy glasses online rather than at their office. Offices like POC receive a commission based on their glasses sales, so if their patients go online, they lose that commission. I recognize this, but I did buy glasses at their office, and they don't offer the product I'm trying to purchase. Apparently POC has a policy against providing all patient information to the patient, including PD, even after you spend hundreds of dollars on glasses in their office. This policy has no legal backing and is just an inconvenience to the customer based on the office's desire to make as much money as possible. Their reasoning for this policy contradicts information found online about PD measurements. Also, they don't accept American Express. Visa and Mastercard only. read more

As an almost life-long four eyes, finding a good optometrist and a selection of hip frames is high on my priority list. I made an appointment with this optometry group on the suggestion of my boss, whose been a patient for a long-time. The office is also located about two blocks from where I live, which was an added bonus, though they do have paid parking and nearby street parking spots. I was able to make an appointment to see Dr. Gee very soon after I called to make an appointment. Upon arriving, I did the usual paperwork filling out, which wasn't too bad in the scheme of things. Since it was my first visit, they did the whole battery of tests. The one test I usually dread is the Glaucoma pressure test. The nefarious one they tell you will spurt air in your eye. No matter how many times I have it, I still get that initial shock and wince when it happens. However, at this practice, they have a test that uses eye drops in lieu of the air puff test. Although it was strange to have numb eyes, much less stressful than the puff. Hallelujah! Dr. Gee was very friendly and approachable. Other than being nearsighted, I don't have any more serious eye conditions, but Dr. Gee did a thorough exam and asked me questions to see if I have experienced any changes in vision. She confirmed my prescription was still okay and then sent me off to pick out some new frames! The office has a pretty wide selection of frames and sunglasses. I was assisted in the frame room by Mary. She let me loose to pick my frames and selected a few suggestions as well. I'm pretty indecisive, but Mary was patient and honest in her feedback when i tried on the frames. The office carried a good selection of high end designer frames, to more practical and cost-effective brands. The one downside is that the price of the frames are not on the sample frames, so you wait in anticipation to see how much your dreams frames will cost. I was happy though to find some cute Kate Spade black frames that didn't break my budget. I also was able to snag the newest version of the Ray Ban Wayfarer's with a prescription lens. The main reason for the five stars was the speed at which both my frames and lenses were ready. Initially I was told it would take 2-3 weeks, which is pretty standard in my experience. It took them about a week to complete my order and I am rocking my new frames and shades early. I'm a happy camper and highly recommend this office for your optometry needs, especially if you're in the neighborhood or just looking for an excuse to walk down Green Street. read more

Wow, Kristen, I had an identical experience. Top this: -When I asked the Doc what my prescription is, he actually said, "You don't need to know that. Why do you want to know?" I said, "I just want to know. I want to know what my eyesight is, and compare it to what it's been in the past." Ultimately, his answer after some hemming and hawing, "Oh, I don't know, something like X." -When I asked the Doc for a pair of reading glasses to replace lost ones, he said I didn't need them. I told him I've had reading glasses for 10 years, and badly need them, or I get headaches (I read all day. I'm a humanities PhD student). So, passive aggressive much, he ordered me glasses, for which I paid $90, with no prescription. When I first tried them on, I said, "These have no prescription." The salesperson said I had to wear them for 2 weeks, then call about another appointment. She said that in the Doc's "medical opinion" I didn't need them. I later had to go in, throw a fit, and get them to give me real reading glasses. On the second exam he said, "Gee, I don't know how I missed that." Yup. -At my appointment, the Doc said, "What contact lens solution are you using?" I said, "Rite-Aid brand." He said, picking up a box of solution and holding it like a Vanna White, "You should use THIS product." I said, "Why?" He said, "It's just better. I really recommend it." Ultimately, he couldn't explain why. -After my appointment I was literally shepherded by the Doc, with his hand on my shoulder, into the room for buying glasses frames. He introduced me to a salesperson, and told her I would need two pairs of glasses (instead of the one I told him I had come in for). It's all about selling fancy frames for a handsome profit there. -When I went to order my contacts for the year, they told me it would be $240 for a two month supply. WHA? I then went online and ordered a 1 year supply for $80. They are severely, severely overcharging their patients. And yes, I had to argue with them to get a copy of my prescription. -I asked for a protective coating to reduce screen glare on my reading glasses. For $60, they sold me what is actually a coating to reduce reflection when night driving. These are READING glasses. At this point, so pissed with them, I just keep the glasses. The coating makes them appear permanently smudged. (Good for my geeky days.) -Total time it took to get my reading glasses from first appointment to receiving glasses: 6 weeks. -Also, for this lame place, you have to pay for parking in their dinky little lot. Lame. Sorry for the rant. But really, I hate this paternalistic, money-grubbing eye doctor stuff. They shouldn't really get to be called doctors. They're just pushing products. This place is the worst. read more

Went there for quite a few years... UNTIL -- I had a horrible horrible horrible HORRIBLE experience. I never yell at people who are just "doing their jobs" but man, I YELLED. They refused to give me my prescription to take elsewhere to fill my contacts.. told me the exam I had that day was JUST for glasses, not for contacts (though I specifically booked for glasses AND contacts) and said I would have to come back for ANOTHER EXAM before they could give me contacts or a prescription... (I lived out of state at the time and was here at home for the holidays, etc...could NOT come back...) Mind you, this is where I'd had my exams done for the past few years before the incident... it's not like I was a new patient... I have never had a receptionist be so completely and utterly rude about the situation either... RUDE RUDE. As far as the docs go -- Dr. Gabriel is snooty and has a horrible bedside manner... I can't really speak for the other optometrists there. I don't think my vision was ever really PERFECT after leaving there... I feel sick even thinking about my experience there and how completely and utterly rude to me they were... (and trust me, I'm so incredibly nice at businesses, it's not like I went in there with a bad attitude...) Holy crap, I'm angry all over again. I need to go write a nice review about someone now... read more

Dr Gee is very nice and professional. But the front desk receptionist ( the one who is chubby with glasses on) not nice AT ALL!!! When my husband were asking if he could get the bill reimbursement, the receptionist responded with cold tone and gave us a impatient eye contact, I mean If you don't show your enthusiasm at work why on earth you be here. Your daily job is to greeting customers with good tone and nice voice, I don't know if she is racist or what, doesn't greet us at all when we came to her and when we left. read more

I strongly agree with the previous reviews on this place! They are great!!! The Dr. greeted me at the door, walked me step by step through the exam, was friendly, informative, made me feel very comfortable and had a sweet sense of humor. They whole staff was great! If Pasadena is at all convenient for you, this is the eye clinic to go to! Very professional and knowledgeable. They knew more about my insurance that I did! They are very accommodating. I am a patient for life!! read more

I visited this optometrist for the first time a few weeks ago. I was a bit wary at first after having had a really crap experience with a very expensive but incompetent optometrist in Santa Barbara,who had gotten my lens prescription completely wrong. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. This optometry center has provided excellent service every step on the way. I recommend Craig van Woerkom, who has been excellent for me. FINALLY, an optometrist I can trust! I am very impressed with the level of care and precision I received in my eye exams with this guy. He has a warm and reassuring manner, and took the time to explain everything concerning my eyehealth and vision needs very clearly and articulately. I am very pleased with my new lenses, which restore my vision to 20/20 and fit great! The reception staff are friendly, efficient and fastidious in their efforts to get you an appointment to suit, and even figured out and explained to me in detail the cheapest options I had available with my insurance. The pasadena optometry center is located on East green near a bunch of interesting hairsalons, giftshops, and new coffee/deli place serving great coffee right opposite, and also only 5 mins walk from the financial district and businesses on lake avenue. read more

Always professional, prompt and caring. I appreciate Dr Snowden... she's taken Cafe of me over the years and always provides the best care and advice. read more