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

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 have been a patient to this clinic for a few years, the customer care used to be excellent. In my last couple of visits, it appears there is no customer service. The staff at the front desk take their sweet time answering the phone or greeting you when you come in the office. The doctors are excellent but the the staff need to enhance their customer care expertise. I know we all have to wear a mask now because of covid, but still we can tell when someone is friendly. 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

I love Dr. Van Woerkom! He's very nice and soft spoken. He's extremely thorough and takes his time with his exams. I've NEVER had a problem with him. The nurses that help you pick out eye wear exhibit a great deal of patience, even when you have no idea what style you want and show total indecisiveness. I've always walked away happy with my glasses. In fact, I've taken my glasses in a few times for repair which were all done on site and free of charge! Parking is a paid lot and they do not validate- it can cost up to $6 for parking. There's street parking available or go in early mornings on the weekends before the attendant shows up. read more

Great office and I've been coming here for years for my eye exams and glasses. The staff is always very nice and friendly. The opticians always do a great job in helping you pick frames. Dr. Van Woerkom is terrific, he is thorough, friendly and answers all your questions. My whole family comes here and we have never had a problem in more than 10 years. read more

It sounds like folks have had some troubles here, but I'm not one of them. I've been going about every year since 2001 and have never had issues. In fact, years ago I needed glasses and told them I wanted to purchase them somewhere else. I asked them for a copy of my prescription, which they gave me - no problems. Then for a few years I didn't need glasses (my eyes improved) and then I needed them again and I did the same things - no problems. I just went again this month and now I don't need glasses at all, which is awesome. Dr. Van Woerkom is solid and his staff are friendly enough and efficient. I'll be going back in a year. read more

I've been coming here for 4 yrs and have never had a bad thing to say about the doctors. I've seen Dr VanWoerkom and Dr Snowden. They've always been great at explaining what's going on with my eyes, they never rush me out of there, they are courteous and polite and all around great to work with. they have NEVER refused to give me my prescription bc I always take it to Costco to fill. In fact they even faxed it to me after my appt bc I forgot to take it with me. I do recall that the front receptionist was a little unpleasant before but she must have left bc I've had no issues over the last 3 years and the new girl is quite warm and polite. You do have to pay for parking but there is street pking avail on Green sometimes. Only downside I see. I got lasik done last year and was able to do all my follow up for my lasik with Dr. VanWoerkom instead of going to the surgeons office - saved me a long drive and I also got a discount on my lasik. Nice to see your Optometrist (vs. the Surgeon's office) anyway b/c the Optometrist is YOUR advocate and will tell you if the surgery doesn't appear to be healing right. Of course the surgeon wants to tell you everything looks fine, but having Dr. VanWoerkom do my follow up was like getting a second opinion and a discount at the same time. read more

This is a review for getting glasses. Not the doctors visit. They have you make an appointment to look in their frame store saying then you will get in on before walk-ins. One would assume then that they would have someone available to help you at that time. No, they leave you waiting 30 min for someone to even let you into the side of the office that has frames. I asked if I could just look at frames while I waited... No. Once I was seated, I was allowed in the room with the frames the staff was vary helpful. I really appreciated their input on the frames. I just wish they would work to the appointment schedule. If I have to leave my job early to meet your appointment time then please don't leave me in your waiting room for an exorbitant about of time. read more

Overall an "ok" experience. 3 stars instead of 2 because Dr. Gee is very professional and has a very pleasant manner about her. A few items to improve upon. 1. I would consider opening on more Saturdays. I know your target customer is the Pasadena housewife or retiree or folks who work around Lake but if you had more Saturday hours, you may expand your customer base. 2. The girl who did my fitting was very quick to grab my glasses off my face and run them to the back to do adjustments that weren't necessary (before I even really knew what was going on). I had to send her back to correct what she did and it still wasn't right. I didn't realize my glasses needed to be re-shaped back to the original shape until the next day. Because you aren't open on Saturdays, had to go to another business and ask for their help. It's worth noting that it took me 4 trips in to get my glasses since the first prescription wasn't quite right and then an additional trip to another business to help with the misshaping. Another item to improve upon would be if at the fitting, if the prescription turns out to be wrong - why can't the customer see a Dr. right then and there, even if it is a short wait? I know you have a schedule but that would have saved me one of the inconvenient trips. read more

i liked going to see Dr. Park (lady doctor) here... up until my eyes became infected because of prolonged contacts wear and they made me come back a million times. and it wasnt that she was incompent, because she was actually one of the better eye doctors ive felt comfortable with. it was the damn receptionist. when the Dr. discovered she'd have to monitor my eye health til she could give me my prescription, i handed over my medical card because the receptionist said that it would cover my visits. so after discovering that i could supposedly "never" wear contacts again because my eyes wont allow it, i sadly walk out with a eyeglass prescription and weeks later receive a bill for about $100 for the visits i made. i freaked out! "why am i receiving a bill for this much?! i was told my insurance would cover the costs of the visits...!" and that damn receptionist says it only covers a certain amount... did she forget to tell me 10 different times i was there or something? so after a year i went to a different eye doctor in pasadena, who used to work at this location (what a coincidence), and he says my eyes are healthy and gives me a prescription for contacts. ......... what the hell. good thing i switched. dont talk to the librarian-looking receptionist... shes just rude. read more

Dr. Van Woerkem was thorough during my eye exam. He answered multiple questions in an informative and respectful manner. He really listened to me. Very kind and courteous gentleman. The staff are also helpful. Nice, clean office in a pretty building. read more

Is it possible to give 6 stars? Dr. Sandy Gee Quality of Health care: Low cost + high quality. She really went above and beyond any other optometrist I had ever been to in my life. She's incredibly meticulous and thorough. She did the standard visual field+glaucoma tests in addition to figuring out what my perscription was. But she also looked at my red-green color balance, the range I could focus, and several more. Additionally, she used techniques that were fairly low tech and low cost (compared to what other optometrists had used). The exam cost a lot less than what some other practitioner had charged. Overall quality of experience: Fun + engaging The two things of the things that I really appreciated were 1) her willingness to explain every single test that she administered to you, and 2) how transparent she was willing to be in how the different tests were interpreted. People who fit your glasses: Nice + Accommodating. I have no bridge + a weirdly shaped face, so it's usually pretty annoying to find a pair of glasses that fit. But the staff there looked through all of the options to see what size they were, and spent a good 15-20 minutes adjusting the nose pad on different glasses. One thing that I REALLY liked is that they were upfront about what insurance covered, and what I would have to pay out of pocket, so they didn't try to push me to spend the most amount of money. Staff I would give a mixed review on this one. Some of the staff were pretty unfriendly when I came in ( the ONLY downside). However, it might have been because I came in early in the morning. I would have given it four and a half, but you can't give half stars so. :/ read more

I was hesitant to visit this center after reading Yelp reviews but I'm happy I didn't cancel my appointment. This was the best eye exam I have ever received. Dr. Gee is very professional and detailed. She spent more time with me than my primary care physician typically does. I even left the office with a medical referral for some of my eye symptoms. After my exam I tried on frames and was impressed by how sweet and helpful the entire office was. I'm always indecisive about eye wear and the ladies at the front desk went out of their way to help me choose a pair. My only complaint about this process is that the selection is a little limited. I highly recommend Dr. Gee and staff. read more

Wait time going on 25min and I have an appointment!!! So irritating to make us wait and lobby is empty. Staff was friendly though but I don't remember long wait times in the past. Took us in to one of exam rooms and guess what, more waiting. read more

I saw Elizabeth Snowden-Ifft for a routine eye appointment. Although she was quite lovely seeming and generally professional, I won't be returning. I have always been very scared of the optometrist - some people hate going to the dentist, I hate going to the eye doctor. I told Dr. Snowden-Ifft about my unreasonable fears and she was very patient and kind to me. However, when it came to the dreaded "blue light" exam, I was nervous and asked her to explain it to me since I've avoided it for a number of years. She said that the light would come very close to my eyes but not actually touch them. After putting in the numbing eye drops (traumatic enough!), she tried to do the test. When I told her I could feel the light against my eye - it didn't hurt, I could just feel it was there - she admitted that the light actually DOES touch your eye. A seemingly little thing but you want to be able to trust your doctor to tell you the truth...even when you have a phobia that is irrational. :) Since I found the Pasadena Optometry Center by checking Yelp, I wanted to let others like me know about my experience. read more

I have been going to Pasadena Optometry Center for many years. The staff is very friendly and the office is clean. We have always seen Dr. VanWoerkom. He is kind and friendly and great with adults as well as kids. He spends quality time with each patient and doesn't rush. He is very thorough and takes time to answer any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend this office! read more

The people here are great, from the front office to the doctors in the back to the people who patiently help you find the right pair of glasses. Great selection of glasses too. The only caution is the parking. It's not free but not too expensive either. The parking lot only accepts cash, so be sure to bring a few bucks. read more

Dr. Gee is so friendly and is very pleasant to be around; which makes for a great optometrist! She seems to really love what she does and she really listens to the needs of her patients. For example, I was just in recently for a yearly eye exam and my prescription could have changed slightly but I had gone up in the past and I had headaches. I voiced this to Dr. Gee and she quickly agreed that we should just keep the prescription the same. I appreciate Dr. Gee's professionalism and the friendly and helpful staff members at Pasadena Optometry Center. read more

Dr. Snowdan is very personable, knowledgeable, and comprehensive in her exams. She always makes sure you understand exactly what she is doing and that you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. I've seen her for years and she always provides a great experience. The office is clean and organized. The front desk thoughtfully has sanitizer available as well. read more

I had my first appointment yesterday, and so far, I'm impressed. Getting an appointment was easy, the insurance thing was drama-free, there was no wait once I arrived, the reception staff was friendly, the assistant who did the preliminaries was very professional, and the environment was clean and attractive. And I thought Dr. Snowden was just first-rate: friendly, clear, smart, gentle, and ready to present options. Afterward, I was directed to the area with the frames, etc., where everything was handled promptly. Because I had to rush out to re-park my car (street parking is free for an hour, but the appointment verged on taking slightly longer than that), I missed an opportunity to have Dr. Snowden review with me the results of some of the tests. I waited a bit in the outer office to see if I could catch up with her, but she had other appointments, and I had to leave. I told the office staff that unless there was something in the tests that I really needed to know, it wouldn't be necessary for the doctor to call me. Well, there wasn't anything I needed to know, but she called me anyway just to tell me so. I appreciated that. I go back in two weeks to get my new glasses. I heartily recommend Pasadena Optometry Center. And by the way, you don't need to play chicken with street parking, as I did. They have their own lot, though I think you might have to pay. This place is WORLD'S better than Linden. read more

We always look forward seeing Dr. Gee for our annual eye exam. While pleasant and professional, she definitely knows how to connect with her patients. She makes each experience personal and I enjoy the exchange of conversation with her every time. She listens to her patients and always just wants the best for them. read more

Great doctors, been coming here for years. I trust them with my difficult prescription, and they helped me with a terribly painful infection that went late one night. read more

these folks are not willing to straighten out a pair of sunglasses for you- (unless you purchased them there)- this is a common courtesy from all other optometry offices and takes all of 1 minute to accomplish. they said from $15 on up to do this and there was only 1 person in wait room. i would never patronize such a cheap and "all about me" business. read more

So clean ! And amazing helpful staff! My experience here was phenomenal , 100% recommend coming here!

I had my eye exam two month ago. The doctor spend adequate time with me and answered all my questions and concerns. Their equipment is brand new and I did not feel any discomfort during or after the exam. I had a pleasant and satisfying experience but I lost my prescription shortly after. When I called to get a new one, they could not find my record which made me complain. Within hours, the office reached out to me to clarify the situation and send my prescription to my optometrist. These doctors care about their patients and thus I changed my initial review and I would highly recommend this center. read more

Pasadena Optometry Center, specifically, Dr. VanWoerkem are absolutely the best! Dr. V is an incredible doctor. He takes his time to assess all your needs and make sure he is prescribing the best treatment for your unique set of eyes! He is kind, and sincere! I wish all Docs were as amazing. If you are able to see him for your optic needs, I 100% recommend Pasadena Optometry Center!!!! read more

Dr. Gee did a great job and her staff was courteous and helpful. They helped me find a deal on contacts and did not limit me to a year's worth (as I had a different eye doctor do). I will happily return here! read more

I'm super picky about my healthcare. Dr. Van Woerkom is super knowledgeable, patient and kind with his patients and I'm so grateful to have found him! I ask a lot of questions and he takes the time to thoroughly explain and educate. His staff is super sweet as well. I came here for about 10 years before I moved to the westside, and now that I'm back living on this side of town there's no question who I will be seeing for my eye care. I had a visit a few days ago and I felt like I was returning home. read more

Attentive and caring eye doctors, the staff are all professional and kind. Selection of frames is great from low to high end.

I have been to Pasadena Optometry for several years. The office help is very poor. Their attitude is not helpful and they don't seem to care if a call gets forwarded or the customer is helped. I have stood at their reception window and no one even acknowledges that I'm there. I'm waiting on a pair of glasses that have taken six weeks due to various errors. The sad part is that the doctors are very good. read more

While visiting Pasadena a contact lens got caught in my eye. My sister has been coming here since college days in the 1980's...and her kids now go. I called and they let me come in to have my eye checked. I recently lost my job and insurance. They didn't charge me to have Dr. Van Woerkon look at my eye and give me some anti-inflammation drops. All is well and I will definitely make this my new optometry home as we are here off and on. Thank you for your kindness. read more

I've been a patient here for over 10 years, and I usually see Dr. van Woerkem. The other day, my wife woke up with bad pain in her right eye. She's pretty tough, so when she said she needed to see a pro, I knew it was serious. We live in Long Beach now, but this is where she wanted to go (she's also been a patient for a while). We showed up first thing in the morning, no appointment, and they were amazing. She was with Dr. Snowden within 10 minutes, and they quickly sorted through the paperwork. Dr. Snowden even made herself available for phone call follow up throughout the next couple days. I never once felt like an inconvenience or a problem to them. I doubt they can fit anyone in at any time, but I know they did whatever they could. We are grateful. And my wife is doing much better now. read more

Buyer Beware! My husband has a very important meeting tomorrow and needed to have a temple screw replaced for his glasses today. Most companies will charge nothing to create good will or charge a nominal fee. If you do not purchase your glasses from this company, they will charge $50 to replace a temple screw. Not only will we not ever buy glasses at Pasadena Optometry Center, but it appears that they do not understand that fair prices might lead to a future customer as we both wear prescription glasses. read more

This was my first visit and I was extremely pleased with my annual evaluation and explanation of vision options. I highly recommend Dr. VanWoerkom! read more

I tried this office for the first time based on the positive Yelp reviews and its close proximity to my home; unfortunately this experience soured me on ever returning. I waited close to 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment time to be seen. (Did I walk into Linden Optometry by mistake?) The doctor who performed the exam, Dr. Woerkom, was pleasant enough and proficient. My glasses were ordered and arrived within a few weeks. When I picked them up I was told they were guaranteed for workmanship and defects for a year. A few days later I noticed an issue in one of the lens which was made improperly. (I worked for years in the lens department of a motion picture camera manufacturer, so I know when lenses are not coated properly.) I returned back to the office only to be shamed and brow-beaten by some older woman who worked in the frame department. She contemptously told me that nothing was wrong, but (and get this) if I had an issue to bring them back for replacement. Ummm, that's WHY I'M HERE. She dismissively refused to do anything, so now I'm stuck with $300 of defective eyewear (whichever lab they use is truly the worst.) And that was that. So unless you want to go through the hassle of small claims court or filing a grievance with VSP to seek any recourse, I suggest you steer far clear of Pasadena Optometry Center. read more

I've been coming here for several years! They are professional, efficient, and friendly. I've been seeing Dr. Van Woerkom and he is great! He is thorough and takes the time to answer all my questions. At my most recent visit, I had some questions about my insurance and the front desk took the time to call the insurance company to get my questions answered. read more

Just met Dr Beth Snowden-Ifft for 1st time. Excellent optometrist. Very nice and meticulous. Highly recommended!

My 16-year old daughter and I have been patients of Dr. van Woerkom for 3-4 years, and we are both really pleased. He is great with young people because he is calm and doesn't talk down to them. I really like how thorough his eye-health exams are. I also need progressive lenses for long distance, computer distance and up-close. He asks me a lot of questions about how I will use the glasses, and is careful about ensuring that the lenses he has prescribed will my needs. I never feel rushed there; he makes time to answer all of my questions. The office staff is also friendly and responsive, and I can usually get an appointment with Dr. van Woerkom within 2-3 days. I bought my previous pair of glasses there, and the people who helped me with frame selection did a great job. I was concerned about the prices, suspecting that they may cost more there, but I priced the lenses at Lens Crafters and they were exactly the same. All in all, I am really pleased with the office and doctor and plan to continue receiving care there. read more