Although Dr Liao is a pediatric ophthalmologist, she was highly recommended for special adult vision issues. I can't say enough about how grateful I am. She paid attention to my concerns. Checked me over and over and gave me the correction I very much needed which I didn't know could be corrected. I had waited over 2 years to resolve my vision issues. You will need a referral to see her within a month or two. Initially the first appointment was going to be 2026. I highly recommend Peggy Liao. read more

My daughter had been suffering from a couple of consecutive styes on both of her eyes. After a little over a month and a couple of calls to her pediatrician, he referred us to Dr. Liao. I wasn't too concerned with the condition of her eyes, knowing that styes just go through it's own course. It was nice to have a specialist reassure us that her eyes would be fine. She took lots of pictures, dilated her eyes and gave lots of helpful advice. Apparently it's very common among young ones and most will outgrow this phase. She did give options like surgery, as a last resort. The office is clean and there is enough space/chairs to be able to social distance. The Dr. washed her hands thoroughly before having contact with my daughter. Her machine even has a shield to protect her and the patient with the close contact. The staff are all friendly and efficient. Dr. Liao herself is very straight forward and to the point, very stylish and fashionable though lol. Just for reference, we have TRICARE and HMSA as medical coverage. No problems. read more

Peggy M Liao, MD - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I always refer to her. She is by far the best pediatric doctor I've met in town. Patient, quick, and clean office. The staff were perfect as well. I will continue to bring my keikis yearly. read more

I wish I could give zero stars. I cannot speak much about her as a doctor from my own personal experience, the way she runs her business is out of greed and to me that is enough to not trust her for medical advice as I feel like she would only make decisions that would benefit her pocket rather than what's right for your child. I brought my 1 week old baby in to see Miss Peggy Liao as referred by his pediatrician because he was born unable to open one of his eyes. We were immediately asked to wear masks, we did not have any with us as the mask mandate was lifted everywhere INCLUDING Kapiolani Children's Hospital at that time. We were forced to purchase paper masks from her in order to be seen, this should have been my first red flag for her greed, enforcing something that was not a mandate and charging her patients for it. Her office was not set up like it was meant for children and she seemed very uncomfortable around a baby as small as our newborn. She was not communicating the things she was doing to our newborn or explaining why she was doing it. She proceeded to put eye drops in his eyes without asking how we felt about it, had us wait in the waiting room while she saw another patient, when we were called back into her office she was about to use some sort of metal device to force our 1 WEEK old baby's eye open, at that point I got up and said that's enough, we will be leaving. My I thought it would be in his best interest to wait a little longer and see if he opens it over time on his own (he did after a few weeks) she agreed with me. I made a comment about how she was going to charge us and I felt that was wrong considering nothing was done or explained to us that was worth any money, Peggy agreed and said she would not charge us for the appointment but she would be charging the insurance company. I felt that was wrong but if she's that greedy and in need for money then so be it, doesn't bother me. I did remember to pay for our masks before we left her office. Her office staff tried to collect payment for the appointment where I explained what had happened and Peggy came to confirm there would be no payment needed. We went to see Dr David Young about a month later where his office was set up for children. He was warm, gentle and very comfortable around our baby. He did the full exam and did not use any eye drops or any devices to hold or force our son's eye open. 6 months after seeing Peggy I received a bill from her office, when I called to ask about it on a Friday I was told no one in the office could help me and they'd return my call on Monday. Tuesday I had to call and follow up about it again and was still unable to receive any answer for the bill, I asked to speak with Peggy and was denied. Finally her office staff was able to confirm that Peggy did remember that she was not going to bill me but still felt that the $48 co payment was acceptable to bill for which is why they sent it. She agreed to waive the payment but when I asked her office staff for some proof that I do not have an outstanding balance they were unable to answer if that was something they could provide so I guess we will have to see if in 6 months I get sent to collections. read more

I truly believe that all pediatric doctors are really in it to take excellent care of little people. It's just too bad that I'm not so little. My teen was referred to Dr. Liao for thorough eye exam after many years of technology exposures. In these days, we're all exposed to one too many hours of technology young and old. Anyhow, when I first called for new patient appointment, the receptionist was kind enough to squeeze us before summer break ended. Thank goodness! Dr. Liao spoke to my teen professionally and asked every eye questions. My visions are good and I don't wear glasses so this was all new to me. Dr. Liao is such a nice person. She explained everything so thoroughly and easy to understand. I like doctors who can speak everyday English to patients and not medical English, you know. You can choose to order glasses here or else where. The technician let my teen tried several different glasses and helped us narrow down the choices. The technician also explained how to take good care of your glasses. The glasses took about 10 days which wasn't too long. I highly recommend Dr. Liao especially for any first timers. She'll take the time to get to know you and explain things so you understand. read more

I've been going to her office for the past 7 years. I've noticed the mixed reviews on the yelp site. Nevertheless this is my honest opinion. Her receptionists are nice if you are nice to them. Mind their manners, everyone has their bad days. Be sure to schedule your appointment very early (booking opportunities goes away very quickly). I've only received smiles and laughs from the receptionist. I've never had a bad experience. Now the actual review: Dr. Liao is hands down one of the most respectful Doctors I have ever met. Her humble personality comes off very strong and her level of patience is out of this world. She gives her undivided attention to every single patient that walks into her office and does not rush whatsoever. If you have any questions, she'll gladly answer them. However I noticed her office's audience is targeted toward children (She has a large selection of children's frames). I've recently visited her and she was gracious enough to accept a difficult offer from me. Needless to say she is the best ophthalmologist I've met, and I highly recommend anyone to give her a visit. (Especially parents, your kids will be in great hands) read more

My son was referred to Dr. Liao for his eyes and I can honestly say that this woman is short with words, but she knows her stuff when it comes to eyes! She gets along well with my son and made him feel comfortable at his first ever eye doctor appointment. Her office is very child friendly and her staff is very welcoming as well. read more

Peggy M Liao, MD - Dr. Liao was so great with my 6 year old! - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Dr. Liao accurately diagnosed my son's eye condition and gave us a game plan to help heal my son's condition. He has gone from having 20/100 vision in one of his eyes up to 20/50, which is a dramatic improvement. She is very straight forward, we recommend her as an Opthamologist. Our only recommendation is that she is a little more fun and engaging with the kiddos to help them feel at ease. read more

My daughter was referred here by her regular doctor. Dr. Peggy Liao is so nice and good with her. We are usually always in and out so fast and the staff her is also really nice. I trust Dr. Liao with my daughter. She needed glasses before she started school so she needed to get one. They helped her picked out a really nice pink one that would fit her face nicely and wouldn't bother her which she loved lol read more

This office was fairly easy to find. Parking although not validated it was only $3 flat rate. It was our 1st time coming here so appointment was loooong BUT the Dr was great. She explained everything clearly so that I could understand, I didn't feel rushed which I sometimes feel going to a busy office(which it was today) and she was very nice. read more

This is my first yelp review ever. As a single Mother of a multiply disabled child, this takes away time that should be spent with my daughter, but after the events of this past week, this is necessary. I always wondered why my daughter's pediatrician who once shared the same office with this doctor, had never referred us to the ophthalmologist next door--but sadly, I now understand why. My intent is to be honest and fair and hopefully to give other parents of children/adults with special needs a chance to decide beforehand if this doctor will be a good fit for their family. My daughter turned 18 last year and per her pediatric ophthalmologist--becoming an adult would necessitate a lateral transfer to an adult doctor. It is very difficult to find doctors that will take the combination of my daughter's primary insurance and secondary (Medicaid) thus we turned to Kapolei Comprehensive Health Center for help. We were referred to Dr. Liao by KCHC who told us that Dr. Liao sees both children and adults, but most importantly--because we were observing the crossing of my daughter's eyes more frequently recently--that this doctor had the expertise to perform surgery if deemed necessary. Because another such doctor would be difficult to find in Hawai'i, despite vehement objections by several other parents of children with special needs who did not have a good experience--we went to see Dr. Liao. We visited Dr. Liao twice. Her office staff is very nice and helpful. However, I can't describe what that was, but something just felt off from the first time at the window. Much appreciated was the very short wait at both visits. We found the doctor to be cordial, but a bit rushed and seemingly uncomfortable with communication. My teen daughter, who has Down syndrome and is also Autistic, was hesitant to be examined by the new doctor and to be in this new environment--but being the trooper that she is--decided to show this new doctor her skills developed after sitting so many times in an eye doctor's chair. The doctor praised her thru exam as she appeared to be surprised that my daughter functioned at the level that she does which speaks to outdated stereotyping about people with Down syndrome, which even with positive comments from doctor--was quite disconcerting. This doctor did not seem to understand much about Autism as well, as she was not patient enough to give my daughter the opportunity to process her requests made. I really respect my daughter's efforts to keep up with the doctor's hurried pace. She diagnosed my daughter with Intermittent Esotropia. Though I had wished that I could have asked more questions, after her quick relaying of the diagnosis, and minimal recommendations for glasses etc. we were walked to the exit door both times. This seems to be the norm for specialists today, which makes it much harder for parents like myself, that are caring for a child with multiple diagnoses-to sort thru so much. In any case, I was relieved that my daughter did not need surgery as another doctor had suggested might be the case. At that point we might have been able to give this doctor perhaps a 3 star rating... Where the relationship became problematic is when Mother called doctor this past week for a report from her to be shared with the DOE regarding my daughter's diagnosis and her specific recommendations to address my daughter's needs in school. Parent asked doctor to make recommendation to encourage a vision specialist in the DOE to come in to the classroom to evaluate needs as well. Once doctor realized that this was not going to be a quick conversation she quickly admonished parent saying that she was very busy and if Mother wanted her to take more time discussing my daughter's case--I would have to pay her extra for it. I was stunned. With the many, many specialists that my daughter has seen in almost twenty years--this was a first. We have always been as respectful as possible with a doctor's time over the years. What has happened to the thoroughness of medical practitioners? To the compassion and generosity of spirit that if is not already implied--that should be an integral part of a doctor's practice per the hippocratic oath that they must take? Non maleficence (means non-harming or inflicting the least harm possible to reach a beneficial outcome.) which is an essential part of this oath--should also apply to the parent of a child with complex medical issues who so desperately needs this doctor's support and advocacy to ensure the vision health of their patient in all environments. A single parent seeking a doctor's supports should not have to pay for what would amount to a very short conversation with a doctor--with a more generous heart. I humbly apologize to those special needs parents who tried to steer me in a different direction as we now begin the search for a new ophthalmologist that will be respectful and helpful to patient and caregiver. read more

This review is based solely on my conversation with the doctors receptionists - I called to make an appointment, as my daughter's pediatrician had referred us. The first person who answered the phone didn't seem to be very capable - she kept repeating the same questions that I had previously answered. I requested an appointment on a Wednesday afternoon, and she sighed as if it were too much trouble. I was put on a lengthy hold, until receptionist #2 answers the phone. She asked me why I was trying to make an appointment for my daughter...ummmm, hello?!? So I nicely explain that's daughter is having a hard time seeing the board in class, and the teacher had recommended that I have her eyes checked. She went on to tell me that I should find another doctor, as it it doesn't seem that she needs a specialist. Oh, and the "doctor is extremely busy with a packed schedule" so maybe I should check elsewhere. I managed to get this girl's name (Tori), as well as much of her attitude. No, thank you! I would rather have someone who can hire better versed (and more compassionate) employees...I would NEVER trust you with my child after that!! read more

My experience dealing with this office wasn't pleasant... My insurance covered me for my eye exam yet I was charged for the whole exam because the office claimed my insurance didn't cover. My parents paid for the exam nonetheless. We thought it was weird that we were charged and contacted our insurance company. Our insurance sent use a list a eye doctor that are participating in their plan and Dr. Peggy was one of them. They told us that we had to contact the office and tell them to refund us our money back and they would pay them back later. We called the office countless of time and tried explaining them the situation. However they denied to refund our money. How they handle the whole situation was very unprofessional. They should have did a better job of checking whether my insurance cover my eye exam or not. They should have contacted my insurance to see what's the issue and tried correcting it. They should have at least tried to hear me and my parents out and helped us fix this mistake, which was mainly caused by the office not accurately checking my insurance. After the incident, I never came back to this office again. I found a new eye doctor and she and her staff are great!!!! I would highly recommend you to look for another office if you don't want to go through what I went through! read more

I was called for a courtesy reminder for my daughter's eye appointment, that's a plus. But it would have been nice if the receptionists I spoke to told me beforehand that Dr Liao's office was in the Kapiolani Women & Children's hospital. I waited 30 minutes til I was called for my daughter's appointment, which would've been fine if there was a place for children to keep themselves occupied. There was no tv or play area, which is a minus for me, and the waiting area was cramped. There were 3 of us who had strollers, and others could barely walk around us:( It was just frustrating. But Dr Liao was great with my daughter. She had props that caught her attention, but I did feel somewhat rushed. read more

Checking in was easy. As for if she's good with kids in my opinion not as good as dr Young at least as to getting kids to cooperate. Otherwise she explains things well and does eye patching with glasses whereas dr Young said to do eye patching one eye without glasses. But we didn't see Dr Liao to discuss eye patching and glasses. We went for a second opinion regarding Retinopathy of prematurity. She confirmed what I already suspected. For the esotopia she went ahead and diagnosed my daughter without me asking for her to do so. Basically she said the same thing as Dr Young one eye is always turned in. I don't see it being all the time. From my observation it's getting less intermittent so I don't know where these ophthalmologists are getting this from. She said to do single vision glasses and eye patching one eye for 6 months and of fails surgery. All again without me asking. For now I'm very pleased with the progress she's having with vision therapy. If we need an ophthalmologist beyond esotropia we will see dr Young as he's great with kids. Lol so that's my review of dr Liao. Depending what you're looking for from the ophthalmologist she may be one you can work with for your child just go with your mother's intuition. read more

We were referred to Dr Liao by my daughters PCM. She had been diagnosed with an eye syndrome when she was much younger. Dr Liao immediately recognized some of the signs but believed it was more along the lines of a severe exotropia. She suggested surgery to improve the appearance and function of our daughters eyes. She was very matter of fact and forward in our first two appointments. Come the day of surgery she was like a different person! She came in laughing and smiling, and seriously did a tremendous job putting my daughter at ease and explaining it so she understood. The surgery went perfectly and at our follow up Dr Liao was so sweet, she hugged my daughter and told her how proud she was for being so brave. I would 100% recommend Dr Liao and all of the staff at the Kapi'olani Surgery Center! read more

Very friendly and helpful staff, dr took good care of my princess and got her glasses fast.

The best pediatric ophthalmologist in Honolulu! My son had seen her in 2007 and 2008, we were impressed with how well she worked with our son. Then we left the island on 2009. Well, we returned back to the island in 2011 and I made a big mistake in trying a different pediatric ophthalmologist for my son, she was a Dr. featured in Honolulu Magazine as the "best",...what a big BIG MISTAKE! With popularity comes more clients and poor client service! Lesson learned! We shall return to Dr. Liao for my son's annual eye check up because she makes my son feel very comfortable! And her staff is friendly. We truly feel welcomed in her office! True quality service! read more