Santa Maria office. The place is so big. The biggest eye center I have seen. 5* Check-in: Was flawless. Quick. 4* Wait time: 20 mins. 5* Ophthalmic Assistant: very thorough and treated me really well. Thank you. 5* Dr Shepard: I like him. Explains my eye conditions really well. I'm going to see him again in 6 months. Thank you. 5* Facility: equipment were clean, swabbed with alcohol 5* Restroom: clean 4* Waiting area: Plenty of people. Enough chairs. Chairs are dilapidated. read more

Do NOT go to Shepard Eye Center, if you have CenCal, Medi-cal, & Medicare. They will see you & you can have an eye exam, but they fail to tell you before you get the eye exam that you won't be able to get a pair of glasses from them and then that means you have to WAIT another year from the date they gave you the eye exam because CenCal/Medi-cal/Medicare ONLY allows 1 eye exam per year. read more

Amazing great and friendly medical assistants and doctor. Everything in same place. The frames are overpriced! read more

Shepard Eye Center - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Dr.Goodman is a great Dr he did my surgery urgent for pressure. Melissa is wonderful and understanding and there was another staff member was very kind and friendly. As for the front desk I have encountered it is hit and miss. Some are friendly and some are plain rude. I went in post op and I had a patch on my eye and the girls just standing laughing that is not professional what so ever. In these times of un certainly patients do help business thrive. You never know what someone is going through right now either at least have some common courtesy. read more

As we wait 40+ minutes, so far, past the appointment, we reflect on this business has the audacity to charge $75 if the patient is late. It should be businesses that are charged for wasting peoples' time. read more

Staff are very nice and professional. There is lots of parking. From start to finish my eye needs were addressed.

Review of Dr. Zarnegar at Shepherd Eye Center, Santa Maria, CA In my early 70s, I began experiencing unusual symptoms in my left eye: intermittent fuzzy vision, the sensation of pressure like something was in the eye, especially in the mornings. Despite regular visits and discussions with my optometrist, these symptoms were repeatedly attributed to dryness or an emerging cataract. After trying punctal plugs (which later had to be surgically removed), I was referred to Dr. Zarnegar for cataract surgery and was approved for a multi-focal lens. In April 2022, I underwent the procedure on my left eye. During the surgery, I heard an unusual amount of commotion in the operating room and Dr. Zarnegar speaking loudly to his staff. It felt chaotic. The next morning, I was told I would be able to drive to my post-op appointment, but my vision in the operated eye was extremely distorted -- like looking through goggles full of water. My equilibrium was off, and I felt intense anxiety. When I asked Dr. Zarnegar if there had been an equipment issue (because of what I heard during surgery), his exact words to me were: "After over 40 years in this business, I have never had anything like this happen before. I don't know what happened! I could hardly see to do the procedure." That statement was shocking and terrifying to hear from the person who had just operated on my eye. Following the surgery, I was prescribed various medications, but none improved the situation. I was eventually told my cornea was damaged. After extensive personal research and consultations, I learned I had Fuchs' dystrophy -- a corneal disease that was never diagnosed before the surgery, despite the fact that it can be identified through a standard slit lamp exam. Ultimately, the outcome of this ten-minute cataract procedure was that I required a corneal transplant. This could likely have been avoided had I been properly diagnosed beforehand. In my opinion, a specialist should have recognized this condition before recommending cataract surgery with a multi-focal lens. I share this review with great disappointment and to urge others: if you're experiencing unusual eye symptoms, please seek multiple opinions -- especially before eye surgery. Ask explicitly about Fuchs'dystrophy. My hope is to spare someone else the trauma I experienced. read more

Terrible service terrible staff. Won't give the prescription for glasses until VA pays them. Was not given. After visit summary. Do not go here. I wish I never did. Very unprofessional and poor staff. All about upcharging and if you don't agree they end the visit. Been 3 days still no prescription or after visit summary received and they still refuse. Worst eye service ever. read more

Maybe I came on the wrong day. I had a 10:20 appointment. I arrived early and I believe I found the last parking spot in the lot. They appeared to have difficulty processing my Eyemed discount thru United World/Mutual of Omaha but they seemed to get it straightened out (do in large part to the now closed Orcutt Eye Center who messed up my wife's billing). I finally got into an examination room at 10:50. I walked out at 11:10. I did like Dr Shahzad. They did not accept my Eyemed plan for glasses. read more

Review for Shepard Eye Center I'm beyond frustrated with Shepard Eye Center's customer service. As I write this, I am now 40 minutes past my appointment time - and this is not the first time. This is the third appointment where they've kept me waiting without any explanation or respect for my time. Each time, their only solution is to reschedule, which is not acceptable when I've already taken time off work to be here. They clearly don't value their patients' time or commitments. I expected a much more professional experience, and unfortunately, they've shown they don't prioritize customer service. read more

Shepard Eye Center - The waiting room is full with no end in sight (pun intended). - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Do not go here, Had to wait for 3 weeks for a appointment, then they give me a prescription that is lower than my original so now I can't use the glasses I purchased elsewhere with there prescription, And then when I go back to get them to fix the prescription they tell me I'll have to wait and get another appointment that will be weeks out again. Never again !!! read more

I have been going to Shepard Eye Center in Santa Maria for many years, but this last year I had some "floaters" in my left eye and was referred to their "retina specialist". When I arrived for my appointment, my eyes were dilated by an assistant and after an exam I was told by the "retina specialist" that she could "laser them". I was then given a blank pad (eyes dilated) to sign giving my consent to this procedure, without reading anything, and placed in a room where after about 15 minutes, I was treated to one of the worst experiences of my life, pain wise. I was told, after what she knew I was uncomfortable with, that she "got them all". I had a migraine for two days and because they were indeed not gone, I went for a second opinion as I still had the floaters. Apparently, all the laser did was break up the floaters, so I now have more of them that will require a more invasive, and expensive surgery. This "specialist" billed my insurance for $700 for this procedure at Shepard Eye Center, and they did pay her $133.56, which is way more than anyone should get for not performing a service they say they did. Now she has billed me an additional $$330.88 for this unpleasant and unsuccessful laser treatment. I trusted them to have my best interests in my eyesight at heart and they had me sign away my rights with my finger without giving me the proper documents to review what was really going to happen. There are much better eye specialists in Santa Maria who care. Please do your research before you trust. Having to pay $700 for a procedure that did not work is unconscionable to me, but apparently not to them, as no one has ever checked on me to see if I was okay. Just a bill for a service that was not performed. read more

Been going there for years. Doctors are awesome and get an A+++. Usually the front desk people are pretty good. But the last 2 times I've gone in - it has been awful. Even had 2 small arguments with them. Don't know what's going on but hopefully it gets back on track. read more

The Dr pulled my lids so tight I looked like a freek for Years, until my eyes finally settled, I wished I would of gone to a plastic surgeon Instead read more

waited 27 minutes to talk to someone about rescheduling my appointment. Hung up. No fax number available on website.

The eye doctors are very good and explain everything wonderfully. The communication in the office sucks. When you walk in, they ignore you even when you try to get their attention and while standing in front of them. Have been trying to get a trial lens for over a week. Apparently there is only one person you can talk to about contact lens lenses, who then leaves the lens out front to pick up, when you go in no one knows what you're talking about and no lens waiting, they message her to call me, she calls me and says she was busy and the lens is now out front and ready to pick up, go back the lens is there but now there was a $59 feet before I could get the free trial lens, message and voicemail left for Jackie to call me back. Still no call or lens yet. read more

Hello I went to you to guys to find out if I was legally blind because I was having a hard seeing anything with glasses the doctor decides to tell disability i have 2020 vision which was two years and I just found my prescription card and it says I have 2040 which means you guys lied me and disability. I have been appealing for a year and they need proof that I'm legally blind so I have 3 more days to send the proof that you guys lied. I knew there was no way I had 20 20 vision I can't see anything. And everything is blurry if I killed someone or myself I decided to drive because you guys told me it's fine who do you think that would fall to Not me you guys told me I have 2020. I could even take you guys to court. But all i want is for someone else besides the doctor because we all know keeps lying that I'm legally blind I have e more days before I'm denied my is Deanna Adulfo read more

Excellent professional service. Friendly staff. Responsive to patients concerns. Reasonable prices

I went back after a year for assistance with contacts. The response I got was that nobody was available to help for the entire day. Confirmed my decision not to get eye care here. read more

I had minor eye surgery provided by Dr. Zanegar. Very pleased with results. My administrative support was normal for Santa Maria: very competent, polite, everything on Santa Maria time which I'm now used to. Really, tho, the waits weren't all that long and were explained. I'm returning for additional 'work' and looking forward to continued professional support. read more

So, my husband decided to go here for his cataract surgery rather than the Santa Barbara doctor because they accept Medicare without additional cost. The left eye was fine but they had trouble getting lens into right eye. They finally were able to do it, but his eye was worse than before he had the surgery. He was very disappointed. One night a few months after the surgery, he was amazed because he was able to see the television picture much better. In the morning, he was non responsive and I called an ambulance. He passed 10 days later. Turns out he had a fistula right behind the right eye that had bled and because he was on Eliquis the bleeding couldn't be stopped quickly enough to save him. Don't you think that the doctor might have questioned why he was having difficulty with that eye and performed a scan of the area? I have heard of many-eye surgeons being suspicious of a condition and focusing on more than just the eye. If the doctor had been the least bit cautious because of the difficulty, and ordered a scan my husband would still be alive. Fistulas can be repaired if they are identified. Do yourself a favor and pay the extra to get a doctor that will go the extra mile for you. read more

Nice facility , the staff is very comforting, kind. Patient and doctorZ has an excellent bedside manner. I feel his confidence which is comforting as I was concerned . I would like to send out a special, thank you and acknowledgment to Maria, as she was the inviting to lean if I had questions. She was also there with my daughter had the same eye surgery and my daughter asked me to say hello to her and expressed her appreciation for her support also.. it's an unsettling time to have surgery on your face in general, but your eyes even so thank you to Dr. Z and your supporting staff. My next appointment Tuesday I will personally think Maria. read more

I was able to get an appt right away. The downfall , despite I got an appt I still waited almost 2 hrs to be seen for an exam that took less than 5 min and wasn't even explained what issue I had and what to do with it. Just told I'd have medicine to pick up at the pharmacy. I don't recommend this place. read more

Las recepcionistas son groseras creidas muy mal servicio con los pacientes no recomiendo ese lugar para nada

My family has been coming to Shepards Eye Center for about 10 plus years. I always come back to get my glasses fitted. The staff and Drs. are very welcoming and kind. They greet you with a happy smile as soon as you come in. I recently visited to get my eyeglasses adjusted and Melissa was the best!!... my eye glasses were slanted and just losing hope she revived them back to life and made them good as new. They don't fall from my face woo hoo!!! Thank you Melissa you are the best :) read more

Dr. Bylsma rude and not empathetic at all. My father 83 yrs old and he completely minimize he's pain and made him feel like his symptoms were nothing. He left in 2 minutes and still talking to us from the door. Not coming back ever! read more

This place is great. Big and clean and a great and friendly staff. Once I needed an appointment but based on my travel schedule there were few days possible and in those particular days were not matching up. But they were very patient and fi ally worked it out so I could go to their other office. Everytine I've cime here I have never felt rushed through an appointment. Dr. Goodman is awesome and explains things clearly. I also had my Lasik done. I'm one of those people that can't even put eye drops in my eyes. But the process is so fast and it's amazing now that I can see perfectly. read more

Henry and Mercedes have always been friendly and professional always attending my eye care needs. I love their personalities they always make you feel welcomed and their service is always the best. Have been coming to this place for the past 10 years. My family and I don't go anywhere else. Please ask for Henry and Mercedes they are the best! Thank you ! read more

Dr. Zanigaris absolutely wonderful, good bedside manner and made me feel comfortable when getting botox. I recommend Shepard eye center to anyone looking for a little better look! read more

I have been a lifelong patient of Shepherd Eye Center. This is the only eye center I have ever known. The last couple years, service has not been good. They rush through appointments and they do not thoroughly listen to your needs or concerns. The final straw for me was the Optical Lense Dept. My line of work demands my vision is good otherwise I cannot work. The dept completely botched my prescription and after going back to make adjustments, they made it even worse! I could not see clearly from my contacts! I am still on my last pair of contacts from my last prescription from LAST year! On top of that I cannot get contacts elsewhere because they can't get my prescription right and I called weeks ago with no call back! I'm absolutely frustrated. I have been content with place that it hurts me to have to give a bad review but the negative and unwillingness attitude from the optical lense department is disheartening. read more

The staff do most of the examining and the doctor sees you at the end. I guess this is ok but I'd rather a doctor examine me from start to finish. I DO NOT recommend buying glasses from them. Its been 4 weeks and I STILL don't have my glasses. They also don't return phone calls. I had to go in to ask about my glasses and they said they'd call and let me know. You guessed it, no call back. All I get is their voice-mail and they don't answer those either. Will never buy glasses there again. read more

Love this place! Very professional, clean, neat and modern. The Optomotrist helped me a few months ago, when Costco wouldn't. They're very fair on the pricing, efficient and fun to work with.. read more

Just an FYI: if you were seen at Shepard's Eye center between the months of May to Now and the doctor miraculously said you have 20/20 vision and no longer need glasses but yet you suffered through numerous migraines and eye strain all those months. Only to finally call the office and request another appt and once u get there they tell you that you actually have a prescription written out for you and that the system was not working back then and turn around and charge you 500 dollars for your lens only (he brought in his own frames) Please call them to double check you are not walking around blind!!!!!!! Why the hell would you not double check on all your patients to make sure they have everything correct in their files. These people do LASIK surgery for Gods sake! This is scary!!! First of all , the actual optometrist told My husband he had 20/20 vision along with the front desk girl. So some where between then and now, someone really screwed up and is lying!!! He suffered months trying to get used to no longer wearing glasses. When I called to request another appointment for him , still the appointment gal said nothing about a possible prescription in his medical record. I explained to her the entire situation. When he showed up to his appt the young lady asked if he was there for a prescription complaint. He said he never had a prescription to complain about, that's when she told him that she sees an actual prescription is in his medical file. I wasn't with My husband at his appt today but you better believe I'm marching my happy ass In there when I get back into town to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone ! This place is a JOKE! I am absolutely disturb and now feel my entire family needs to get their eyes re-examined . read more

I recently accidentally got a chemical burn in one of my eyes. After being treated at an ER, I was to follow up with an eye specialist. Since I previously had a eye infection years ago, and was successfully treated there, I called for an appointment. They got me in the same day I phoned, my eye was carefully examined and I was relieved to hear I would have no permanent eye damage. read more

Dr. Kendall at Lompoc location is wonderful for eye care, eyeglass prescriptions. No pressure to buy glasses here. Have also had Botox injections there. Very reasonably priced for botox but booking months out for most services. read more

I usually don't leave reviews on anything, but as soon as i finished my appointment i knew i had to write a review on my experience here at Shepard Eye Center. I'm VERY VERY HAPPY! ALL the staff is very kind and super helpful I have been to countless Optometrist offices in Santa Maria and no one has been as helpful and actually took their time with me to discuss my eye problems (i have SEVERE KERATOCONUS) They booked me in the same week i called for an appointment Easy application. They send you the application through text or you can fill out the application at the office on their tablets. No wait time at all. i think i only waited 10mins before the doctor came and took me to the exam room. Like i said previously they took their time and i didn't fell like they were rushing me out. They explained everything they were doing.. i don't have ANY type of insurance so i paid out of pocket. I'm pretty sure it would have been much less if i had insurance. it was $206 for a regular eye exam and contact fitting. not expensive at all. Deff. Recommending to my friends and family :) read more

go to costco, trust me. better prices, nicer staff and all around better service. also Jackie in their contacts department has a very bad attitude and should really fix that or get off of the phone line read more

They told me it would take six weeks I went back twice asking for my glasses and they shook their head telling me they don't know! But other than that everything's great the first pair of glasses they gave me were OK yes just OK read more

I was in last week for my annual eye exam, dialation to monitor any signs of diabetes in my eyes, and eye test to update prescription for a new pair of glasses. I usually see Dr. Zarnegar, but he was in surgery that AM. Instead I was scheduled with a young female Dr. from the Lompoc office. Well I can say that as usual everybody was nice, from reception to the exam room, to their eye glasses shop, and also very professional and efficient. Thanks again for another great job!!! read more

Doctors with terrible bed side manners seems to be the norm here; hurried and uncaring (Blyseth). Truly the now new standard of "in and and out burger" of medical care. read more