Still the best ophthalmologist in town. Competent, caring staff, state-of-the-art, equipment, knowledgeable, first rate in every way.

We like the Dr but his clerical staff make the experience so unpleasant. Rude and no customer service skill.

Dr. Winthrop is amazing!! One day out of Lasik and my vision is perfect with no recovery symptoms. His lasik machine is top of the line and much more advanced than others in town. Worth every penny to get the top of the line technology which has had major improvements over others. I cannot recommend him enough! read more

Dr. Winthrop and his incredible staff made my lasik procedure a breeze. Excellent level of care, and the team took every opportunity to ensure my comfortability. The results are incredible, I wish I had done this sooner! read more

If you're debating whether or not you should move forward here with LASIK, my short answer is yes. I wanted to wait a few months after recovery before I review, so here it goes! I had been wearing contacts for 13 years. My eye sight was stable for about two years. However, I developed an intolerance to my contacts. I tried switching brands, but, still, the irritation continued and worsened. So I looked into LASIK since I do not enjoy wearing classes. I have an active life (exercise, military, security). Glasses just were a bother most of the time. I had two of my friends in the military recommend Dr. Winthrop, saying it was a really simple procedure and they were right! The office does an excellent job providing you with all the information you would need to understand the procedure itself and the recovery process. There are no surprises. After I got the surgery, I woke up four hours later and saw just perfectly... like I was wearing my contacts. For the surgery, it was overwhelming discussing the steps beforehand. Hearing about the process really made me nervous, but the medication they offer eased all of that. I hardly remember what happened. The laser is only on the eye for a few seconds. So don't be nervous! For the recovery, you will endure very dry eye irritations most likely. I did for sure. I purchased two bottles of the Theratears Eye drops (see picture). I recommend you purchase this beforehand, so you can have it ready! Dr. Winthrop will give you some of these drops after the surgery too, but they will only last a few days. Throughout recovery, I experienced some "ups and downs" with sight. It's not a worry; only part of the recovery. Sometimes it will be blurry, but I continuously used the eye drops and it helped almost immediately. I see perfectly now. Dr. Winthrop is very knowledgeable so you have every reason to trust this! Make sure you read through the information packets so you know what to expect. My life has improved a lot in every aspect. From working long hours, traveling easier, hiking with family and friends, and military trainings. I don't have to worry about the eyeglasses/contacts like I used to. I am very happy with these results. read more

Stuart R Winthrop, MD - Recommended eye drops - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

SEE BETTER WITH DR STUART WINTHROP Everyone needs an eye doctor sooner or later, and if you live or work in the Santa Barbara area, I recommend that you make an appointment with ophthalmologist DR STUART WINTHROP. He is hands-down the best doctor in any speciality that I have ever used--anywhere. He and his top-notch staff are caring, friendly, attentative, and professional in all they do. Every time I visit their offices I feel valued. Dr. Winthrop's practice includes services for Lasik, cataracts and glaucoma, as well as general eye care. Extra-added bonus: throughout the year, the doctor writes and mails a newsletter that is chock full of important and interesting information and positive news. See Dr. Winthrop for a unique medical experience and check out his website at: www.seewinthrop.com read more

I got lasik with Dr Winthrop and it was a great experience. Dr Winthrop and his staff are friendly and knowledgeable and walk you through each step before, during and after surgery in a clear, friendly manner making the process easy and not scary. The results are amazing and life changing. Thank you dr Winthrop! read more

Dr. Winthrop and his team were exceptional! Big thanks to all of them for a very smooth LASIK procedure. It went better than I had hoped for -- they explicitly and clearly communicate each step of the process before and during the operation so that there are no surprises, and that you feel both comfortable and sure that you are in the best hands possible. I highly recommend anyone looking into LASIK to make an appointment with Dr. Winthrop. You'll be more than happy you did! read more

Disastrous experience with Dr. Winthrop and my cataract surgery. I now suffer from permanent eye damage from his mishandling of my procedure. There are other more compassionate and competent eye surgeons that would be better and safer choices. read more

Thank you so much to Dr. Winthrop, Christian, Claudia, and everyone else who helped aide in this process. I had a wonderful experience, felt supported, and am eternally grateful for how this office handled my Lasik procedure (including everything leading up to, during, and after)! I would HIGHLY recommend this office to anyone even considering getting this done and cannot sufficiently express my gratitude! read more

Stuart Winthrop is a sham. He is an inept surgeon who performed cataract surgery on my eyes, one at a time. I opted for the combination of distance vision in one eye and reading vision in the other with the expectation of seeing well in all cirumstances. I am now left with impaired vision in both of my eyes and have no distance nor reading ability from my eyes without glasses at all times. In the second operation on my right eye, I awoke twice during the procedure screaming in pain and begging him to stop. At the second awakening, I fought physically against the restraints on my head, body and feet and begged him to stop and he said to the team, "Keep going. I'm just going to pop this into her eye and we'll be done". I was able to raise my head and look right in the eyes of the anesthesiologist at my feet and his face was white with fear. When I complained about the above in Winthrop's subsequent office meetings, he ignored me. Not only is my vision imperfect, I was left with a deformity of my right eye including a drooping eyelid and a huge dark bag undernearth....completely unlike the other eye. I should sue him but I don't have the money. Stay away. read more

I went to Dr. Winthrop for Lasik after hearing from 3 separate, trusted friends that he is the best in town. After having the consultation, procedure, and follow-up visits, I can see why he came so highly recommended. Dr. Winthrop himself, his staff, his facilities, and his equipment are top notch--all of which put me at ease in the lead-up to getting Lasik. I couldn't be any happier with the outcome! read more

Before making an appointment for a Glaucoma consultation with Dr. Winthrop, I made a mistake... I checked Yelp and the glowing 5 stars blinded me (pun intended). Unfortunately I failed to read the reviews, which would have quickly revealed this doctor has one area of expertise: LASIK. My bad! I regret spending time and $ 290 at this office. The doctor was busy, rushed, uninterested and unwilling to provide me with information on my condition. He did not offer one ounce of compassion, understanding or basic guidance. He did not provide facts, and had I not asked for my intraocular pressure measurement (the most basic piece of the puzzle), he would have not even provide that. Don't ask me why he accepts patients other than those needing LASIK. I am now in search of another doctor. read more

I had lasik eye surgery performed by Dr. Winthrop yesterday and can see so much clearer already today. Being able to see text on street signs, subtitles while watching a movie, and just the sharpness of everything outside is so great. I am so excited for my new enhanced vision and felt comfortable and on the same page with Dr. Winthrop throughout it all. He talked me through everything that was going to happen so there we no surprises and lots of transparency. His staff was super nice as well including Christian who was very helpful making me feel confident this was the right decision for me based on him getting lasik at this center not too long ago. I recommend Dr. Winthrop and the team to anyone considering improving their vision! read more

The process of getting my lasik done with Dr. Winthrop was so easy and seamless. Would highly recommend him for anyone remotely interested in getting lasik. read more

I recently had lasik eye surgery with Dr. Winthrop and I cannot believe how easy, painless and quick the whole process was. The consultations leading up to the procedure were very thorough and clear thanks to Dr. Winthrop and Christian. I left the appointments with no questions or uncertainties. The actual procedure was maybe 10 minutes, though you are at the office for about an hour. Everyone told me it was fast, but it's quicker than you imagine. I couldn't believe it was over. I was nervous when I went in, but the techs in the room were very kind and compassionate, easing any anxiety. I never felt any sort of pain, and Dr. Winthrop talked me through every single step of the process. It was honestly really cool to see everything happening. Just a few hours later, I went on with my life with clear vision. I had no pain, irritation, dry eyes or issues. I returned for my 1-day follow up and had 20/20 vision within 24 hours of my appointment. It was truly so easy and I couldn't recommend lasik and Dr. Winthrop enough! read more

Dr. Winthrop was originally recommended by my husband for my own LASIK procedure. I was apprehensive at first; but a few other friends have also seen him for their LASIK procedures. All had great experiences, and I can say similarly for myself. Scheduling was a breeze; and Dr. Winthrop and his team were very patient and helpful in answering all my questions and concerns surrounding LASIK. read more

Ruined my vision for LIFE Dr Winthrop seems to think he can fix anything Sadly my vision is ruined read more

I had been considering getting Lasik for the last 10 years and I finally committed to it. I did my research and found Dr. Winthrop as the best choice in the area. I even had a colleague who got Lasik 20 years ago and recommended Dr. Winthrop! The staff and Dr. Winthrop were all very helpful and transparent about the process and pricing which made me very comfortable. The process from their free consultation to surgery was less than a month and I couldn't be happier with my new 20/20 vision! My corrected vision is better than i ever had with contacts and glasses, I wish I did this years ago! I highly recommend Dr. Winthrop to anyone considering Lasik in the greater Santa Barbara Area. read more

Sadly, still in 2023 even after tons of research has come out on the Covid vaccine I was denied a doctor visit (at 8am) with the eye doctor because I didn't get Covid shots. My health is fantastic. I've gotten sick once in the last five years. Frankly, this feels like discrimination at this point and it's time for a movement. Anyone denying someone services because they don't have a card that says that they're vaccinated might as well just put on a gold star and call it a day. No thank you Dr. Winthrop. I strongly suggest you take a look at yourself and your ethics and your choices in business. After all it is a business, correct? No need to live in fear anymore. read more

I had a great experience getting Lasik with Dr. Winthrop. A few friends had their Lasik done by him a few years ago and highly recommended him. During each appointment he always asked if I had any questions and called me the evening of/ after the procedure to check on me. Peggy and Claudia, the Lasik coordinators, are very helpful and responsive. Doctor Winthrop explains what will happen during the procedure and walks you through it as he performs each step. It's very fast and painless. And great to be able to see! I've been wearing glasses since I was 10. Now I just have to get out of the habit of reaching for my glasses in the morning ;-) Oct. 2019 read more

NO MORE GLASSES Hey Dr. Winthrop, thanks for giving this 68 year old guy the vision of a 16 year old with 20/20 vision! Recent cataract surgery with PanOptix IOL Great experience at Santa Barbara Surgery Center. Kind and caring nurses. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Winthrop and his staff of consummate professionals. Finally can buy all the cool non prescription sunglasses! read more

Stuart R Winthrop, MD - Eyeglasses - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Dr. Winthrop performed my Lasik eye surgery and I am so happy with the results! My only regret is not getting it done sooner!

My experience with Dr. Winthrop and staff (shout-out to Jeff and Claudia) has been incredibly great. I had Lasik in one eye and PRK in the other and felt comfortable and supported through the entire process, start to finish. All my questions were answered, and then some. Dr. Winthrop even called to check in with me after my surgery. Day 1, I could see great in the eye I had Lasik in. It was amazing! PRK takes more time, but I was provided with everything I needed to make the recovery more comfortable and am already beginning to see improvement. If you are considering Lasik, definitely go to Dr. Winthrop for a consultation! read more

I am so impressed by Dr Winthrop and his staff. I'm only 2 weeks out from my surgery but was really quite happy on day 1. After taking my prescribed 4 -5 hr nap, (the eyes need to remain shut post surgery for this long) I could already begin to see a difference. My vision has continued to get better each day since my surgery. I'm so thankful to not see the world as if it were a Monet painting anymore. I was referred to Dr Winthrop by my boyfriend who had the surgery more than a decade ago and is still very pleased with his results. Dr Winthrop had the most impressive credentials I encountered amongst his peers and it certainly shows in his work. I appreciate attention to detail and he and his team definitely have that. Each employee I interacted with was pleasant and helpful. Customer service is such a lost art these days but not in this office. I never felt that any of my questions were a nuisance and each person I encountered was patient and full of valuable information Ultimately, great vision is the true test post surgery and I've been so pleased with the results, I'd do it again in a heartbeat and will recommend them to anyone I care about. In fact, my daughter in WA state wants to have the surgery and I've already spoken to her about having it done here because I'm so confident in Dr Winthrop's techniques , use of the most current technology, and most importantly his honesty. He did not try to sell me on a service he couldn't do. I knew exactly what could and could but be achieved with my specific condition and he made happen what he promised he would. Definitely a 5 star operation here. read more

Following up from my dismissive appointment- I saw an eye doctor today that took me seriously, asked questions and listened....turns out that I do indeed have something wrong with (it's not in my head). I have at least 5 areas of fluid under my retina, and I am now being referred to a specialist. Had I not listened to my intuition and blindly went about my business, believing nothing was wrong as Winthrop suggested, this could lead to damage and even blindness. Listen to your gut and get a second opinion until a doctor takes you seriously. read more

Don't risk your eyesight. Avoid this office. Dr. Winthrop and his staff are extremely unprofessional. I had a Retinal Tear found on a Retinal Scan. He took him over a month before he contacted me with the the results from the scan which was emergent. I could've lost my eyesight. He also scammed me into purchasing a less effective product & treatment at more than triple cost that I could receive from another ophthalmologist. Horrible medical treatment and patient customer service. Staff is not knowledgeable and will hang up on you when you contact the office with questions, concerns, or requests for documentation. read more

I have been looking into Lasik for years but never found a doctor I was comfortable with to proceed. When I started working In SB a co-worker recommended Dr. Winthrop. I am so thankful I took my co-workers advice to at least do a consultation. Dr. Winthrop and his staff have been amazing from day one. From the technology to the staff, and cost, hands down the best choice I have made moving forward with Dr. Winthrop. The experience was amazing and the best part was I had front row seat. All my questions were answered and everything I needed was provided with instructions. The technology is phenomenal!!!! The plus was the great communication and kindness received from staff(nowadays is hard to come by). I will be directing anyone I know that needs eye surgery to Dr. Winthrop it's worth the travel. read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Dr. Winthrop. Lasik has done so much to improve my life since having the surgery done in December 2017. And I was even scheduled for surgery while the Thomas Fire was going on and despite danger to his own home, Dr. Winthrop was seeing patients, including me, and being calm and collected during the surgery. I couldn't be more impressed. I have had no issues to date requiring a revisit after the surgery. The procedure was painless and quick and Dr. Winthrop had a perfect bedside manner and explained everything in detail to me. I felt more than comfortable and have seen best results! I went to bed that evening, and woke up the next day with 20/20 vision. It was incredible! He receives my highest recommendation! read more

I am so grateful for the wonderful staff and Dr. Winthrop during my lasik procedure! I felt I was in great hands as he walked me though every step of the way and made me feel very comfortable. He answered all my questions and made sure I was comfortable. The lasik results are absolutely incredible! It's been amazing so far to see perfectly and clearly so instantaneously. I highly recommend going to Dr. Winthrop for all your eye and vision care needs!! read more

Dr. Winthrop is the best out there! He deeply cares for his patients and I wouldn't trust my eyes to anyone else! He is well-trained in the latest surgeries and has the latest technology. His staff is amazing, caring and professional and you won't find a more professional and caring practice than Dr. Winthrop's. He performed Lasik on me and I never thought my vision could be this great again! I love to hike and now I can, without glasses and see even better than when I wore them! There's so much beautiful scenery and Dr. Winthrop and his staff have made that possible for me again! Stop looking, you've found your new eye doctor! read more

REFUSES CARE & SERVICE TO UNVACCINATED PATIENTS. Winthrop wi not refer long -time loyal patients to other opthomologist -- I've been one of his cash paying loyal patients for 26 years. It's unethical and shameful to abandon patients with no notification, no courtesy communication, no posting of his NEW POLICY on his website or newsletters. I hope Winthrop will choose to become informed. I'll refer him to Medical Ethics Committee but he's probably bought, owned and controlled. read more

I looked near and far, and discovered that Dr. Winthrop had the best laser on the market. Each eye took about 5 minutes, and was nearly painless. I CAN SEEEEE! read more

I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Winthrop and his staff. I had an AMAZING experience with my Lasik procedure. I now have perfect vision and couldn't be more happy! My mother saw Dr. Winthrop for her Lasik procedure 20 years ago and was amazed with her results. She pushed me to see him for my procedure as well and I am so glad I did. read more

Had my lasik done here. Amazing job by Dr Winthrop and staff. 10/10 would recommend to anyone

I am so happy with my decision to finally have lasik done after 30 years of glasses and contacts. Dr. Winthrop is very knowledgeable, reassuring, and available. The staff is also great and keeps the entire process running smoothly from the initial appointment through follow-ups. read more

Couldn't have asked for a better surgery and outcome. Dr Winthrop and his staff walked me through everything with immense detail and made me feel comfortable in their hands. read more

100% recommend getting LASIK with Dr. Winthrop and his team (Jeff, Claudia and Peggy). I had an appointment in place to get my LASIK elsewhere but after my consultation with Dr. Winthrop I immediately scheduled to get it done with them. The equipment they had required less laser time, lower enhancement requirement rates and overall better experience. They did a great job calming my nerves and talked me through the whole procedure which truly flew by. The procedure itself was painless. Just mind over matter focus on the green flashing dot and it was over before I knew it. While foggy, I could immediately see better walking out of procedure room. After sleeping for 4 hours, I could see even better with slight discomfort, which was improved with the artificial tears. Dr. Winthrop reached out that evening to follow-up all was going well. By the next morning, all discomfort was gone and my vision was better than ever before! At the next day post-op I was reading lines on the letter board from the 20/20 row I had NEVER been able to read even with my contacts or glasses (usually 20/30 was the best I could see). I could not believe it! I am so thankful for Dr. Winthrop and his team for giving me the gift of sight!! Cant wait to donate glasses and get rid of all my contact supplies!!! read more

I would highly recommend Dr. Winthrop's office for all your eye care needs. I personally went to him for my Lasik procedure, and I cannot stop talking about how wonderful it was. The front desk staff are attentive and prompt, his assistants and technicians are professional but also kind and Jeff in particular is so charming, he really put me at ease. Dr. Winthrop is exceptional (we all know this from his outstanding reputation in our community) but his bedside manner is also very reassuring, which is what you need when you are about to have laser beams shot at your eyes. If you are thinking about Lasik, do it! The tech is so advanced and Dr. Winthrop is so knowledgeable, that someone like me, with severe near sightedness, was able to have a complication free experience! read more

If I could rate Dr. Winthrop and his staff with more than 5 stars, I would totally do it. I did Lasik last week and can truly say that I couldn't have done it anywhere else. His staff and Dr. Winthrop himself are so professional, honest and up front with you. They won't leave you with any unanswered questions. The procedure itself was completely painless and you felt in the right hands from beginning until the end. Dr. Winthrop even calls you the evening after your procedure to make sure everything is good. Wow, I'm really impressed and wish I would have done it sooner. My vision now is already better than it was before with my glasses. read more