This is a hard review to write as I'm not sure how to feel about my experiences here. Yes, Dr. Tandrow is very nice and polite and pleasant. But out of two visits for regular eye exams, I had a few issues that just don't sit right. I went for my first exam with him a couple of years ago. At that time I was only needing readers, and after the exam I ended up with my first pair of progressives since my distance vision was also starting to go. And yes, many add ons and the glasses were expensive. Both pairs I ended up buying. As part of the exam he told me that I had the beginnings of a certain type of glaucoma that might need to be treated surgically, and referred me to a specialist. The specialist stopped the exam after an initial look and said it wasn't worth completing the exam. Thank goodness she stopped, because that alone was $350 out of my hsa. About a year and a half later I went back for another exam. He asked about the glaucoma. He said my condition hadn't progressed and no need for a recheck by the specialist. However because of the condition, he'd have to use special equipment to complete the regular eye exam, and was I ok with the extra $45 charge. What was I going to say, I went ahead with it. Although I thought it odd that special equipment hadn't come up the last time. I'm 48 and have presbyopia, and really dislike glasses. I asked him about any and all other options including contacts and LASIK. He said LASIK would correct my distance vision but I would always need readers. He described various contact options but said he didn't recommend any of them. I decided to get a LASIK consultation to correct my distance vision, and the corneal surgeon that I consulted with recommended something called monovision. He said I was the perfect candidate as it corrects one eye for near and one eye for distance to give a wide range of vision, and in most cases people adjust and don't need glasses anymore. He said Dr. Tandrow had written on the referral that he didn't recommend monovision for me, but hadn't even discussed it with me. Turns out it is one of the most common corrective procedures for people with my issues. I asked the doctor if he was sure my glaucoma condition wasn't an issue for the procedure. He took another look and said he didn't see any such issues. Around this same time I started working in the east bay and switched optometrists to do my pre and post op checks as well as a test for monovision with contacts to make sure I could adjust to monovision LASIK. They also confirmed they did not see any kind of glaucoma or any other issues in my eyes. I just had the monovision LASIK procedure done and am reading, driving and functioning without glasses or contacts. So happy! Not sure what to make of my experiences with Dr. Tandrow... read more

This was a hard review to write because everyone in the office is so nice. Dr. Tandrow does a great job- he's thorough and everything he explained made a lot of sense to me. I understood a lot more about my eyes when my exam was over. It wasn't until I picked out a frame that things got a little more frustrating. The staff was really helpful assisting with picking out frames. Once it came time to pay, I was hit with a really expensive bill. I was under the impression my insurance would cover most of the cost, but they had added on so many things to my lenses that my bill came out to $335 (WITH VSP insurance!). UV filter, reflective coating, and something that makes my lenses thinner were all added. Perhaps in the financial district add ons like this are commonplace but I personally can't afford to pay that much for glasses. All in all, it's my responsibility to have gone over the charges but I was just a little peeved that all these things were added on under the assumption that I wanted them and was willing to drop some major cash. Also, it turns out I don't even like my frames (my fault, obviously) and while most places give you a grace period to return your frames, Tandrows does not. So be sure you like them 100%! I just kind of left the office feeling like I definitely should have skipped getting new glasses. Just make sure you take a peek at the things they're adding on to your lenses if you're on a budget. read more

I had my eyes checked here last year, by an associate of Dr. Tandrow. She was nice, although I felt not as thorough as other optometrists I've been to (I have pretty bad eyes and my last optometrist made notes on my files regarding what they saw on the test and during the time my eyes were dilated). The eyeglass selection was ok, and the lady who worked there helped me select a really nice pair quickly. So I would say last year was 3.5 stars. This year I called to make an appointment with Dr. Tandrow, and was told that it would be about a month's wait. I thought - what the heck, they're close to my office...I can wait a month. So I wait a month and I get a call the day before my appointment, in the afternoon. Some male associate says Dr. Tandrow can't make it. AND No more open appointments soon, I have to wait almost another month. What irked me was not just that I had waited a month and had to wait another month. Not just that they called only the day before. It was the tone of this person. Not sympathetic at all, even if I said my eyes felt like I needed a checkup. He was like "Oh, too bad, he's booked." Is it asking too much to get slipped in or for him to stay a bit later or a bit earlier so I don't have to wait so long? I don't know. I just booked elsewhere. Maybe he is good, but that man on his staff is really off-putting. read more

I recently had secondary lens implant surgery to correct my lack of eye lenses. and while I am no longer legally blind without contacts, there was still a gap in my vision that needed to be filled in order for me to see to my full potential. I needed glasses, and not the coke bottle, depth of perception robbing glasses of my youth. Normal, light weight glasses, that would not get me picked last for dodgeball and would enable me to see the difference between capital O and Q when reading emails. Enter Timothy Tandrow OD. I was hesitant to go to anyone but my regular eye doc for my optical needs, but really could not validate taking anymore time off work to head to Walnut Creek just to get my glasses prescription filled. I had seen Dr, Tandrow's shop many times on my way to work, and he also came highly recommended from some of my visually challenged office mates. I walked in one morning about a week ago, and was greeted by friendly, helpful, and patient employees. My VSP benefits were clearly explained, there was no hard sell, and I was shown as many frames as I wished to see. 30 minutes later I walked out with an order for some cute Kate Spade frames with lenses that in no way resembled the ant-burner specs that haunted my childhood. read more

Dr. Tandrow was great-- funny, helpful, a good doctor. However, his staff wasn't the greatest. They seemed disorganized and irked at having to answer any questions whatsoever (related to insurance, exams, contacts, glasses). They don't provide you with your own prescription when you leave, presumably because they are just assuming that you will want to buy any contacts or glasses through them; so, you need to specifically request a copy, which they will give you but not without some resistance and some huffing and puffing. Not to get all Dick Cheney, but that bothered me "big time." UPDATE: Further hassles from the staff on subsequent trips to the office. read more

One of the few places in San Francisco (and I think the only place in FiDi) that carries LA Eyeworks. Also, the prices are great for said maker. For example, I saw the Pick Up model at Eyedare in the Mission for $330, wheras the same exact model was $280 at Dr. Tandrow. $50 = a lot of burritos. Pretty decent Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith selection, as well. As for the service, Frankie (Francesca) was awesome, she really went the extra mile for me. My glasses arrived lickety split (ordered on Thursday, picked them up the following Tuesday). The man who works in the front (don't know his name) was also great. I suspect that some of the negative press regarding service is about the other woman who works in the front (don't know her name). She was quite abrasive when I said that I was considering purchasing frames only, and she gave misinformation about insurance (claimed that VSP 20% discount did not apply to frames if my plan only covered lenses this year, which is completely wrong). read more

I discovered this shop after I had an eye exam elsewhere. I was looking for a place that had a decent selection of designer eye ware AND still accepted VSP. My search prior to visiting Dr. Tandrow's office yielded only one or the other. I just don't want to deal with all the paperwork, mailing and have to deal with an insurer. Who does?! Tandrow's shop is full service?..eureka! I dealt with an absolute pro named Mike. He understood my prescription (which isn't common), totally knowledgeable and a super nice guy. He fit me into a unique pair of Paul Smith's that I hadn't seen elsewhere. He educated me on progressives and even took me out onto Montogmery St to test them out. My intent going in was to buy two separate pair for reading and driving. He could've just sold me two, but recommended the progressives instead. Proof an honest salesman with your best interest in mind still exists out there! Another big plus was when he put down on paper exactly what everything cost, frames, lenses, etc... What VSP would cover vs out of pocket and the bill in the end was exactly what he quoted. There weren't any surprise charges after he got you to commit. So, 1. Good selection 2. Amazing service (ask for Mike!) 3. They Deal with your VSP!!!!!!! Great experience. Thank you Mike! read more

This review is for Dr. Tandrow not really necessarily the staff. Dr Tandrow is really personable. He's very knowledgeable and has always been able to answer questions regarding my specific vision issues and in a way that i can understand. Any how, this last time around my vision changed in a different way, worse i suppose and so we're doing some trial contact lenses for a week and then i have another appointment to give him my feedback. As far as the selection of frames they have its kind of meh, they have some but nothing really stuck out to me. They have some designer lenses. Scheduling is fairly easy and they take VSP. read more

Five stars to this stellar optometrist. After cautiously finding your way up to his examining room on the really narrow staircase, he will amaze you with both his knowledge and his chairside manner. He is obviously very good at what he does, continues to read up on the latest eye-care and can answer any question you will come up with (he even knew more about a non-eye medical condition that I have than my own PC physician does!!) He's a fun guy and will entertain you with stories of how he changes his kid's eye color (the white part) for Halloween. HIs office staff is friendly, helpful and wear hip glasses. Dr. Tandrow also carries cool looking frames, but they can be pricey. He does not bat an eye when you tell him you would prefer to buy your frames elsewhere. He also has had a running deal (for at least 4 years I think?) for contacts that gets you a $30 rebate. read more

Dr. Tandrow is such a treat. He's in the FiDi, 5-minutes from my work, which is how I found his office. I had good staff service, but maybe that was because Dr. Tandrow was there when I was being scheduled for the pupil dilation appointment. Staff attitude could also be the fact that most of the clientele is FiDi people who're in a rush and aren't gracious and then they get fed up with normal people...? read more

= THIS REVIEW IS JUST FOR MY GLASSES PURCHASE, DIDN'T HAVE AN EYE APPOINTMENT HERE = So I came here because my regular optometrist didn't have a huge selection of designer frames.. I was looking to upgrade my look and wanted to spend some moneh on some glasses that I would love, especially since my vision now is pretty stable. I did some Yelp research and went to another optometry office (unnamed) before going to Timothy Tandrow's and their selection still wasn't as extensive. So here I was! Walking in, it's designer eyewear heaven (if you're willing to spend the money, you'll most likely find the perfect glasses for you here!) Brad greeted and assisted me right away, and he wasn't pushy at selling me glasses at all. He gave me helpful selection and tips on what glasses worked best but also kept his distance for me to try on a lot of glasses so I didn't feel stuffy but would walk in at the right time to give me his feedback. Surprisingly, I ended up choosing the first pair of glasses he chose for me! Which were a pair of Tom Ford's. I was actually on the hunt for some Oliver People's and kiiiiinda wanted to stick to it but the Tom Ford's were so damn cute. Though I dropped more money than I wanted to, I didn't feel disappointed at ALL and this office is definitely full service and worth the money. Also awesome because it's smack dab in the middle of the FiDi where I work! read more

Dr. Tandrow rules. Hands down the best eyecare specialist I have ever seen. Don't hesitate to go see him, you will be happy you did. And I always feel like they really care about you and are always happy to answer any and all questions. You can even pop in for a quick adjustment to your glasses. Thanks Dr. T! read more

First off, I'm not a customer here, nor did I get glasses or a prescription from Dr. Tandrow. I walked in off the street because my glasses where sliding off my face constantly and very loose. I got them online from Warby Parker and they've never fit 100% properly. Dr. Tandrow was incredibly nice and did quite a bit of refitting and really made sure my frames fit correctly. He also tightened up the screws and recommended I come back after a few days because he didn't want to overstress the frames by refitting too much at once, gave my lenses a cleaning and sent me off about my day. As soon I as I walked outside, I felt like I had brand new frames. They were light as a feather due to the refitting and having them finally sit properly and the lenses where the cleanest and clearest they've ever been. I usually wear contacts and I almost felt like I had those on instead of my glasses! Highly recommend, he's extremely friendly and just good at what he does. read more

5 Stars for the doc, 3 stars for the staff. Whats up? I don't understand how these guys could be less-than-stellar with such a great role model around all the time? Maybe he lets loose with the incompetence as soon as the customers leave??? In any event, the doctor makes you feel at home, very precise and professional but somehow warm and avuncular as well. The staff screwed up my insurance and then gave me the obvious eye-roll when I called them on it. Just sort of annoying. read more

Dr. Tandrow is awesome. I had a general check up and contact fitting in about 30 minutes. He was right on time. He goes through all of his check points like clockwork, and explains what he is doing in a professional but understandable manner. I will now wear Acuvue Oasys permeable lenses after his convincing explanaition of the benefits. He is extremely friendly, and professional. You will trust him immediately. read more

Dr. Tandrow is absolutely amazing! And his staff is right there with him! To my great misfortune I caught a virus in my eye that hurt like nothing else I have ever experienced. Because I work outside the city my regular optometrist is down south. Luckily I found Dr. Tandrow in the city. His staff squeezed me in within the half hour, thank god!! He took special care with me and relieved the pain as best he could. He scheduled a follow up visit for the next day FOR FREE, called me that evening to check on me, and gave me his personal phone number over the weekend in case the redness or pain increased. I let him know I planned on getting PRK the following week with Dr. Manche (who is also amazing!). Dr. Tandrow insisted on calling Dr. Manche to fill him in on my current status and reschedule my appointment for a later date. He does a great job, and really cares for his patients. I wish every doctor could be as amazing as Dr. Tandrow! read more

I love coming in to shop for eyeglasses here. Even though the shop itself is small, they have a great selection of designer eyewear. What I REALLY like is how helpful the staff is. They can help suggest eyeglasses that might look best on you. They are a VSP provider, so use your benefits when you see them if you have VSP! Also Dr Tandrow is a really patient optometrist. really listen to your needs! read more

It was time for my annual eye exam....I did some yelping...did some checking and decided to try Dr. Tandrow I have no idea what the bad reviews are about on Yelp.... He was really nice, very knowledgable and informative. It was the most pleasant eye exam I've ever had! Best of all, he's close by to work, his staff (I believe it's Lauren & Amy) are incredibly nice and helpful. I'll be back in 12 months for my annual exam! read more

In my limited experience with Tandrow & his staff, they've been very professional. I say limited experience, because my vision seems to be getting better with time. Dr Tandrow has a great "bedside manner", explaining everything he needs to do and putting you at ease. He also seems to be very straightforward, in that he'll only recommend what needs to be done rather than try to wring every last drop out of your insurance. His staff seems to have drawn some flack, but with me they were nothing but courteous, and they phoned me the day before to remind me of my appointment. read more

Dr. Tandrow is very thorough and patient about explaining every procedure he does - I definitely got the sense he sincerely cares about the health of my eyes rather than just going through the motions. Great personality and fun conversationalist. Highly recommend! That said, this is an expensive shop. I would definitely get my eye exams here but if cost is a factor, I advise purchasing frames, lenses, contacts, etc elsewhere. read more

Simply fantastic. Really small office for someone of my stature but it works. The staff is really friendly. Francesca is an amazing soul and very personable. Being scientifically inclinded and having studied perceptual organs during university Dr Tandrow speaks my language. Nothing is more fulfilling during a medical examination (in my opinion) than being able to talk shop with the doctor. It's a more rewarding and fulfilling experience. I highly recommend Dr Tandrow if you work in the Financial District or nearby. Enjoy! read more

Great Doctor, Great selection and outstanding customer service. This place is amazing! Thanks for taking care of me!!! read more

Dr. T is the perfect eye doctor. Low key, good sense of humor and knows his stuff. His office is perfect for Financial District types and his staff is efficient and helpful. One other thing - they don't upsell and push things and treatment I don't need like a previous doctor I saw. read more

Received a very thorough eye exam from Dr. Tandrow. I am glad he has opened up in downtown Mill Valley; he recently moved from his private practice in the city. I purchase my glasses from Wink Optics so now....I can get both my exam and glasses in the same location. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Tandrow for nearly ten years. Until recently, I had only needed to see him for annual exams and prescription glasses. Dr. Tandrow is a very good OD and is very personable. He explains the procedures and, afterward, explains what the findings mean. In the past few months, though, different needs have arisen and trying to get past the front office staff is frustrating. While I'm sure they get plenty of "oh my god I'm an important person and there's a lash in my eye help me now" calls, they really need to be responsive in a way that doesn't seem like they can't be bothered. The front office staff is what brings the rating down to a 3-star rating and is what has pushed me to see another OD. Back in March, I had a nasty sty. Called to get an emergency appointment, and the front desk just kept pushing "but appointments are so expensive" and "just get this over-the-counter cream because that's all that the doctor will tell you". Ended up losing a day of work to see my GP and get a prescription. Versus the 30-minutes it would have taken to see Dr. Tandrow and get the same prescription. So, telling me "seeing the doctor is expensive" may be true; but it's less expensive than taking a day off work to see my GP. I just called to find out about getting replacement glasses, since I lost mine. After spelling my last name to two different people, being transferred and, finally, having them accidentally hang up on me - yet not call me back, so I guess they still haven't found my file - I'm moving on. At this point, too much hassle. I'll struggle by with my previous prescription until I can see a new OD. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Tandrow for several years. Frankie, the office manager, is absolutely worth the price of admission (no...there's no price of admission); she is personable, lovable, and makes you feel like you are the only patient that matters. I love Frankie! Dr. Tandrow is very professional and takes the time during exams to explain what he is doing, why he is doing it, and why it's important to your overall care. Over the years, I've updated my prescription several times and have never walked out feeling like something is missing. Wish I could say the same for my track record of caring for my eye-wear!!! I am notorious for either sitting on them or leaving them someplace. Frankie keeps great records, however, and its never been a problem getting replacements. I wouldn't have anyone else take care of my eyes. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Tandrow's for several years. I recently had a sudden loss of vision and scheduled an appointment. Dr. Tandrow told me not to worry about it and that it would get better on its own. A month later, it still hadn't improved and I went back to see Dr. Tandrow. He again was dismissive and unconcerned until I insisted he was missing something. He finally took out a more powerful viewing tool and then kind of gulped and referred me to a specialist. It turned out I had a detached retina and needed emergency surgery to avoid losing all my sight in my right eye. Not only did Dr. Tandrow completely bungle the diagnosis, he acted as if I was imagining things when I asked him about the problem. This guy is fine if all you need is an examination to get a prescription for glasses or contacts. But if you are at all concerned about the health of your eye, go elsewhere. He is unknowledgeble, condescending and dangerous. read more

I love Dr. Tandrow! He even rooted for my Sooners to kill Florida on Thursday! The office is very small and quaint (very typical SF) and you have to walk up a steep and narrow staircase to get your eyes examined. He's super friendly and always tells you in advance what he's exactly about to do to your eyeball. Never an awkward moment. If you work or live near the FiDi, definitely pay him a visit. He definitely accepts VSP insurance. read more

My eye exam was with Dr. Kurtz (sp) who I DO NOT recommend. He didn't listen to me at all and so I ended up getting the wrong prescription and had glasses made that made me dizzy for a few weeks so I had to go back and get another exam, which he rushed was was not apologetic at all about. Such a hassle, and this opto has terrible manners. Super uncomfortable exam. read more

Looking for a no non-sense optometrist in San Francisco? Like all the other Yelpers on this page, I highly recommend Dr. Tandrow. One of the most patient doctors I ever had. He takes his time with all exams and answers all of your questions, even when it comes to those tricky vision care benefits. Need glasses? They have a great selection of brand frames and the staff can easily find the right ones for you. Two years and counting, I look forward to every visit. read more

Great staff! I went in to get frames and lenses and Dina was amazing! She was extremely helpful and efficient and on top of her stuff. Still loving my glasses. read more

Dr T is the man. He knows something about everything. I usually have trouble with the hippie types, but Dr T is objective, open minded, and hard working hippie. Plus he doesn't look like a hippie. I have very light sensitive eyes and he is good about taking his time examining me. He helped me identify ways to avert migraine headaches and invariably leaves me with 5 bits of new knowledge every visit. He works with you specifically to explain all your options, the plusses and minuses, and even answers the phone on occasion. Consummate professional. read more

went in for new prescription. i mentioned that my friend elbowed me in the eye. i did not mention this was a result of him showing me his karate moves. nor did i mention we were superdrunk and eric doesn't know any karate. i agree with sunny d. that dr. tandrow's staff is not the greatest, mostly the older lady. my new glasses gave me a headache, so i stopped by the office and she told me to wait another week. a week's not going to make a difference the problem is you get cross-eyed and feel like you put on your grandma's bifocals. when i stopped by again, dr. tandrow reexamined me and suggested i could wait longer to adjust but offered to send the glasses back for a lower prescription immediately. clearly that wasn't his preference but didn't bat an eyelash when i firmly requested the glasses be fixed. kudos for grace dr. t! i also wasn't happy that she failed to mention the lower-priced options for the different lens coatings. i'm sure i would have been just as happy with the $30 cheaper UV coating if aware i had that choice. dr. tandrow's great however. nice, professional, patient, and he makes me comfortable. he doesn't have the fancy digital picture machines like my old optometrist but he'll do just fine. just kick some sense into your staff dr. t. and hopefully that lady's not your wife. read more

I came by here to look at their eyeglass selection - they have Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford, Paul Smith, Fendi, and Gucci to name a few. The shop however is very small. I have been shopping around for eyeglasses for a while and have narrowed down a type that I am looking for. The prices are comparable to other places. Although the salesperson assisting me was trying to be helpful, ultimately I didn't find what I was looking for. read more

A lovely lovely man. I went there to see if I could get lasik and did a prescreening with him. Turns out my eyes have not been stabilized yet. Disappointing but he was very sweet about the whole thing. He has so much experience and it shows! The place is in a great location but is very small. Very charming actually. Definitely going to be my go to now. read more

Great doctor. Very personable & professional. Staff is friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommend.

I have been going to Dr Tandrow has approximately three years now, and have had a wonderful experience each time. Dr. Tandrow himself has a great sense of humor and is wonderful to have a conversation with. The staff is very friendly, and truthful in their recommendation of glasses (of which there is a great selection - I have gotten a pair of Alain Mikli, Tom Ford, and Kazuo Kawasaki's). Your insurance is handled professionally. I have recommended Dr. Tandrow to family and co-workers, and many are now going there as well! read more

Dr. Taindrow is a brillant optician and has a lovely personality. Dr. Taindrow had one of his staff help me pick out frames and when i looked at my bill it was really really expensive, all kinds of things added on that I did not need, I decided to go over the bill with the staff member and got at least one extra charge of $79 which was not needed taken off. The first time I got frames there Dr. Taindrow helped me, I loved the frames and most of my health insurance covered them, my health insurance has not changed so not sure what the deal was this time., the frames were a little more expensive but it was all the extra costs?. Also, be sure you like your frames, no exchange or return. Think I will get the frames somewhere else in future but I will always go to Dr. Taindrow, he is great. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Tandrow for several years. He is great. Very personable and carefully explains what he's doing for each step of the visit. I cannot recommend him more highly. The glasses selection is limited; they have small place. I have still managed to find a good looking pair every time I've needed one. read more

I've been Tim Tandrow's patient for over 10 years. He's a fantastic OD - takes as much time as you need to explain what the tests are about, etc. I'm especially interested in how the gear works and what the diagnosis means - he's explained it to me via books, photos, diagrams, and has sent me to a specialist to confirm his (correct) assessment. He's also just a really, really nice guy. I've never had to come back to correct anything; my prescription, which has changed some over the years, is always spot on. His office staff, Amy and Mike, are excellent at helping you understand your insurance plan, and are absolutely amazing at picking out frames, especially finding frames that will work with your face shape, personal style, and eye color - sometimes things you'd never have picked end up being better than you'd ever have found on your own. They can find those! In all, this is a great Optometrist office, and highly recommended. read more