The staff and service at Santa Cruz Optometric Center have been incredible all the years that I have been going there! I highly recommend them... Matt read more

For several years, I was a loyal patient at Total Vision, but my most recent experience was so disappointing that I can no longer recommend them. While my exam with the optometrist was positive, she recommended a trial of weekly contact lenses. I agreed, and was told the trial set would arrive in about a week--this was roughly two weeks before Christmas. I received no follow-up communication via phone, email, or text. After hearing nothing, I finally called on December 30th to ask about the trial. The staff admitted they were unsure why I hadn't been contacted but confirmed the trial was ready for pickup. Due to the delay and lack of communication, I decided to forgo the trial and simply order my usual monthly contacts instead. I offered to prepay in person, but was told I could pay upon pickup. Once again, I received no notification when my new order arrived--only an email I happened to see. When I went to pick up the contacts today, they had incorrectly ordered weekly lenses, not the monthly ones I requested. The weekly lenses happen to also cost close to double what the monthly cost. To make matters worse, when I asked for my contact lens prescription, I was told the optometrist needed to "edit" it before it could be released. They took my email and promised to send it within an hour. Given the consistent lack of follow-through, I fully expect to have to chase them down for it. I originally chose Total Vision over more affordable online retailers because I value in-person service. Unfortunately, the customer service throughout this process has been profoundly lacking--disorganized, uncommunicative, and error-prone. This entire experience fell far below a reasonable standard of care. read more

I've been coming here for years and the service has definitely gone downhill. Where did Victoria go? Her excellent service was definitely missed today. I left this optometry after the switch to Total Vision, but I went in today for frames as they still carry a good selection. Not only was I not acknowledge when I went in, but I waited for assistance for at least 15 minutes and then was skipped over, almost ignored completely, except that I was asked to move aside while she assisted another customer who had just finished their exam coming in long after me. Equally frustrating was having to put more money on my meter to not be assisted. read more

This office is amazing Dr shahiti is very knowledgeable and has went above and beyond and beyond to help my 7 year old son with his severe astigmatism . I've never had been given this much context on my sons situation until coming to him. As a mother I'm very grateful for finding a doctor whom actually cares for his patients and loves his job I can't thank him enough. read more

My family is a long time customer of Santa Cruz Optometric. They were bought by total vision and I was surprised by my bill. Turns out they are out of network for VSP and my medical insurance. Would have been nice to know in advance.... Now switching practices. Be sure to check with your insurance before going for your next eye exam! read more

This used to be a great practice. However, as a long-time patient, I was surprised to walk into the front office recently to be told minutes before my appointment they no longer accept VSP and would bill as out of network, and as anyone knows that is less than ideal. It feels like they are purposely not notifying patients in advance. They tried to downplay it and spin some language about how it was no big deal, but obviously I walked out and canceled my appointment. I was not a new patient, I was an established patient and they had my existing insurance on file. Seems very questionable to not notify your patients until the moment they walk through the door putting people in a difficult situation unable to quickly verify the financial repercussions of going out of network suddenly. The person working the reception desk wasn't necessarily "rude" but appeared extremely annoyed, with a definite attitude at having to explain this over and over. read more

I woke up with my eye very red and swollen. I looked it up and seemed to be "pink eye". I wanted to see a doctor right away and they accommodated me here. Unfortunately I was misdiagnosed. I was told it's allergies and will go away and was told to take over the counter eye drops. I was able to get antibiotics because I knew I needed it. The condition worsened so I went back on Saturday. The doctor insisted it was just an allergy issue. When I got home from my travels the infection spread to both eyes so I went to my local eye doctor. They diagnosed me with conjunctivitis and changed all the prescriptions I already paid for in Santa Cruz. They were very nice at this place but misdiagnosed me and now I am suffering . I would choose a different place. I can't see.. As a follow up, I ended up having EKC a very serious epidemic viral eye infection that was wrongly diagnosed by the doctor at this place. As a result, I still have almost no vision at all in my left eye. It allegedly will get better, but has been a Hell trip. Avoid this friendly accommodating yet incompetent eye "doctor" and this place. read more

I feel like I got scammed . I called ahead to make sure they were accepting new contact wearers . The doctor had no idea that's why I was there and told me I couldn't get contacts and it was a waste . Great ... out $180 and now I have to go to another optometrist. I guess my prescription isn't worth contacts to the dr ... I guess if you don't experience the migraines yourself you just don't care . read more

I started wearing glasses when I was 1 year old. I've only had two eye doctors in my lifetime with Dr. Daly being the second. He has meticulously overseen the care of my eyes since I was a kiddo and I can't say enough about his professional demeanor and thoroughness. Also, the office and staff as a whole is top notch. One of the things that has stood out for me is when we had our first child and how intentional Dr. Daly was about us getting her eyes checked early. Sure enough she has the same exact issues I have and needed early intervention. She was in glasses as well very early. I often wonder how her life would have been affected as a child if we had not been so well informed as to issues we needed to consider. I personally can't speak for any of the other doctors, but my wife is a patient of Dr. Daly along with both my daughters, my mother and my father. If you are looking for a exceptional and well qualified optometrist and staff in town look no further. read more

About 5 years ago I left Plaza Lane Optometry after a less than stellar encounter with one of their receptionists, and I started going to the Santa Cruz Optometric Center. I'm glad I made the switch! They are very kind and professional. There have been several times where I needed a last minute appointment, or some trial contact lenses while I was waiting for an order, and they have been happy to accommodate me. The attached store, SPEX, also has a great selection of glasses (although they can be a little pricey.) I got my favorite pair of glasses here, and the ladies at the shop were super patient and helpful when it came to getting the frames that fit me. read more

Total Vision - Optometrists Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Dr. Daly is a great optometrist, he's extremely thorough. Sometimes he gets behind in his appointments, but he gives everyone the same attention. His office has this cool machine that scopes out the back of your eyeball in color. They can make detailed comparisons of how your eyes are doing from year to year and catch any problems really early. So I recommend him if you have a family history of eye problems, or you have particular visions concerns, diabetic, etc. The frame shop attached the the office is called "Spex" and it's a little pricey and a little hip for this market. Not everyone is going to be able to carry off those Paul Frank frames. There's not really much to choose from that is within what my vision insurance will cover, so the first two times I went I ended up spending $250 on top of what insurance paid for. Last time I decided I liked my frames and I would just get the lenses replaced and they acted like I had just said I wanted to eat kitten brains. When my new glasses arrived I didn't pick them up right away and they got pretty testy leaving messages on my phone. read more

RIDICULOUS AND INCOMPETENT. WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. I made an urgent appointment for a contact lens exam, but would be using my insurance for eye glasses. I explained my glasses were breaking and I was out of contacts. After an hour and a half of exams, I went to pick out glasses at Spex next door. Fine experience there, bullshit prices though. Through miscommunication at SC Optometric, I was told I would have to go back and wait to take ANOTHER exam. I confirmed with those women THREE separate times that I would be approved for purchasing lenses online. The next day, my orders from two different lens sites were not approved, and after calling SC Optometric was told I would need to make ANOTHER appointment for a lens fitting (of the lenses I was not approved to purchase.. Genius) Needless to say, I am less than satisfied with the bullshit that runs through Santa Cruz businesses. Approve my fucking contacts. Sincerely, a pissed off person who STILL CANT SEE. read more

I visited several optometric establishments around town. I decided with the Santa Cruz Optometric Center, ultimately, because of the selection, service, and honest pricing. The team at SCOC fulfilled all of my questions and was helpful during each phased of my glasses selection. Moreso, they were extremely helpful in replacing a broken frame. I intend to return to SCOC for future eye care needs. read more

Dr. Kachalia is great. I've been going to this office for years, first as a patient of Dr. Daly and more recently as a patient of Dr. Kachalia. The entire staff is friendly and very helpful. Dr. Kachalia does a wonderful job and takes plenty of time to listen to all my concerns. I would highly recommend this office to anyone in need of eye care. read more

Dr. Scott Daly is great; professional, kind, patient, caring and skilled. I really like and respect him. In the past I found the customer service in the office to be unpleasant. I did express my frustration & the next time I ordered contacts there was an improvement. The lens store has a great selection and has done a wonderful job making our glasses. read more

I This place is so wonderful! They charge half what my optometrist in San Jose wanted for an eye exam and I bought my glasses here 2yrs ago and the same woman was there at Spex next door and changed a broken screw and refitted the plastic handles for me for free. The whole office are kind, fast, personable, and low prices all around. I will be driving an hr each way to keep coming here even though I've moved over the hill, it's worth the travel trouble! read more

Professional and courteous staff of doctors. Great to have the ability to discuss coverage around what's covered what's not as insurance balances for the end of year have certain limits that always seem greek to me. Desk staff has helped with traversing all of that with a helpful attitude and smile. read more

Dr. Daly is a trusted eye care professional. I've been a patient for at least 15 years. He is knowledgeable, skilled, on top of the latest technology and truly cares about his patients. read more

At a recent eye exam one of the doctors at Santa Crus Optometric determined that the cause of my "fuzzy" vision in one eye was due to a cataract. She clearly described the problem and patiently answered my questions. She provided a referral to a surgeon. I made the appointment with the surgeon and expect to see him soon. To my surprise, I received a personal follow up email from Dr. Daly who reviewed my case and provided a further description of the ailment and suggestion for treatment. Never in my life have I had a more senior doctor take an active interest in my case and provide added information, much less show individual interest like this. Thanks to everyone at Santa Cruz Optometric! read more

I've been coming to Santa Cruz Optometric Center since I was in grade school. Dr. Daly is great! He's professional, patient and nice. I always feel very welcomed when I visit the office. Recently, my brother and I have been seeing Dr. Albert Chang. He definitely knows his stuff about ophthalmology. Dr. Chang is very thorough during his appointments and keen on helping his patients with any questions. I highly recommend Santa Cruz Optometric Center. I always receive the best service here. read more

Dr. Albert Chang and his entire staff are wonderful, caring people who truly go the extra mile. My husband and I were heading on vacation to Santa Cruz when he noticed that his vision in one eye seemed very blurry, which was a change. We called our regular doctor, who was concerned and said he should be checked out. So on a chance we called Santa Cruz Optometric. They fit us in on a Friday late afternoon. But wait, there's more! We hit traffic, and weren't going to make it to Santa Cruz until after their closing time. They waited for us! And they gave him a discount on the fee. Luckily he got good news. If we lived in Santa Cruz, we would definitely be patients here. read more

I always knew Dr. Daly was the" go to" optometrist in Santa Cruz but had the opportunity to come in for my mother's exam and was so impressed as he was patient, kind, knowledgeable and I felt the care she was given was exceptional. I also trust Dr. Daly is up to date on the latest developments in his field. Additionally, the medical bills were explained in detail and loved the optometry shop attached to the office, great selection. read more

Arrived a half hour early to pick out new glasses and sunglasses. Told one woman I was picking out glasses and then having eye exam. Picked out three by myself because no one asked me if I needed help. Left them on the checkout counter to get exam done. Came back 15 min and no one knew where they went. Huh? Got my prescription and will get glasses elsewhere! Lost a big sale today! Progressive lenses and everything!! read more

Most of the people were friendly enough--until I made a complaint about the eye glass prescription, which was incorrect (their error). After that the people were just barely civil, while fawning over other customers--they made it clear they did not want my business. The selection of frames is limited. read more

Look elsewhere and I consider myself a well informed prior patient I went here for all my eye tests, supplies, contacts, etc. for almost 15 years. Dr. Daly is great, patient, and thorough but it's the staff you have to deal with most often and they are unpleasant, rude, condescending, non-responsive. I can't believe I put up with it for so long but I didn't want to have to look for someone else, I guess. That kind of service just affects your day though-not worth it!! read more

Don't go here if you're on Medicare or have HMO insurance unless you're prepared to pay your whole bill yourself. I made an appointment for a checkup here. When I arrived I was asked to fill out copious paperwork as usual for a first visit. Only then was I asked for my medical insurance. When they realized I had a Medicare Advantage program I was told they don't do Medicare checkups and also would have to charge for this for any one who is HMO. Total waste of my time. Why couldn't I be told this when making the appointment? Or before filling out paperwork? Looks to me as if they're hoping that after spending so much time and effort you'll decide just to pay unnecessary fees. read more

Thank you Santa Cruz Optometric. We are visiting from out of town and they saved us! Thank you for being the only eye doctor in town to work with us and help us out! We are SO appreciative!! read more

Very professional. The SPEX shop really knows their stuff too! William and Linda Wright read more

I've been going here for several years and really like the care they provide. The equipment is modern, and I've seen them do several updates to keep up with technology. I appreciate that whenever I've asked questions, they take the time to explain things to me... including looking at eye scans, test results, etc. Now I'm set up well for computer work, reading, etc. Having your eyesight get worse sucks, so having a good optometrist to help deal with it is the little silver lining. read more

The same day we posted a poor review below, we received a call from Rachel with Spex who apologized profusely and explained some of what they were dealing with that day. She, in consultation with the owner, offered to make things right and we very much appreciate that. While it doesn't change the fact that we had a less than ideal experience trying to get glasses for our son, we will chalk this up to an off day for everyone involved at Santa Cruz Optometric/Spex and give them another chance based on their willingness to accept feedback and make improvements. We already had a better experience picking up the new glasses. Thanks! read more

I've been a very happy patient of Dr. Daly's office for some years now. Recently, during my routine yearly exam, Dr. Gardner saw something she felt should be further checked out. I got a referral to a specialist, who I saw today. The specialist is highly regarded in his field. He expressed how impressed he was that Dr. Gardner picked up on my condition at a routine exam. Had she not, my eye disease would have progressed to the point of blindness. As there is no cure for it, early detection and prevention of worsening is the only "cure" for it. I am so blessed to be Dr. Gardner's patient. Their SPEX eyewear department is a delight! So many great frames, with personalized care and an awesome staff! I work with the public and receive many compliments each time I get new glasses. The staff is very knowledgeable and informative about insurance coverage, and always takes the time to explain what's covered and the various options. I recommend Dr. Daly's office, Dr. Gardner, and SPEX eyewear to anyone looking for professional, quality eye care and eyewear!!! read more

I went there with a friend to shop for glasses frames since they have a wide selection of really unique fun and funky frames. Kathy was especially friendly, patient, knowledgeable and helpful as my friend and I both tried on dozens of items. I didn't realize that many frames come in additional sizes and colors; just ask and they can let you know about your options. They also keep a bunch of classic and traditional frames stashed in the drawers on their showroom floor, so be sure to ask for help if you aren't finding what you want. read more

Was traveling through town from LA and needed one contact lens because I had torn mine. They were gracious, helpful, and declined to charge me for it. Here's a big thank you to Santa Cruz Optometric Center! read more

Excellent service and prompt care. They really took the time to be sure that my contacts were functional for me. And when there were problems, they changed to another brand. read more

This place is epic. I had gotten an eye exam elsewhere because it was cheap. I took my prescription to SC Optometric Center to get my glasses because they have a beautiful selection. I received my glasses and a couple of months later my eyes were tweaking out and twinge-ing and hurting. The people at SC Optometric called Costco where I got my original exam and asked what their policy was, if they would recheck my eyes free of charge. Costco said yes and we picked a day. After I got off the phone the woman at the front desk said she would cancel my Costco appt. for me and schedule one with them (SCOC) in a couple days. I came in that weekend and they looked at my eyes for free!! They found my prescription had been too strong. For free they ordered new prescriptions into the glasses I'd bought from them. That was soooo impressive. I have to tell everyone I know. They did not have to see me for free. It hadn't been their prescription that was hurting my eyes. They didn't have to order my glasses with the new prescription free of charge. That was classy. I am getting on my feet, living with my parents and I was worried about the cost. They made me feel at ease and at home. The Dr. was awesome, calmly explaining the procedure and the other staff were so professional and calming. I love this place. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will tell everyone who wears glasses about my experience. I appreciate you paying it forward, I will do the same. read more

I have been a client of Santa Cruz Optometric for 20+ years and can't say enough about the great care provided by Dr. Daly and staff. I drive over 100 miles for my appointments just to be able to see them. When I accidentally scratched my eye removing a contact, Dr. Daly recommended me to UCD to see a specialist, submitting letters so I could be seen outside my referring group. This was a potentially serious eye injury and Dr, Daly closely followed up with the UCD group, both during and afterward. He and his staff continue to monitor that issue to make sure it is stable, using the most high tech equipment for photos and diagnosis. My husband and children all travel to see them as well, and the Specs department has a wide range of frames and lense options that work with any budget. The staff is courteous and helpful, working diligently with my insurance to make sure I get the most benefit from it. I never feel like they try to rush through my appointments, always taking the time to answer questions or concerns I might have. Kathy and crew have good taste in knowing what frames compliment what faces, and I always appreciate their comments and expertise when picking out my sunglasses. The place to go for all your needs when it comes to eye care and wear! read more