Appointments are always a wonderful experience. Every client receives the loveliest chat with the Dr and the front desk staff are always up to walk through numbers and coverage. This year the office helped us with a last minute order, ensuring fab eye wear was available for an upcoming trip -- absolutely wonderful. We give them 5 stars but only because 10 isn't possible. read more

I've been going to Urban Eyes for my optometry and optical needs since the 90s, and continue to trust my vision care to Lawrence Tom, OD, the owner. I also trust their staff to help me pick out new frames from their great selection of fashionable eyewear. Friendly and helpful staff, and a longtime queer business in the Castro! read more

My appointments are always a wonderful experience. Dr Tom and his entire staff are very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The office has the most enticing selection of designer frames as well. I would not consider going anywhere else. read more

It wasn't until I came to Urban Eyes did I realize that I had been over-prescribed the wrong vision and that wrong contact size for many many years. The optometrist at Urban Eyes was the first doctor the prescribed me the correct contact width, which had been drying out my eyes forever. Their customer service is great, they are really friendly and they explain everything to you in a way you can understand (not that doctor jargon that leaves you just nodding your head in agreement because you have no idea what they are saying to you). I'd highly recommend Urban Eyes if someone is looking for a new optometrist. My star rating: 5 - I would be a regular customer 4 - would go back again 3 - probably try a different place 2 - not very satisfied 1 - turnaround and run read more

Never go to this optometrist ever! I made them give me two exams too because the first one was so damn bad the second was even worse, basically they had me cover my eye with my hand and say can you see the wall (seriously). After the exams I was told that the glasses I brought in were pretty close to the results of the eye exam. I informed them that I had just had three eye surgeries since those glasses I brought in worked and that they had not worked before the eye surgery so if he was telling me this was the same I knew then there was a problem They made 2 pair of glasses off of that shity exam neither ever worked. I had to go to my ophthalmologist and get a credible eye exam which was not even close to what they produced for me. Don't go there it's a waste of time a waste of money these people shouldn't even be in the goddamn business. I've read reviews that say Tom is a wonderful optometrist I did not have Tom I had their other optometrist maybe that was my downfall. And as you can tell I'm angry about this really angry about this. Now I will say this about thier customer service I'll give them a 10 they did what they could but when you have to deal with a shity eye exam from a shity optometrist there's not much you can do to fix that. read more

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has taken a drastic turn for the worst. Their front desk staff most recently has become hostile and completely unfriendly in addressing patient concerns. As a physician seeing COVID patients, I requested that the optometrist, Lawrence Tom, permit me to renew my contact lens prescription (which had not changed in more than 5 years) without an exam so that I could avoid potentially exposing their staff. However, instead of agreeing to do this, or at least agreeing to discuss this further with me --- I was met with hostility from the front desk staff, and was then sent a curt email from "Dr." Tom terminating our patient-optometrist relationship. Working as a healthcare professional, I was shocked at the lack of professionalism and cavalier attitude this practice takes toward patients' concerns amidst this ongoing pandemic. Please avoid this place at all cost. read more

I have been having my eye care at Urban Eyes for many years and recommending Dr. Lawrence Tom to all my friends and co-workers. If you want professional, kind and compassionate care, Urban Eyes is the place. I feel so cared for over the years and friends and colleagues have thanked me for referring them. The office staff are friendly and you are made to feel comfortable in a very clean space and environment. The eyewear options are super cool. I look forward to my annual checkups and anytime I may have an issue or question. read more

Oh what a wonderful place! The optician is incredibly kind - like you won't want to leave. He is so thoughtful, wise and warm. And the optometrist is a delight as well! (I did not know that they are brothers). I have been going to Urban Eyes for years and am eternally grateful for their excellent care! read more

Since my usual optometrist is too far for me now, I was happy to walk by and "discover" this neighborhood business. Everyone was super friendly and my exam was thorough. They even made some money-saving suggestions. Frames came back pretty quickly. For such a small shop, they have a variety to choose from and I ended up with a new pair from an independent brand I've never heard of and really like. read more

Booked a 2PM appointment and waited more than 35 minutes after arriving and still waiting. Terrible.

Will not let you order contacts with a prescription that is less than one year old. This is a common scam amongst eye glass stores and optometrists, but still disappointing to see Urban Eyes go the way of so many other scammy optometrists and try to profiteer of a practice that really has no justification. read more

The Tom Brothers make quite a team. They both provide great, personal service at reasonable prices. Bonus points for taking VPS eye care program. read more

I never leave reviews, but Urban Eyes deserves it. I've been coming here for the past 6 years. Dave and team are amazing - they went out of their way to pull strings and work with their contact suppliers to get me a replacement set after the first one was misdelivered by USPS. Amazing. read more

I had an unusual eye condition that Dr. Tom and his staff helped me overcome after a couple months. Wishing I had found them sooner. They were very generous with their time and expertise. I strongly recommend them for all eye care and optometry. read more

This is THE place to go for the perfect pair of frames. Ones that are stylish, unusual and funky and above all, appropriate for you. The staff are helpful and they have some real gems in their collection. In fact, they only keep one of some of them in stock, so you can be assured of being the only one in the neighborhood with a particular style. I've been wearing my UrbanEyes frames (brand=ProDesign) for a little over a year now, and I consistently get compliments on them. Interestingly, people used to tease me about my old ones so this is somthing new for me! From strangers on the train, from people standing in line with me at the Costco, anywhere and everywhere. It's fun to have a pair of glasses I actually prefer to wear over contact lenses. Even out clubbing. And what did they always say . . .guys don't make passes at guys who wear glasses? Prove them wrong. The staff is equally nice, and helpful. read more

Urban Eyes Optometry - I love my frames!! - Optometrists Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very happy with my experience at Urban Eyes. The optometrist was kind, informative, and took his time. Medical appointments often feel rushed these days and that was not my experience here. The front desk staff was also very helpful explaining my insurance/options with me and helping me get a rebate for contacts. I'd absolutely recommend. read more

Staff very friendly and helpful. Dr. Tom checked my eyes and helped me find the perfect frames. Strongly recommend their services.

The appointment itself was straightforward and professional. However, they repeatedly tried to prevent me from obtaining my contact lens prescription a few months after -- first by claiming they had no record of it, then saying it expired and then telling me I was not allowed to use it anywhere else. These were all obvious lies and once they finally sent me my prescription I easily obtained a new box of contacts from an online provider. It goes without saying that this was unethical and deceitful behavior on their part and I would strongly recommend finding another optometrist in the city. read more

Situation - Eye Exam (June 2015) Pros - Everyone that works there is extremely professional and helpful - The eye exam is done properly and begins on the scheduled time - They're up front about costs Cons - The place is a bit small, so the selection of glasses seems to be somewhat limited read more

Just recommended Urban Eyes to a colleague and realized I had yet to review! We've been patients for a few years now. It's super easy to get an appointment (usually the same week). They have evenings and Saturday appointment options and are close to Castro muni (and you can totes treat yo self to Kitchen Story after because it's across the street) They email you when you're due so you don't forget. They take VSP. They have cool glasses, plus I always have a good experience here. Dr. Tom is great and so is the rest of the staff. read more

My husband and I have been coming here for years, for check ups and eyeglasses. Always professional, always prompt, super friendly. This week, they waived my payment, because of an insurance mix up, until it got fixed. Wow! Highly recommended! read more

I just stopped in with a broken hinge on my glasses, and left with them in perfect condition. Again Dr. Tom provided such great service and refused to accept any payment for his help (second time this happened) . He is a class act and has a great shop with lots of nice eyewear. read more

I twice got new glasses at Urban Eyes, and both times everything was fine, but the third time was a disaster, and I strongly encourage you to consider another optometrist. I set up an appointment because I was having trouble reading text on my computer screen at work. I went in, explained the problem, and got an eye exam. Dr. Tom encouraged me to try contact lenses; I explained that contact lenses have never worked for me. Dr. Tom pressed, explaining that the technology had improved, so I agreed to give contact lenses another try. I was not surprised when the contact lenses ended up not working for me. Immediately after my eye exam, the staff helped me pick out a pair of frames and some lenses, and they made the order. Weeks later I got a call saying that my glasses were ready. I had a flight early that evening and thought it would be great to have my new glasses on my trip, so I left work early and got a cab down to Urban Eyes so that I would still have time to make my flight. When I got there the receptionist looked around for my glasses and then told me that they didn't have my new glasses after all. I was frustrated and out $20 for a cab, but mistakes like this happen, so I let it go. A few weeks later my new frames arrived. I wore them for a week and concluded that these glasses were no better than my old ones--I still couldn't read text on my computer screen at work. So I set up another appointment at Urban Eyes. I described the problem, and Dr. Tom explained to me, "This frames won't work with your prescription." I pointed out that that information would have been useful when the staff members at Urban Eyes were helping me pick out the frames and order the new glasses. Dr. Tom's attitude was pretty much, "Too bad." I guess they were so busy trying to sell me contact lenses that they didn't realize they were selling me glasses that wouldn't work. They did not offer me a refund. There are frames that do work with my prescription, but Dr. Tom did not offer to replace the frames they had sold me with a pair of frames that would work. He did offer to order new lenses for the frames they had sold me so that the new frames would basically become "readers," which is neither what I wanted nor had asked for. I'm out $300 and I still can't read my computer screen at work. read more

I just love this team! Dr. Tom is kind, smart and confident which always makes me feel like I'm making the right decisions about eyewear. I always leave appointments knowing more about my eyes than when I arrived. My contact training was also mostly a breeze and I'm so happy to have them. Thank you Urban Eyes! read more

I haven't had much need to see an eye doctor, I'm lucky!, but time has caught up with me and I needed an eye exam and possibly glasses. Dr. Tom was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and just all around pleasant. It's clear he enjoys his work, which is always so nice to see (heh). His staff were friendly and there wasn't that uptight, stressed out, over-cautious Covid energy that so many places have these days. It was a very safe, clean environment without the tension. Highly recommend! read more

I am in love with my new optometrist at Urban Eyes. LOVE HIM. I am a smitten kitten. Dr. Lawrence is a very handsome, good-natured boy who looks about mid to late twenties and talks with a gentle humor that puts me to ease immediately. When I met him, I mentioned how young he looked. He told me his real age (which wasn't twenties) and whispered, "It's the Asian thing. When you're Asian, you're either young or Yoda." Obviously, I was having way too much fun for someone having compressed air poofed into my eyeballs. This doctor is not only excellent with his patients, he knows how to win me over...with candy. There is a bowl of lollipops at the counter, which is wonderfully distracting when a doctor is an inch from your face. I stuck one in my mouth and whittled away at it while Dr. Lawrence turned dials and switched on lights and asked, "Better? Or worse?" Optometry appointments are awkward for me. They always feel a little like a very sterile smooch between teenagers on a first date. First the guy leans in, then pulls away, and then he leans in, and then pulls away and mumbles something, and then he leans in...it goes on for torturous lengths of time and makes you all sweaty and nervous until finally, he pulls away for the last time. Thankfully, sugar and good humor disarm me immediately in those situations, as is evident in the courtship between me and my hub. Basically, twenty-kajillion years ago, my husband cracked a joke and gave me a Baby Ruth. And then, the wedding bells. There are so many good things to say about my new optometry office, which is never, ever the case when I have an appointment to visit any doctor. He was charming, helpful, quick and efficient. It was a refreshing experience, and made me want to stop eating carrots and stare at the sun so I can go back to visit again as soon as possible. Also, the receptionist was very thorough in payment options for my VSP plan, which was greatly appreciated considering the health care maze I've had to maneuver around since SFUSD changed their coverage. (And for you teachers out there with this type of coverage, the cost is as follows: $10 co-pay, $68 contact fitting, $150 towards glasses OR contacts every TWO years. And not every optometry office that offers VSP coverage will take SFUSD employees, as I was disappointed to discover. Take note, public school teachers!) https://www.vsp.com/member/htmls/find_dr_addr.jsp read more

I've been to Urban Eyes for two annual exams. It was really easy to book an appointment--you'll have luck scheduling same-day or next-day because you'll be the only patient in the store. Both times that I've been for appointments, Dr. Lawrence berated me for ordering contacts and frames (Warby Parker) online. He measured my prescription and told me that my online lenses were way off (thanks, I guess). When I asked if I'd be able to bring in my next purchase of online glasses for his verification, he disparagingly replied, "That's not my job; you're choosing to order online." The last thing that I want when coming in for a comprehensive eye exam is to be sassily criticized for where I can afford to buy vision aids. Sorry I can't afford all of the $$$ designer frames retailed in Urban Eyes, but don't belittle me when I'm supporting your community business. read more

If you're Asian like me...wait, I take that back, if you're a no-bridged Asian like me (or any other flavor that just doesn't have a bridge), then this is your place, baby! Get your no-bridged self over to Urban Eyes, and they have frames that will - gasp - stay on your face. I shit you not. You can finally see, people! Never push your glasses with your index finger back onto your face! How sweet is that? The options here are endless. Colored frames to match my highlights? Sure! Someone wrote about librarian/sex kitten frames? Got those too! This reminds me to totally go back and get my eyes checked, and they are indeed sweet folks. Dr. Tom does me righteously. Throw away those serial killer glasses and upgrade here at Urban Eyes. Tip: Brethren of the No-Bridge, check out Kata Eyewear and ProDesign. I love 'em! read more

I cannot vouch for the eye exam at Urban Eyes, but the customer service sucks. I walked in to look at frames and the girl working the front sat there and stared out the window the whole time. They don't have a very large selection, and there is little rhyme or reason to the organization of their frames. read more

I've been on a man dry spell. I can only attribute it to my bad vision. I can't see the hot guys clearly because they all seem to be just a smidge blurry. Hmm...maybe my eyes are getting worse? Mental rundown of last eye exam...HOLY SIGHTLESS WONDER, BATMAN!!! It's been two years since I had my eyes checked. For me, that's one year too long. Anywho...I need me some man lovin' so I decided to Yelp out an Optometrist. I found this place and set up a same day appointment. Aw yeah...I'm a step closer to getting hot, hot mens. Or at least visually identifying them. I go to my appointment and find out all sorts of vision goodies. I need to change my contacts every week. Not just think about doing it. Or else my eye lids will develop bumps and I'll never be able to wear contacts again...dun Dun DUN!!! Dr. Lawrence Tom also tells me that he can refer me to a Lasix doctor who is really good and that the consultation is free. Sweet... I get new contacts and then go pick out new sexy librarian frames. I want to do one of those Untie-Your-Bun-Insta-Sex-Pot moves while taking off your glasses...but then I'd be blind again and feeling around for anything stable totally defeats the sexy image. I go to pay and damn it ain't cheap but what price do you place on your vision? Mine is priceless, especially if I'm checking out a hot guy. I was told that my vision is basically 20/400. It's bad...what normal visioned people can see at 400 feet I have to be 20 feet away to see it. Maybe that why I've been in a man drought. I can't even see the ones right in front of my nose!!!! read more

I've been going to Urban Eyes for over a decade...really love the non-chain, neighborhood feel of the whole experience. Dr. Tom, his brother, and others that work there create an awesome atmosphere. What I really like is that Dr. Tom always lets me trial a variety of contacts every year before I decide which one is best. Other [large chain[ optometrist can be militant about only trialing one. With my VSP discount and manufacture rebate, their prices for contacts usually either match or beat online prices and they get them in within a couple days... Highly recommend.... read more

I got new glasses recently at Urban Eyes, and I think I look pretty darn good in them! They are Pro Design/cat eye/grey blue frames. Here's my rating for Urban Eyes: A.. Plus one star: 1. Because they let dogs into their establishment, so my husband could come inside with, Nala, the dog we were dog sitting. B. Plus another star: 1. Because they gave our friend's dog a dog biscuit! C. Plus another star: 1. For the great selection of frames that they carry. a.They have Pro Design frames which are great for Asian faces! D. Plus another star: 1. For being very friendly and thorough in the eye exam. E. Plus another star: 1. For getting my glasses turned around so quickly! F. Plus another star: 1. For taking my insurance plan. G. Plus one more star: 1. For carrying contact lenses like Acuvue Oasis! a. They feel so good on my eyeballs! :D Anyways, check them out, if you are at all myopic, astigmatic or farsighted. I'm sending my husband there next, so he can geek out on some cool glasses! read more

Quite possibly the quickest, most efficient and friendly eye exam I've ever had! Dr. Tom and his staff are really professional. I needed a same day appointment and they were able to accommodate me. I was fitted with my sample pair of contact lenses and was out the door in less than 30 minutes. Extra bonus points for being in a convenient location and taking VSP eye insurance. It was the best $10 (co-pay) I ever spent w/an optometrist. Plus I'll be getting a nice rebate on my new contact lenses :) Win.win.win. read more

As I said in my first review, I've been going here for many years. Just had my yearly appointment today and can continue to say that Urban Eyes has an exceptional staff with top notch service. They helped me pick out a new pair of glasses, updated my contacts to a more comfortable pair. It's just easy going here, you feel you are really taken care of. Thank you Dr Lawrence and staff - you are the best!! Highly highly recommend. read more

It'd been a while since my last eye exam when I lost my glasses and needed a same-day appointment so I could get back to work. They were able to squeeze me in with Dr. Surh, who was amazing, and I was done in no time. I've been wearing glasses for 22 years and this was probably the best trip to the optometrist yet. Thanks guys! read more

Have to admit I usually went to LensCrafters for a fast exam and a year's supply of contacts, but Dr. Lawrence opened my eyes! He was so thorough and spent time going over my vision and how using a computer can impact how you choose your eyeware and so on. I felt really cared for, and since when does anyone get to say that about a medical experience? What a great and caring optometrist. The store was great (very trendy frames and nicely arranged) and I can't wait for my new glasses! read more

Julie was a joy to work with and was incredibly kind and helpful. Highly recommend this location for any and all optical needs.

I've had the terrible curse of Kaiser optical care for the past 5 years...sad, I know. I got a recommendation from a co-worker for Urban Eyes in the Castro. He's been going there for years and said they had a great selection of modern frames...and they take VSP vision coverage (an obvious plus) Dr. Lawrence was awesome! Totally friendly, knowledgeable, and offered some great advice for frames that would complement my face shape. The doctor and gal working there were some helpful in finding the best frames for my face and really knew what would work for me. I'm glad I found a great place for glasses and contacts! read more

Love the staff, love the setting, love love love that it's walking distance from the house! Great selection, although mostly for men. I spent about an hour picking frames, and they wrote me up and got the whole thing handled in about 5 minutes once I decided. ONLY one week later I had my new frames which match my Vespa perfectly. Yay! I've been going here for years and have no plans to change. Ever. read more

Dr. Lawrence Tom at Urban Eyes Optometry has been my optometrist for the last 4 years and I've been very happy. He is personable, quick yet thorough, and helpful. The staff at this office are very helpful, competent, and friendly. They help me figure out the most cost effective ways to take advantage of my insurance credit and manufacturer rebates so I pay less for my contact lenses. I thought about ordering my lenses online but decided to support this local business and the provider who actually did my exam. They always make the process super easy and the convenience is worth it to me. Also, I love their office - has a clean and chic vibe and great selection of eyewear. Parking can be frustrating in this neighborhood, but that's my only complaint! Keep up the great work. read more