This is a review of my experience with Martha Klaufman of Valencia Optometry, apparently operating under Dr. Adam Cárcamo, O.D. I called for help with a chalazion and was told they'd be able to address it for me, which made my day because I'd been getting the runaround from my primary care doctor with horrendous wait times. On the phone, they said they didn't accept Medi-Cal. When I offered to pay out of pocket, they said it would cost $149, which I was fine with. Upon arriving, the doctor was complaining about a strange sound clearly coming from the apartment above the office, probably some kid with a bouncy ball or something. It was a bit unprofessional, but I let it slide. I figured I'd finally be done with this awful chalazion that's been plaguing me for over a month. They asked me to fill out paperwork before the appointment, which I did happily. When I turned it in, I was asked to immediately pay the "co-pay" of $149, which I did with my debit card. About five minutes later, the doctor called me in for a standard eye exam, definitely not what I needed since I'd already had LASIK. I was there expressly to deal with the chalazion. During the exam, she checked my vision, and I explained the situation: I already had antibiotics from my primary care doctor, who'd referred me to an ophthalmologist, but the earliest appointment was November 4th, over six weeks away. That's why I was there and willing to pay out of pocket. She explained that after about a week with no improvement from hot compresses, chalazions typically need a steroid shot, which I already knew. She said she'd prescribe an antibiotic "to kill the bugs," even though there was no active infection. Then she said she'd write a referral since "that wasn't the kind of thing she did there," and took me to her assistant to see "what kind of appointment we could get." At this point, I was both angry and disappointed but kept it to myself. The doctor thought aloud for a few minutes about who to refer me to and asked about my insurance. I explained, while the assistant double-checked, that I was on Medi-Cal under SF Health Plan. She said, "OHH, that's why," and I said, yeah, I already explained this. The assistant finally reached the place the doctor wanted to refer me to. They said they could only "help" if my primary care doctor submitted a referral, which had already been done, and that there was still a six-week wait. That's literally why I was there in the first place. When I said I was willing to pay out of pocket, they said it would be $500 just to get an appointment. The doctor told the assistant to hang up and told me to "call my primary care doctor and ask for a referral" to that same place. The entire interaction took about fifteen minutes, from the time I arrived early to the end of that "referral" call. I paid $149 for fifteen minutes and got a prescription I didn't need, for a weaker antibiotic than the one I already had. I wish I got paid that well. I DO NOT recommend coming here. The person who helped me on the phone was lovely, but the doctor was unprofessional, kinda messy, and had a bad attitude. Upon reflection, I briefly considered paying someone to make that same noise she was annoyed with earlier, the bouncy ball or whatever, and just play it on repeat outside the office as a kind of revenge for ostensibly stealing my $149. But instead I decided to share my experience here, buy better sunglasses, and wait until November 4th. Onwards and upwards. Also, karma is a thing, just saying. read more

DO NOT GO HERE, SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!! This place has made me wait 2 months for my contacts to come in. I came in trying to give this place a shot and instead was treated poorly by both Martha Klaufman and by the staff. During my exam I told the Doctor that I had moved to the city and no longer had my contact brand box or precious prescription, her demeanor turnt hostile telling me off that I should "always keep the box if I plan on going to a new place". She then got frustrated at me during the exam because she was getting "confused" by my answers. Mind you, I have gone to multiple places and never gotten that reaction from any Doctor. After looking at some reviews here, this isn't a bad day, but a pattern for her. Either she is in the wrong profession or the wrong place. I should have spoken up to her but I gave her the benefit of the doubt due to maybe being her first patient of the day. The staff person I dealt with two times is either wildly incompetent at her job or just is not in the right place to work. The first time I viewed her as perhaps shy or anxious so I tried making things as quick as possible. I was told I would get my contact trials soon and then I can finalize my prescription. After a month of waiting I called and she could not explain to me why my trail contacts did not come in over the phone. In fact she without notice passed me on to a different person who asked me to come in to see how we can resolve the matter. When I went in person she still could not explain or admit fault to what happened and asked if instead I would like to speak to the Doctor? Why not the office manager? (That should've been my sign to have just taken my Px and leave) I told her no thanks, I just want my contacts as soon as possible and my trials since it is part of my contact lens exam, to which she said she would "do me the favor" of giving my trial lens if I made an order. I didn't want to argue so I told her I just want to order my contacts so that we can finish this transaction she simply rolled her eyes in front of me. Afterwards she then ordered my contacts with no resolution to me already waiting a month, and then she almost forgot to give me "something like" my contact lens trial. Once I get home which is a 20 min walk away, I then get a call from the place telling me she had undercharged me!!! And that when I go in to get my contacts I would still owe another $30. I said I understand and hung up. But again I just want to finish my transection and never come back. Another month has passed with no call from them. No update. So I will have to once again go to the shop in person to see where are the contacts that I have paid for now or so that i can get my full refund. This is possibly the worse treatment I have gotten from an Optometry, the worst billing practices I have received from prescription lens shop, and overall just a horror story from start to end. DO NOT GO HERE!! read more

Came here looking for new glasses and received such good treatment of care and guidance by the staff that I left my previous optometrist for this site! Amazing team that really cares and an amazing selection of stylish glasses to choose from. Dr. David and Dr. Adam want the best for their patients and it shows. Happy to be here, every time I leave the office it's with a smile on my face. read more

A moment to acknowledge Jeff on the staff. This young person was someone who demonstrated extraordinary in the experience of ordinary. He did not do flips or cartwheels, nor was he overly polite or sempre as if he were in a Broadway musical. He simply did a clean and crisp job of providing a service. May I add that his rigor and attentiveness caused me to spend 655.00 that I was NOT intending on spending. I like that he was a sensible, flexible and honest person representing the practice and mostly that he confidently presented himself and the practice with smooth ease and encouraged more ( great upselling and great indication of a bedside manner befitting a future healthcare practitioner) - I thought he may have been a hidden part of the twin family but it turns out he was not - as he quickly answered and moved on to the next subject, forwarding the deal by the way. I appreciate that you have added him or have him as part of the team and if my bill was not over my $350.00 budget or if he was part of one of our sales teams - I certainly would put him in my doin' it with integrity bonus pool! Thank you for the service of family and friends in the mission. Wishing you all Felice Navidad and Happy New Year. I think I am going to end my quest for services in 2023 and end with you all on a happy-to-spend and feel like a valued customer note. Best 2024! read more

I definitely recommend this office. Maybe it's just me, but I always feel like I bother the staff at the optometrist to ask questions, look at glasses options and have glasses to repair. I walk in with three glasses to repair and want to look at glasses options. The staff here is so welcoming and patience. They gladly took my glasses to repair and took the time to ensure it was adjusted correctly. Helped me look at new glasses options, really made it a great experience. Did not make me feel rushed or annoyed that I wanted to try different glasses on. Even helped me with the decision making, comparing the new glasses design to the old. The doc was great, comforting and patience when I asked to compare the letters. This was the best experience I've had. 5 stars across the board. read more

The information regarding my insurance and what options was a bit foggy when speaking with Evet over the phone, but she said I could come in to get my contact lens, and they just can't make my glasses because they get them made in Prisons. When I got there, I was charged $25 for my exam. I saw a guy come in to ask about his glasses.... I asked if they were still making glasses, and the person behind the counter said yes. I was super confused at this point. The the women came out and said she wanted to charge me $80 not $25. I asked again about glasses, and said no we're not making them... but the other person behind the counter told me they were making glasses.... The information was so confusing... I just asked for full refund and left. The information the women provided was false and very confusing. It felt very scammy, I called my insurance right away and reported what happened. Please provide transparency, service to your community... not false information, and scammy vibes. I WISH I had read all the previous reviews, then I would have known not to come here. So many other bad reviews.... read more

Wow. What an unhappy, closed person this Martha Klaufman is. Reluctant to speak to me like I'm human. Absolutely zero confidence in this pt/dr relationship, so I left with a Px and a resolve not to return. Too many opticians in San Francisco to waste my time being dissed by this person. The office manager was very helpful and friendly: read more

My boyfriend and I both get our glasses and eye exams at Valencia Optometry for 7 years now. I've gotten several pairs over the years as my eyes keep changing. I live in Richmond now and will still drive to San Francisco to come here. I really was impressed that Dr. Carcamo offered natural treatment options for my dry eye issues, like using a hot compress rather than selling me on some fancy eye drops. He's friendly, professional and very knowledgeable, explaining as much in lay terms as he can. I am near sighted but need glasses or contacts to see far, but couldn't read anything if I were wearing my contact lenses. He suggested for me to try just wearing only one of them now in my dominant eye (and he figured out which one that was), so I can see up close to read in one and see far in the other. It works great for me! He explained that not everyone can--some people will get migraines but you have to try to know. And Yvette has an incredible eye for helping pick flattering frames. She's very honest and direct with her opinions. She won't promote a frame just because it's more expensive. She picks the ones that she thinks are most flattering. I highly recommend supporting this family owned business. read more

I have public Medi-Cal coverage and need a basic pair of glasses to get me by. It will take a couple months to get them, but I didn't have to pay anything. Having your actual insurance card and State Benefits ID Card is important for this type of visit. It helps you fill your paperwork and also approves your transaction. I did not have my State Benefits ID Card, but was easily able to email it to the office after my visit and get approved the same day. The front office staff were nice; the male attendant was nicer. The doctor running the exam was really nice! The equipment is computerized, the process is non-invasive, and the exam did not take long at all. I am non-binary and was pleasantly surprised that among my (very) limited options there was a perfectly androgynous pair which fit my face well. Pleasant experience overall. Thanks! read more

Sketch City! Tried to double bill me for an examination because they forgot to charge on a previous visit (although they billed for the exam first time). We had to call VSP from the doctor's office and get VSP to explain things to them. They didn't even apologize for their mistake. Go to Stamper instead. read more

I needed to get my prescription checked but I'm still being super-careful about covid. Appreciated that all staff was masked and that there was an air purifier in the eye exam room. Glad to see that some folks are still being cautious. read more

I love the place...... Ivette is the best.... always very helpful and she's happy all the time and Doctor Martha Klufas the best. I like they asked for insurance information before your appointment, I know how much is my copay exam before I go in. read more

I had an extremely unpleasant and negative experience with Martha Klufas and her staff. She is clearly a very unhappy person and it shows in her interactions with her patients. Also, her staff had a similar temperament. I recommend going somewhere else! read more

BEWARE VALENCIA OPTOMETRY I wish I would have read more reviews before coming. The receptionist is the absolute worst. Horrible attitude, poor customer service, constantly pulling out her cell phone. They didn't go over insurance or what was provided and instead moved forward trying to bill me $400. When confronted they refused to provide details behind their actions and then told me they wouldn't release my prescription. There's no way this could be legal!!! read more

The lady in the front is very rude . She uses her hands to talk she has an ugly look on her face like she does not want to be there. She told me I had 25 fee on my account but she did tell me why and I'm not going to pay for something she don't know why. The doctor who works with low income medical and medicare is even worst she gives I hate my job vibes my daughter was telling to her about her eye and she goes yah well if you wear glass you won't be here like what she 10 . it's sad . never coming back here again . read more

Avoid Avoid Avoid. They refused to even book my appointment unless I provided insurance information -- which I don't have. I can pay a simple eye exam out of pocket. Another company excluding folks due to their internal bad processes. read more

I loved this place!! As a person who lives paycheck to paycheck, I previously dreaded getting my eyes checked because I always would be scammed into purchasing glasses I couldn't afford. Yvette is AMAZING and will meet you where you are at with your budget and the type of glasses that work best for you. The doctor is great as well and explains eye health and your eyes in particular. This is a great local business and the staff has been working there close to 10 years. I HIGHLY recommend coming here. Very friendly, approachable and HELPFUL! read more

Decided to do some self care during this quarantine and get an updated prescription. From beginning to end was a terrible experience. When I walked in they had me fill out a paper. They told me to grab a pen. They had a glass that said sanitized and non sanitized. They only had one pen in the non sanitized section. I sanitized it myself and proceeded to fill out my paperwork..as I look up. One of the workers is walking through the lobby with no mask on to go outside. I'm thinking....this is the second time that they're putting people at risk. (There was a 70+ year old man in the lobby) My eye doctor was actually great sweet and to the point. She sanitized all machinery in front of me which made me feel good. As I went to get a quote on some frames I brought in is where things took a turn for the worse. I knew I wanted to things added to my lenses (ARC,poly etc) I was trying to get a hold of my sister since she's an optometrist to ask her specifics. I finally got a hold of her and i told her I got premium ARC. She told me that I'd be fine with standard since I don't use my glasses everyday. I didn't know there was a standard and premium because the lady NEVER told me. She was going to automatically charge me for the premium without sharing all options. As soon as I told her that I'd like to do standard on both of my frames. Another lady Immediately came over and asked me why I would get standard and told me that if anything happened to my lens. That I WOULDNT be covered under the lens warranty(which my sister explained later wasn't true). I then asked for a blue light block but with a clear filter (which I know they have) and she first tried to say I COULDNT get that on my STANDARD lens. But then said that my Insurance didn't offer the option??? She said that the insurance would send them how they come??? I skipped the blue light option since I didn't want to have a purple or green tint to my lens. I wanted to take a picture of both of my frames with the receipt and ID number because one pair were Cartiers and the other was BLVGARI. she told me I didn't need to do that because I'd be given a receipt. I still took a pic . I went to sign the receipts reviewing what I ordered. I then see in bold that they're not responsible for my frames in case anything happens to them. Which I guess the lady sees me reading and blurts over to me YEA SO WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FRAMES. I said yea I'm just reading over that now. I told her I was worried about my frames. She said it's like 1 in 100 That come up LOST or STOLEN or BROKEN but that it happens and that there's nothing that they're going to do. I was aware that they're not responsible for my frames because my sister had already explained that to me. But she kept focusing on all of the negative things. What I COULDNT have and what they WONT do. I went to pay. And actually went to sign the receipt and just had a terrible gut feeling. I ended up asking for a refund and not leaving my frames with them. I feel like I felt it for multiple reasons. The energy of both ladies as soon as I didn't want PREMIUM ARC. Them keeping Info and ALL options and price differences readily available for their customers. Transparency. Their COVID safety for their customers and themselves as well. And honestly I'd rather not give 400$ to a place that treats you so terribly. I felt like I was dealing with scammers. I was so disappointed. I wanted to support a place in the mission when I can go so many other places. But this just isn't how you treat people or go about things. Hopefully management sees this. read more

The receptionist is super distispectful. Talks with an attitude from the beginning. Never cared for me as a patient because I was new to the place. Don't come here. Save yourself a headache read more

Ok, I chose Valencia Optometry out of my provider list because of their phone number, 826-2020. The woman who answered the phone, Kimberly, was very helpful and took the time to check exactly what my insurance would cover. When I arrived for my appointment I met Kimberly and Eyvette. They were both very friendly. I filled out paperwork and was seen by the doctor right away. Fast forward a month, a couple of visits and trial lenses; this place is great! I've seen two of the doctors and both are patient and knowledgeable. All of the front staff gals are so sweet and accommodating. I actually look forward to my appointments at Valencia Optometry. Thank you! read more

I usually don't have time to write reviews, but I had a horrible experience with the service at Valencia Optometry that I should inform the public about! At first, they seemed to be nice and professional. Yanira Carcamo, the daughter of the owner, worked a deal with me and I gave a chance to a new business in the neighborhood, which I paid for. I left a brand new frame with the store and they were about to cut and fit a nice pair of lenses in to my $$$ frame. When I got the glasses back, few minutes after wearing them, my frame broke. When I called back, they said that they are not responsible for customer frames and that they did not break my frame. I took it to another expert and he pointed out that they applied glue on my frame and lens. Not only they glued my frame, lied me about it, they applied the glue on the lens and that makes it unusable in that frame anymore. Is that a way to start a new business? Making defective products, not taking responsibility and lying about it? read more

Ivette and all the staff I like them a lot good services very friendly... I recommended... I'll go back... the doctors are very friendly...

This place rocks.......... Nice store that is well maintained. My glasses broke on me :( as one of the screws popped out of the frames. So I stopped by here today hoping they could fix them and I was in luck! Not only did they fix the glasses but they did not even charge me. So nice of them I had to go on to yelp and praise them. When I need replacements I will definitely go here. read more

An exquisite local destination for style and ease. Dr. Carcamo and family run this business and they do it naturally with their gracious approach to customer service. It really is a delightful experience! Glasses selection is unique and stylish. They really work with you and I'm happy to say that this Native San Franciscan couple uses this staple store for our glass wear goods! -Reese and Yvannia read more

I got my eyes checked here a few years back. I had a great experience. The receptionist were helpful. The optometrist was great. I bought a pair of D&G sunglasses. They were one of a kind and I was extremely excited about the purchase I made. I've had those shades for over 5 Years. I would like to take it in to get it cleaned. The only thing I'm bummed about it is my left side is bending. So hopefully they will be able to help me. Overall I was happy with my experience. read more

They were fast and efficient. I had something stuck in my eye and the doctor there got it out. Saved the day for me. Recommended.

I went to Valencia Optometry this past August for an eye exam and contact fitting. This afternoon, I called to retrieve an additional copy of my prescription and was given the runaround. They were too busy, I was told. I was first asked why I needed my prescription emailed to me and I explained that I was at Costco, ready to purchase contact lenses (I forgot my prescription at home). I was told by Valencia optometry that they would match costco's price, which I declined because I was already at the store. I gave them costco's fax number and my own email to receive my prescription, but nothing was sent. Next time, I'll get my eye exam at Costco as well. Terrible customer service. read more

Hooray for these folks! Every time I've needed a quick checkup/glasses repair/contact lens adjustment, I've been seen that day or super-quick. It's no problem to pop in for a quick fix when my wire frames get bent funny. The guy and gal at the desk are helpful, friendly and funny; I always look forward to going in. Both doctors I've seen were great listeners, great explainers, and the smoothest inserters/removers of contact lenses ever. Glasses and contacts ordered always come in when promised (or earlier). Highly recommended! read more

Last night I had the unfortunate incident of having my eye poked. I went to the hospital and by the third hour of waiting decided to call the optometrist. I made the call and they told me to come in as soon as possible. Extremely friendly and took care of my scratched cornea. Dr. Carcamo was very knowledgable and his staff was as well. Family business that has a very bright future ahead of them. 5 stars. read more

DO NOT COME HERE! I've never in my life had a worse experience with any company or doctor or even person for that matter. I've never even written a yelp review because I'm in the service industry and I think people often are too harsh on businesses. This will be my first. Why isn't there an option for zero stars?? I came here a few months ago and had an eye exam. The doctor was extremely rough and proceeded through the exam without letting me know what he was doing or what was happening. I felt uncomfortable but toughed it out because he did not make me feel comfortable enough to say anything. He got frustrated when it took me more than one try to get the contacts in my eye instead of acting patient he acted annoyed and tried to hurry me up. He convinced me to switch to a new brand of contacts (biofinity) and when I asked why he gave me a list of vague reasons but said to trust him that they were better. I know now that his words were a total scam. He had me come back in a few days to make sure the contacts worked and then charged me another copay just to double check they were fine. However, when switching to a new brand of contacts it takes more than a day or two to really be able to tell if he contacts work for your eyes or not and usually in my past experiences they just call you to check and make sure they're working out rather than charging you another copay. The contacts I got were supposed to supply me for a year and I went through them in four months. Multiple pairs were already ripped when I opened the cases and most days I had to brow them away mid day cause they dried out my eyes and were insanely uncomfortable. Anyone with contacts knows how stressful it is to have uncomfortable lenses that irritate your eyes to the point where you can't wear them. I went in to talk to the dr and see what they could do to help me out. Instead of talking to me the dr had the desk clerk "deal with me." He said they could charge me for a new exam and then charge me the full price for new contacts..... What? So basically they were not willing to help me out at all they just wanted to charge me for more exams and more contacts. He accepted no responsibility and showed no willingness to even hear me out as he refused to come out of his office even though he was not seeing a patient. I'm pretty sure doctors swear an oath to help people and to provide the best care they can. Maybe this guy didn't have to take an oath or else he's breaking it cause he did not give a crap about helping me. I can't even put into words the horrible experience I had here. How can you just leave someone blind and unable to see and tell Ben you can only help if I pay for it when it's your fault in the first place that you sold me bunk contacts?? I'm pretty sure this guy was just trying to unload some sketchy contacts. Maybe if I wouldn't have believed him I would have stuck with my original contact brand but sue me for trusting a doctor to give me his honest and helpful opinion. Worst business ethics of all time. read more

I stopped in here recently because I was interested in checking out some Tom Ford frames. I was ignored by everyone working here, and I felt it was because I was the only person not speaking Spanish. (Hablo espanol.) No one even said hello or acknowledged my presence, although the people working were extremely friendly with the other people in the store. Everything worth trying on was in a locked case, so I couldn't even assist myself. read more

I went to Valencia Optometry yesterday and it was a fantastic experience in every way. I haven't had an eye exam in years and all of my past exam experiences have been either poor or just OK. Dr Carcamo is incredibly friendly and professional and you can tell that he is very experienced in what he does. The Dr was able to identify an eye problem that I was completely unaware of and offered a course of treatment for my eye problem. The staff at this office are also very friendly and helpful as well. Another review of this place says that there were "surprise fees" involved with a contact lenses exam. I read that review before going in for my exam, and was a little bit wary, but that person's review couldn't be further from the experience I received. All insurance/pricing info was up front and direct, and frankly it was a very good deal. I will definitely return for all my eye care needs. Thanks for a great experience! read more

Prompt and courteous. The staff and doctor were very friendly, I completed my eye exam in about 30 minutes. It cost $40 out of pocket after my student health insurance was processed. The doctor also made helpful recommendations about things to do to help my eyes with allergies. Easy to access mission location. read more

Entering the store, I was greeted with a friendly hello and smile.The Optician takes all the time necessary to make sure your satisfied with your eyewear. Very knowledgeable about lens technology and proper frame fit. If looking for something unusual, he will do all that can be done to find it for you. This store has the best prices for all ages and sizes. I was very pleased with the service I received and the glasses I purchased here. Specially Yanira was very helpful she took the time to assist me making sure I was satisfied including my 3 kids they love their prescription glasses.They are fortunate to have this outstanding eye doctor on their staff. read more

Thanks to all the helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff at Valencia Optometry! Keeping in mind that friendliness only gets you so far, VO has the professional expertise to back it. After updating my glasses prescription in my existing frames with VO, I decided to make the transition to contact lenses. Their flat fee includes multiple fittings and adjustments, trial contact lenses, and a start-up kit. More importantly is the technical and profession support of the staff. As a contact newbie, it took me a full 30 minutes to insert and remove my lenses for the first time. Yanira patiently sat beside offering guidance and pointers, while the rest of the staff cheered on. Moreover, I appreciated the staff's honest reviews of certain products and services. VO is the type of family business that makes you want to wave through the windows as you pass by, or even stop in just to say "hello". read more

Dr. Carcamo has a solid practice. His staff, which I'm assuming are his kids are kind and helpful, and were pretty thorough with helping me choose frames, although I opted to go elsewhere based on having my heart set on a set they didn't offer. Dr. Carcamo himself works quite rapidly, and was pretty patient throughout the procedure with my questions and uncertainties. I definitely plan to come back for the next time I need a check up. read more

This place is seriously the best. I just went in to pick up my wife's contacts and the staff person knew her appointment time next month off the top of her head just by me mentioning my wife's first name. Their staff are always super nice and patient. They have a great selection of stylish frames and are good with insurance. read more

This place is great!! I made an appointment because I knew I was in need of reading/computer glasses. I was seen promptly. Dr. Carcamo was very quick and thorough. I had my two small children with me, without appointments and was able to get them seen, since they had not had a routine eye exam as of yet. Dr. Carcamo was very pleasant and patient with each of them. The office staff was also extremely helpful, kind and patient when it came to choosing frames for the little ones. We received our glasses promptly and we all love them. My children were excited to show off their new glasses when school was back in session. Thank you Valencia Optometry !!! read more

Dr carcamo is the best optometrist I had ever had been going to this place for a few years now .he is great very knowledgable has great eye tips always checks my eyes thrilly not only for Rx but to make sure my eyes are healthy. Dr is very friendly. Staff is friendly as well.i moved out of state but every year when I go back home I make sure I get my eyes check. read more

This place has a great selection of optical and suns. I was helped by his pleasant staff that is knowledgeable and has great customer service. The doctor was sincere and patient. Felt very comfortable and would recommend this place to go to. read more