I used to be able to see like a hawk, what the hell is happening? Tell me I'm getting old and I'll smack you, so tread lightly. Luckily I'm optimistic by nature so if the worst medical concern I have is needing a pair of specs a little more often I'd say I'm doing pretty well. When I got glasses at first maybe 10 years ago it was just for focusing very far away. Not "needed", but helpful while driving or watching a movie just to crisp the picture up. But over these last few years, straight downhill. Maybe it's time for contact lenses... Makes sense, but I'd need to find a doctor I trust. They are my only two eyes after all and if I'm going to have little pieces of plastic in them all day the doc better know what he's talking about, capiche? I found Dr Van online and I'm happy to report nothing short of perfect visits, I couldn't be happier. He knows what he's talking about, but equally as important he takes the time to make sure YOU know what he's talking about. He's friendly in a casual way that doctors often lack. You know what I mean, some doctors say all the right things but their minds are elsewhere and it rings hollow. Not Dr Van though, he showed me diagrams and models explaining my situation, even drawing pictures as needed for every question I had about the world of contact lenses. Good news, evidently they can't get slide up into my brain. We had some laughs while he assured me I was doing great trying to get lenses in for the first time even though I disagreed, the damn things seem to prefer to fall out *just* before making it home. Bastards. But the visit itself was purely fast, efficient, great service. So here I am, hawkeyed once more. No.. more like an owl, my night vision is on point too. It's amazing how you forget what it's like to see so clearly until it comes back. When I headed back to work with my new lenses I laughed and smiled the whole way because seeing like this was pure joy. Dr Van said reading the bottom line on the chart flawlessly is better than 20/20 which was music to my ears. A unique type of happiness I've found, all thanks to Dr Van. I shouldn't have waited as long as I did! read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Van's since the prior optometrist passed away many years ago. Dr. Van is very personable and is good at remembering my history (did you lose your glasses again?). I think I lose a pair of glasses every year. I just left a pair somewhere at the Viejas Casino, but luckily they were only the CVS cheaters. I take my 9 year old daughter to see him and she loves going there. He explains everything to her and even let her help him administer one of the eye tests to me. He's very kind and talks to both of us about life in general, so the experience is pleasant all the way around. His office is close to my job so I don't have to worry about them not being open when I need them. I believe they are actually scheduling some Saturdays now. I read some reviews where people had to wait a long time for their glasses. I think what some people have to remember is that some of the glasses have to be sent off site depending on the insurance company. My insurance company requires that once I've picked out the frames, they be sent to their lab in New York to be assembled, etc. So, depending on how long the lab takes I could be waiting 2-4 weeks. If you are looking for an Optometrist then I would definitely recommend Dr. Van. read more

Westside Optometric Group - Dr. Van showing my daughter how to perform one of the vision tests. - Optometrists Near Me - Culver City, California

I like Dr.VANDE WYDEVEN because he is nice/kind and not pushy for buying more. I often get eye exam and buy glasses/contacts at Costco but they are fine with it (FYI, Costco don't take insurance. So it's better use in-network optometry. Someone complaining and giving 1 star but I think offering a "training for contacts" is becoming a trend in optometry industry. It was offered at near by Dr. Friedman and I said no. So it's not just Dr. VANDE WYDEVEN. It's like "how about drinks?" and you just have to say no at the restaurant. It's a one of those standard conversation you have to say NO for every time. One downside is he is popular and often you must wait for a few weeks to get an appointment. read more

I'd love to give Dr. Van a better review because I remember him being very kind, however, his staff, not so much. Teresa is very rude on the phone and not solution oriented. I guess she doesn't realize that Dr. Van's practice depends on whether patients would like to come in and make an appt. It's a part of the overall experience. Previously, i wanted to get frames from Dr Van and when trying to coordinate with his front office staff, the experience just became more difficult, causing me to buy frames elsewhere. The frame selection needs an update, too, so I went elsewhere When I asked if I could get the lenses done there and again, with an attitude, I was told that they could do it, but cannot guarantee that they would not be broken. ??? What kind of confidence are they giving, especially if the frames are new. They're also closed from 12pm-2pm. That could be a huge inconvenience to those who use that time to do errands. if you prefer friendly service, not the best place to go to. read more

*Edited 6/3/15: Dr. Vande Wydeven was extremely personable and cheerful, but I have to say I was disappointed to receive my glasses after more than 4 weeks. I went there around the end of April and just last Friday I received a call to pick up my glasses. I have never had to wait for more than 2 weeks for glasses. I also never received a call to let me know it's going to take that long. Their hours are also kind of inconvenient. I can't call or come before work, during lunch, or after work. However, the staff was always very pleasant; I still remember they spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find a pair of frames that fit my small Asian nose and they offered me trial contact lenses while I'm waiting for them to arrive. read more

I needed an annual eye exam in order to refill the prescription for my contact lens and since the optometrist I used to see moved offices to the South Bay and too far, I relied on Yelp to find one closest to me. I am extremely happy that I went with Westside Optometric Group! Conveniently on Venice Blvd and free 1 hour street parking or if you anticipate a longer appointment, you can park in the lot in the back alley of their office. Dr Wydeven and his staff were professional, friendly, knowledgeable and conscientious of what I needed and there was no unnecessary sales pressure. I also sent them an email with a question and they responded within one business day. I will definitely be referring them to my friends and colleagues. read more

I really liked this place after my first visit (for a regular eye exam). Dr. Vande Wydeven is very friendly and explains each step of the process. The staff were patient and helpful when helping me select a frame, even though I left without buying one. When I called to get my prescription by email, they got it to me very quickly. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for an optometrist. read more

This was my first visit to Dr. Vande Wydeven, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The doctor saw me right on time for my appointment and was thorough in his examination, explaining what he was doing every step of the way. He has a personable demeanor and a good sense of humor. He gave me a prescription for reading glasses, but didn't push his own shop at all. I chose to order my glasses there anyway, because his office staff was so knowledgeable and helpful. They figured out how much my insurance company would pay for my glasses, and made sure I chose within those limits. They were delightful to deal with. In short, this was my best experience at a medical office in a very long time. read more

I've been going there since last 5years Amazing Doctor Give a personal touch and always knows What we looking for Ok price But quality is good read more

I have been going to Dr. Van for over 2 years. His staff has never been anything but curteous to me -- and it has never been a problem to get an appointment. Dr. Van takes his time in doing the exam and explains what is happening along the way. He is willing to offer options because I know what fits best with my lifestyle. He likes to talk-story and make you feel comfortable in that he can relate to the real world -- not just a doc in a white coat. Westside Optometric shows the "aloha spirit" without being in Hawaii -- but I bet they'd be good there too. read more

Dr Van and staff have been nothing but the best over the last 10 years as a patient. I never feel rushed during his exams. Always diligent in his efforts and committed to what he does. Lets me know the problem before seeing a specialist and once I see the specialist the diagnosis is what Dr. Van stated in the beginning. Highly recommended!!!! read more

I came here for the first time to do an eye exam under VSP coverage. Dr. Van is very thorough and friendly. The frame selection that I can recall included models by Ray Ban, Fendi, Dolce, Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, Harley-Davidson, Polo, CK, Nike, Marchon and more. However, I noticed that the frames I purchased were an outdated model after doing a search on the Internet. So you may want to look elsewhere if you want the latest and greatest. read more

Love DR.VAN . He is great with my kids ! My daughter has been coming to see him since she was 4 and she is 7 now . My son is 3 with sensory processing disorder and dr.van was great with him Office ladies are always helpful ! Highly recommend this office !! read more

Dr. Van took time to call me when I had a question, even though it had been two years since my last appointment at his office. I so appreciated his calm, thorough answers to my questions. I definitely plan to return to Westside Optometric for my next checkup. read more

Dr. Van has come to my rescue multiple times this year and it is only March! The office is clean and organized. The front desk associate is always kind to me and finds a way to fit me in. I had an emergency with a scratch in my eye this morning and Dr. Van answered my text at 5am! What a wonderful office. I am so happy to have found them since moving to CA. read more

Dr. Van is super nice, him as a doctor is fab. I knocked off two stars because I find the hours EXTREMELY inconvenient. It literally cuts out the possibilities of getting there before work, during lunch or after work. (note that they're closed for not one, but 2 hours during lunch ). The pros are Dr. Van himself and the parking situation (pretty easy). The cons are terrible hours. read more

Yes the hours take a little manipulation, but Dr. Van is super nice and thorough. I went to a different office one year and returned the following year. read more

I've seen Dr Vande wydeven twice now and he is very personable and patient. I took my time trying to find the correct contact lenses as I require different power lenses for each eye. I tried several on and not once did I feel rushed. His staff at the desk have also been very helpful. I always make an appt for my visits and once there wait almost nothing to see him. I will continue to go see him for my exams. read more

Dr Van is great! Went in for a check up exam and reorder contacts. Appointment started right on time and I was done in 20 minutes! Staff is friendly and helpful. Will definitely be returning for my next checkup. read more

Dr. Van has been my only eye guy since we were both young(er) whippersnappers. Since 1986. Enuff said? Oh, and Teresa! L.U.V. her!

Dr. Van is the best. I've been going since I was in high school and it's always been a pleasant experience. He's helped me out with some after hours emergencies. I'll never go to anyone else as long as he is practicing! read more

Had my first visit here last week. Dr Van is very cool and makes you feel very comfortable. It was more like talking to a friend during my visit. We talked about sports and just kinda chatted about life. He answered all my questions very thoroughly and used layperson examples. The girls in the front are very polite and helpful and will explain what is covered by insurance and what isn't (this is my first time using MediCal). I highly recommend this practice. read more

Terrific Staff! Dr Vandewydewen (Tony) is a pleasure to deal with. Great exam with a big smile.