OD
I go to Dr. Stephen Cohen in Alameda. I am very, very myopic,
and am thus a little extra careful with my eyes, and he's been
great. My friend's daughter, who has amblyopia, also goes to
him, with satisfaction.
Wendy
June 2009
I need a cornea implant and am looking for a very good
optomologist in the East Bay.
Pat
Dr. David Demartini is excellent.
My husband had a very successful cornea transplant done by him.
He has offices in both Oakland by Summit, and in Walnut creek.
925-947-0888
anon
Feb 2006
Does anybody have any experience with Dr. Richard Litwin at
Berkeley Opthalmology? I've checked the website and haven't seen
anything.
Thanks
OK, the good news first: I've been going here for probably 5 -8
years, and will probably continue going here. They are
reasonably efficient, do a reasonably good exam, etc. Here's the
mediocre endorsement part: 1. I've NEVER seen Dr. Litwin-don't
even know what he looks like. My exams are always done by very
very young junior optometrists, some of whom don't realize that
what they are saying reflects a lack of experience. Only twice
have I been seen by the same person in 2 yrs. I assume they
don't pay their junior people well, and I am guessing the office
is a stepping stone after optometry school to establishing your
own practice. If I found another office that I loved (that my plan
covered) I'd jump ship in a minute, but this is the best office
on my plan (the other option is Dr Sorensen, who allowed
a ''trained'' receptionist to do my eye exam--and yes, she
admitted that she did not have any training or licensing other
than what the doctors had shown her--which is not even legal,
and it seemed like it was a routine since the patients are
apparently seriously overbooked). Good news about Litwin's
office is that the office is actually a relatively pleasant
space.
I've seen Dr. Litwin and he's been fine -- the office is very
busy, but they are thorough and I think they are likely to catch
problems. I haven't had anything serious -- just pink eye, and
routine care. They were good about giving me a Saturday
appointment, when I had a problem that could have been serious.
Carol
Oct 2005
Interested in whether BPNers have some thoughts about corrective vision surgery. I
understand there are two types of surgery -- laser correction and corneal
implants. What type of surgery is considered safest? About how much does it cost
per eye at this point? I would be interested in hearing both positive and negative
experiences with either type of surgery.
tired of glasses
There is a failure rate with all medical procedures. I have heard that
in 3% of lasix
(etc?) surgeries there are complications. My friend is one of those 3%
and is legally blind, having had several surgeries that attempted to
correct the problem which has also been very painful. Dry eyes may occur
in about 10% of cases (you should find exact figures) and visual
problems at night also occur. Also, consider the long term effects,
given that the symptom and not the cause (poor vision habits, stress,
etc.) may be treated. Look into natural vision care, which has been
around a lot longer than the surgeries.
There still isn't a free lunch
I had LASIK vision correction surgery in fall of 2000 at the Aris Laser
Institute in SF at St. Francis Medical Center. Since childhood I was
extremely nearsighted (-8.00 in both eyes) with mild astigmatism. Five
years post-surgery, my corrected vision is still 20/15---better than
20/20---with no side effects. I realize that not everyone experiences
such a positive and trouble-free outcome, but if you are a good
candidate and find a qualified surgeon, LASIK can be life-changing.
Regarding cost, at the time it was $3500 per eye (ouch), but I have
heard that prices have gone down somewhat. Some insurance carriers do
cover a percentage of the fee. Hope this helps.
Michelle (Rockridge)
Jan 2005
we are
looking for people's current recommendations for an excellent
opthamologist in the Berkeley/Oakland area. We want someone who
is strong in diagnosis, as one of us has developed some symptoms
that the optometrist we had been seeing cannot explain.
Thanks,
Loni
Erich Horn,MD is a great ophthamologist. I've had the most
thorough exams, and he is an incredibly nice person as well.
His office is near Summit Hosp. in Oakland...the number is 836-
2122. Address: 491 30th St.
Happy Eyes
I highly recommend Drs. Sarver and Yokoi in Rockridge. I've
gone to them for about 15 years. I sent my father there after
he struggled with vision problems that couldn't be corrected by
two other doctors and now he's been going to them for about 5
years with no complaints.
20/20 with my contacts
I highly recommend Harold Woodring on Solano (1600 block). Very
thorough and knowledgeable. Spotted a potential problem I had
(accurate diagnosis confirmed afer referral to specialist) that
prior opthlalmologists had missed. Takes VSP if you have that
insurance. 526-3937.
I know you were dissatisfied with your optometrist, but if you're
willing to give optometry one more try, go to the UC Berkeley
Optometry Center. They are thorough to a fault. Every exam seems
to uncover some obscure (but fortunately not detrimental)
condition. I am always examined initially by a student, but then
the instructor (who is a bona fide optometrist) rechecks everything.
http://www.caleyecare.org (510) 642-2020
David
Not sure if this will work for you, but there is an opthalmology clinic at the
School of Optometry on the UC campus (check out http://
www.CalEyecare.org/). Several years back, I had a relatively rare eye
problem -- entirely missed by my opthalmologist, I might add -- and the
folks at the Optometry School caught it when I went in to get a new pair
of glasses. They sent me right over to the opthalmology clinic, where it
was swiftly and effectively treated. I even got free treatment for agreeing
to allow the students to look at my eyes, so they could learn about this
particular problem.
I find that the School of Optometry provides really excellent care --
mostly because so many people are looking so carefully at your eyes for
so long
Karen
Dec 2004
I am looking for an Opthamologist in the Lafayette/Walnut
Creek/San Ramon area. Any suggestions?
Susan
you didn't say whether or not you have a specific eye
condition, but for general ophthalmology, i'd recommend maria
fang, MD, at pacific eye care in walnut creek.
suzie
September 2003
We are looking for a really good eye doctor/ophthalmologist who
will give regular eye exams/check-ups but who is also
knowledgeable about eye problems that might develop in someone
who has high blood sugar/prediabetes. We would prefer someone in
the Albany/El Cerrito area to cut down on travel time, but would
be interested in other recommendations as well. We would also
like to find an individual or practice where appointments don't
involve hour-long waits, which has been a problem in the past.
Thanks.
Elaine
We have seen two doctors (one retired) at Albany/Berkeley
Optometry (next to Toy-Go-Round) and been very happy with both.
Currently we see Dr. Verdon and have never had to wait more than
a few minutes for an appointment.
Valerie
He's not in Alb/ElC but I love my Ophthalmologist in Oaklnad by
Summit Hospital. I first went to Doc Hilton, but when I needed
my re-check a year later he had sold the practice to Dr. Eugene
Lit. I was wary of seeing the new doc as I'd really been
comfortable with Doc Hilton but Doc Hilton did a great job on
choosing a successor. Doc Lit has a great ''bedside manner,''
explains things clearly, asks good questions, listens to mine.
My two appts at that office were both on-time and the first appt
was a last minute going-on-travel appointent. (510) 444-1600
cynthia
I've been happy with Dr. Mia Miller in El Cerrito Plaza. 526-
2242
Jennifer N.
Nov 2003
Re: Walnut Creek/Lamorinda optometrist
My optometrist, Dr. Mark Drucker (he's actually an
opthamologist) isn't in Lamorinda but he's close - he's in
Walnut Creek by the Broadway Shopping Center. He does have an
optometrist working for him who is also OK (but I like him
better). I've seen him for almost 20 years, since he first
started, and have been very satisfied.
Colleen
March 2002
About 7 years ago, I had a procedure done for ''dry eyes.''
The opthamologist placed silicone plugs in my exit tear
ducts, which helped my eyes retain more tears and stay
lubricated. According to my optomotrist, the plugs are
gone. The tear situation has gotten worse lately, and
I'd like to find an opthamologist to do the procedure
again. Unfortunately, I saw the doctor 7 years ago in
Cincinnati, and I don't even know his name to call and
get a referral. Has anyone ever had such a procedure
done here in the Bay Area?
Maria
ask your optometrist. he or she may be licensed to
insert the plugs. if not, come to optima in hayward.
we have several ophthalmologists and optometrists who
perform the procedure. (optimaeye.com) we also highly
recommend the addition of flaxseed oil to your diet to
help treat dry eyes.
an optometrist
August 2001
I am looking for a good Ophthalmologist - an MD, not an Optometrist in the
Berkeley/Oakland area for adults. I have looked at the past postings and
there are only two doctors recommended. Any help would be greatly
appreciated.
Patricia
Hi--I have a great recommendation for an
opthomalogist: Dr. Sorenson, at 3010 Colby St.,
Berkeley (behind Alta Bates). Phone # is 848.1413.
There are three Dr. Sorensons in this practice, father
and two sons, I think. I like going to Dr. Lionel
Sorenson (the father). He's very sweet, caring and
extremely knowledgeable
Christine
I go to a practice in Oakland that has great eye doctors. I can
recommend Scott Yokoi or Larry Sarver. 655 3797. The Sarvers (there
is a brother and a father) are connection with Cal and are well-respected
in the East Bay.
Frances
In July 2000 I developed a serious eye infection and was referred on
an emergency basis to David W. Vastine, M.D., 491 30th St., Oakland,
444-0603. I saw him about six times in two weeks and thought he was
great -- knew what he was doing, explained everything, etc. His staff
was also very helpful in sorting out the usual insurance/referral
tangles.
Jane
since you need to see an ophthalmologist instead of an
optometrist, you might have a serious eye condition.
depending on the actual problem, there are several MDs
for recommendation. for glaucoma, try Todd Severin on
solano in albany (he also sees patients at UCB); for a
retinal disease, try Scott Lee in oakland or Shirin
Barez (a woman!) at UCB; for LASIK, cataracts or
corneal disease, Mark Mandel in hayward. for
oculoplastics, Rona Silkiss (another woman!) in
oakland or Chris DeBacker in hayward. UC Berkeley
School of Optometry also has an ophthalmology clinic
and the students who work with them are very eager to
learn. good luck.
suzie
2000
ophthamologist: Lionel Sorenson, 3010 Colby, Berk (sorry, but it's close to
Oakland, right near Alta Bates); 848-1413. The office is a father/son team.
Linda
1999
I like Dr. Robert Sorenson in Berkeley. We all go to him yearly for eye exams
thru Vision Services Plan. None of us wear glasses, so I might not be the best
referral, but he was able to do an exam on a 3-year-old, which isn't easy! Also,
he discovered an eye condition in me that is pretty rare and luckily, not serious.
Nice "bedside" manner, too. Nancy
I have seen Dr. Robert Sorenson once for a standard eye exam (Dr. Lionel
is his father) and found him to be quite nice, friendly, and competent.
I will be seeing him again in a few weeks. As far as I remember, the staff
was also good. Lucy
Opthalmologist: I recommend Dr. Mark Mandel. He's in Hayward, but he's the best, and worth
the extra driving time. His office phone number is (510)886-3937.
Judy
Regarding the Optometry School's Clinic on campus:
An Optometrist works on vision problems and can refer medical problems
to an Ophthalmologist, who is an MD.
The clinic at Minor Hall is
mostly Optometrists and students training to be Optometrists. We do
have an Ophthalmology unit several days a week and we have two
excellent Optometry instructors who can solve 95% of the medical
problems before referring to our Ophthalmologists. Tang Center also
has Ophthalmologists on duty but they are not connected directly with
the Optometry School. Barbara
You can't do any better than William Good, M.D. Offices in Walnut Creek
and San
Ramon on this side of the Bay. Offices in SF and Larkspur over the bridges.
He is the best!!
Anon
My daughter has been seeing Dr. Tamura at Kaiser Richmond since
she was just over a year old (she's now about three-and-a-half)
for strabismus. We really like him a lot. He is very good with
my daughter; he's calm and quiet, very soothing. He is very
patient and encourages my daughter when she is confused about
what he wants her to do so he can evaluate her. He is very
conscientious about making sure we understand what his proposed
treatment is, and why he is suggesting it.
My only problem with Dr. Tamura is not with him as a person or
as a physician, but with his apparent popularity. It can be
quite difficult to schedule an appointment with him; if a
postcard arrives in the mail with the next scheduled appointment
(scheduled by computer), you'd better hope you'll be able to
keep it because if you need to reschedule, there will be a long
wait.
We have the opportunity to change insurance soon (new job for my
husband), but I am seriously considering staying with Kaiser, so
that we can continue to see Dr. Tamura. I recommend him highly
Jan 2003
I have looked at the recommendations for opthalmologists on the
web site, but I am looking for one who is open to, or even
better actually practices, 'alternative' approaches to vision
care. For instance, eye exercises, relating eye health to
overall health, proper use of the eyes, diet, herbs, etc.
Although my visual acuity is far from 'normal' I have functioned
quite well for many years without glasses except for driving.
Advancing age however has made me realize that consulting with a
professional would be a good idea. But I'm not interested in
someone who is going to say, ''Oh, you just need stronger
glasses''. I'm looking for a more holistic approach. East bay
would be preferable but I'd consider beyond.
anonymous
try dr. august reader in SF. he probably would not call himself
a holistic ophthalmologist, but he may be the closest thing. he
is extremely easy to talk to and he does recommend certain
dietary supplements for eye health. most of all, he is an
excellent and reputable doctor.
suzie
this page was last updated: May 28, 2012
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network