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Bay Vision Eyecare Optometry
Categories: Health and Medical Optometrists Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Optometrists, Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
1741 Broadway(between 17th St & 19th St)
Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood: Uptown
(510) 835-8344
- Cannot be combined with insurance.
- New customers only.
- $50 for $63 promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Certificate can only be used for services, not retail products. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. By appointment only. Must use in a single visit. Up to 3 can be purchased as gifts for others. Must make appointment at least 24 hours in advance. 24-hour cancellation notice required or your certificate is forfeited. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $63
- Discount 21%
- Savings $13
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Bay Vision Eyecare Optometry
Review Highlights
"In the end I got a great looking pair of glasses."
(in 5 reviews)
"Arora and her fabulous team."
(in 9 reviews)
"...like you went to your best friends house to get an eye exam."
(in 4 reviews)
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13 reviews in English
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Review from sean d.
10/26/2011
I have been uncomfortable before when having my eyes examined but Dr. Arora made me feel at ease (maybe its her mesmerizing green eyes!) She explained each procedure and eye test and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. She spent a lot of time asking me about things I had trouble seeing, and really listened to my answers in addition to doing all the required tests. I also noticed that the equipment and the office was very clean (she cleaned the pieces of the equipment that touched my face!)
When I was diagnosed with a near-sightedness, which required me to get glasses to see far away while driving at night, I was unsure of whether I wanted to get them at that Lens Crafters place as I am very picky and didn't want to spend a ton of money on glasses I only wore at night. However, Vick changed my mind entirely. He spent a ridiculous amount of time helping me pick out the right pair of glasses - I must have tried on at least 15 pairs. He also used the little tools to adjust the glasses while I was trying them on so I could get an accurate gage of how they fit on my face. When I liked one frame shape and fit, but not the color of the frame, Vick immediately told me they would be able to get the other color.
After about 25 minutes, I finally decided on a pair. The best part- the COST! Compared to a high end designer place in downtown San Francisco, this was half the price! I even got the option of anti glare lenses and a super case. The office told me that the glasses would be ready within the week. They also asked me about my insurance, and were helpful in the sense that they wanted to help me fill out any of the necessary insurance forms. Unfortunately, I don't have vision insurance, but I was pleasantly surprised at the extra time they were willing to spend with me.
Oh, and my new eye glasses are SEXY (says my GF) and I can actually see when I chauffer her around at night. -
Review from reggie c.
Fremont, CA
10/20/2011
So one day I decided that I was due for some new glasses. My current glasses just weren't working with the professional attire that I wear at work. I would keep looking at myself in the mirror and felt that it was the final thing I needed in order to complete the look. Although it was really a necessity for me, since at times my contacts start to bother me.
I really can't remember the last time I had went in for an eye exam, let alone purchasing glasses. I remember seeing Bay Vision Eyecare on the show Best of the Bay. Usually I reference the show for places to eat around the Bay Area. This was really the first time I used the show for something other then a restaurant tip. So I jotted down the name and did a little research on the business on Yelp. I saw mostly good reviews.
I work in Oakland, so I was looking to make an appointment in the early afternoon. This place is pretty easy to find, being in downtown Oakland right off of Broadway. I was actually able to take BART here, since it's within walking distance from the 19th street BART station. If you need a more notable landmark. It's really close to the Fox Theater if that helps you any.
So the first person I met there was DR Arora, who did my eye exam. Since I made an appointment, she got me in right away. She took her time with the exam in a thorough manner. She also explained some of the issues I've been having with my eyes. It was nice to have someone actually take the time to consult me about how to take better care of my eyes. When I went to Wal Mart a few years back, it was very mechanical service to get me in and out. DR. Arora made me feel at ease about my purchase and not passing off a prescription.
So the next thing was picking out frames for my new eyewear. I was looking for a more fashionable and current type of look for my frames. Something I could wear during work or when I'm out on the town. My current pair were basically outdated and my girlfriend said I needed a change. I was next approached by Vick the optician who helped me out with the selection of my glasses. Of course me being picky we went through a few dozen glasses until we boiled it down to a couple. He kind of gave me the pro's and con's about each pair. Not to mention which pair fit my features in an honest way. In the end I got a great looking pair of glasses. I would recommend to my friends to check this place out, over spots like Wal Mart or Lens Crafters. And this place will get my business the next time I have optical needs. -
Review from Sumona P.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2011
If you value efficiency, competence, and genuine care, do not come here.
I am going to try to keep this review as fact-based as possible, and you can judge for yourself.
I needed a new contact lens prescription b/c I had run out of contacts. Pretty basic, right?
Very shortly into my first visit, Dr. Arora made it seem as if she didn't want to give me said prescription. As she told me, "Wearing contacts is a privilege, not a right." Um, okay. I had chosen this place based on proximity to work. My own fault for choosing a health-related service based on convenience vs. quality.
I've been wearing contacts for 15+ years, so I told her that if she was already sure (without even checking my eyes) that she wasn't going to give me a prescription, I didn't want to continue with the exam. She said that wasn't the case, so I went through with it. What a surprise when she said that she didn't feel comfortable writing said prescription at the end of the appointment. Why? Basically, she said I have dry eyes. Pretty common, right? Exactly. But I went through with her requested regimen - used glasses and eye drops for weeks and returned.
At this point, it became very clear that Dr. Arora and the staff at Bay Vision care way more about liability than their patients. They said they could not give me a prescription without a note from an ophthalmologist.
So...I went to an ophthalmologist (go back to the first note re: valuing time/efficiency...) who was fantastic and correctly diagnosed me in less than 5 minutes (seriously) and said he saw no reason why I couldn't wear contacts. He faxed a note to Dr. Arora.
The office staff proved to be just as incompetent as Dr. Arora. I called to confirm receipt of the fax. They said they never received it (they had). I called again to see if I needed to refax, read the letter to them, etc. I was told no. Then, I received a voicemail saying yes. I called back and the person that answered again said no, just come in. So I requested to talk with Vik. He had me REfax the letter. I did. And yet somehow, the letter wasn't sufficient even though anyone with a simple command of the English language could read that the ophthalmologist had okay'ed me . He asked for yet another letter.
At this point, I had had enough. I told my friends my issues. Multiple people independently referred me to Eye Carumba. They were amazing! I faxed everything to them, and they said they could help me the same day and even offered a discount b/c they felt so bad for me and b/c Dr. Arora conveniently used my insurance dollars without providing the singular service I clearly requested on day 1.
In the end, my ophthalmologist also felt terrible for me and the subpar service I had gotten from Bay Vision Eyecare, so he had me see his partner, an optometrist, who wrote me a prescription for free.
Net, net: Go to Eye Carumba, or go to your doctor. Do not, do not go to Bay Vision Eyecare Optometry. They care about getting your insurance dollars and watching out for liability leagues more than they care about patients.Comment from Vick A. of Bay Vision Eyecare Optometry 9/20/2011
This is what is involved in a typical contact lens exam and… More » -
Review from Jenny Y.
Oakland, CA
2/7/2012
My first contact with Bay Vision was over the phone when I made my appointment. The receptionist was friendly and professional and that continued through to when she called me for a follow-up on my insurance, a reminder about my appointment, and in the way I was greeted the day I came in for my exam. My exam and Dr. Arora were thorough, professional, and clear. Vick the optician was personable and didn't feel like a salesman at all (unlike other opticians I've met). He gave me his honest opinion about what looked best on me while telling me what was in style at the moment. He also broke down the pricing for me but said he wanted to make sure my insurance covered the things I wanted since it was a complicated plan. Their frames are priced reasonably but I didn't end up getting my glasses made there since the selection was smaller than another place I went to. But they did have a lot of stylish choices for a place that size. I also noticed many repeat customers came in and the staff knew them by name and they seemed to have built a good community in that neighborhood.
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Review from K R.
Oakland, CA
12/29/2011
Dr Arora is fabulous! She's actually the first doc in a while who has been able to get my prescription right with my contacts. I've been to atleast two other offices where the docs put me through numerous trial-and-error prescriptions, just to end up with glasses in the end, since they could never seem to get the contact prescription correct. However, Dr Arora got it reight the first time. I was impressed!
My reason for deducting 2 stars, however, has more to do with the huge delay and costs of ordering my glasses and contacts (i got both). My contacts came in right away, however my first pair of glasses took at least 2 weeks to arrive! I'm used to going to a 1-hour or less -
Review from Dustin C.
Commerce Charter Township, MI
9/6/2011
Really great place to go if you need to take care of glasses repairs. When I was in the area my lens popped out of my glasses and I needed to get it repaired asap. I had passed Bay Vision earlier in the day so decided to stop in to get it taken care of. The have great customer service and they got my glasses fixed in a hurry as I was running on a tight schedule that day. Great service and would definitely use again.
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Review from Tia L.
Oakland, CA
11/10/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I used to go to an optician by the name of Dr. Michael Jackson and he retired and referred me to Dr. Arora who bought the business. This was over two years ago...maybe three. I was initially hesitant as it was just the comfort of having an optician who knew everything about you for over fifteen years but I must say Dr. Arora and Vick deliver an A -1 superior customer service experience.
They are extremely professional but yet so friendly you feel like you went to your best friends house to get an eye exam. Prices are extremely reasonable for designer glasses and contacts as well.
The doctor is very knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her patients. She takes the time out to do a complete thorough exam and Vick completes the process in helping you pick the glasses that are right for you and your face without any pressure.
I have a corneal transplant and felt like I may never truly be able to see correct but although my vision constantly changes I can depend on Bay Vision to make sure I'm okay and to keep my vision as good as it can possibly be.
If you haven't had an eye exam or need a new pair of glasses or just want to get your eyes checked out come here. Insurance or no insurance makes no difference. I pay out of pocket and have yet to feel like I'm paying out of pocket. I have referred several people including my fiance and my brother and both were very impressed with both the service and quality. In all honesty they are better than my previous optician and I didn't think it could get any better than him. -
Review from Danny L.
7/23/2010
Wow, let's keep the 5 stars rolling in.... I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Arora and her fabulous team. Their "BEST OF THE BAY" award by KRON is well deserved!
Came in for a routine eye exam since I haven't had one in over 6 years and ended up getting some free stuff and also purchasing a sweet pair of Prada glasses that fit perfectly and comfortably! Comfortable glasses are so hard to find these days.
The team at Bay Vision Eyecare are SUPER friendly and VERY proficient in what they do! Thank God for Yelp... Now I have an awesome place to go whenever my eyes need some love and attention. -
Review from Carolyn W.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2010
I just have to echo, WOW. The quality-to-price ratio at Dr. Arora's is off the charts. I was really happy with my old ophthalmologist in SF. But a change in vision insurance, a new job in Oakland, and the fact that when I called for an appointment my old doc was on vacation for 3 weeks put me on the market for a new doctor.
Holy crap, I was getting ripped off before! I used to think that what I paid was just the cost for quality care and quality products (I like to buy designer glasses). But I guess it was just the Union Square markup. At my old doctor, I paid nearly $1000 (after insurance!) for a visit to the eye doctor and a new pair of glasses. Prescription for contacts included, but contact lenses were not.
Dr. Arora and Vick got me hooked up with (1) updated prescriptions, (2) a year's supply of contacts, and (3) a new pair of Dior prescription sunglasses -- ALL for a FRACTION of what I paid at my old doctor. No lie. Vick was awesome at manipulating numbers to figure out how best to take advantage of my insurance coverage. And he is really great at picking out glasses to complement your face. He brought out several candidates that he though would look good on me, and after trying several, I went with the first ones he pulled out! Dr. Arora is also a sweetheart, who is very knowledgeable and cares about making sure you understand your eyes. -
Review from maninderpal m.
Union City, CA
6/29/2009
my new spot for checkup's and glasses!!!!!!!! this place is off the hook, they have an AMAZING selection of frames, like everything, from geeky to bohemian, alternative to urban, bling to professional, they got it all. I've been going to lens crafters and eye spy but no more, this place is it for now on. Dr. Arora is super nice and my checkup wasn't super rushed like it is in lens crafters, I really felt like a good a super thorough exam. Vick helped me pick out an amazing pair of glasses, when you ask him for his opinion on some glasses he tells you the truth and not what you want to hear, I've got so many compliments on my glasses, so thank you Dr. Arora and thank you Vick for all your help!
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Review from maya m.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2010
wow! i have NEVER been to such a great eye doctor, even when i was a kid and insured under my parents and they picked the doctors for me!
first of all, Dr. Arora is super sweet..More importantly-she is thorough! She takes the time to really find out the health of your eyes, not just what prescription you need. Honestly, I left there knowing more about my eyes than I ever had before, and knowing how to take care of them, and why they bother me sometimes.
My last years without insurance took me to Wal Mart vision & lens crafters. No one there ever took the time with me like Dr. Arora did. At Dr. Arora's I took eye tests I have never taken before (and I have had to wear glasses/contacts for the last 13+ years!)
Nobody before Dr. Arora bothered to tell me that what contact solution you use actually matters in terms of the chemicals on your eyes. Nobody ever told me I have an astigmatism (so that is why I could never see fully clearly even with my contacts?!) also that dryness in my eyes i always complained about? yeah turns out she could see it and told me how to fix it!! Nobody ever helped me with that.. But Dr. Arora did.
Also, Vick helped me, the most indecisive person in the world, to find glasses that looked good on me. He really knows his stuff! After seeing me try on a few pairs he narrowed it down, and found ones that i liked-and trust me, I can't even do that myself because I am so picky!
Also-As for the insurance and costs-Vick was SO aware of everything. He told me which routes to go in terms of saving money. He knew my insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield or FEP Bluevision) like the back of his hand, knowing how I could get the most bang for my buck. Also there was NO pressure to buy their glasses. I told Vick I might look online for some frames and he was so cool-no pressure to buy their frames if they aren't what you are looking for. I will definitely go back to get lenses put in if I do pick another frame.
I could go on and on, but let me say this. For people who have NO insurance...still go to Dr. Arora. It is only $99 for an eye exam. That is less than I paid at LensCrafters when I had no insurance. And at Dr. Arora's you will get so much more-a true evaluation of your eye health, tips on your personal eye issues, and a totally relaxed atmosphere. I understand not having insurance as I didn't for years and I highly recommend Dr. Arora for those insured and not insured. -
Review from darby p.
Berkeley, CA
2/27/2010
I found the frames I wanted after having no success at two other stores. Dr. Arora gave me a thorough exam, and went out of her way to write a letter to my dr. about potential eye health concerns. Vick was nice and asked questions about my preferences for the glasses and lenses.
I am very satisfied with their service, and will go back again.
They accepted my Spectera insurance. Metered parking. -
Review from G W.
El Cerrito, CA
4/27/2010
I found out about this place on Yelp and checked it out because it is close to the office. I just had an exiting prescription filled so I didn't work with Dr. A. However, Vic was super helpful and I got new glasses. Happy with the whole experience. By the way, they work with Davis Vision insurance, even though the last time I searched, they didn't come up on Davis Vision's website.
