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Eye Level Optometry
Category: Health and Medical Optometrists Optometrists [Edit]
1544 Church St(between Comerford St & Duncan St)
San Francisco, CA 94131
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
(415) 648-4200
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 3 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Heather s. said: "Thanks Yelp! for directing me to Dr. Lai and his office! The phone receptionist was friendly and worked with my schedule to find me the next available appointment within the week. The store/office is small but clean and you're…" read more »
33 reviews for Eye Level Optometry
33 reviews in English
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Review from Dan A.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2011
I stopped in Eye Level to try on new frames and fill a prescription from a different eye doctor. Dr. Ng was very friendly and extremely helpful in choosing new glasses for my thick lenses. She was also very patient with me as I was indecisive and tried on numerous frames for the better part of an hour.
After I got the glasses I stopped in two more times for minor adjustments since the glasses were not fitting me perfectly. There was never any waiting, and Dr. Ng remembered exactly who I was each time. I was very thankful for the additional time she spent to make sure my glasses were comfortable.
I'm definitely going to make sure to get my next full eye exam with her, since just getting glasses was such a pleasure. Her hours are great as well. Highly recommended! -
Review from Tuesday C.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am so happy I found Dr. Ng. She is awesome. I have been going to Optometrists for the last 15 years and she is the best one so far.
My experience:
Called and made an appointment.
Showed up for the appointment and was immediately greeted by her staff and given paperwork to fill out. I was offered something to drink as well.
As soon as I was done filling out the paper work Dr. Ng was ready to see me. She took her time talking with me and even did education without lecturing me (I wear my contacts way longer than advised). She was very pleasant and easy to talk to. I could tell she was being very thorough as she rechecked a few findings (that differed from my prescription).
Afterwards she sat down with me and showed me what my insurance covered and what everything would cost without insurance. I decided to get my very first pair of prescription sunglasses! Her and her assistant helped me pick them out with honest feed back (which I needed since I hadn't brought anyone with me to the appointment).
I am now excitedly awaiting the arrival of my sunglasses and look forward to my future appointments with Dr. Ng. I would recommend her to everyone. -
Review from Ben T.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2011
Dr. Ng is extremely personable and knowledgeable and walks you through everything she's doing and makes you feel completely at ease. Best optometrist appointment I've had to date! Her hours are also really great for working people and very accommodating!
Would recommend to anyone! -
Review from Jeremy J.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
I hadn't been to an optometrist since high school, so I came here on the recommendation of my girlfriend. Dr. Ng was very personable and helpful in explaining what she was doing and what was wrong with my vision. She was also very patient with me as it took forever for my eyes to dilate (on a side note, it also took them forever to return to normal). She is also open on Saturdays and later in the evening, which is super convenient.
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Review from Elizabeth M.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2010
Everyone's said it already, but I just wanted to throw my shout-out. With nearly 20 years of glasses-wearing, this is the best experience I have ever had with an optometrist. Dr. Ng is patient, friendly, thorough with explanations and answering any questions. She's never overbooked,so I've never had to wait longer than a couple of minutes for my appointment.
In addition to everything else, it's great that it is open until 7 some weeknights - I don't need to leave work early to get to my appointment. -
Review from neil c.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2008
Dr. Ng is fantastic. Believe the hype!
It'd been a good half a decade or more since the the last time I had an eye exam. My eyes are generally OK, but the occasionally bouts of eye strain convinced me to make my 2008 resolution getting an eye exam.
I picked Eye Level from my insurance's website, and I feel that I luckily made a fantastic choice. Dr. Ng spent a good amount of time in the exam, and dealt wonderfully with the fact that I hate things going in my eye - like drops and glaucoma testing devices. In the end, I was convinced that it was finally time to get computer glasses for my astigmatism, to avoid the aforementioned eye strain. She also spent the time to help me pick out good frames, and I think her advice was dead on towards picking frames that look good and look good on me.
I highly recommend Dr. Ng and Eye Level for your ocular health. -
Review from Tatiana J.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2010
I have really bad eyes. I've been wearing glasses since I was 6 and contacts since age 12... so I've seen my fair share of optometrists.
Dr. Bonnie Ng was the best optometrist yet. What makes her the best? Lemme break it down for you:
1.) On the few occasions that I've gone into her office I'm usually the only patient there, or there is one other person. She never over-books and you never have to wait to see her.
2.) She takes her time and runs several tests during the exam. I appreciate that. She also asks lots of questions and actually listens to what you are saying. When I say "this is still kind of blurry" she doesn't say... "oh, we don't want to put you in a stronger prescription" like my past optometrists... instead she says "ok, we'll go stronger, but if it's too strong let me know." Thanks Dr. Ng!
3.) She doesn't have a lot of employees. It is just her and an older woman who I believe is her mom. They're incredibly personable and are super friendly. When I walk into Eye Level Optometry I feel like I live in a small town where everyone knows you and greets you with a smile. I like that.
I highly recommend Dr. Ng! -
Review from Charlotte M.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2008
Dr. Ng is the first optometrist that's actually explained everything she was doing. I've been seeing optometrists and ophthalmologists since I was about 10 years old, and she is hands down the best I've had. She's knowledgeable, approachable, methodical and pretty amazing.
And thank GOD she doesn't use that machine that blows air in your eye, Jesus those suck. -
Review from Nat K.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2006
I'm a law student, which unfortunately means I have to read way more than any normal person would ever want to, and that I spend way too long in front of my computer. I had bad vision already coming into school, and though it was stable for much of my first two years, last year it started to slip again. So when I noticed this new storefront on Church Street, I thought I would come here when my VSP insurance reset for 2006.
So it turns out that my *last* O.D. was a total crackpot, because I received a very thorough and informative exam from Dr. Ng. And she is personable and friendly, and didn't use that awful machine that shoots puffs of air into your eyes to check for glaucoma -- apparently, technology has improved! She has a selection of frames that seemed pretty stylish, though I wasn't looking too closely since I love the frames I've got already. So glad that there's actually a useful service in my neighborhood!Listed in: Baja Noe Valley and beyond
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Review from Tracy R.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2007
I'm no law student, but I do spend most of my workday staring into the depths of a monitor. When I do that, I like to *see* the things I'm looking at. Unfortunately, my eyes aren't so with the program on that last part. They think it's fun to send my brain stabby eye pain signals. So I have glasses, glasses with next to no prescription, to help me see what's on my monitor without the added stabbing and blinding headaches. Except, well, I lost those glasses and needed a new pair.
Since my company switched eye insurance providers, my old OD was out. I was never so crazy about them anyway, with their pusherman ways when it came to buying glasses from the dispensary attached to their practice. But my new insurance company endorses places attached to stores where you can buy a washer while you wait. That, quite simply, would not do.
But wait! One independent provider on the list within walking distance of my house. How bad could it be?
Not bad at all, it turns out. Dr. Ng is indeed friendly and personable. I got out of having my eyes dilated this time, but she made a point of suggesting a later appointment time for next year, when I won't be able to weasel out of my least favorite part of having eyes. She's got a decent selection of frames and took the time to go over no less than a half dozen of them with me until I found my favorite. Plus, you know, walking distance! And open on Saturdays! Two thumbs way, way up. -
Review from Keika L.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2008
I heart Dr. Bonnie!
I had a weird crater in my left eye and she cured me!!!
I'm going back this Sat for a thorough eye exam & hope to get myself some spiffy designer glasses. 8) -
Review from aaron f.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2007
Dr. Ng was the best optometrist I have ever visited and I've worn glasses for a long time. I am an accountant who spends too much of my day staring at Excel and a tiny 8 point font so I definitely know the meaning of some good old-fashioned eye strain.
She took my EyeMed insurance for the exam, no problem, and she didn't even call me out for being a big baby about the eye drops (which I was). She did explain what she was doing every step of the way in a clear and concise manner, which I appreciated.
Dr. Ng also has a relatively small collection of frames for purchase, but is very knowledgeable about her inventory. She carries some simple and classic shapes. Nothing too outlandish or extravagant here.
All in all, if you live anywhere near the J Church you'd have to be blind to miss the opportunity to get your eyes checked here.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Brad D.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2010
This is getting to be a common theme, but I thought I would add my voice. I am completely in love with Dr. Ng! I've been seeing her for over 3 years now and it's never anything but a completely positive experience.
She is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, thorough, accommodating and reasonably priced. I never feel like I am being rushed through any part of the process from the exam to choosing glasses. She is just as good with me as she is with my kids.
She knows every frame in the place, has good taste when matching people with their frames and is honest about which frames look good. She'll even tell me to come back if she has something on order that she thinks I'll like better instead of forcing me into frames that aren't perfect for me.
Finally, her memory is amazing. She knows everyone's name, what our tastes are in glasses, who has which pair so we don't end up all looking exactly the same. She even remembers specifics I've shared with her about our personal life. She has a real connection with her customers. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.
I noticed some reviews mention the price is more than a place like Costco, however these are your eyes we're talking about! You should not bargain hunt with something so important! Also, she is more than happy to do your exam and give you the prescription to buy glasses or contacts somewhere else. -
Review from Nena G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/23/2008
I was very disappointed with the services following my first visit. While I still regard Dr. Ng as a very commendable optometrist, the long wait on both ocassions I had to have my lenses replaced were completely out of order.
When I finally picked up my glasses after over a month, the reception was very impersonal. Instead of being treated with more curtesy for the inconveniences caused, the glasses were left on the middle table for me to pick up after paying and leave. I wasn't very impressed by this final touch.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2008
Outstanding!
Dr. Bonnie Ng is such an expert in her field. What's more, the next time you go back,… Read more »
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Review from john c.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2011
Dr. Ng is great! highly recommend!
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Review from G J J.
Boston, MA
11/27/2008
Excellent service, courteous Dr. Ng, and fast paperwork thanks to a well trained receptionist.
Was told that I needed glasses, and that if the glasses I wanted was not available at her office, I would be provided a prescription and could go elsewhere.
Very clean and professional office. -
Review from Matt D.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2010
I decided to go to this place after seeing the reviews on YELP when we moved to Noe Valley. I am extremely happy here, Dr. Ng is the best optometrist I've ever had. Her checkup is more $$ but all doctors are not equal and your paying for her knowledge and additional care that I've never received from optometrists in the past.
Thanks Dr. Ng! -
Review from Jill H.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2008
Dr. Ng is great, and I highly recommend Eye Level. As others have said, she explains everything she's doing so you're not left in the dark, which is a big pet peeve of mine when it comes to doctors in general. She also was a big help when it came to pricing and insurance, and was happy to go over the various costs and do price comparisons. I didn't feel rushed or pressured at all while I was there. Eye Level offers a great selection of frames, and my glasses (which I love) were finished very quickly. She's obviously good at what she does and cares about doing excellent work.
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Review from C B.
Oakland, CA
7/12/2008
I first went to Dr. Ng because she was close to the house, but she is terrific! I would travel far to keep her as my optometrist. She is very thorough and you definitely feel like she is very honest person. I've had experiences with other doctors where you feel that they are out to get as much money as they can off of you, but not Dr. Ng. I highly recommend her!
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Review from Holly C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/24/2008
Love Dr. Ng! As many of you will notice, I am a sucker for proximity, and Dr. Ng being on my corner is one big reason why I like going to her. However, if she were one of the aforementioned "crackpot" OD's I wouldn't bother going back. No crackpot, this one. She's really thorough, is a whiz with my insurance, makes sure to cover all the cost bases in advance and I am pretty sure it's her family covering the front of house when she is in back. Everyone is extremely pleasant and she even has Saturday hours, bless her heart! A welcome addition to the neighborhood and yet another example of a local business I will happily support.
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Review from Colleen M.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2008
Been to Dr. Ng 2 times and had great experiences both times. I feel welcomed and never rushed. I never have to wait and it is the most efficient doctor's experience I've ever had. In a city where most doctors are impossible to get appointments with and act like you are an imposition, it's nice to feel like a customer (a patient even!). She also always gives me options - i.e. you can get the more expensive contacts which may be more comfortable but you will also be fine with the cheaper kind....definitely appreciate that. And she totally knows what my VSP plan covers and what it doesn't. I wouldn't recommend my doctor, my dentist, etc, but I would recommend Dr. Ng.
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Review from doug d.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2010
Very happy with Dr Bonnie Ng.
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Review from Mikey P.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2010
I was looking for a pair of polarized sunglasses and just having an impossible time finding a pair under $200. At Eye Level I was able to find a good pair for way under $200 and the service was great. I would go back here again for sure.
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Review from Steve G.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2007
Dr. Ng's office is right off of the J/Church line on a quiet corner. Parking is not too difficult and her office is large and tastefully decorated.
She seems to have many of the latest toys (or to have picked the less annoying options). For example, no puff of air, she uses a more soothing option. No getting out of having your pupils dilated, though. Go recover in the coffee shop across the street.
Dr. Ng sorted out my problems with a bit of forensic optometry and got me back to contacts, reading glasses, and cheap sunglasses. She also diagnosed and fixed a problem I didn't realize could be fixed. Turns out the brand of contacts I was using does not actually fit everyone.
I was very happy with the results and the time she took to sort out my reading problems. I expect I'll be going back for years. -
Review from Sheigla A.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2010
I love this place! Dr. Ng is unbelievably nice and makes you feel completely comfortable. She explains everything she is doing as she examines your eyes, and makes sure you understand everything. There is a great selection of frames, and they even help you pick out the pair that looks best on you. It is very clear that Dr. Ng cares about her patients and their comfort. I highly recommend her!
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Review from Jon S.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2010
Dr. Ng was great. She was very nice, seemed very through, and I felt as though I got a lot of great attention from her.
I would give her a full 5 stars for service as an optometrist. However, I think the shop is a little bit expensive. Everything they sell seems to be full retail, from the glasses frames, lenses, contact lenses, even the eye exam. I don't think they do enough volume to really drive the cost on these things down.
The exam at Eye Level was $180 (with contact lenses). When I comparison shopped, it was $110 for Dr. Stephen Woo at Costco. Frames and lenses are all cheaper at Costco too. Given the rough economy and the exorbitant price of healthcare in this country, I think we should all be cost-conscious consumers... unless your vision insurance covers it all... and then I'd say spend away... -
Review from Kelly W.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2010
I agree that Dr. Ng is fantastic for all the reasons everyone else has listed on their reviews already. She is so helpful and really goes out of her way for her patients. For example, she knows I am shopping for new frames, and she called me yesterday to let me know that she just received some more that I might like.
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Review from dimitri s.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2008
Everyone loves Bonnie at Spectacles for Humans! We send everyone in need of an eye test to Eye Level and folks come back with nothing but praise, and on top of that, not a single screw up with a prescription.
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Review from Chris X.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2009
I am extremely sad to say that I will not be able to continue seeing Dr. Ng as my optometrist, after being her patient for over 4 years (my insurance is changing and my new insurance will not cover her). I don't think I've ever had such a great experience with a professional....though I wish she would feel comfortable enough to call me by my first name. :-)
Bottom line, I can not recommend Dr. Ng and Eye Level Optometry more highly. It is a family operated, local business and should be patronized by everyone in San Francisco. -
Review from P M.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2009
I found Dr. Ng through Yelp and could not be happier that she is my new optometrist. She is knowledgeable, passionate, and personable. I came in to pick up my contact lenses weeks after my first and only appointment and she remembered my name and no one ever remembers how to pronounce my name! I am impressed with her professionalism and friendliness. I highly recommend her and look forward to returning and picking out my new glasses soon.
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Review from April G.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2010
The best optometrist I've been to. Dr. Ng is knowledgeable and friendly. I don't have any serious eye problems - I just need to get my prescription updated every once and a while. Last time I saw her, she noticed that my eyes were a little dry and switched me to a new type of contact lens. Awesome! I always thought it was normal for your eyes to hurt at the end of the day, but since I've switched to the new contacts I haven't noticed any dryness or irritation, even if I wear them for 20 hrs straight. thank you Dr. Ng! She also gives good proactive advice about preventing problems down the road and is just generally kind and helpful. Like other reviewers, I've never had to wait in the waiting room - she is always actually available at my appointment time. I think the selection of glasses she carries is great too. Definitely recommend her to everyone.
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Review from kristy h.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2007
I hadn't had an eye exam since elementary school so I was a little scared. However, Dr. Ng made me feel very comfortable and the eye exam was not bad at all! It turns out I needed some glasses due to a very slight astigmatism. She had a decent selection of frames and I found a pair that I really liked! I appreciated that Dr. Ng spent a good amount of time with me as I tried on various frames! Overall, it was a great experience!
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Review from dee c.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2009
I have found the personal attention, thorough exams, and the feeling that you are a valued patient/customer (vs just a number) to be a very refreshing improvement from the optometry office that I used to go to that had a large group of doctors and an equally large waiting area. Dr. Ng and staff are very friendly, informative, and professional, and Eye Level is modern, in a great location, and has a good selection of frames. Been a patient of Dr. Ng at Eye Level Optometry for a few years and will continue to go to Dr. Ng for my eye exams and glasses for many many years to come.
