- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Invision Optometry
Categories: Health and Medical Optometrists Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Optometrists, Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
1907 Fillmore StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
(415) 563-9003
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jice E. said: "I've not yet purchased lenses or frames here, so you can take my review with a grain of salt. However, I do have some experience with this shop over the past few years. My frist interaction was to have a pair of glasses adjusted. I…" read more »
58 reviews for Invision Optometry
Review Highlights
-
"Edna Lee is awesome and always very attentive." In 12 reviews -
"Clifford is so competent, sweet, and thorough." In 20 reviews -
"...personable, knowledgeable and very thorough with her exams." In 7 reviews
Loading...
58 reviews in English
-
Review from Steve S.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2012
I'm a big fan of good customer service and follow through. With a small misunderstanding that was quickly resolved with complete satisfaction, I'll be referring to Invision without hesitation.
Frank assisted me and after I told him what I was looking for, the fist pair he pulled fit my face and style that I was looking for. Major Mojo without compromising.
I got my new Masunaga's today. So fine and well constructed. Want something stylish and unique? This is definitely the place for you.
Stellar selection and service! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Alameda, CA
4/13/2012
Best eye doctors, ever.
I've been remiss in recommending Dr.'s Cliff & Edna - they've both taken great care of my eyes for the past 15 years.
After previously going to 'fast food' eye docs in the mall, I ended up with a somewhat serious problem the Cinnadocs at Hillsdale Mall couldn't handle. A friend referred me to Invision and they immediately diagnosed the problem and I was in good hands. It was a corneal ulcer that cleared up in no time w/ Rx drops. Had I stayed with Dr. Orange Julius, I might have ended up a pirate. Sounds fun, but not the life for me.
Not only are Edna & Cliff the nicest people you'll ever meet, but they can tell you anything you'd ever want t know about your eyes, eye health, eye function - everything. And they have a great sense of humor. The staff is great too - very helpful and friendly.
Retail prices are a bit high, but that seems true of any high-ish end shop. But they're happy to take care of any issue that might come up, without hassle. A couple of years ago we made an incremental update to my Rx but my eyes were having trouble adjusting, so they switched it back, no problem. You can also buy your contacts online and refer the vendor to them for validation, no problem.
It's also a lovely reason to find yourself on Upper Fillmore with great coffee houses, restaurants & shops - oh, and the French bakeries. Damn those French bakeries. It doesn't matter how dilated your pupils might be, they'll still serve you and whatever you end up buying will be delicious, even if you can't see what it is. -
Review from Miz J.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
Dr. Lee is personable and genuinely gets to know you so she can give you the best advice about your eye care. I have also have a good experience on the phone with the office. Stepping into the store is a different story-- I have been going here for a few years and always try to be friendly but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I get the feeling if I spent more here (than I already do!), the front staff would become instantly friendlier, because they seem to switch it on and off pretty fast. But if you can get over that icky sales environment, the eye doctor part is worth it.
-
Review from Katherine C.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2012
Best customer service ever!! They fixed my sunglasses (screws fell off) for free!!
-
Review from Kimber S.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2012
This is one classy establishment! The staff is just lovely, the decorum is quite pleasing and whomever does the buying has terrific taste. I felt quite at ease and very genuinely welcome there. I can't recommend this wonderful store highly enough!
-
Review from Jen K.
7/2/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I came here today to see Dr. (Clifford) Lee for my annual (and waaaayyy overdue) eye exam and get myself some new contacts.
A few coworkers, friends and even my ex go here and always had the highest praise. So since I was really desperate to get an appointment somewhere decent before my insurance changes, I risked the possibility (albeit small) of running into my ex and made an appointment.
This place is very clean, bright and wow, how many people work here? There were like 6 people there to help with glasses and such. Now I don't wear glasses but I must say, there are some very nice (and presumably) expensive frames here. Looking at all of them (there is a huge selection) certainly helped pass the time while I waited to see the doc.
Everyone out front working was very friendly and chatty. I was however slightly annoyed I had to wait so long however for my appointment. Yes, I know it happens, but we're talking almost 40 minutes. And when you're on a meter it matters! So take note, they might not run on time, bring lots of change!
Dr. Lee was incredibly nice, personable and professional. You know how some doctors (in any field) can have a condescending tone, like to scold you for bad things (like wearing old contacts) and generally can be arrogant? Well not Doc Lee. It was like having a visit with a friend who at the same time was checking out your eyes as a favor. I very much enjoyed his manner. Very knowledgeable as well. I got some great trivia questions for my next potluck!
All in all it was a great experience, and yes, that's with a pupil dilation! So great in fact that I'll probably continue to return, risking seeing the ex. Why should he get to hog such a good thing all to himself? -
Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2006
I wear glasses every day. Without them I would wander aimlessly, stumble into people and peer at them blearily, put my face really close to the table to see the food, trip on the stairs, try to hail full taxi cabs while dancing on the corner...hmmm, never mind.
Anywhoo --- I made an appointment at Invision Optometry to have my eyes checked and my prescription updated. The staff was helpful, nice and one great lady even let me handle her glasses when I admired the frames. While I waited for my appointment I started frame shopping. One of the staff got a good feel for what I was looking for (fun, playful, not traditional). When my appointment time came, she (and I forgot her name --- bad Suzanne!!) kept pulling frames for me to try after the appointment. She was also great about telling me 'yes that looks good' or 'no, that doesn't fit your face'. I came away with two frames I really liked and with the feeling that she genuinely enjoyed helping me pick them.Listed in: Goods and Services
-
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2007
Came in to see Dr Edna Lee who is the optometrist operating in the back office and while waiting for the doctor, managed to scout around the store. The sales personnels were all very helpful and friendly. They had some nice and trendy pieces from Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, and Face a Face.
They are also open for eye exams from Mon to Sat 10-5pm and the store is also open on Sundays. -
Review from Nadine W.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2006
Try on 10 pairs of glasses. Look like 10 different people. I probably sported 50 today and looked everything from super trendy stylish to uber smart to totally lame. Even kinda sexy librarian-esque at one point...
One of THE best selections of glasses I've found in the City. Great service too. Lisa was really awesome, patient and helpful. My humble advice - try on as many glasses at Invision as you possibly can. You'll look damn good in the end - and will actually be able to see too. A bonus. -
Review from Kellie P.
San Francisco, CA
6/9/2007
I love this place. There is no bullshit when picking out frames. They will tell it like it is -- if they look like hell on you, they'll tell you right away. There is no hemming and hawing, no pressure to buy. They really want you to get frames that you love and that look great on you. I just ordered my third pair of glasses from here, and each one were picked out with extreme care. It's just so refreshing to have a salesperson tell you when something isn't right for you.
They are also a dream to work with if you have VSP. They are a provider and understand the program inside and out. If they don't know the answer to your question, they will gladly call to find out.
Doing business at Invision is easy, convenient, hassle-free and fun. There aren't many places that I can say that about, so they get a full 5 stars. -
Review from Amber S.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2009
This review is for the retail side of this business. I see Dr. Clifford Lee and he is really great; however, in the future I will be taking my prescription and being on my merry way.
Two months ago I stopped in for their annual sale to look for some sunglasses I could fill with my prescription. I was not able to find anything that could handle my prescription but the sales person recommended another pair (full price) that would work. They made a note in my chart and I made an appointment for a month later (earliest available).
A month ago, following my appointment with Dr. Lee and after waiting 20 minutes for some help, the sales person reintroduced me to the sunglasses that we agreed on earlier and I proceeded with placing my VERY expensive order (even after insurance).
3 weeks ago I received a call from the technician (not the sales person) saying that the sunglasses recommended to me were not actually an option for me and that I needed to come back in (for a 3rd time) to pick out a different pair of glasses. So I did, with the help of that technician and 2 sales people.
This week I received a voicemail from someone I have never spoken to telling me that my sunglasses were finished but that the frames were damaged. I was not given an expected date of the resolution or a call back from any one of the 4-5 people I worked with before.
Five days later (sooner than I expected), I got to pick up my sunglasses. They turned out great, but the process was a nightmare. Everyone was really nice about what I had to go through in the end.....but that wasn't until the end of the ordeal.
MY RECOMMENDATION: See the doctor, but go somewhere else to buy your glasses.Comment from Edna L. of Invision Optometry 12/17/2009
We certainly overlooked the prescription data during the… More » -
Review from laura g.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2006
Great experience getting checked out & purchasing eye wear.
Dr. Clifford Lee is friendly & informative about what he is checking & why.
The support staff are honest & helpful with styles and prices.
Highly Recommended! -
Review from Deborah S.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2007
Since the 5th grade, I repeat, since the 5th grade I have donned glasses. From those first hexagon shaped nightmares my mom picked out to the really fashionable Oliver People's I have on now--I have worn all shapes of glass wear, but I never really was satisfied until I went to Invision Optometry.
Dr. Edna Lee is awesome and always very attentive. Due to a nasty med I have to take, my eyesight fluctuates often, so no surgery for me--just new prescriptions. Dr. Lee has always been spot on with the changes.
Now on to fashion...this place is one of the best for frames--hey, it is not cheap, but at least they offer a great selection of both glasses and sunglasses. My GF and the staff make me try on at least 50 pairs and then tell me what to buy--which I do. Go there and "see" what you can find for yourself. -
Review from QuodE D.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2008 1 photo
Dr. Edna Lee and her staff rock! Dr. Lee does a great job of explaining what she's doing and why. She has a friendly demeanor that puts nervous nellies like me at ease. Describing the various conferences she attends, she also seems to be committed to ongoing training and education.
Invision is a friendly neighborhood optometry shop that offers a great selection of frames from the high end to more moderately priced. The friendly staff do a great job of walking customers through various frame options until you hit upon just the right one. -
Review from adrienne l.
Seattle, WA
2/26/2010
Dr. Lee called me to credit me for the contact part of the exam that I was not expecting to pay for. I appreciate the excellent customer service, so THANK YOU!!! :D
My earlier post:
While everyone was very nice, I have a problem with being charged for a service I did not schedule or ask for. (I must add that Dr. Lee is really competent, friendly, and makes you feel comfortable. I just wish I was told what I was paying for up front. The lady originally told me the visit would be around $20 for a contact fitting, and it end up costing over $60...which is fine if you are rich. I'm not. )
I have put a call in with the office, regarding my complaint. I will update YELP as soon as they get back to me, to let you know how they handled it. -
Review from Christina N.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2008
I also posted this review under "Dr. Clifford Lee." He is such a great doctor, I had to make sure the review was read by anyone looking for a great optometrist!
"I became a patient of Dr. Lee's at Invision Optometry earlier this year. When I went to my first appointment, and noticed the hundreds of file folders for other patients, I just assumed he'd look at my eyes, fill my contact prescription, and send me on my way. I was wrong!
Dr. Lee is the first optometrist who actually took a good amount of time to explain to me what was going on with my eyes. He gave me tips to relieve the redness and dryness I experience from contacts, and explained environmental hazards to my eyes-- namely horrible allergens. I must have spent 30-40 minutes in the eye exam. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and truly concerned about my well-being. This appointment was back in March.
It is now the end of June and last week I had a minor eye "emergency." For a few days, my left eye was watering, red, and in horrible pain! I called to see if I could get in to see Dr. Lee right away. Francisco in the front office quickly found me a time slot, and I was in to see the doctor. Dr. Lee brought me in and listened to my ailments. He then took the time to examine my eye, and it turns out I had an abrasion on my left eye. He suspected something became caught under my eyelid, and caused continual rubbing and scratching. He wrote me a prescription, and suggested I wear glasses for a few days. He even said he'd call in a few days to check on my progress. What a great doctor! Plus, with my insurance, this emergency visit cost me only $5.
I am now happily writing this review while wearing my glasses. It's been two days, and my eye is pain-free. A few months ago I sent out an email to all my friends in the city asking for an optometrist recommendation. Two of my friends are patients at Dr. Lee's office. One sees Edna, his wife, and one is a patient of his. They both raved about the practice. I am so glad I made the decision to become a patient at Invision.
Oh, and I have to also mention the friendliness of the front office staff. Francisco was especially kind and helpful when I tried to schedule my surprise visit. Thanks to everyone at Invision!" -
Review from Jennifer O.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2010
Invision Optometry gets nothing but love from me. Everytime I've been there, I leave so happy I end up dropping dollar bills up and down Fillmore street.
Dr. Edna Lee is so personable and informative, and all the people in the front of the house are also thorough and diligent. They've fixed several pairs of sunglasses and frames that should have been beyond repair, cutting lenses for my stepped on frames (ouch) and simply adjusting ill fitting old frames as well.
Love you guys! -
Review from Janet L.
3/21/2009
He pressed on my lower lid so hard I thought my eyeball was going to pop out!
That was part of the check-up appointment, where he was testing to see whether the oil glands in my eyes were excreting oil to lubricate my eye properly. They weren't, so he recommended an easy solution to getting them unclogged, which would help my eyes from getting dry.
I saw both Edna and Cliff, initial visit and check-up respectively, and thought they were the best optometrists I'd ever gone to! Extremely personable and friendly in the early morning hours, and informative. I'll definitely continue to go them in the future. -
Review from Sharon R.
Oakland, CA
5/8/2006
Today I had my first eye exam in like 10 years and found out that I need reading glasses. I feel confident that my eyes were in good hands and got the detailed attention they deserve.
Invision Optometry is a husband-wife practice run by doctors Clifford and Edna Lee. All parts of the practice are efficient and professional while maintaining a sense of warmth.
All of the people greeting patients and running the frames studio are knowledgeable and friendly. I had issues with my insurance before my visit and two of the women who manage the patient files did the investigative leg work to get everything squared away before my visit.
Dr. Clifford Lee conducted my eye exam and I was impressed with his knowledge and friendly manner. He explained all of the different steps of the eye test and eye exam as well as an overview of how the eye works. I appreciated his enthusiasm and the time he spent with me. I didn't feel like I was being rushed through the process so that another patient could be seen.
My boyfriend, who has more extensive eye doctor needs than me (he wears contacts and glasses), sees Dr. Edna Lee, and has similarly raved about her skills. In fact, he referred me to Invision Optometry.
The office is both in a great location (Upper Fillmore) and totally cute (art deco inspired). The selection of frames are top of the line but can get pretty pricey. Though I found great frames that totaled $105 with my insurance (I've got VSP) for the full package. And when it comes to your eyes and something you are going to use everyday all the time as an integral life tool, I think splurging is okay and totally in order. -
Review from Dannielle S.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011
Invision Optometry is fantastic! Dr Clifford Lee is honest, professional and easy going, a really good guy! It's obvious he has a lot of experience and is trustworthy. The staff is super helpful with selecting glasses that work with your features. Get Sharon if you can. She's honest and savvy with what "works" and what doesn't. I highly recommend this place! Expensive, but worth it!
-
Review from Carly P.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2006
After my partner's great experiences with Invision - I decided that I would get my next pair of glasses from them. When I finally got VSP through my company, I went to Invision and tried on quite a few pairs of glasses - some cutesy, some "too sexy", and some that looked "just right". (Finally picked out some excellent Paul Smith frames, that have gotten many compliments.)
Dr. Clifford Lee did my exam, and he was very thorough - asking about my vision history, did I work with computers, and any problems that I was having with my vision. He even called a couple of weeks after I'd picked up my glasses - to see how they were working out for me! (Could anyone say that of a chain optometry shop?)
Lisa and Rachel were very helpful as well, assisting me in picking out the right frames - and even putting up with my calling every week to find out the status of the back-ordered frames! ;) I would highly recommend Invision to anyone that needs new glasses - or just needs an eye exam. -
Review from Judy L.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2006
Dr. Clifford Lee checked on my eyes this morning and kept me well informed and entertained. I really enjoyed Dr. Lee's thorough explanations about vision and they eye. I really appreciated his honest and informative approach. If you do buy contacts from Invision, be ready to spend a lot per box. But not to worry, they don't hold the prescription hostage.
UPDATE: Change in number of stars. I finally went through the process of actually buying a pair of glasses. Be warned, Invision charges for EVERYTHING - and fails to give you details of what exactly you are purchasing. I got a pair of oh so cute glasses, but once I got them, they told me that the glasses could use nose pads to center on my face better which would be an extra $45 dollars. Wish they told me that when I was choosing the glasses or I would have chosen glasses that already sat perfectly on the face. Although I got the frames, I felt like the process was rushed and was coerced. Ick! -
Review from Shannon V.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2006
Invision benefits from the fact that I have always had the worst vision insurance and the worst eye doctor ever. Then when I moved here, I picked Invision merely for its proximity to my old place and the fact that they take VSP, my new awesome insurance.
First, I mean, it doesn't feel like going to any doctor's office because it's also this fabulous glasses store, so you can shop while you wait, no forced browsing through back issues of Parents magazine or that icky doctor's office smell. Then, Dr. Edna comes and gets you like you dropped by her house unexpectedly and she's so jazzed you did. She's professional, so friendly, and dresses super adorable. Plus my new insurance covers like everything, so the whole experience turned into something I don't mind having to do at all. It's totally weird to say that an eye doctor has good customer service, but in this case it's true. -
Review from Laura G.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2007
I love this place!
Invision Optometry has the best selection of glasses. OK, seriously....I go in here to try on glasses even though I have two bomb pairs already. I just picture myself as a girl who will have a wide selection of reading glasses. They have something for everybody and I the ladies and gentleman are so friendly here that they take complete care of you and really take into consideration the shape of your face and what would look good on you...Or, more importantly---what they want to see you wear.
I have tons of fun with the employees here and when I am just kicking it around my hood and find myself on Fillmore and Pine Street I always pop in to say hello. I found out I needed glasses something like 5 months ago and I don't see myself ever going to another place in the city to take care of me. The staff was fantastic about calling me as much as 4 times after i received my first prescription glasses to see how I was feeling/doing...etc.
If you need glasses check this place out. Oh and Dr. Clifford Lee the Optomologist is excellent and will take great care of you. -
Review from Sarah C.
Boston, MA
1/26/2009
I love both Edna and Cliff. I think that they are very easy to talk to and extremely down to earth. I grew up going to doctors that were family friends so I was a bit reluctant to try out someone on this coast but I have been pleased. Yelp helped me find them and now I want to share them with you all.
On a side note I love their selection of frames and the sales folks will help you choose the right ones for your face....even after hours of deliberating they will never make you feel that you are taking too much of their time. -
Review from Dave B.
San Mateo, CA
3/31/2009
I stumbled on this place about five years ago when I was shopping for some new frames. The staff was very helpful and I liked that they suggested ideas that originally seemed too bold in my opinion, but once I tried them on, really liked many of them. I loved the selection they had and ended up getting two pairs. As I recall, I got a discount on the second pair, but I'm not sure if they still do that.
Dr. Clifford was so great at my initial exam that I've been going to see him ever since. I first got glasses when I was 7 years old, so I've seen my share of optometrists since then. He's by far the most thorough I've been to, and takes the time to explain what each test covers and what he's looking for. He also helps you understand things you can do to promote good eye health, which I have to admit, I had never really thought about before.
I got LASIK surgery about three years ago, and he also covered my post-op care for that. He was 40% cheaper than the surgeon's fee for the same care as well. I still go see him once a year for my checkup, but it's been a while now since I bought some frames. The rest of the staff has always been incredibly helpful and friendly and they'll take as much time as you need to try on different frames. I still love browsing through their selection when I'm in for my exams--it's got some great options for a wide range of tastes.
They only take VSP (?) for insurance, but I have Blue Cross PPO and I can get reimbursed for my annual exam, I just have to pay it out of pocket initially. It's totally worth it for the quality of service. -
Review from Sheli F.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2010
Dr. Edna Lee is the BEST! My son and I have been coming here for 5 years and she has been gently, understanding and patient with my eye phobias- as in nobody can touch them!
Ended up that I need new glasses as does my son and they have a great selection of glasses to choose from. They handle all insurance quickly and the entire experience is stress free and prompt. They do not leave you waiting at all which is a huge bonus in and of itself.
Lastly, we got back to back Saturday appointments which did take a month to get, but that is due to the time of year I believe. -
Review from jennifer r.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011
I love this place. Dr. Cliff is so nice... spends the first part of each appointment just asking about my life. He's genuinely interested and caring, and always takes the time to answer questions and make sure you fully understand the what's and why's. The front of the house is amazing as well... extremely helpful and honest about what frames look good on my face, and willing to work with me on price given that I don't have vision insurance. I highly recommend this place and wish that all of my doctor appointments were this enjoyable!
-
Review from Caitlin J.
Oakland, CA
11/16/2010
I have yet to have an exam here, but you bet your bippy I will the next time I'm due. I came here to get glasses after being seriously nonplussed by the shop down the street, both in terms of selection and customer service. I brought a fashionable friend to help with this very important aesthetic decision, but I needn't have- their staff is well versed in the brands available and what will look best on whose face. I was a little daunted by the prices, because I'm a cheapskate, but I'm glad I went with these folks and spent what I did. I LOVE my new glasses!
-
Review from Noelle Q.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2007
I got my first pair of glasses at 10- these awesome purple and black marbley pair that was the coolest thing in my 4th grade class ( I went to grade school in the Central Valley, so not much was cool). I've never liked another pair of glasses again, and switched to contact lenses in the 6th grade. Well, all of this was before going to Invision, where I found a fabulous pair of glasses that i will actually wear outside of my apartment. The staff is wonderful, and Dr. Clifford Lee was fantastic. And they don't use that horrific puff-of-air test that gives me nightmares. Love this place.
-
Review from Hil B.
Oakland, CA
7/21/2006
Yes! Invision is an amazing place. Dr. Clifford is so competent, sweet, and thorough. He's the kind of person who you trust and are endeared to right away. He took so much time with me and didn't rush at all. He explained a lot of eye mechanics stuff with to me with so much enthusiasm- I learned a little and felt like I had a doctor who really knew his stuff. He even called me personally a week or so after my appointment (which was very routine) to see how I was and to ask any questions. I've been to a lot of eye doctors in my life (even one who did magic tricks- which was pretty thrilling!) but Invision is the best. I will go to great lengths to stick with Dr. Lee.
-
Review from Roger R.
10/26/2010
Unlike most people that have reviewed Invision Optometry, I did not enjoy my experience with the retail-side of the shop for the following reasons:
1) Retail staff ignored me when I was in the store. While they may have been helping others, they could have at a minimum acknowledged me.
2) Prices are not competitive for those glasses that I was looking at. They seem to charge more if you are using VSP. I came to find out that I could have saved myself $100 by purchasing the same pair of glasses from another store (highly rated on Yelp) in San Francisco. This other store does not take VSP, but will match VSP prices.
3) Retail staff not prompt in returning phone calls and emails. They aren't as nice about answering questions after you've made your purchase.
While it is helpful that they take VSP and have a great selection of frames for a VSP shop (most VSP stores have limited selection), my negative experience with their customer service and non-competitive pricing will take me elsewhere for my next eyewear purchase...especially when there are other highly rated eyewear stores on Yelp that will discount frames just as if they accepted VSP.
Hopefully you will have a better experience that I did. Just make sure you do some price comparisons before you make your purchase. I could have saved myself almost 30% had I made the time to do this.Comment from Edna L. of Invision Optometry 3/15/2011
I'm sorry this experience at Invision Optometry was not… More » -
Review from cyn k.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2008
I have a weird face and the prescription of an optically-challenged bat. This means that since my prescriptive lenses are so thick, I prefer plastic frames to hide the girth, yet all plastic frames don't work with my eyes-and-nose-bridge combo. I also have VSP insurance, which comps the inevitably $600 lenses (the thinnest possible high-indexers, 1.74. Required for those with my condition), so I have to go somewhere that takes it.
Cue the storyline: I searched for 3 whole months, across all the glasses stores of the city, fruitlessly seeking The Perfect Frame, with just a zit on my nose from all those used and oiled up nose pads to show for it. Then, I found Invision. (da da da daaaa!).
Why Invision rocked beyond all others:
1. They take VSP
2. They have a huge selection of frames from crazy European and Asian brands, and a range of prices from affordable to jesus-you-need-insurance? Their selection must be at least 3 times most places.
3. Ask for Deejay- this guy gets frames. He knows all the frames, can gauge what works or doesn't work for your face (taking into account the depth of your lenses, the size of your nose bridge, the position of the eyes, the fabulousness of your style preferences, your coloring, your cool factor, your horoscope sign, your shoe size...). As much as I would love to have the time to try on all 300 glasses they have in stock (...), that he was able to cull the coolest and best ones for me out of there made it so easy. Instead of having none to choose from, I had oodles that all looked fabulous on me. Then I had to make a hard decision, but you know what- I'd rather be dealing with that then at another shop wondering which of the blah frames don't make my eyes look like I'm suffering from allergies.
Go! To! Invision! 'Pecially if you're blind and a cheapskate with VSP! -
Review from A W.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This place is 5 stars all the way! Not only are the staff helpful and friendly, but Dr. Edna Lee is also one of the best optometrists I've had! (note: I've been wearing glasses and contact lens since I was 10, so I've been to a fair number of optometrists). What makes Dr. Lee great is her ability to connect with patients. She is personable, knowledgeable and very thorough with her exams! Thanks for taking such great care of my eyes, Dr. Lee!
-
Review from Ferd S.
South San Francisco, CA
12/10/2010
Very few places sell Gold & Wood Frames in San Francisco and the Peninsula.
Don't do it, don't travel down to San Mateo for this, I assure you will be completely disappointed after they charge your credit card. You will experience horrible customer service, as well as subpar workmanship for your high-end rimless eyewear, not to mention overcharging you for shady material so they can save a buck or two. Trust me I called the lab they used.
Anyway, Invision Optometry will set you up right! I was extremely pleased with the way my lenses were manufactured (quality lab) as well as the exceptional customer service Lisa presented and the rest of the staff.
I've been to quite a few outfits, and believe me when I tell you- you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Dan C.
New Orleans, LA
1/6/2007
Four stars but a few things going on here:
The doc himself - really great experience. I had just an annual check up with him, really friendly guy, gave really good explanations of everything, helped me figure out the best way to make use of my vision plan in terms of whether to buy contacts or glasses, etc.
The selection of glasses - very nice. I found a pair that I really really like woo hoo.
The store itself - fits in perfectly with the surrounding neighborhood of Fillmore St - upscale and hip but still approachable.
Now for the negative - my glasses took forever to come in (almost 7 weeks!). Now the color of frames I wanted weren't in stock and had to be ordered from their supplier or whatever, but they assured me that I would have them definitely within two weeks. I made a fairly big deal of this since I was about to move back to the east coast (yes, this was a "use my benefits before they run out" inspired purchase). So two weeks and then three weeks pass, with no call...finally I call...the nice lady at the desk said there was a snag with insurance approval or something, and no problem they'd UPS them to my new address as soon as they came on. Ok cool, no problem I can deal. I move back east. Another three weeks later, they still hadn't come. This is now a little bit more of a pain, because I was about to move another couple of thousand miles again. Argh! Finally they came, two days before I moved.
Anyway, I guess I'll never know the whole deal behind why my glasses took so long to come in. Maybe they screwed up, maybe it wasn't their fault. I feel a little gypped out of 5 extra weeks of feeling sexy in my glasses that I had really been looking forward to, but I suppose there are worse things in life. Anyway, just know that's within the realm of possibility I guess. Otherwise I think it's a very good place. -
Review from Jessica H.
Seattle, WA
6/26/2007
I picked this optometrist because it is super close to my office and the office seemed really artsy and cool. Yes, they might be overpriced but my insurance pays for it anyway so i was ok with it. Every time I've gone in it's been kind of busy which is sort of annoying but the people that work there have good customer service and are sure to let you know they'll be right with you. The optometrists know there stuff and don't seemed rushed to get out to see the next patient which is refreshing. Mine even called me the next week to make sure my contacts were working alright, that's pretty good service if you ask me. I've never bought glasses there but when I ordered contacts they were very prompt and accurate. good stuff.
-
Review from Johnny O.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2006 2 Check-ins Here
I have been a client and patient for almost ten years now. The Doctors Lee (husband and wife team) are both fantastic. They are very thorough in their exam, and also make you comfortable. The staff is friendly and can always help you find a good fit. The shop stocks a great selection of frames from edgy/but still OK for a banker to way-out-there pop star! Pricey, but a great way to cash out the remaining balance on your health care reimbursement account. Come for the selection, but stay for the excellent medical care.
-
Review from Mary H.
Berkeley, CA
9/5/2010
I love both the Lee's. Both are great eye doctors, with state of the art equipment. I feel like I am getting the best exam possible. I have extremely bad eye sight, so this is important to me.
Their glasses are expensive, but they have a nice selection of frames. I have to go with expensive lenses, so spending more for frames makes sense to me. Their contact prices are comparable to 1-800 prices.
The front room is a bit intimidating. I am not sure why, but their staff seems less friendly than they actually are. The Lee's themselves are very friendly and not at all intimidating. -
Review from pam k.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2010
I am one of those people that squirms when she sees anyone putting in contact lenses. Needless to say, I've never much enjoyed going in for an eye exam (and even more needless to say, I don't wear contacts). But Invision seems to be changing that (well, not the contacts part).
I found Invision here on yelp in 2009 and went in for an overdue eye exam. I was seen by Dr. Edna Lee and immediately liked her. She is really personable and was able to make me feel at ease and minimize my squirminess. She is very kind and helps explain a ton. I had a thorough eye exam and then was ready to get a new pair of glasses. The staff was really helpful in helping me find a great pair of frames for my face. And there are a lot of great ones to choose from. All in all, it was a good visit. And I didn't squirm much either.
Fast forward a year and a half to my accident prone self managing to jam the corner of a paper bag into my eyeball while putting away the groceries. (Insert expletive) I also managed to cut open said eyeball on a Saturday evening after Invision had closed. After wandering around my apartment with an eye patch made out of my left hand, I did what I never have done: I called their emergency line, because quite frankly, it hurt that much. Dr. Clifford Lee called me back less than 2 hours later and helped walk me through some things to do. He also told me to call him if things got worse, emphasizing "at any hour". Then next day, when my eye hurt even more, I called him back and he immediately prescribed some antibiotics and made room for me to come in first thing on Monday morning. He was so helpful over the weekend, explaining things to me (and assuring me it would heal) and even offering to come to the office on his day off. And then when I came in on Monday, just like Edna, he was very personable and made me feel at ease.
While I don't recommend cutting your cornea, if you need a good eye doctor (or, hey, two for that matter), I highly recommend Dr. Lee and Dr. Lee.
