Practice Logo & Accolades El Sobrante Optometry IS NOW Eye Love Optometry
Practice Banner
YELP Reviews

After having the El Sobrante Optometry experience first-hand, some of our patients write reviews about us on YELP to give us feedback, so that we may better serve them in the future. 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ SOME OF THE REVIEWS WRITTEN ABOUT US BY OUR VERY OWN PATIENTS ON YELP:

www.Yelp.com/biz/El-Sobrante-Optometry-El-Sobrante

 

PAST REVIEWS:

ERIK S. - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 6/2/2011:

"I highly recommend El Sobrante Optometry. Dr. Hsieh is expert in what he does, and his staff is very warm and friendly. They make seeing the eye doctor and getting a new pair of glasses an uncomplicated, and even fun, process. I am a physician and can say that on each of my visits here, the eye exam is among the most comprehensive I've ever received; Dr. Hsieh is very professional and thorough. Whereas with my prior eye doctor in the East Bay, I often felt as if my follow-up visits were rushed, because my prescription has been stable for many years, Dr. Hsieh is always meticulous, explaining each of the complex eye tests and technology he uses, and ensuring that my vision has not changed from my prior visit. Plus, I actually leave with a better understanding of my vision and what I can do to take care of it. When it came time to pick out new glasses, the front display is chock-full of elegant choices, ranging from the latest designer frames to less expensive, practical ones. Aidan and the front staff were very helpful in understanding my tastes and helping pick out the perfect pair that got me plenty of compliments at work. It's clear why Dr. Hsieh's practice has been rated the Best in the Bay for several years now, and I'll be coming back for many more to come!"

LYNNE W. - HERCULES, CA - 3/17/2010:

"I would like to thank Dr. Hsieh. Without his careful examination and insistence, I would have never gone to my eye specialist and been diagnosed with a meningioma. It was so serious that I had to have a lumbar puncture the day I went to see my doctor. I have had CT's and MRI's and have been put on medication to preserve my eyesight. Dr. Hsieh is a professional, and staff is very friendly. I cannot thank Dr. Hsieh enough! Thank you, thank you, thank you."

AMANDA M. - NAPA, CA - 6/25/2010:

"Cross-referencing my insurance with Best of the Bay winners and Yelp! favorites brought me to El Sobrante Optometry. I am THRILLED! Dr. Hsieh was patient and answered ALL my questions. He made sure I was completely happy with my contact lens fit and able to work with multifocal contacts. My time with Aidan, Frame Stylist Extraordinaire, was fantastic. Thank goodness for his "Selective Perfectionism!" Stocking up, I purchased two sets of frames - one his choice and one mine. Everyone loves Aidan's choice. I am so glad I listened to him! Zayda & Virginia are always welcoming and friendly, making sure all the details are handled properly. The office is comfortable, and I never had to wait long. The trip from the Napa area to El Sobrante Optometry is absolutely worth it! The office is right off the highway and easy to find. But it's their exceptional service and friendly manner that will bring me back every time!"

SHONNA H. - OAKLAND, CA - 5/25/2010:

"First of all, let me say I did not dump my current optometrist and eyeglass shop. My insurance changed and El Sobrante Optometry came up on the list as a provider. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM! Dr. Hsieh (pronounced Shay) is amazing, very through, and clearly up-to-date with the latest in technology for eye exams and preventative treatments. NOW! Everyone knows I'm a Material Girl in a Material World and love good quality things. I have been rocking glasses since I was 4 years-old, and I must say the selection was not always great. I had to make the best of it, but not here people! The staff at ESO has made it their mission to provide four-eyed folks, like myself, with the latest, sexiest, hottest frames in the game. Damned near every frame in the store is high-end designer quality, but there are very sensible ones to choose from as well. Many of your favorite designers have frames and shades you didn't even know about. You will find them at ESO. The staff is very polite, informative, and thoughtful when assisting you with insurance, frame selection, and recommendations on proper eye care. The location is easy to find and a must for anyone who wears contacts, glasses, or shades." 

SHANNON B. - RICHMOND, CA - 11/22/2010:

"I was referred to El Sobrante Optometry by a co-worker. I am so very happy I decided to follow through. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the Doctor was the best eye doc I've ever seen. It had been three years since my last eye exam, and I was in desperate need of a full eye health exam -- not those little prescription update checks you get at the one-hour places. Dr. Hsieh (pronounced "Shay") was very thorough, friendly, and efficient. He explained what he was doing, and why, throughout the full exam. I had elevated pressure in my eyes, so Dr. Hsieh spent a little extra time discussing glaucoma and also asked very good questions about any pain, discomfort, vision problems, etc. I'll go back to see him for follow-up exams. I was very impressed by the latest and greatest technology in the office, and the ease with which the doctor and his staff used the equipment. Plus, the whole place was clean, clean, clean, and well-organized! Aidan was definitely a stand-out in this all-star crowd. He is the frame stylist and largely responsible for filling the show room with fabulous, stylish frames across all price points. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and was able to explain to me the various differences in hinges, materials, and manufacturing techniques. With his help and guidance, I was able to pick out a pair of frames that totally transformed me! I wore my new glasses to work for the first time today, and I received so many compliments. Thank you, Aidan! My husband and I are definitely making Dr. Hsieh our primary optometrist."

LARA M. - EL SOBRANTE, CA - 2/4/2012:

"Since I recently turned 40, I decided that I need to start taking care of myself and actually make USE of the great benefits I am lucky enough to have available to me (thanks, job!).  So I had my first official eye exam.  I was a total newbie to the whole process.  But I saw the reviews on Yelp...and chose them.  For my first experience, I was very happy.  They have extended hours (for me that means after 6 on some days, which is great, 'cause I can go after work).  They explained EVERYTHING they were doing and why.  Each person had a great manner about them and easy to talk to.  I had some quirky little issues with my eyes for the last couple years that I never got checked out, because of lack of previous vision insurance, so when I asked all my questions, the Doc was really good at giving me explanations for why those problems were occuring.  Also, they gave a pretty good explanation of my insurance and what it covered, which was great, 'cause I was a little confused by it.  I really am glad I went with them for my first experience into the 4-eyed world... since I now need to wear glasses for the first time in my life.  I love their El Sobrante location, but they let me know that they are going to be moving and changing their name in the next few weeks.  But I really did like them, so if they are moving to Pinole... then Pinole I will go.  It's just a couple extra minutes.  No biggie.  I recommend!"

DANN V. - SAN PABLO, CA - 1/27/2010:

"I love this place. The staff is very friendly and are not pushy when picking out frames. It's almost as though they look forward to getting people who like to take their time in choosing the right frame. I have a really big fear of eyeballs. No joke. I don't even attempt to mess with the contact lenses, because I freak out at the thought of my eyeball being touched. During a test where there is some sort of object that gets really close to eye, almost touching it, I began to freak out and prolonged the test for ten minutes. Yet the Doctor was so patient with me. He didn't get frustrated or flustered. He just kept trying to finish the procedure. I love my glasses. I will be going back for my second pair very soon. Last year, when I came, I purchased a very trendy yet comfortable pair of frames, and get compliments on them all the time. They are not super-flashy or glittery with large symbols on them. Simple, light-weight, comfy, and complement the shape of my face. Truly an awesome staff."

GEE B. - PINOLE, CA - 3/19/2010:

"I had my doubts about this place, and I don't particularly like going to El Sobrante either, but I desperately needed new glasses. I thought my search for an optometrist would lead me to places in San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland, where the sophisticated staff steers me away from eyeglasses that would look better on a test crash dummy's mama. Anyway, to El Sobrante Optometry I went; I couldn't ignore the reviews. Wow! I have to say that that was my all time favorite visit to a Doctor's office. Dr. Hsieh's kindness, patience, thoroughness, and 'smooth' attention to detail impressed me. I know more about my eyes now, and how to better care for them. The Doctor's friendly staff listened to what I needed (durability, modern edge, eclectic, no designer labels, age appropriate). I look good in my new glasses, and the world looks better too!"

CARLO A. - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 12/8/2010:

"I came to El Sobrante Optometry not expecting much. I've seen several other optometrists in the past, and it was always one of those things you just had to do. You never really look forward to it, but you get your eyes checked, because you need to be proactive and stay healthy. The staff at El Sobrante Optometry was very helpful. It's very hard not to feel comfortable there. Dr. Park Hsieh was very informative during the tests. Unlike many doctors, he kept informing me what he was checking for, what he was doing, and what he was seeing. I went in an uninformed patient, not knowing to expect, and came out well-informed and aware. I then proceeded to purchase some glasses. Aidan was extremely helpful and patient with me. Aidan is the best! He really knows which frames fit your face. I didn't know heads or tails when it came to how glasses fit, but he was such an expert. He also ordered new ears for my old glasses. He's a professional through and through. I think now I see my optometrist visits quite differently. I kind of look forward to them now."

MICHAEL M. - SUNNYVALE, CA - 2/10/2010:

"This is by far the best optometry office that I have been to. My experiences at my old optometrist that I have been going to for the past three years in Santana Row (Optical Illusions) have been less than stellar, but I was duped by their convenient location for me and selection of frames. However, the doctor always appeared rushed and their opticians weren't always as helpful as they should have been. I took the drive out to El Sobrante after receiving a high level of recommendation for my annual eye exam/contact lens fitting. Dr. Hsieh was extremely helpful and very meticulous. After my eye exam, Aidan (office manager/optician) had several frames picked out for my facial structure. He was very patient as I tried on the various pairs, as this is the part I usually hate the most, because I can never decide. At the end of the visit, I had picked out a fantastic frame - one that Aidan strongly suggested. I typically only wear my glasses at night before bed, or in the morning before I put my contacts in, but I now wear my glasses at least three times a week to work, out to the bars, gym, etc. The prescription is perfect (my old prescriptions were apparently too strong, and I always had headaches, which is another reason why I hardly wore my glasses). I continue to get compliments on my glasses everyday... Thanks, Dr. Hsieh, Aidan, and the team at El Sobrante Optometry!"

LESLIE M. - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 8/6/2010:

"The friendly staff is as impressive and unmatched as their collection of designer frames. El Sobrante Optometry has a huge collection of beautiful and unique sunglasses; many that you can usually only find online. From Gucci and Prada, to Tom Ford and Philip Lim, I was pleasantly surprised to find all of my old favorites and even a few new ones. Aidan, the frame stylist, was extremely knowledgeable and helped me navigate my way through all the amazing options. About the time we narrowed it down to my Top 15, I knew I would never go anywhere else for all of my future sunglass purchases."

TIFFANY L. - EL CERRITO, CA - 10/13/2010:

"This rating is for the super-friendly staff, as I did not have the pleasure of getting an eye examination from Dr. Hsieh. I have been going to a different optometrist but was a bit turned off by the staff there, so I gave El Sobrante Optometry a try. I am very glad I went there! Despite the fact that I was there pretty close to their closing time, the guy who works there (I think his name was Aidan) took the time to show me many, many affordable and cute frames. He made sure that we stayed under my budget and was very, very patient, while I took a long time choosing a frame. I have always hated shopping for frames, but he made the experience much better. Also, Aidan and Dr. Hsieh made sure that my prescription was accurate, and I didn't even have the eye exam there. I am definitely taking my boyfriend here when it's time for his eye exam."

DAVID N. - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 4/30/2008:

"I am a product manager for a software company and spend literally the whole day staring at a small laptop screen. The strain on my eyes would really drain me after a long day in the office. Dr. Hsieh and his team to the rescue. I am giving El Sobrante Optometry 5 stars for the following reasons: (a) Friendly family-like atmosphere - Dr. Hsieh and his team really treat you like family. They are easy to get along with and they really listen to your concerns. (b) Dr. Hsieh and his team had experience with LASIK before. This was important to me, because I had a procedure over a decade ago when the procedure was still very new. My vision has regressed since though. (c) The selection. So for me, finding good glasses is like finding a good baseball cap. Virtually impossible. Maybe it's the shape of my head. But Dr. Hsieh's team was able to pick out a selection I really liked. (d) This one gets a reason to itself - it was affordable. (e) Easy to get to and easy parking. - This wasn't true of my previous optometrist at all."

JUICE D. - HAYWARD, CA - 9/11/2008:

"I've always assumed I don't need glasses, thus I don't need an eye exam. Was I EVER wrong! I was greeted by Daisy and Aidan, and immediately, I felt welcomed. I spoke briefly with them, made an appointment, and came back to see Dr. Hsieh a few days later. Although I've never had an eye exam, it felt comforting to go to a clean facility with knowledgeable staff. The exam room was reassuring, as all of the equipment was spotless and new. Dr. Hsieh was friendly, confident, and very detail-oriented - like me! He didn't stop talking while putting the exam instruments to use and was narrating facts about the human eye to me, which I found very comforting. Sort of like those headphones that read off facts, while you're looking at gorillas at the zoo. I trusted his measurement and examination abilities as he fully calibrated my vision to perfection! After I received my prescription, Aidan and Daisy helped me enjoy the experience of something I previously considered only for nerds - choosing a pair of glasses. I almost wanted to play, 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun,' but I felt it'd be a bit inappropriate since we weren't shopping for dresses. So I just played it in my head. They were patient throughout the process (and my indecisiveness), and eventually, after about 15 different pairs, I ended up with a stunning pair of Modo "hand-made" glasses. They also didn't mind that I was distracted for about 10 minutes at the safety lock's unlocking mechanism for the display cases. This place has the best of both worlds: friendly, fun service with a Doctor who really knows his stuff, yet is charming, and professional. After a month, I can't go anywhere without these glasses. I've never realized the details I've been missing in life, until my experience at El Sobrante Optometry. Now I won't be running into poles while talking to co-workers on the way to lunch in downtown SF. Thanks guys, see you next year!"

LUCY A. - SAN PABLO, CA - 10/27/2010:

"Had a great experience! Dr. Hsieh was very thorough with his examination. The technology used at this office is modern, and he conducted eye tests that I hadn't had before. He was able to detect early signs of cataracts and advised me on how to prevent worsening of the condition. My son may be at risk for glaucoma, and I asked him some questions about glaucoma. He was more than willing to explain what glaucoma is, pulled up a diagram of an eye on his computer and talked to me about it. I asked Zayda to help me pick out a frame, and she pulled out about 15 frames for me to try on and helped me select the perfect one. For once, I'm gonna love my frames! They are pricey, but in fairness, she did ask how much I was willing to spend... and I told her that didn't matter as much as being happy with my frames. I would recommend this place to anyone."

IMPERIO R. - PINOLE, CA - 7/16/2008:

"Let me tell you about my experience at the optometrist's. It's really nice to be treated like family. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by two young women, Virginia and Zayda, who are so nice that they make you feel like royalty. I was so scared to see the Doctor, but Dr. Hsieh was very detailed, and he explained every part of the exam, making me feel comfortable. After seeing the Doctor, I was passed on to the very stylish Aidan, who made me feel like an all-star. Overall, my experience was wonderful, and I would recommend this office to everyone who needs an eye exam."

TIPHANIE S. - BAY AREA, CA - 3/26/2011:

"This is, by far, the best optometrist in the area.  He was very informative and thorough.  I have been wearing glasses since I was 6, & I have never had such a great experience.  All of the staff are friendly and helpful from the moment you walk in the door.  Aidan was so awesome in helping me pick out the best frames that fit my personality and needs!  I love, love, love my new glasses."