Millbrae Vision Center-Optometry & Ophthalmology

I was getting a little worries that my vision has been slowly diminishing and Dr Malik did the exam, verified the health of both eyes, and was very informative about the details that have occurred. Thank you for your compassion and expertise! I would highly recommend this office and Dr Malik for 5-​star care!

A horrible vision center. Based on my experience, the technology is old and as such the glass they leverage for me does not fit me at all. It make me uncomfortable all the time. Even I told them how I feel, the doctor just said the glass is good and you need get used to it. What a funny response. Won’t get back to them at all.

I completely agree with Jerry’s review. My appointment was back in November, but I was only just prompted to write a review now.
My experience started off poorly. Before I even made it to the office, the receptionist called to tell me that I was late for my appointment — when it actually wasn’t for another 20 minutes! I guess she had read the clock wrong. Not a huge deal, but left me less than impressed.
I also agree that the technology is ancient. I’ve been seeing optometrists since I was 10 (so for 18 years) and hadn’t seen most of their equipment before. It looked old too.
The doctor (Lorenz) was alright, but made me a bit uncomfortable. He repeatedly grabbed my head to reposition it without saying anything. I’ve never had a doctor lay their hands on me without first asking for permission or letting me know what they were about to do. It wasn’t inappropriate, but he needs to be careful.
I recently called to ask for a prescription to get glasses. The women at the office told me that the doctor had only seen me for contacts not for glasses. They told me that I would need to come in for another appointment (and of course pay again) for this, and that I would need to abstain from wearing my contacts for at least a day beforehand. I have never been told this my an optometrist office before, in all the 18 years I have been going. I was extremely annoyed, especially as since how my insurance benefits have been used. I tried to explain that I felt this procedure should have been explained to me when I came in since I was a new patient, but she wouldn’t hear it. She just kept saying that I should have asked. I think that the responsibility lies on the office, especially since they are operating differently than the vast majority of offices out there. If I had known this, I would have seen another office.
I will never go back. I told the receptionistt this and she didn’t seem concerned.

Let me preface this review by saying that I last saw them two years ago, so maybe they have improved since then. Based on my experience from then though, I would never go back.
Commentary on specific categories:
Front desk staff — Friendly and helpful. Best aspect of the place.
Attending nurse — Business oriented and not very friendly. In particular, I have a phobia about anything close to my eyes and cannot ever do the machine that blows air into your eye (I can’t even use eye drops!). I used to think that I was alone there but after speaking with other doctors I know I am not alone. Well, the nurse was visibly disapproving and kept trying to force the machine on me. When she finally relented, she flippantly remarked that I would never have accurate test results with my attitude.
Optometrist — Also business oriented but a bit friendlier. He seemed a bit amused by my phobia and asked if I would try again. At least he asked nicely and didn’t pursue it after. I commented on his nurse’s comment and he said the tests were fine without.
Locale — A quaint and cozy two level house in Millbrae. Private parking too.
Eyeglass selection — Large selection, this was very good.
Technology — Ancient.
The doctor and staff are competent enough, but they have been around for a while (my assumption) so the place is a little ageing and the technology is old. Many of the devices they had available for use I had not seen in years. For me, competence is not enough. Going to any doctor is stressful enough, and it certainly doesn’t help to have a nurse judge you while she is trying to «help» you. I have been to far better in Texas, and recently further north in the Peninsula too.