Retina Institute of California

I usually do not leave reviews, but felt compelled to so others would really know what is going on in this office. Its dirty with staff that are kind, but are lacking the basic fundamental knowledge in their field.
Dr. Chang was completely incompetent and did not do all of the necessary test to rule out the condition I was referred to him for. When pressed about his findings and wanting to know what he thought about the thinness of my corneas I was told «the corneas are the front of the eye and I am a specialist of the back of the eye». As an ophthalmologist he should be a trained medical doctor that specializes in the eye. If he does not know anything about the front of the eye than that rules out a number of eye conditions that result in damage to the cornea. He suggested I come back to him in six months as a follow-​up. I will not go six months with the possibility of loss of peripheral vision before I see a competent doctor that can fully access and diagnosis me. He did not perform a single test that my optometrist did not perform and he seemed uneducated regarding how to use the his own computer system and on how to read the results.
I contacted a good friend who’s an optician at a state of the art office who advised of what should have occurred at my appointment. With a lack of equipment and needed skills I highly suggest you avoid this office if your optometrist suspects you may have low tension open angle glaucoma.

What a great office… and the office staff was amazing! So glad to be treated so nicely… like a human and not just a number. Everyone was friendly… knowledgable and polite… especially nice if you are going in for first appointment and awaiting the news of your visit… good or bad. In my case… I was awaiting news on my retina problems… for 6 months I have been Dr. to Dr… this Dr.(Dr.RK Murthy) was so professional. knew his business and answered every question I had and gave me more information then anyone so far. I left feeling so much better with answers to ‘get to the bottom’ of it all. I am still under care but there is a light at the end, now. Thank you so much Dr. RK Murthy and the whole office staff… number one in my book!

Great office! Nicole Davidson has always been so friendly, helpful and professional. Can’t go wrong with coming to this office and working with the staff! Highly recommended!

VERY UPSET — I went to RIoC on a referral through my insurance. Suffering for a week with a painful & inflamed chelazion cyst. In spite of admitting they don’t typically perform this procedure, they welcomed me to see the doctor who «might be able to help» me. I hesitated at the «consent to dilate» form b/​c I knew it wasn’t necessary for what I needed but was told the dr would not be able to see me at all without the consent signed. So I completed the paper work. In the initial exam with technician, I was again told that «we don’t typically do these procedures but let’s go ahead, maybe the dr can help you.» Again, I balked at dilation, KNOWING it was not necessary for my situation. The technician insisted that the dr would need to see the inside of the eye in the exam. I was then subjected to a full retinal exam and TWO HOURS after my arrival, I saw the Dr who said — «no, we don’t do this procedure here. Have you tried applying hot compresses? Most of these cysts resolve themselves that way.» I told him YES, I’ve been doing that AGGRESSIVELY for a week now! Both Urgent Care PA & PCP said it should be treated by an opthamologist. He said, I can see you’re not happy with my response but really, any opthamologist will tell you the same. Keep using hot compresses for another COUPLE OF WEEKS. I replied that I am pretty familiar with my own eyes and the experience I have had of several chelazions over the years that have indeed resolved themselves but THIS ONE IS NOT.
As I checked out of the office, I was told by the staff that I now have to go back to my PCP for a new referral because they DID provide service on this visit — which makes the referral now void. It’s now 4:15 on Friday. Even calling my Dr’s office this minute will mean another weekend in pain, with impaired vision and a hot compress applied to my swollen painful eye for another weekend.
I lost a full day of work, received unnecessary treatment, wasted a referral and get to start ALL OVER AGAIN!
SHAME on RIoC for their UNETHICAL handling of my visit and WASTE of my time, NEEDLESSLY EXTENDING my painful condition. I will be filing a formal complaint through my insurance.

GREAT office! Excellent managment! I was in and out and I had multiple procedures. Staff couldn’t be friendlier. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Chang. He’s credentials and experience are beyond reproach. We are very fortunate to have this facility in our neighborhood. Thanks to all for a wonderful experience.

The Retinal Institute is a great office. Great team! everyone is some helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend this office. I saw Dr. Culotta, he made me feel comfortable and at ease with my problem.

After two more appointments, I am very impressed. Everything that was wrong in my August 2012 has been corrected. Great staff. Well run. Dr. Hau is excellent!
Tip — Book the first appointment of the morning or afternoon. You will minimize the chances for delays.