Through the Hayes Optometry

The doctor here was super nice and very personable. Unfortunately her staff members are rude and mean. Upon check out the redheaded staff member pressed me to purchase contacts, I declined, she then said, «so, like, what are you doing then?» I asked to just get my bill for my eye exam and the Rx for contacts, she pressed me again to purchase them at the very moment, I declined again, she then stated, «theses are the same prices everywhere you know, so don’t bother shopping around.» She made me feel like I was drug seeking when I just simply wanted my contact Rx! I would not go back here.

Once I discovered Face a Face frames, I never looked back. The French design team for Face a Face claims their design inspiration comes from Modern Art, architecture and contemporary design, and all I know is, I like ‘em. These frames have personality –a point of view, as does their sister brand, Woow.
Good frames, a small collection, a clean shop, honors VSP, and offers effective service. I’ve purchased two frames and will likely go back for more. I also had to cash in on a lens replacement, when I found my fairly complicated lenses got scratched more easily (not sure why, but blaming toxic mercury in the fog, jk) than past pairs. With a one year return replace policy on lenses, that was relatively easy to do.
My only negative is that I notice they charge $ 25-​$ 50 to order a pair of frames that they don’t have in stock. Given how low inventory is, I’m not sure how I feel about that upcharge. I’m sure they have a business justification for this (passing shipping charges on, maybe) but it seems a little unfair to pass that cost on, given its their choice to keep their inventory low. But perhaps I’m grousing after seeing that one of my favorite pairs of frames (and one of their most popular) is not currently at their shop.
Service is good, billing worked easily, lots of good communication when glasses arrived in. Parking can be a challenge, so I recommend if you can’t find parking check out the nearby Performing Arts Garage Parking, which makes shopping in Hayes Valley on weekdays relatively simple. If you like a good well-​curated selection of frames and a VSP provider: this is a good option.

A great experience. Dr Langille was terrific — super knowledgable and personable. Also didn’t over-​prescribe. All the staff were excellent and patient, and helped us find gorgeous, well-​designed frames from their great selection of options (unlike the gaudy 80s knockoff brands so hot down the street.) Paperwork was a breeze too. Highly recommend this shop!

This is my favorite optometrist in the Bay Area in California. Hand picked German, French and Italian frames, all are uniquely, many hand made. Over the last 2 years, we’ve bought 7 frames for reading, long distance and sun glasses with prescriptions. Top notch lenses (high index polycarbonate) and coatings (anti reflection, anti scratch, tinting). The service is great and the workers are knowledgeable and are very helpful in picking suitable frames, with a flare and taste, they like their job. Highly recommended

Great location with super friendly and helpful staff.

Unfortunately this place continues to disappoint. For my initial exam I had made an appointment over the phone and received a confirmation email only to show up to the appointment and they had no record of it. They did see me since I had proof of this. Today I came to pick up my glasses after they called to tell me they were ready. I showed up after 1000am which is what there website states is opening time on Fridays only to wait until 1030 and they still didn’t open. Very unprofessional.

I went to Through the Hayes Optometry for a routine eye exam. The pros/​cons:
Pros:
— Optometrist was terrific; upbeat and fun
— Use SMS to confirm appointments and send reminders
— Good location
Cons:
— Appointment was started late, even after I showed up early and asked if they were
When I made my appointment, the receptionist asked me what services I wanted. She kindly explained, and we agreed that I would do

I have been ‘seeing’ Dr. Thérèse Langille at Through the Hayes for more than 10 years. She is an excellent optometrist; knowledgable about vision and eye health and also a caring person. As my eyes have changed over time, Dr. Langille has helped me find the right solutions, contacts and glasses, for all purposes… work, computer use, recreation.
Through the Hayes always has a stylish and current selection of frames, and the staff is very helpful in selection and sizing. Also takes insurance and will file the insurance claim for you, which is always nice.
If you are looking for a great eye doc and cool place to get your glasses — highly recommend Dr. Langille and Through the Hayes.

The team there, especially Erwin, really helped me figure out the right pair of eyeglasses, and helped me understand a key change in my prescription (from a different eye doctor). In particular, they worked with me to find a pair of glasses that had similar characteristics to the pair that had unfortunately broken (after several years of doing the trick). Most importantly, we talked through issues that I was having with my new prescription, and I ended up going back to my doctor to alter the prescription (not everybody adjusts to astigmatism correction). In the end, I appreciated Erwin’s hard work, and willingness to help me find the right pair (they have a great selection). Net net, it has been several months, and I couldn’t be happier with my new glasses.

Throughly discouraged. Upon booking my appointment I was asked the reason for my visit. I let the receptionist know I was interested in getting contacts as well as new pair a glasses. At the end of the hour and half long exam the optometrist let me know she didn’t have time to discuss contact lens with me AND that there was a $ 120 fee associated with a «contact lens consultation». Maybe I’ve been a bit spoiled by other clinics who spend time with their clients discussing their prescription. The entire process felt very transactional. Overall disappointing experience.

Searching for a good optometrist in the city is exhausting. Well your search has ended, look no further than Through the Hayes! Finally a place that gets how to treat people well and not just like patient or «customer». Very friendly and helpful staff. I came in with a friend to see if they could replace a lost screw for her glasses and they took care of it no problem. I came in for a check up and contacts fitting and they made sure to get that right by doing something unheard of, actually listening to my feedback. Crazy, right? I could go on and on about this wonderful place but bottom line is do yourself a favor and come here.

Stopped in recently to find a pair of glasses. I have a pretty big head and Erwin (who was super nice, informative, and not to mention a handsome dude) helped me find an awesome and super comfortable pair of Theo frames. It took a lot less time than it has taken me to find frames in the past and after talking about lenses, I still had enough time after to go sit down and have a bite to eat before my lunch break was up. Awesome!
While my glasses were being made, I happened to pass by another optical that carried the same brand and saw my glasses at a much higher price. Totally solidified my decision hahaha.
They were able to send me pdf copies of my receipt and my itemized receipt since I used flexible spending. So convenient (and green!)
Just picked them up today and everything was perfect! Totally recommend them, as they have a cool mix of classic and out-​of-​the-​box styles. I’ve heard their doctors are awesome too, from friends who have their exams done here. Great office in a great neighborhood!
Thanks guys!

So I recently had an experience at this store. I bought a pair of Miyagi glasses that were super cute and classic. I opted to have them filled with there lab. Let me say that it takes a long long time to fill. Also I had to call twice to check up on them. On the second call the salesperson said «oh they are here would you like to pick them up». Uhhh yeah I need my glasses!?! Long story short the sales people are helpful when purchasing but not so much when waiting for your glasses to arrive. Side note: they told me my glasses come with UV protection but did not state it was an add on until AFTER I purchased the glasses and saw my emailed receipt. Shady shady shady. Due to that I will not purchase from them again.

I’m giving this store five stars even though I ended up returning a pair of sunglasses.
The reason for my return had nothing to do with the quality of merchandise; I just decided that the frames did not fit my face. Normally, the store has a restocking fee but because I returned the frames within a day, they waived the charge. The person who helped me with the return, Rebecca, was particularly helpful.
They have a great selection and once I have more time to look at other frames, I will definitely be back to buy a pair.

I went in for an eye exam a few weeks ago and it was probably the best eye exam experience I’ve ever had (and I’ve been getting eye exams for years). I live in the neighborhood so I mainly went because it was convenient and I kind of expected it to be a little snobby and overpriced (like much of hayes valley) but I thought everyone who worked there was delightful and Dr. Tam is great. My exam and a years worth of contacts was around $ 400 which is a pretty good deal.
I will definitely be coming back.

Service guy managed to:
1) Claim that they had a bunch of a particular make of frame on/​hand that I had requested (I don’t live nearby)… They had none.
2) Transcribe the prescription incorrectly causing the wrong lenses to be manufactured.
3) Strongly claim that the clearly incorrect prescription was normal and that eyes just take awhile to adjust and sent me home with blurry vision. This delayed delivery by two weeks and forced two additional visits.
They fixed the issue eventually (took a month in net)… will try Warby Parker next time.

I hate to do this. Dr. Tam is super friendly. This is not about her.
I purchased some amazing super exclusive Valentino frames elsewhere and all i wanted to do was get them filled with my prescription. They were turned off immediately.
And finally when she decided to help me she says she can not find my insurance. Which to me it seems it would just be connected to my file. Since I have gone here before. She clearly did not want to help me.
So I left. I tried again the next day and walked in in the middle of the day. Sure there were like 2 customers there. And 4 salespeople. I walk in. No one says hello. No one helps me.
Finally a lady helps me. I’m super annoyed at this point. I cant be the only person who has wanted to get different glasses filled.
Although I appreciate the styles at through the hayes. They really aren’t for me. Hence why i bought glasses elsewhere.
The second girl found my insurance fine. But she kind of treated my like I was an idiot.
I’ll take my hard earned cash somewhere else where the owners understand that the people working for you matter. They get one star back because dr. tam is a sweetheart.

After my appointment to have my vision and eye health checked out by Dr. Tam last month, I realized that my previous optometry experiences (3 in recent years) have all been quite mediocre at best.
My eyes have often felt tired first thing in the morning for as long as I can remember. They are also both easily irritated and watery. They have felt like this for so long that I just figured it was all part of my makeup. But when I was examined by Dr. Tam, she said my eyes are showing pressure buildup which may cause Glaucoma over time. So I made an appointment for a 2^nd opinion as she suggested. The eye surgeon confirmed her initial diagnosis, and, after my laser surgery for my right eye a few days ago (the left eye is scheduled for next week), I can already feel the difference. Now my right eye feels invigorated when I wake up in the morning while my left one still feels sleep deprived. I can’t wait for both eyes to feel equally bouncy! I am truly grateful Dr. Tam.
(The shop and the staff running it are also top notch.)

The lady with the super square glasses knows what she’s doing! She took one look at me and picked out more than 5 frames that perfectly suited my face.
The prices for their designer glasses are steep, but I’m tempted to drop half a grand for a pair of these babies :)

I called to have a new pair of lenses put into frames I’d purchased here. They’re one of less than 5 US retailers who carry this particular designer. They refused to do so, stating the frames were «too old».
I hung up the phone, and found another merchant who was happy to take my money and update my prescription.