Westside Optometric Group

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Van’s since the prior optometrist passed away many years ago. Dr. Van is very personable and is good at remembering my history (did you lose your glasses again?). I think I lose a pair of glasses every year. I just left a pair somewhere at the Viejas Casino, but luckily they were only the CVS cheaters.
I take my 9 year old daughter to see him and she loves going there. He explains everything to her and even let her help him administer one of the eye tests to me. He’s very kind and talks to both of us about life in general, so the experience is pleasant all the way around. His office is close to my job so I don’t have to worry about them not being open when I need them. I believe they are actually scheduling some Saturdays now.
I read some reviews where people had to wait a long time for their glasses. I think what some people have to remember is that some of the glasses have to be sent off site depending on the insurance company. My insurance company requires that once I’ve picked out the frames, they be sent to their lab in New York to be assembled, etc. So, depending on how long the lab takes I could be waiting 2 – 4 weeks.
If you are looking for an Optometrist then I would definitely recommend Dr. Van.

Had my first visit here last week. Dr Van is very cool and makes you feel very comfortable. It was more like talking to a friend during my visit. We talked about sports and just kinda chatted about life. He answered all my questions very thoroughly and used layperson examples. The girls in the front are very polite and helpful and will explain what is covered by insurance and what isn’t (this is my first time using MediCal). I highly recommend this practice.

*Edited 6÷3÷15:
Dr. Vande Wydeven was extremely personable and cheerful, but I have to say I was disappointed to receive my glasses after more than 4 weeks. I went there around the end of April and just last Friday I received a call to pick up my glasses. I have never had to wait for more than 2 weeks for glasses. I also never received a call to let me know it’s going to take that long. Their hours are also kind of inconvenient. I can’t call or come before work, during lunch, or after work. However, the staff was always very pleasant; I still remember they spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find a pair of frames that fit my small Asian nose and they offered me trial contact lenses while I’m waiting for them to arrive.

Yes the hours take a little manipulation, but Dr. Van is super nice and thorough. I went to a different office one year and returned the following year.

I’ve seen Dr Vande wydeven twice now and he is very personable and patient. I took my time trying to find the correct contact lenses as I require different power lenses for each eye. I tried several on and not once did I feel rushed. His staff at the desk have also been very helpful. I always make an appt for my visits and once there wait almost nothing to see him. I will continue to go see him for my exams.

I came here for the first time to do an eye exam under VSP coverage. Dr. Van is very thorough and friendly.
The frame selection that I can recall included models by Ray Ban, Fendi, Dolce, Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, Harley-​Davidson, Polo, CK, Nike, Marchon and more. However, I noticed that the frames I purchased were an outdated model after doing a search on the Internet. So you may want to look elsewhere if you want the latest and greatest.

Dr. Van is super nice, him as a doctor is fab. I knocked off two stars because I find the hours EXTREMELY inconvenient. It literally cuts out the possibilities of getting there before work, during lunch or after work. (note that they’re closed for not one, but 2 hours during lunch).
The pros are Dr. Van himself and the parking situation (pretty easy).
The cons are terrible hours.

Westside Optometric is a few blocks from where I used to live in Palms. I’ve since moved to Marina Del Rey, but I go out of my way to continue to see Dr. Van.
Here are three reasons why Dr. Van is awesome:
1. While unemployed and uninsured for 8 months, I depleted my supply of contact lenses and was in desperate need of more since I’m so blind, the world is a Monet from my naked eyes. I went to Dr. Van who kept my eye exam very basic so I could get my prescription without having to pay for x-​rays and a glaucoma test. He said to come back as soon as I get a job so insurance can pay for those things. He kept my cost to a minimum when I needed it the extra cash the most.
2. I went in for my annual check up and a new prescription a few weeks ago. Since my vision coverage for the new year doesn’t start until March, Dr. Van said he would order and give me my contact lenses asap and just hold the bill for insurance until next month so I wouldn’t have to pay for anything. Saving me money again.
3. He’s very personable, friendly and chill. He knows me as the Hawai’i girl, so he always asks about home and what brought me to LA. He shares stories about his family, especially his son who plays volleyball with some Hawaiian guys. As someone else said, I never feel rushed. I always feel like he genuinely cares about my well being, and that’s difficult to come by when dealing with doctors.
Things to know:
— Small office
— Open T-​F, 8:30am-4:30pm (Closed for lunch from 12−2pm)
— Free street parking (I always find parking right in front of the office)
I’ve never been disappointed with Dr. Van and Westside Optometric. Definitely recommended.

Dr Van and staff have been nothing but the best over the last 10 years as a patient. I never feel rushed during his exams. Always diligent in his efforts and committed to what he does. Lets me know the problem before seeing a specialist and once I see the specialist the diagnosis is what Dr. Van stated in the beginning.
Highly recommended!!!

I was very dissatisfied with Dr. Vande Wydeven and his staff.
My glasses took over a month to arrive and Dr. Vande Wydeven was unwilling to cooperate with my contact lens provider.
The staff was unwilling to respond to my repeated plea for help, responding only with a passive-​aggressive: «Ill be happy to schedule an appointment for you today for only $ 99.95».
Very dissatisfied. Stay Away!

I used to be able to see like a hawk, what the hell is happening? Tell me I’m getting old and I’ll smack you, so tread lightly. Luckily I’m optimistic by nature so if the worst medical concern I have is needing a pair of specs a little more often I’d say I’m doing pretty well.
When I got glasses at first maybe 10 years ago it was just for focusing very far away. Not «needed», but helpful while driving or watching a movie just to crisp the picture up. But over these last few years, straight downhill. Maybe it’s time for contact lenses… Makes sense, but I’d need to find a doctor I trust. They are my only two eyes after all and if I’m going to have little pieces of plastic in them all day the doc better know what he’s talking about, capiche? I found Dr Van online and I’m happy to report nothing short of perfect visits, I couldn’t be happier.
He knows what he’s talking about, but equally as important he takes the time to make sure YOU know what he’s talking about. He’s friendly in a casual way that doctors often lack. You know what I mean, some doctors say all the right things but their minds are elsewhere and it rings hollow. Not Dr Van though, he showed me diagrams and models explaining my situation, even drawing pictures as needed for every question I had about the world of contact lenses. Good news, evidently they can’t get slide up into my brain. We had some laughs while he assured me I was doing great trying to get lenses in for the first time even though I disagreed, the damn things seem to prefer to fall out *just* before making it home. Bastards. But the visit itself was purely fast, efficient, great service.
So here I am, hawkeyed once more. No. more like an owl, my night vision is on point too. It’s amazing how you forget what it’s like to see so clearly until it comes back. When I headed back to work with my new lenses I laughed and smiled the whole way because seeing like this was pure joy. Dr Van said reading the bottom line on the chart flawlessly is better than ²⁰⁄₂₀ which was music to my ears.
A unique type of happiness I’ve found, all thanks to Dr Van. I shouldn’t have waited as long as I did!