Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center

So a few months back I decided I wanted to get my eyes fixed. I’m 49 and was legally blind, but with glasses I could see well enough to drive. I have worn glasses since I was eleven years old. I wore contacts (soft lens) for about fifteen years but got to the point where they irritated my eyes so bad I could no longer wear them. I shopped around for a while. I figure if someone is going to be cutting and burning my eyeballs the sob better be good at it. I decided to go with Ellis Eye Centers here in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has a long history with good results and very few negative ones. So I made the appointment. The office wasn’t as flashy as a few of the ones I went to prior. But the machine was the newest model and the staff were all great.
Well Monday (April ¹¹⁄₁₆) I went in for my procedure. It was all pretty relaxed in general. They get me all prepped, I lay down on the table, knowing what to expect from the description I had received from Mr Paul Singh the optometrist. I am told that the laser will run for a set amount of seconds on my right eye and slightly less on my left. It was kind of freaky seeing the clamp/​speculum (?) placed on my right eye (they did the right first) and then the doc (Dr Ellis) marks my lens before the blade cuts almost a complete circle. Then the pretty flashing light I’m supposed to focus on gets all blurry like looking through a water drop. A few seconds after they make the cut I hear a vacuum start up. At this point I know it’s to pull the smoke away because they explained it to me. It helps but I have to tell you, the smell is amazing. Burnt flesh stinks. Burnt eyeball makes that smell like roses in comparison. They finish up the right and start the left. All in all it took maybe fifteen minutes in the OR. Then I’m brought back outside to the waiting room to wait for my ride home (My oh so wonderful Sister in law did it for me) they had mentioned taking a pain pill right away but stubborn and stupid me neglected to do so.
After the anesthetic wore off of my eyes I realised that not doing so was one of the most pain inducing incredibly stupid decisions I had ever made. By the time I realised it. I had taken the pill and had to wait the 20 – 30 minutes for it to kick in. I have been through some pretty serious injuries. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING has ever come Close to this. It felt like someone had driven a burning welding rod covered in sand into my eyes. Think about that. EXCRUCIATING Pain.
About five minutes after my sis picked me up the pain Meds started taking effect for the forty minute ride home. I felt almost human by the time she dropped me off.
I followed the docs orders and immediately took a sleeping pill when I got home and crawled into bed (I took another pain pill and a Valium as well.) well, upon waking this morning I had a mild headache and my eyes felt a bit itchy. Had mucus buildup on the eyelids enough that I used a warm wet rag on em for a couple minutes to soften and remove the gunk. Then I sat up in bed and for the first time in thirty eight years I watched the sun rise without having to put glasses on to see it.
I’m told my eyes will continue to improve for ten to fourteen days. But to be honest. If they never got any better than they are now I will still be satisfied. My only regret is having waited so damned long.
But the one piece of advice I will give you. Take that damned pain pill the moment you get out of the OR. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anybody.

I got RK surgery from Dr. Ellis 20 years ago, in 1995. At the time he had done about 10,000 RK surgeries and only about 1,200 Lasik surgeries, so I opted for RK.
My vision before he surgery was about ²⁰⁄₆₀₀ (legally blind) and ²⁰⁄₃₅ after the surgery. This means I don’t need glasses. Today it is basically the same, and I’ve never had any problems.
I recall that the staff and the doctor were not especially friendly, but were very professional and seemed to know their stuff. That was more important to me.
Immediately after the surgery I recall my vision being instantly better (as soon as he made the cuts in my cornea) which was amazing! The antibiotic drops didn’t work for me. He gave me another type to try, but also did not work for me. The drops made my eyes clamp up, so I didn’t take them for more than 2 days, I stuck with the oral antibiotics. I never had any problems.
Over-​all I recommend Dr. Ellis because I had the desired results, and 20 years later I have no complaints.

I went to Ellis Eye and had a stellar exam by his team. They were professional, and addressed a couple of eye issues I wasn’t aware of.
Afterward, I had a consultation with the surgery scheduler, and felt that I was being ‘soft selled’ on getting my surgery on a rushed schedule. He kept stressing that their reduced fee offer expired at the end of the month.
This was off putting, so I have decided to go elsewhere.

I had Lasik Surgery over 2 years ago. Upon initial visit I was told that their «sale» was almost over since it was toward the end of the month. I was told that if I scheduled my surgery for the following day they would perform the surgery as «two for the price of one». I had the surgery performed the following day. Shortly after the surgery I began to experience discomfort in both eyes. I returned to the Surgeons office approximately 3 months later and was told that I needed to give my eyes more time to adjust and heal. I returned approximately 7 months later and was told that my left eye was over prescribed and a new surgery was needed. This office wanted to charge me, again, to correct the problem. My question is, if only one eye was «over prescribed» and I had the surgery during the «two for the price of one sale» why would I be charged for one eye, again? However, I have recently looked at this Practices’ website and it appears that their «sale» continues. I have had pain, blurred vision and my left eye will occasionally shut since the initial surgery. I am very frustrated with the results. My daily work routine involves computers and I struggle to see the monitors, even more so than before the surgery. I will NOT be referring friends or family to this practice and I will not be returning.

I got laser eye surgery here 3 years ago and now my vision is worse than it was before I got the procedure. Somewhere in the fine print it I’m sure it says this could happen but I would expect that they cater a little to their previous clients. I called and they do absolutely nothing about it except I could come in and pay the regular fee for a eye exam and start the process of getting the surgery over again (for the same fee as a new customer). Needless to say I’m not happy with the service. They give the impression that it will last a lot longer than it did by saying it’s a investment and you will end up saving money by not having to buy contacts or glasses for years or forever. If you value good costumer service and want to actually have long lasting improved vision you should seek service somewhere else. I would not have done it if I would have known it would last for such a short period of time. It’s not worth your money and Dr. Ellis is ONLY worried about getting as much money as he can.

Unless you like PAIN and like being treated like a herd animal, don’t go here!!!
If it was possible to give them 0 stars I would.
I am an RN of 18 years working in every department except OB.
The doctor (Ellis) was in such a hurry that he put the numbing drops in my eyes and without waiting for them to take effect, started the procedure.
I felt as though someone was putting a burning cigar out in my eye!!!
When I cried out and told the Doctor that I was having EXTREME pain he responded by saying, «Just relax you shouldn’t be feeling anything»
This was one of the most unprofessional, inconsiderate, uncaring and rude comments I’ve heard come out of a Doctor’s mouth during a procedure/​surgery!
Are you kidding me?!? I’ve NEVER operated on a patient without the Doctor ensuring the patient had adequate pain relief.
Doctor Ellis could have cared less about my pain. He didn’t even apologize after the procedure. I’ve had several procedures and operations before and this was by far the most painful ever an honest to God 10 out of 10 pain!
When I told the staff, (several of them) about my extreme pain, they just brushed me aside and couldn’t wait to get me out and the next patient in.
This Company is completely disorganized and seem only concerned about getting as many patients in and out as fast as possible, as many people here have mentioned.
Spend a little extra money and go to someone who hasn’t done 50,000 surgeries, (because he’s in a hurry to make more money)!!

Do not go to Dr. Ellis. I went to him for RK and it was a total butcher job. The staff is not organized at all. This was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life because they forgot the anesthetic drops… that’s right. I didn’t realize until he started to cut into my eyes… worst pain I’ve ever felt. Dr. Ellis actually started yelling at me to pipe down and hold still while this was happening.
A staff and operation is only as stable and good as the doctor in charge and Dr. Ellis doesn’t have the skills or the smarts necessary to run a practice. His license should be revoked.

Procedure: LASIK Wavefront
COST Reasonable and affordable
Results Excellent at 9 hours POST OP (will update if this changes)
I rarely leave Unilocal reviews but after reading the negative reviews for Dr. Ellis I was compelled to accurately and fairly describe my surgical experience that I had TODAY!
Initially, I was seen in the Walnut Creek office for the first exam and consultation. The process was smooth at that location despite a few hang-​ups that are to insignificant to even mention. This was on THURSDAY and I scheduled the surgery for TODAY (04÷08÷13).
I was impressed by how qualified Dr. Ellis was in refractive surgery which comforted me in making my final decision to proceed. Given his impressive list of qualifications, there were several other perks along the way and I will try to list them.
During my pre op time, I had the pleasure to meet with Bobbie, RN and she gave me very detailed instructions on what to expect intra-​op and post op. She was concerned with my comfort and provided me with amazing reassurance and VALIUM, thank goodness! I was a bundle of nervous energy! After speaking with her and listening to what she had to say, I was at ease and felt ready. She is a definite true gem in this practice, a real asset! An amazing lady and a pioneer in her field as well! One RN knows another!
Dr. Ellis was very warm and comforting during my initial encounter with him prior to the surgical procedure. All negative comments written here that were in my mind suddenly vanished. He answered all the questions that I had and he was very patient. In no way did I feel rushed or like he was minimizing the way I was feeling as I was very apprehensive. Granted, he is preforming LASIK everyday but I never felt insignificant. He even allowed my friend/​ride to sit in during the procedure. Dr. Ellis was approachable and personable with a good bedside manner.
Intra-​operatively, Joel made things seem to function smoothly. He was explaining everything that I was experiencing and feel as Dr. Ellis was working. He let me know how much time was remaining and what I would experience during that time. This may have been the most reassuring part of the entire day aside from the fact that surgery was at 1:45pm and I can see clearly now without contacts or glasses at 10:00pm.
Thank you Ellis Eye and Laser!
PS. Thank you Bobbie for the Prada, Gucci and Coach products! I have grown to really like them as you said that I would!

I booked an appointment for this place at
.
I scheduled myself and my husband for a 9:00 AM appointment (which is fairly early in the day).
Ended up waiting for almost 55 minutes before I got to see the Dr. While I registered for one person online, I met with a different Dr — which was fine b/​c he was very nice. [I was a new patient.]
Biggest frustration and why I will not return was the office wasn’t very efficient (they also had credit card machine issues) and such a long wait without updating us on timing. When I finally went up to ask about the wait I was met with a very curt «you’ll be called shortly …» and then 15 minutes later, I was!!!
The Dr I met with was nice, efficient and thorough … unfortunately I only spent about 10 minutes with him and about 90 minutes in the waiting room … so the negative will have to outweigh the positive.

So far my experience is nothing more than going to a booth at the Arts and Wine Festival, giving out my phone number and getting called no less than 6 times in 2 days. While at the festival, there were two representatives giving conflicting information. I was told that Lasik can be performed on ANYONE and that I should buy into the lifetime plan. The sales staff clearly gets paid on commission. Sounds like a conflict of interest to me. I never thought that eye surgery would be akin to buying a car.
I have a bad feeling about this place and the reviews back that up.
No thanks. I’ll send my husband elsewhere.

I just had an enhancement done. The customer service is awful. When making the appointment, they neglect to tell you about the pre-​op paperwork which took me way past my 9 a.m. appointment time. When I mentioned this to the financial counselor, her comment was I was there before and should have remembered. Does she think I have a memory like an elephant? That was 4 years ago. She also said my left eye was the one to be operated on when it was my right. I was told I could only have the epi-​lasik procedure which would cost more. After I countered no restrictions were ever mentioned when I paid for my initial surgery, she spoke with Dr. Ellis and I got my enhancement for the original $ 250. What she didn’t tell me was it would be the standard procedure and not the epi-​lasik. I found this out when I had to sign another form. I don’t have time to cover other bothersome things. I’ll just say there was a bait and switch feel to the transaction. My surgery seems to be fine. However, if I ever need another enhancement, I’ll save my money and go elsewhere, although I know it will cost me more. No one should have to spend 4 – 5 hrs. for a 9:00 appt. time and deal with questionable ethics.

Next week marks my 1-​year anniversary of having Wavefront LASIK performed and I couldn’t be happier! After a quick consultation in Walnut Creek, Dr. Ellis performed the surgery two days later in San Jose and his staff was polite, helpful and took the time to talk to my dad, who drove me to and from the appt. I have had all of my follow-​ups closer to home in El Cerrito with Dr. Delacruz. I’m at ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision now and have excellent night vision. This is a change for me because I had haloing at night most of my life and hated driving at night. I wore glasses from the age of 10 to 32 (and contacts from 14 to 32) with my last Rx at –3.75 in each eye.
I recommended Ellis Eye Centers to 3 of my coworkers and 1 had a successful surgery 2 months ago (the others haven’t booked a consultation yet). Dr. Delacruz in El Cerrito is really nice, knowledgable, and gets me in and out of my check-​ups in less than 10 minutes!

I’ve worn glasses most of my life and was told by other eye surgeons that LASIK was not an option because of thin corneas. The team at Ellis Eye & Laser identified me as a candidate for LASEK. I’m finally free of the hassle of wearing glasses and contacts.
I’m in my mid-50’s with a strong presecription for being near-​sighted, so I initially was unsure about moving forward. What convinced me to move ahead was the thoroughness of the exam and the time the doctor took to explain exactly what was involved with the procedure in detail.
The care before and after the LASEK was outstanding. Understandably, an elective surgery involving one’s vision can create anxiety. Bobby, the nurse, was the best at making her patients’ relax and feel that they were in safe hands and well taken care for.
If you are thinking about corrective vision surgery in the Bay Area, Dr. Ellis is the place to go!
John Bissell

I had Wavefront LASIK with Dr. Ellis in September. I was scared, worried I would never be able to see correctly. Dr. Ellis and his staff are nothing short of spectacular. The results were amazing… The first time I was caught in a rainstorm on vacation was an amazing experience… I could see without wet, smudgy glasses. Dr. Ellis is one who is extremely good at what he does… My only wish is that I didn’t wait so long to finally do it! My life has changed! Love it. 5 stars. Worth the investment if you ask me. Haven’t worn glasses since September. Can buy any sunglasses I want– no more prescription!

As his TV commercial says «If you have be turned away from other Lasik places, come and consult with me…» or something like that. Not everyone is a candidate for lasik AND obviously if other places reject you as a candidate for lasik, you should reconsider. Dr. Ellis is smart, no doubt but he doesn’t have ethic.

I agree with Melissa B. about Dr. Ellis’ arrogance and that he only cares about your $$$$.
I had my surgery back in 1994. I had radial keratotomy on both eyes because lasik wasn’t available at that time (or so we were told by Dr. Ellis). I was told by another eye surgeon years later that if Ellis would have waited, I would’ve had the choice to get lasik. I have to wear glasses when I drive at night, and I can never get lasik surgery because of the RK surgery.
After my mother’s insurance paid for both surgeries, Dr. Ellis’ manager (and wife) kept trying to collect more money from us (Balance Billing). His wife was rude and yelled at my mom to pay up. My mother basically told her to contact her insurance and stop hounding us for money.
Having any kind of surgery is stressful enough without having to think about insurance. Please opt for eye surgery elsewhere.

Last Fall I decided to investigate Lasik surgery to correct my eyesight. I was told earlier in the year that I would not be a candidate for Lasik surgery because I have such a high degree of myopia and astigmatism. I went to see Dr. Ellis on Union Street. The initial visit did require a rather long wait to be seen, but the Dr. completed his free initial exam and determined that I would be a candidate for the regular Lasik procedure. The prices and follow up exams were explained to me in detail. I decided to proceed with scheduling the surgical procedure for the next opening in El Cerrito two weeks later. On the day of the procedure I arrived to Dr. Ellis’ surgical center in El Cerrito and (again) waited a long time to be seen. I became somewhat concerned when the first eye doctor determined that I would not be a candidate for the regular lasik procedure because of corneal thinning (likely due to years of contact lens wear). I would need the pricier, more invasive «Epi-​Lasik» procedure instead. Although I didn’t feel pressured in any way to proceed with that procedure, in retrospect I do feel that the staff of Ellis Eye Center should have given me a more accurate idea of what to expect from Epi-​Lasik surgery. I decided to proceed with the operation. Dr. Ellis was also kind enough to offer the Epi-​Lasik procedure at the same price as the regular procedure, because I was initially told that was the one I needed. Approximately 2 hours later I was on my way home with the surgery complete. It wasn’t so much «painful» as it was unsettling, with the bright laser lights beamed into my eyes for so long (Epi-​Lasik requires a longer laser corrective period, and holding still is quite difficult). I was assured by Dr. Ellis’ staff that I would only require one week of «down time» before my vision would be «good enough to return to work». This was certainly not the case! My sensitivity to light was very high for several weeks following the procedure. I also found that it was almost impossible for me to work in front of a computer screen without a pair of gunner optics digital antiglare glasses. It took a full 6 months for my vision to be ²⁰⁄₂₀. I’m giving Dr. Ellis 4 stars because his promise of ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision with no complications of «hazing», «starbursting» or dry eye has come true. I now have perfect vision for the first time in my life! Dr. Ellis has been doing the surgery for a long time and has some of the best equipment /​techniques in the industry. I would have given him 5 stars if I didn’t experience the long waiting times (almost 45 min. to an hour each time I went in for follow up visits) and as I said, I wish I had a better explanation of the long term healing period to expect with Epi-​Lasik. A word of caution to anyone out there considering Epi-​Lasik: FOLLOW THE POST SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS! Failure to use the antibiotic drops and to go to the follow up visits WILL result in vision problems, and could even result in blindness! I’ve read the horror stories! Best of luck, and I would absolutely recommend Dr. Ellis for the Epi-​Lasik surgery!
4÷22÷14 UPDATE: I had my Epi-​Lasik surgery almost 5 years ago, and I am happy to say that my vision is still ²⁰⁄₂₀. Dr. Ellis has truly given me «the gift of sight»! Lasik eye surgery is not for everyone. As I mentioned before, following the post surgical instructions is very important. I am updating my review to «Five Stars».

Dr. Ellis is the used car salesman of eye surgeons.
Although my eye surgery was successful, my experience as a whole was awful. I’m not going to give a lengthy description of what happened because many of you probably wont even read it but just know this: the nurses are abrasive and unfriendly; you’re lucky if you get eye contact and Dr. Ellis is the most arrogant and impervious doctor I’ve ever met.
His web site says, «Dr. WIlliam Ellis has preformed over 40,000 LASIK procedures…» and that is EXACTLY how he makes you feel. You’re nothing but another notch on his belt.

I am very surprised about the negative reviews that I read.
I had my surgery done at Ellis Eye Center about 4 years ago & couldnt have been happier.
It was the best thing I have ever done.
I can’t think of anything negative to say about appts I had before the surgery. The day of the surgery was great. Even though I was really worried, Dr. Ellis’s assistant (i think her name was Bobbie) made me feel at ease.
Surgery itself was very fast …
Post ops were fine as well.
I am very happy with the end result.

So I had my free consultation today at the WC office. Very comprehensive, lots of tests, etc. It took about 90 minutes, with lots of waiting while you go from staff to staff (I think I saw three in all). The end felt a bit used car salesmanly when they want to to schedule the appointment and talk about financing.
Also, surgery is only done in San Jo or El Cerrito, so keep that in mind.