Foothill Square Optometry

I noticed Foothill Square Optometry this weekend, while going to the gym.
I poked my head in, to see if they had any appointments available.
Long-​story-​short, I came back in a hour (that fit my schedule), and had a great exam.
I found that the optometrist (Dr. Thao Ha) listened very well, and explained my situation to me so that I could understand.
Good work … I hope to be back !

If you are looking for an Optometrist who is «paternalistic» in their healthcare approach (the healthcare provider decides they know what is better for you than you do), then go to Dr. Lai.
If you are, however, wanting to add your own input towards your healthcare needs (since you take the stance that you also know your eye care needs because they’re YOUR eyes), then I suggest you go elsewhere.
ABOUT ME: I have some moderate astigmatism with moderate (or more) nearsightedness. I used to be an emergency room physician (MD), so I’m very well aware of the nuanced situations arising between doctor and patient, having been on both sides of the relationship.
My first experience with Dr. Lai: she was gracious and completely capable in her assessment of my eyes. I welcomed her eye care suggestions and went with her first eye prescription that she gave me a few years back. No problems since.
When I revisited her for a follow-​up eye prescription (around April 2012) as I was searching for new frames, I received a new prescription from her that decreased my astigmatism and increased my power for advancing nearsightedness. I went along with that and didn’t question it since I wanted to welcome some «improvement» in my astigmatism.
After I’d picked out my new frames in San Francisco, I had the lenses made by my optician of 12 years (cutting the lenses is complicated with these particular frames). Yet, I found my eyes were straining when adjusting to the new Rx. Even after waiting 2 – 3 months (which is long enough), my eye strain was NOT improving. Never happened to me before. So I went back to my optician all the way in SF, had her check out my lenses for defects (lenses were a-​ok), and she told me that maybe I should get my prescription rechecked since I had a one freebie chance to change out my lenses.
Okay…so I went back to Dr. Lai, who’s office was gracious to schedule me in the next day at no further cost. I really appreciated that.
When I went in for the recheck appointment, I could immediately feel some hesitation on Dr. Lai’s part to change my prescription when I expressed my concerns about eye strain and the length of time it was taking for my eyes to adjust. I explained that I’d already been back to SF, had my lenses rechecked by my well-​regarded optician — all done before coming back to Dr. Lai. I actually knew what prescription changes I was needing before coming back to Dr. Lai, but in no way was I putting Dr. Lai to blame.
I realize this is a very subjective eye exam and the results of the prescription (Rx) are dependent on how the patient answers. No problem. BUT what I didn’t like was Dr. Lai’s perception that things shouldn’t really have to change with my Rx, that I need more time to adjust to the Rx. It was already 2 – 3 months and there were no defects in my lenses. The interaction with her had become about dealing with her «fragile ego» than about getting my needs easily met. So I had to step back with her and assert my position in such a way that she would not feel possibly defensive that I’d come back to her «blaming her» and trying to correct my Rx. It was a lot of coddling on my part.
I was concerned about getting the Rx. completely right this time as I only had one more chance to get my expensive lenses redone. So naturally I was concerned and asking more questions than usual.
When we finished a quick re-​exam and stepped out of the exam room, I thought I was done. But then I noticed one potential discrepancy on the Rx and asked Dr Lai’s staff if they could get her to come out of her office and answer this last question about the «pupillary distance» recorded. The staff was not friendly with me and reluctantly went to get her, communicating to her in Vietnamese (so I can’t tell you what they said). Based on their faces, I immediately knew I was a «problem patient.» LOL
Dr. Lai «graciously» came out this time and addressed my simple question. But she seemed exasperated and quick with me (behind the smiles and «customer service» approach). I couldn’t help but wonder if I was fitting some «patient profile» (they do exist).
To deal with an undercurrent of drama like this is not my idea of a good patient-​doctor relationship. Dr. Lai seems very capable for providing basic eye care needs, but if you need a professional who is sophisticated in understanding the importance of a true doctor-​patient PARTNERSHIP, then probably go elsewhere.
I did get Dr. Lai to change my Rx, and I have NOT had any problems with eye strain since.

I’ve been coming here since I was in 4^th grade (I’m a third year in college now). Dr. Thao Ha is really professional and friendly! I’ve been to a few other optometrist, but always end up coming back here. She is by far the cheapest for an eye exam. Possibly since I’ve been a customer for so long? Her equipment is up to date, and she keeps the place really clean compared to other places I have been.
I like to pay for my eye exams, and then buy my contacts & glasses online. She never pushes me to buy glasses or contacts from her, and is still friendly regardless. A lot of places I have been with my boyfriend and friends will always push you to purchase from them. If you don’t they are like vultures trying to get you to purchase from them.
If you’re looking for a professional and friendly place to get some eye care, come here. You will not regret it. Her staff is always extremely nice too.

The optometrist is friendly and nice! I was in and out in just under 30 minutes. She has a wide selection of frames and sunglasses to choose from. I’ve been going here for many years now and haven’t had a problem yet. Her prices may be a bit on high side but you can use the prescription and purchase your contact lens or glasses elsewhere if you desire.