Eye Care of San Diego

Just be aware that this place seems to triple-​book its doctors. I arrived at 6:55 for the first appointment of the day at 7 and still didn’t get in until 7:30. (Two folks were signed in ahead of me for the same time slot and doctor.)
Very annoying as a patient to be prompt first thing and still have to wait 30 minutes.

recently had an eye emergency and was seen within 40 minutes (as soon as I could drive there), which makes me feel incredibly good that the office was so VERY accommodating. I was seen by a new doctor to the office, Dr. Christiana Vasile and she was amazingly thorough in her exam. I have a complicated eye case and have been to many, many eye doctors in my lifetime. .. trust me that she is excellent in her work of taking care of your eyes.
This really is an excellent facility and if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t continue to go there. I’m thankful for all of the excellent doctors and staff here.

This was my first visit here and will be my last. My Doctor was very nice and competent and I would see her again if she worked somewhere else. But the staff was so rude and ineffectual that I will never go back. There was one nazi back there who yelled at me for looking for my papers (which I thought had been moved since no one was helping me). I would suggest employment as a prison guard for a future vocation. They clearly want to get rid of you as quickly as possible. I was told my insurance only covered the exam and not the glasses, so go somewhere else to get it filled. Well, I knew that and had planned on paying for them myself, but I guess they just wanted to move everyone in and out of there as quickly as possible. I’d rather just pay out of my own pocket and go somewhere with a courteous staff.

Cannot say enough good things about Dr. Morton & his staff! They are always extremely helpful and very flexible in meeting my eye care needs! On-​site parking is great and appointments are kept on time and promptly served.

San Diego Eye Care provides excellent care in a nice setting. A staff member stayed after hours on a Friday night after thete were complications from cataract surgery. Very caring and patient. Definitely went above and beyond. Great selection of glasses frames also.

The professionals at Eye Care of San Diego must be taking notice of these reviews. Why may you ask? Because my experiences at this practice in the past month were completely satisfying.
I was seen by Dr. Nickolet Boermans O.D. for my eye exam. I expressed a desire to alter the lasik surgery I had done many years prior. She concluded the exam and then scheduled a subsequent appointment with Dr. John Bokosky. She was very pleasant thorough.
Dr. Bokosky told me that he could make improvements, but in his experience, I might find that trying the vision change utilizing a wearable contact prior to surgery could alter my decision. Obviously, he was more interested in my satisfaction than making his fortune! He then arranged an appointment for me with Charlie Krajewski, their vision coordinator.
Charlie placed the contact over my cornea, and asked that I return in a few days. He was incredible nice!
I returned again, and Dr. Boermans replaced the contact with another more to my vision preference. She sent me to the optical department.
Renee in the optical department spent a good 25 minutes explaining the care of my contact, as well as sitting with me while I learned to correctly insert and remove the lens. She was so patient!
A few days later, I ordered my supply, and it arrived within 2 days.
I did not wait past my scheduled appointment times, parking was plentiful.

This is one scary place. Unprofessional staff, ignoring patients while socializing. I was doing an eye test with an assistant in a closed exam room, and a staff worker came in just to deliver office supplies. The doctor seemed nice (Thomas), but the overall experience was below par. Run, don’t walk.

Not impressed with them and bought glasses elsewhere!

First, I have to say Dr. Morton has taken good care of the few eye issues I’ve had. The major one being Basal Cell skin cancer in my lower left eye lid. A Dermatologist did the cancer removal surgery, and the next day Dr. Morton did the reconstruction. The downside to this procedure was the possibility of a skin graft in the reconstruction phase, resulting in the eye being sewn shut for 3 – 4 weeks… something I was not looking forward to. Fortunately Dr. Morton worked his magic, he was able to do the reconstruction without a skin graft… I was one happy man when he was done!
Understand, this was the 5^th skin cancer surgery (the others were on my nose and did require skin graft surgery) in 4 months. By this time I was numb and not looking forward to another series of surgeries with pre and post op visits. However Dr. Morton’s office staff are excellent, they made me laugh, they understood I’d been through a lot and made me feel right at home… trust me this makes a huge difference. Not all offices are like this…
Bottom line I’m grateful, Dr. Morton did a good job and my eye was not sewn shut… I love his staff, they ROCK!
I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Morton and Eye Care, they’ve always taken good care of me…

I received a letter today advising me that I missed my December 31, 2014 appointment and a $ 50 no show fee was charged. I called and was told that the appointment was booked December 31, 2013. I’m like, if I did book it even though it’s not appearing on my calendar, wouldn’t you follow up with me? Oh yes, our automated system calls you. My response-​no one from your office called me. Why not send me a text or email reminding me? No response. I was told that the $ 50 waive would be waived just this time as a courtesy. I said if your office was really concerned that I showed up for my appointment, there would have been some type of contact prior to the appointment and clearly you are out to make money. Waive or not, I not paying the $ 50 no show fee. I was asked if I wanted to reschedule only to be put on hold for several minutes. I gave up and hung up. I’ll go elsewhere.
This isn’t rocket science running office. They need serious help! Stay away!

I was referred to this doctor to have my lip filler dissolved. He has no bedside manner, was very cold and uncaring. I had to ask for some numbing cream but he thought it would be useful to tell me half way through injecting me that the numbing cream is only topical and wouldn’t really do anything to help with the pain of injecting this solution. This guy does NOT have a soft touch. I cried in agony the whole time and he just could not care less. In fact it kind of seemed like he was enjoying it in a creepy way. If you have to go to Dr Morton because you have no other choice as was the case with me then I’m sorry for you. But if you have a choice, then do yourself a favor and choose another doctor. Good luck!

So in short, I went to Dr. Thomas and he seems fine, however in the end, their staff and the process was really terrible. Watch your wallet!!!
Basically, I went in August for an issue with a flake that was stuck in my eye. They removed the flake and said there was no damage to my eye. Then Dr. Thomas asked me when the last time was that I had an annual eye exam, to which I replied that it had been a few years. I said I wasn’t sure of my schedule and would just call in to make an appointment later, however he suggested that I should just try to make one while I was there to get it out of the way. So I made an appointment for an ANNUAL exam a month later.
I went in for my annual and waited about 45 minutes to be seen (which seems to be normal, looking at the other reviews). Dr. Thomas did a routine annual and, at the end, briefly mentioned that everything looked good and that I didn’t need an updated prescription.
Then I get my bill. First off, when I was there the first time, I gave them both my vision and medical insurance information. I saw I was billed for my annual and then saw that it was billed to my medical. A mix up, right? Nope. I call in to attempt to rectify the situation, and all they kept saying to me, like I was dumb, was «Well you came in for a follow up. That’s what your chart says. Your chart says that you came in for a follow up». So I spoke to someone else, who I can assume is a supervisor, who tries to explain to me what my vision insurance is for (annuals, not medical issues), like I’m a moron. Yes, Janette, I realize that my vision insurance won’t cover medical issues, that’s why I’m calling to ask why you billed my annual as a medical follow up to my medical insurance. She informed me that they didn’t even have my vision insurance on file. So either they lost it or never entered it in the first place, which I’m willing to bet is a ‘never entered it’ in this situation.
I would expect that they would attempt to address the situation by asking for my vision so they could confirm that they didn’t put it in someone else’s file, or at least tell me they will check with the Dr. to confirm that it was an annual, but no such luck. Instead I get a «I can see why you’re upset. You haven’t met your deductible yet so you have to pay for this and that’s why you’re upset». No, I’m upset because you didn’t do your job the right way and now refuse to fix it.
In the end, I feel like it was all a really shady situation. They had me make an appointment for an ANNUAL exam at the time of a superficial issue AFTER saying I didn’t need a follow up and then billed it as a follow up that I am finally responsible for and that they would benefit from.
So, like I said, watch your wallets. And don’t expect any help in resolving issues here. They have a LOT of patients and they don’t actually care about customer service, so just keep that in mind.

I couldn’t agree more with most of these comments. Parking I can deal with and they even accommodate you with a parking pass. However, the two times I have gone I have waited for my appointment time for over an hour. The office staff is terrible. I waited to provide my new insurance while the receptionist chatted on the phone about her evening plans. They lack customer service and professionalism.
On top of that, they continually mix up my chart with another patient because we have the same name. I would the validation would be a little more thorough.
I like my doctor, but feel there must be a better experience at a different office.

I was recommended Eye care of San Diego by my primary physician because I was having on-​going eye inflammation in both eyes for the past month. It was healing but I wanted to make sure the bacteria was gone so I could finally wear contacts again.
Prior to my appointment, I had seen my primary physician two weeks before and he was sure it was minor conjunctivitis. So I made note of that in my patient symptom notes.
My appointment was at the Mission Hills office, which was the only one that had an appointment available even though I’m from La Jolla. The office staff was decent, and so was the man who saw me to check my eyes before the doctor was to see me. Finally when the doctor was ready, he came in with another woman, and immediately started to question me. No introduction at all (I still don’t know what my doctors name was).
He questioned the fact that I had wrote conjunctivitis and asked if I had a background in the medial field, asking what it means to me. The way he asked me questions was as if to make me feel incompetent and unqualified to make such suggestions about my health. He did not approach it as a doctor who meant well, he literally made me feel targeted. A few of his questions kept the same theme and within 5 minutes of talking with him, I hated being there.
It had been awhile since I had seen an ophthalmologist, and never have I felt so uncomfortable. He didn’t reassure me with the procedure he was doing, so I was completely overwhelmed and confused as they put eye drops in my eyes and strips to check for dryness. The woman that was with him finally was friendly and comforted me with the procedure, but only once he had left.
I had to close my eyes, while the drops and strips settled in for about 5 minutes. I felt uncomfortable as I could hear walking and talking around me as if the door was open.
Finally once the doctor came back in, he said he would prescribe me on antibiotic eye drops, cause guess what, conjunctivitis. He wouldn’t even say what was the issue. He even made my visit worse when he asked if I had any questions. He ended it pretty much with «well I’m the doctor, and you are here so I can treat you, but I can only do that with medicine» in a condescending tone. Why the hell did you think I came here?!
Honestly, my appointment was at 7:30am, and yes he ruined my morning. Not once did I feel like I was treated well as a patient by that doctor. Because of him, I give this place (Mission Hills office) ¹⁄₅ stars, despite some of the nice staff.
I don’t care what degree you have, or if it’s your practice, no one has the right to be so cold and condescending to their patients. I never want to come here again.
My next appointment will be at the la Jolla office, hopefully he won’t be there.

I have been a patient of this office in the past (mid 1990s) and a steady patient since 2009, when Dr. Bokosky performed cataract surgery on both eyes (about a month apart). Dr B was cheerful, VERY professional, and did a great job of the surgeries.
Dr. Taunton has also been very professional in all of our dealings. I would have no qualms about recommending either of these doctors to my friends and family, as their care has been exceptional.
Parking here is dicey — the lot is VERY small, and oddly laid out, and it’s Hillcrest, so street parking relies on luck and a LOT of very wishful thinking, and a possible hike of several blocks.
The office is VERY busy, so there is often a wait.
I have, in the past, had issues with some of the admin staff being rude — either to me, or other patients — but that seems to have changed for the better in the last couple of years.

This was a text book example of abysmal patient care. I suffered an eye injury and was being «treated» by Dr Asa Morton and the staff at Eye Care of San Diego. My condition deteriorated and Dr. Morton was unable to arrange an appointment for WEEKS. I arrived promptly for my 8:00 am appointment, to the apparent chagrin of the receptionist who couldn’t even put down her cell phone to acknowledge me. The staff telegraphed their attitude at every moment: I was lucky (and undeserving) to be seen by them (in spite of my high-​end health insurance). After the routine check-​in, I was subjected to what can only be described as mug-​shots (head looking forward, up and down) for an internal eye injury that occurred months ago. Then I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes… nothing. At 30 minutes, my time and patience were exhausted. I was putting on my jacket to leave when a staff member came in and didn’t even acknowledge that I was leaving. I had to get her attention to explain that my appointment time was 30 minutes ago (the first of the day), and that I was leaving. The response: incredulity. I made my way back to the receptionist, who by this time had put down her cell phone. I told her that I had waited for 30 minutes and that I was leaving. She helpfully explained that Dr. Morton had just strolled in at 8:20 am — and asked if I wanted to wait another 5 or 10 minutes for him. As tempting as that offer was, I felt it was in my best interest to find a surgeon who actually sees me as human being in need of his care before I consider letting him take a scalpel to my eyes. I guess I’m just odd that way.
If you like being treated as a nuisance by your doctor and his staff, this is the place for you! However, if you like to have some confidence that your doctor sees you as a human being in need of his care, avoid this man and this practice at all costs!!!
David Baka
San Diego, CA

My dad came here for about 2 years. I took him to a few appointments and the last one was horrible. My mom had always gone with us, and this was the first time she didn’t. My dad is 87 and he forgot to bring his meds. The doctor started yelling at me about how important it was and how often they remind their patients. I tried explaining that I didn’t live with my parents… didn’t work. It was humiliating being yelled at like a 2-​year-​old. My mom says they have cancelled the last 3 appointments. She feels they get treated differently because of medical. So sad!!!

This practice values $$ above patient well-​being
My experience was similar to that DC experienced in 2011. Although the practice pledged to correct problems at the front desk there has been no improvement. I have been a patient here for several years. Care 1^st, my medicare provider added a new benefit: eye exams thu VSP insurance. I called for an appointment and provide all insurance information required. When I arrived, the receptionist informed me that I did not have coverage and that I would be required to pay $ 50 out of pocket. I asked her to phone my insurance. She said, «that’s not my job.» The office manager also refused to check with my insurance. VSP and Care 1^st each verified that I had full coverage for eye exams and each phoned the practice and each requested that they honor my coverage. I expected to receive some sort of response from Eye Care of San Diego. It has been 3 months since that visit and I have heard nothing.
Two days after my visit to Eye Care of San Diego, I was fortunate to get an eye exam with another optometrist. He who found a medical problem and forwarded his finding to Eye Care of San Diego.
Apparently no one at Eye Care of San Diego is interested in my well-​being since, to date, I’ve received no response from the practice re my visual problem. My general physician has offered a referral to another practice

Bad parking? I can deal with that. It seems so many medical offices have bad parking really or force you into using those rip off Ace Parking lots.
Great M.D., Marcelline Ciuffreda. Amazing person, great bedside manner, very informative.
But the admin staff/​management are MORONS. I’ve called multiple times and dealt with an answering service they’ve apparently hired which only takes messages and nothing else (direct quote mind you). So then I leave my contact info and advise to the person I’m talking to that it’s been a little over a year since I was there. I did NOT get a yearly card in the mail reminding me of an appt like EVERY-​OTHER-​OPTOMITRIST I’ve ever had in my life has done. So I ask, does M Ciuffreda still work there? They’re response was: «I’m not sure, I don’t see her name, maybe she’s new…» After I just told the person I saw her a year ago at that facility.
I’ve yet to get a call back. I have no idea if Ciuffreda works there any longer. This admin staff just plain suck at following up, reminders, anything that takes just a little bit of brains to handle.
I’m being harsh, but it’s how I feel. I want to go there, I want to give them my money, I WANT to see my MD, but they seemingly are doing everything in their power to keep me away as a customer.
Sorry kids, avoid this place like the plague. They may have good doctors, but you have to get through a sea of crappy admins to even make an appointment, IF you can even get that far. They just lost me as a client.

I’ve been under Dr. Choplin’s care for six years, and he’s been very good although the embolism and subsequent glaucoma in my right eye made me blind in that eye. I don’t fault him.
But the office staff is USELESS! He had diagnosed a cataract in my good eye and every attempt I made to schedule surgery to have it removed WAS IGNORED. After seeking out very competent treatment elsewhere and scheduled I got a call asking to schedule my surgery from ECOSD. Useless.
I was to have a follow-​up with ECOSD on my useless eye due to pressure issues and called, leaving a cancellation message on their office phone (no one ever answers) well in advance of the 24-​hour rule. I just got a notice I missed «my» appointment and they’ll bill me $ 25. So I’m writing them back…