Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute

My husband and I both had Lasik this week with Dr. Michael Gordon. My issue was reading (I am over 50) and I was wearing bifolals and occasionally contacts. It is the day after my surgery and I can see my phone and computer without glasses. I only needed one eye done to achieve these great results. I honestly I thought that I would be in glasses forever, like my parents were. I am so happy.
My husband had a stigmatism and had distance problems. He only needed one eye done as well. He has had the same positive results and we are told that it will only get better in the next few weeks.
Dr. Michael Gordon was professional, an expert, friendly, and considerate. The entire staff was top notch. We feel lucky that we chose this practice. Do not hesitate. I wish that I had done it when I started to need glasses all the time.

I’ve had a few months to calm down after the horrific experience I had with Dr. Michael Gordon, but since I am STILL receiving referral cards in the mail for me to throw in the trash, I’m forced to write this.
My experience was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I was only given 5mg of Valium roughly FIVE MINUTES before walking in to get my eyes cut open with lasers. FIVE. MINUTES. No one asked me if the drugs were working. No one asked me if I was comfortable or scared. Any other LASIK procedure begins with Xanax and at least 30 minutes for the patient to feel the effects, and if they aren’t comfortable, more is administered. My biggest fear is something happening to my eyes. 5mg of Valium going up against the amount of adrenaline pumping through my veins did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and they didn’t care for a second.
He did, however, after complaining that I kept clenching my eye closed (gee…I wonder why… maybe I’m terrified because I basically just walked off the street into eye surgery!!!), I mentioned that I only had 5mg of Valium 5 minutes ago and he had the AUDACITY to say, «They always want more drugs.» Are you kidding me?! I am NOT some pill seeking patient. I was terrified and was told I would be given medicine to help with that and I wasn’t given a proper amount. And then to take a picture with me when I got up? You, sir, are an asshole. Please don’t pardon my language. It’s appropriate.
Then, I was given 3 Vicodin for the after care and told to sleep so I didn’t experience any pain. I took ALL of them because I knew I needed help in any way to be knocked out. Why would you administer pain medication if you want the patient to sleep to AVOID pain? You should obviously be giving Xanax or something of the like to put the person to sleep when they get home. That’s what every other LASIK doctor does and that’s why everyone else doesn’t have the LASIK surgery from hell that I experienced. Needless to say, an hour or two later when I was writhing around on the couch in pain, tears streaming down my face, unable to open my eyes because they felt like they were burning in my head… my friend saved me with a small dose of Xanax. I was able to sleep for three hours and woke up pain-​free.
I’ve called. I’ve expressed my anger for being put through this… and I STILL get ‘refer me’ cards and letters? You have some nerve. I am forever thankful that I was referred to the most amazing eye doctor up in Santa Monica for my follow up care, because he couldn’t believe what I was put through, either, and has helped fix the complications that followed. My eyes weren’t healing properly and I had swelling in my eyes that he was able to fix. I will never go into this office ever again, and for the love of all the is good in the world, STOP SENDING ME LETTERS AND REFERRAL CARDS. The world doesn’t need more waste.

Did my LASIK with Dr. Alison Gordon. So so happy with the service and, of course, my new eyes! I was –1.75 on both eyes and was looking for an office with the latest laser technology that had a warm and kind staff — found it!
Warranty lasts two years and a handful of check ups to go along with it to make sure you’re doing great.
Recommend to anyone with any eye issues, you will be taken care of with the utmost respect and kindness!

Having eye surgery is life changing!
Yay I’m the 100^th review! :)
Having eye surgery was something I didn’t consider until about a month or two ago when my contacts decided to work against me. My left eye contact wouldn’t stay put and it kept riding up above my pupil causing discomfort and blurry vision. My glasses, although they were cute, tended to fog up whenever my face warmed up, albeit from blushing, walking and/​or working out. I have worn glasses since the 7^th grade and contacts since freshman year of college. I’ve always resorted to glasses and deprived myself of certain activities due to the fact that my eyes could only handle contacts for a few hours before it starts getting irritated. I don’t know why I never considered having eye surgery. Maybe it was my lack of knowledge, my fear of someone doing something crazy to a thing as precious as my eyes, or maybe fear of let down of the prices because I assumed it would cost an arm and a leg.
Anyway I’m glad that I finally got «sick of wearing glasses and contacts» that I decided to book four consultations with hopes of finding a company and surgeon I could trust while the price being right. I went to La Jolla LASIK Institute, Motwani LASIK Institute, Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute and NVISION Eye Centers. They all had very good reviews on Unilocal.They all were friendly for the most part, and they differed in price range by about 1K.
The best consultation I experienced from start to finish was at Gordon Schanzlin. From when I initially sent in my information online, to when I walked in their doors, I was greeted by friendly staff, offered snacks/​coffee as I waited, got my parking validated, and given paperwork to fill out as I waited to be seen. A younger lady technician helped check my eyes to prepare it for my consultation with Dr. Gordon and she was so friendly. She explained to me what each machine did, that being something that other places didn’t do. Then I was helped by an older lady technician who was also in the room when Dr. Gordon came to see me. She was so sweet, and I felt like she was genuinely happy working there. Dr. Gordon, when he came in, was so gentle, approachable, professional, and kind. It matters to me that my eyes are going to be handled by someone I trust and who I feel cares about me as a person and not just as a customer. I felt that Dr. Gordon displayed those qualities and so much more! He didn’t make me feel stupid with all my questions, he didn’t rush me, he took the time to be with me and assure me of my concerns. Did I mention that he is handsome like Richard Gere? Hahaha!
The next best person I met was Jaimie Quenga, the Patient Care Coordinator! She was ahhhh-​mazing and I cannot rave enough about her! I felt like she loved her job and it definitely was a reflection of her as a care coordinator. She did an excellent job of explaining why Dr. Gordon is the best, the latest lasers/​tools/​gadgets their company has to offer, and how liberating eye surgery can be (she had prk years back). Jaimie felt like an old friend and I trusted her genuineness. I felt like I could call or email her if I had any questions and I wouldn’t feel like a burden. She even recommended great BBQ places here in San Diego for me to try :)
All in all everyone at Gordon Schanzlin was soooo great! Even on my surgery day to the follow up appointment I felt cared for and important. Surgery went better than I thought. I was so nervous and scared because I had never had any kind of surgery before but they gave me a teddy bear to told and I was soothed by Dr. Gordon’s voice as he’s known to sing when he performs surgery. I knew I was in good hands! The process didn’t take very long and it didn’t hurt at all. I went home that day, rested, and the next day could see! The only discomfort during the recovery time (which didn’t last very long) was that my eyes felt like they were strained, obviously because they were stressed from the surgery, but they weren’t painful.
My follow up appointment I was seeing ²⁰⁄₁₅! I know that my eyes are continuing to heal but as each day goes on I am in awe of how technology can accomplish things like this! I am grateful to Dr. Gordon for taking care of my eyes, to Jaimie & the rest of the staff at Gordon Schanzlin for helping me through this process. This truly is life changing! I can’t stop smiling and I wake up every day amazed that I can see without glasses or contacts!
If you’re questioning eye surgery, just take the first step in seeing if you’re a good candidate! If you are, it’s an investment that you’ll never regret. If you decide to do it, CHOOSE Dr. Michael Gordon at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute! :)

I was referred to this place by my optometrist who claimed that they were the best. I gave them a call for a free consultation and within a day, they have persuaded me that they should be the ones I will go to. I managed to find parking on the streets both times so I avoided the parking structure. The office is well organized and they explained everything to me along the way.
The procedure was quick and painless. and I felt confident throughout the entire procedure. The time before the procedure was explained thoroughly well and I had no questions about what to expect and what to do next. They also set up a followup appointment the next day to make sure that everything went well.
Price wise, some may feel like this place is pricey but honestly, their reputation is as good as it gets. Just do your research! They have turned down potential patients because it is too risky for them. This is an investment for a long time and I’m glad I went here for my lasik.

This team and office is the most organized, friendly and efficient staff. They’ve got their system down so you know exactly what to expect. Everyone was helpful and warm; incredible customer service. AND, my lasik procedure went smooth and quick.
Best two decisions I made — getting lasik (WOW!) and getting it done by Dr. Schanzlin and team!

This entire office is amazing, from staff to technical equipment and more importantly experienced Drs who are at the top of their fields. I have Keratoconus and Dr Geffen has been incredible at handling my tough contact lens fitting for 10 years now. He has great presence, listens and most importantly effective, fair and honest too.
Dr Shanzlin is the Ob1 Kanobe (Star Wars reference) of Corneas, and matches all quality of Dr Geffen.
This office has the ability to quickly and professionally handle all eye care issues —especially Cones patients.
Of all services I’ve experienced, medical care and outside of that, they set the bar at the top. Do yourself a favor and use their services, you won’t regret it at all!!!

Dr. Schanzlin and Dr. Bavand, Dr. De Castro and Dr. McMurren ARE AMAZING! This office has OUTSTANDING Doctors and service. They are very professional, friendly and all the staff members give top notch attention to details. This office makes you feel welcomed, treats you with the best customer service and their Surgery Center is Outstanding as well!
I want to give a special «Thank You» to the patient care coordinator, Jamie Quenga she is amazing! Jamie really knows her information, she is very professional and really cares!!!
Also thank you to Amanda and Kelly.

Gordon-​Weiss-​Schanzlin Vision Institute
Located in La Jolla, CA in San Diego County Is the most well organized company that you will ever find. They have the best quality of service, they are very professional and very friendly. Everyone who works here really makes you feel welcomed and treats you with the best customer service like no other company ever will.
I would have to say At this Vision Institute there patient Care Coordinator — Jamie Quenga, is very outstanding. She really knows her information and is very professional.
I got my lasik surgery done by Michael Gordon, MD on June 24,2015. He truly is one of the best when it comes to lasik surgery. For having many years of experience under his belt, he truly knows his profession. He makes you feel at ease and makes you feel secure in knowing that you are in great hands and well taken cared of. All Though there are other doctors at this facility, Hes is truly one of the best that i would highly recommend.
I had my surgery on June 24,2015. I’ve had nothing but outstanding results ever. It feels wonderful knowing that i do not have to put on my glasses just to be able to see at day or night. It Brings me to tears knowing that when i can wake up every morning that i can see the world so clearly of how it is meant to be seen. No more headaches or straining. I’m so grateful that I have gotten this opportunity that most others cant have and i’m very thankful
In Conclusion, I would highly recommend — Gordon– Weiss Schanzlin Vision Institute
Jeremiah — Oceanside, CA

I’ve been considering getting LASIK for years and finally decided now was the time do it. I researched different centers in the area and planned on going for a consultation at 3. My optometrist and a colleague both recommended Dr. Schanzlin so I scheduled the consultation with them first for a Tuesday.
From the moment I walked in I was impressed not just by their professionalism but the friendliness of the staff. They put me at ease and were very detailed in explaining the different tests and what the results for each meant. I then met Dr. Schanzlin who reviewed everything again and answered my questions. I left the office without scheduling an appointment for surgery but knowing that this is the place I wanted to go.
I reviewed the paperwork with post op appointment schedules and restrictions and compared it with my schedule for work and upcoming travel and quickly realized I could go on Friday (3 days later) or wait until the end of August — Friday it was! I emailed with Jamie to see if they still had time on Friday, they did and she called in the prescription for my eye drops I would need to use starting the day before surgery.
When I arrived on Friday I was more anxious than nervous and once again the staff was great at reassuring me. The surgery took what seemed like no more than 10 mins and the entire visit took about 45 mins.
Saturday morning I went for my first post op visit and my vision was already at ²⁰⁄₁₅. I’ve worn glasses or contacts since elementary school and have no idea why I waited so long to do this! Also the flowers and card they give you really do make you feel like they care.
My eyes have been a little more dry than usual but that was expected and they gave me eye drops to use to keep them moisturized. Other than the dry eyes I’ve had no real negative issues or complications.
It has been 3 days since my surgery and I would recommend Dr. Schanzlin to anyone that is interested or considering getting LASIK. Gordon, Weiss, Schanzlin may not have as many Unilocal reviews as some other places but they are truly a first rate organization!

I just had LASIK done by Dr. Schanzlin. The entire experience was super quick, professional, and amazing. The staff made me feel really comfortable and Dr. Schanzlin answered all my questions. The morning after my surgery I was able to see ²⁰⁄₁₅! I only had minor discomfort the day of the surgery, but it wasnt anything unbearable. I would recommend Dr. Schanzlin to anyone who wants the very best LASIK surgical outcomes. Just a note, they are very military friendly, so if you are a servicemember, ask them about the discount, its significant!

Highly recommended for their quality of service, professionalism, friendliness, and high-​touch communications.
I came here based on a recommendation from my sister and I’m glad I finally made the plunge to get LASIK performed to correct my myopia. From the consultation, to the check-​ins, to the procedure and follow-​ups, they really go the extra mile to ensure you walk away satisfied and informed.
The procedure itself was straight-​forward and exactly what I expected it to be based on conversations I’ve had with friends/​family who have had the LASIK procedure performed on them and as described in the literature provided to me during the initial consultation.
They did an excellent job communicating pre and post-​op instructions that I walked away knowing exactly what I had to do to take care of my «new» eyes.
Overall, great experience and I look forward to recommending their services to my family and friends in the future.

From the minute I walked into Dr. Michael Gordon’s office, I felt comfortable.
Everyone was kind and efficient.
Thank you so very much for explaining everything perfectly so there were no surprises.
It is only the next day, and my vision is already fabulous! Excellent work!
Ingrid Croce

Read this before you risk your precious eyes!
I went here when it was still Gordon, Binder, Weiss back in 2008. I had done research for almost a year before deciding on a practice. Should have done more. ²⁰⁄₂₀ hind sight, right? If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone Shiley, but alas… Where do I start?
So they don’t tell me that if I drink a lot of water before the procedure the burning will be much less the next day. The nurse told me a week later. Lesson hard-​learned.
During the procedure my eye darts in another direction for a fraction of a second and I’m worried about it and express it, numerous times, to Dr. Gordon, who refuses to give me a real answer the first two times I talk to him about it. Finally he gives me some rehearsed jive about the machine’s inability to make a mistake. This would not have bothered me so much except that 7 years later I have more floaters in my eyes than an eighty year old, a severe dry-​eye issue and extreme sensitivity to light. I can no longer drive at night. All of this was not a problem before the procedure and began almost immediately afterwards, but Dr. Gordon blew me off with his lame excuses and arrogant «Dr. attitude». I scoffed at those dry-​eye commercials because I didn’t think it was a real problem. Never Again!
I asked them if I would lose my ability to see things very close up and was never really given a real answer until one day before the operation. If I backed out then I would lose a good chunk of money so I had to make the hard decision. I now have to wear reading glasses where once I could read the smallest of type. «Fine,» I thought at the time, «It’s big, but let it go.» Then I find out months later that that situation is not only avoidable but is included in the procedures performed only a month after I had mine done. Cheated. I still feel cheated.
Finally he stopped scheduling re-​checks for me because he didn’t want to deal with me any more. Perhaps he thought I might be a problem for him legally. Perhaps he thought he might have to put out a bit more effort for the thousands of dollars I forked out for a 15 minute procedure. It’s hard to pin point what his particular problem was.
His staff acted strange and superior towards me. They succeeded in making me feel as though I was being problematic and clingy. These are my eyes, people. I only have the one pair! At first I thought I was imagining it but time and distance has not erased the suspicious looks, the awkward energy and uncomfortable, protracted, pregnant silences from my memory.
I didn’t know any better about this medical procedure and Dr. Gordon took advantage of my obvious ignorance to cover his ass by dealing with me diminutively and dismissively. I’m too shy to push as hard as I obviously had to in order to be treated with the simple common courtesy that should be afforded to someone who used their savings to try and make a dream come true. It has truly turned out to be a nightmare. I was counting on going in there and being treated with respect and care. Stupid me. I guess I got what I deserved for trusting someone like «Dr.» Gordon. Do not trust this man with your eyes! Do Not! I say all these things to fore-​arm you. Don’t let bad people push you around just because you don’t have the degree or training they do. It’s their responsibility to behave ethically, and perhaps kindly, precisely because they possess this knowledge and you do not. Pretending to care can be more hurtful than just plain not caring.
Shame on you, Gordon. Shame on you.

I recently experienced an ulcer in my eye due to my contacts. It was miserable and I swore I would never put another pair of contacts in my eye. A friend referred me to Dr. Gordon. The office is very professional and the staff made me feel comfortable. I was excited to be a candidate for Lasik and scheduled it for the following week. I had my procedure last Thursday and by Friday I had ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision! It’s so nice to not fool with glasses and contacts and be able to see perfectly. So happy I made this choice and I highly recommend Dr. Gordon!

It’s easy to find lists of Lasik Surgery places on google/​yelp with discounts and groupons, but not many places will provide you with amazing care and outcome as Gordon Weiss Schanzlin Institute will.
I had –7.25 vision w/​astigmatism in both eyes along with slightly Dry Eyes.
Dr. Brittany McMurren did my pre-​op exam and she was very thorough, precise, and knowledgeable. I met my surgeon, Dr. Alison Gordon right after and she explained all my options and any concerns I had. She’s super friendly and knowledgeable of the procedure, which made me feel more at ease. :)
I had a fairly busy schedule, but Jaimie (patient care coordinator) and Dr. Gordon were able to squeeze me in an evening appointment. (very thankful for the accommodation)
My surgery was last Friday. The procedure took about 30 minutes. Dr. Gordon talked me through every step as she was operating. I barely felt any pain. They use the latest technology that will beat the outcome of side effects. I went home and slept as instructed and woke up the next morning for my post-​op and could see better than when I had my glasses.
I highly recommend Gordon Weiss Schanzlin Vision Institute if you are thinking about getting Lasik. This place is slightly on the higher end of the price scale, but you get what you paid for. I opted to pay more and I received the best.
Thank you Dr. Gordon and Dr. McMurren!!!

Being VERY near sighted and having worn gas permeable lenses since I was 10, I have thought about LASIK for decades (I’m in my 30’s). I decided, after feeling very blind while on vacation, that it was time to seriously look into it.
I visited three well known area physicians (which I recommend everyone do! You have to feel comfortable with who you choose and gather as much information as you can when we are talking about your eyes!!!) and have this advice:
1) Don’t just go for bells and whistles: The first doctor I saw provided incredible customer service and took the most time with me directly, but had not completed nearly as many surgeries on my range of blindness (−7.5÷−8) and was honest in sharing his concerns about how I’d end up post surgery (I really appreciated his honesty).. .
2) Look at experience and reputation: Dr. Gordon was the second consultation I went to. He definitely had the most experience and a reputation that cannot be beat. Don’t let the fact that he isn’t all over social media deter you.. .
3) Look for quality over quantity: the third office I visited I had originally found from a Groupon for regular eye exam a couple of summers ago and had used for contact exams since.. . They are ALL OVER internet and radio.. . in that office I never saw the same doctor twice, they did not perform any tests or measures, but simply looked at my record from my last visit a year ago and said I’d be good to go. I would have been able to book my surgery without ever meeting the one doctor whose name is on all of the advertising! No chance to ask my questions about my needs there! My eyes are not something I want a «deal» on.
I had my surgery done December 18, 2014 and waited to write my review so it could be all encompassing. Gordon-​Weiss-​Schanzlin is the best– experience, expertise, and great customer care at an affordable price. All of their staff have treated me professionally. Visits have been prompt. I feel I could get any of my questions or concerns answered and I really appreciated how Jamie worked with me at the start to make it comfortable and affordable. There was pretty much zero downtime, I have no real side effects (don’t LOVE lights at night but also don’t have dry eyes and have ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision still three months out), and I am glad I chose GWS! They will walk you through everything to expect and you will be so glad you did it!

Writing this review as I wait for an appointment that was supposed to start about 35 minutes ago. It’s bad enough that the parking situation in this building sucks, but then having to wait and waste time during the workday adds insult to injury. I like the eye doctor just fine, but the office needs to get its crap together.
Update: Had to wait almost a full hour for an appointment that lasted approximately 5 minutes, and had to pay for parking. So annoying!

The day I witnessed my son’s Lasik procedure, all my past concerns went out the door and I too got excited to have my eyes done. Now just 6 days post procedure, my vision is back to when I was in my 20’s and 30’s.
My overall experience has been very satisfactory, special thanks to the talented Dr Michael Gordon and his staff, especially Elizabeth and Jaimie.
Gordon-​Weiss-​Schanzlin Vision Institute is the première vision center and I would endorse them over and over again.

I had my laser eye surgery with Dr. Schanzlin.
Dr. Hom my Ophthamologist recommended Dr. Schanzlin because he is one of the best laser surgeons.
I scheduled my consultation last month. This is where they do all the baseline measurements. I was out of my contacts for about 5 days before my consultation. My prescription is –5.5 in my right eye, and –3.5 in my left eye with a mild stigmatism. Patricia and Julio did my baseline measurements and answered all my questions regarding what each eye test was measuring. I’m naturally very curious! They are both really great to work with. Dr. Schanzlin came in to look over the tests, check my eyes, and go over the recommended procedure.
He is very pleasant and made me feel very comfortable. After my consultation with Dr. Schanzlin. Jaimie their patient coordinator went over pricing and answered all my post surgery questions. She is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, so she is extremely knowledgeable regarding each laser procedure and was patient in explaining the types of lasers and what was best for me.
To be completely honest, I scheduled a consultation with clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center. I believe it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion. Dr. Sandy T Feldman was nice. In the end I chose Dr. Schanzlin because I felt more comfortable with his expertise and the Allegretto Wavefront Laser they use. I had a feeling I would get the BEST result with Dr. Schanzlin.
I called Jaimie and scheduled my surgery with Dr. Schanzlin, and chose to do the PRK surgery. Jaimie went above and beyond to make sure I received a manufacturer coupon that helped with the cost of the eye drops, which was very nice. (I paid out of pocket so every little bit of savings helps :) Gordon Weiss Schanzlin is not the cheapest place in San Diego, which is good because You get you what you Pay For. I love to save money, but my eyes are something I really want the best eye surgeon for. I’m a full time professional photographer and part time personal trainer and seeing well is very important.
My surgery date was on Friday and the staff was wonderful. Patricia put me at ease by answering all my questions (yet again) and Julio gave me a little teddy bear to hold. What I most appreciated is Dr. Schanzlin tells you exactly what he is going to do before he does it, and walks you through the entire surgery in a easy and painless way. The PRK surgery took a few minutes on each eye, and I was done. They gave me some eye shields to wear and a pair or black sunglasses. It kinda reminded me of the Men In Black sun glasses Will Smith wears :)
I’m 4 days Post surgery today, and so far my recovery has been great. My eyes are still adjusting as PRK takes several weeks and months to really see the final result. Expect to do nothing for 3 – 4 days following your surgery. I downloaded some great audio books and I prepped some delicious meals. Your epithelium layer of your eye needs to heal itself following your surgery so you should not be doing any TV watching or excessive computer work.
I saw Patricia and Dr. Schanzlin today and they said my eyes are still healing and it should only get better from here. I will update my review in a few months.
I feel confident in my decision to have my eye surgery here, and the staff has been extremely knowledgeable, caring, and nothing short of AMAZING. I had a wonderful experience here, and I’m looking forward to my vision getting better each day.