Optometric Express

I had an awful experience there. I give it two stars for the poodle that calmly laid there the entire time. The only person to say «hello» was the receptionist. Nobody else introduced themselves. When I finally met Dr. Ratner, I had to assume it was him as no introduction was made and somebody else had my glasses at that point so I couldn’t see a thing. The glasses selection is terrible. A hundred of the same frames with different brands. None of them looked good on me. The two people «helping» me find a pair were more of a hinderence. They had to order the glasses, 10 days later I showed up and they were the wrong glasses. The woman helping me (no introduction) insisted somehow that I did order those glasses and when I requested a refund – she pointed (yes, pointed) to a sign that said «no refunds». I had her reorder the same glasses in a different color (apparently she cannot order different frames, just a new color) and I’m still waiting to get them. Turns out that it’s cheaper and less hassle to not have vision insurance and go to Lens Crafters. I will not be a return client.

I rarely ever see the same eye doctor twice. It’s not because of bad service (there are some exceptions) but because they don’t have any personality and there’s no reason for me to return. Dr. Ratner is really nice and he actually has a personality! The staff is really friendly too.
Now for the really important factor: What brands of frames they have in stock. I wish I could say that when I call optometrists I ask about the doctor, office, procedures, etc, but no — I ask about the brand selection of frames. I initially chose Dr. Ratner’s office based on this factor alone and his selection beat the others (at the time my insurance wasn’t accepted at Lens Crafters). They have Prada, Mui Mui, D&G, and some other designer eyewear. They also have cheaper ones like Vogue, and whatever else — I skip these sections. It may make me shallow but I’ll admit it: If I’m going to have a giant brand plastered on the side of my frames (aka the side of my face) it’s going to be worthy of the real estate.

I hate change and people touching my eye balls. Since my regular Optometrist is now in Long Beach and I am not really able to drive that far, I decided to find one more local.
I had been to another Optometrist a year or so before and was not comfortable, didn’t feel like the Doc cared at all. This was not even close to the case with Dr. Ratner. I made called on a Friday and they had an appointment ready for me that Saturday, talk about quick service. After going in and filling in the traditional forms, within 5 minutes, I was taken in for the round of eye exams. Shortly after that, I met with Dr. Ratner and he checked my vision.
EX7VO was crystal clear after a few of the «which is better? 1 or 2» routines and I was all set. With an updated prescription and two different types of contact lenses, I was done and told to try and see which type I preferred.
The staff here is very friendly, the Doctor very professional and accommodating. I will most definitely be coming back here on a regular basis. That is unless I opt for LASIK surgery. Dr. Ratner was even willing to give me a couple recommendations and advice for getting LASIK. I thought that was pretty cool!

Dr. Ratner and staff are very very pacient and friendly. I had to get contacts because glasses weren’t cutting it anymore. I was super nervous because my eyes are very sensative and it was a disaster when I tried contacts 10 years ago at another doctor. My eyes would just close like a Venus fly trap when I even thought of putting a contact in my eye. Well I had no choice… i needed contacts. Dr. Ratners wife was a sweetheart and definately calmed my nerves. Needless to say Dr. Ratner spent hours with me until I got my contacts in. That was a year ago and now I am back for a check up and all went perfect. I am a customer for life. Thank you for treating me like family.