The Best Optometrists in Palo Alto, CA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Palo Alto. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Glen C. Alpin
Stanford Eye Clinic
Dr. Glen Alpin at Stanford Eye Clinic is one of the most respected optometrists in the Palo Alto area, associated with Stanford Medicine. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in comprehensive eye care for all ages, including pediatric optometry and complex contact lens fittings. The clinic maintains exceptional safety standards with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and follows rigorous medical protocols. Patients consistently praise Dr. Alpin's thorough examinations, clear communication, and expertise in managing complex eye conditions.
Services:
Dr. Michael G. Lee
University Optometry
Dr. Michael Lee at University Optometry has been serving the Palo Alto community for over two decades with exceptional patient care. His practice specializes in advanced myopia management for children, comprehensive dry eye treatment, and sports vision optimization. The clinic features the latest diagnostic technology including retinal imaging and corneal topography. Patients consistently highlight the friendly staff, thorough examinations, and Dr. Lee's expertise in managing complex vision needs for the entire family.
Services:
Dr. Jennifer Lin
MyEyeDr.
Dr. Jennifer Lin at MyEyeDr. Palo Alto brings over 15 years of optometry experience with special focus on ocular disease management and emergency eye care. The practice serves as a regional referral center for complex cases and maintains extended hours for urgent eye concerns. With advanced diagnostic equipment including optical coherence tomography and visual field testing, the clinic provides comprehensive care for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Patients appreciate the modern facility, efficient service, and Dr. Lin's compassionate approach to eye health.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find an optometrist in Palo Alto who specializes in managing myopia control for children?
Palo Alto is home to several optometry practices with a strong focus on pediatric eye care and myopia management. You can start by searching for practices that explicitly list 'myopia control' or 'pediatric optometry' among their services. Many clinics near Stanford University or in the California Avenue area offer advanced treatments like Ortho-K, MiSight contact lenses, or atropine therapy. Checking online reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google, and verifying credentials through the California State Board of Optometry website, are recommended next steps.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in Palo Alto for comprehensive eye exams and potential eye disease management?
When choosing an optometrist in Palo Alto for comprehensive care, prioritize practices with advanced diagnostic technology, such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and retinal imaging, which are common in this tech-savvy area. Look for optometrists who have strong collaborative relationships with local ophthalmologists at Stanford Health Care or the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for seamless referrals if specialized treatment is needed. Also, consider their experience with age-related conditions common in the community, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.
Do optometrists in Palo Alto typically accept vision insurance from common providers like VSP or EyeMed?
Yes, most optometry practices in Palo Alto do accept major vision insurance plans like VSP (Vision Service Plan) and EyeMed, which are prevalent among employees of local tech companies and Stanford University. It is always best to confirm directly with the practice when booking, as some may be in-network with specific provider panels. Additionally, many Palo Alto optometrists also accept medical insurance (like Blue Cross or Aetna) for medical eye exams, which is important for covering conditions beyond routine vision checks.
What is the average cost of a routine eye exam and glasses in Palo Alto without insurance?
In Palo Alto, costs tend to be higher than the national average. A comprehensive eye exam without insurance typically ranges from $150 to $250. The cost for glasses can vary widely based on frames and lenses; basic single-vision lenses with standard frames may start around $200, while high-index lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and designer frames can easily push the total to $500-$800 or more. Many practices offer packages or discounts for paying in full, and some provide detailed upfront pricing to help manage costs.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an appointment with a well-reviewed optometrist in Palo Alto?
For popular or highly-reviewed optometrists in Palo Alto, it's common to need to schedule routine eye exams 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during peak times like late summer (before school starts) and the end of the year (when insurance benefits reset). Many practices offer online scheduling for convenience. For urgent concerns, such as eye infections or sudden vision changes, most offices will work to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments, so it's always worth calling directly to explain the situation.