I have nothing but good things to say about Shiley. I have been a patient there for more than 25yrs. I have had so many complications with my vision, and have seen various specialists at Shiley.. The doctors there are top notch, and have saved my eyesight on several occasions with emergency situations. Thank goodness We have Shiley here in San Diego.

I’m ecstatic about the results of my eye surgery, much better than I thought I could ever have.

Everyone here, from the people who answer the phones to the various medical technicians and assistants to the anesthesiologists and surgeons, is top-notch. Every visit is a great, productive, rewarding experience. My cataract surgery restored my sight after not only years of sightlessness, with just the smallest bit of light getting through, but being told by another surgeon that it was inoperable. I am forever grateful to Dr. Afshari and her team, both in and out of surgery, and to the rest of the fantastic staff at Shiley.

Very thorough examination. Excellent surgeon and staff. I'd highly recommend those who need corrective surgery. I am very pleased. I won't say why I only gave 4 stars. They made up for it.

The staff at this facility are awesome, from schedulers, technicians, photographers, to physicians at all levels. Being a retired RN to now providing concierge service in the non medical field, I am acutely aware of customer service, and appreciate the level of detail, education, thoroughness that Shiley Eye Institute provides. Please keep doing what you are doing, it is genuinely appreciated.

EXCELLENT care for over 30 years. I do recommend to anyone who has serious eye issues, even though they might have to wait for care. Once seen, they are more than satisfied with superb expertise, equipment, professional care. And they return as do I!

I felt that I must give due recognition to Elizabeth in prescriptions for being there to help whenever needed. Regardless of whether it is for pre-authorization of any prescription or looking for an alternate eye drop due to pricing of medicines not covered by insurance, she always follows up and does the needed groundwork. I had a chance to interact with her twice in the last couple of months and both times she was super supportive.

Everything was good except the wait was very long. The policy for Covid-19 is excellent. Great doctors and nurses. I will be back.

I had cataract surgery at Shiley Eye Center and I don’t see how there could ever be a better place for Eye appointments Eye surgery etc.

Dr Heichel was my surgeon.

My appointment was on time. The staff was polite. The Doctor took his time and was able to answer all my questions with good knowledge. I am very pleased at how I have been treated at Shiley Eye Institute.

I just wanted to say how impressed and very comfortable I was yesterday with the Covid safety measures in place at Shiley. Before my visit yesterday, I was reluctant to schedule an appointment because of safety concerns about Covid, even though I have been going to Shiley for 20 years. After my visit yesterday, I feel totally comfortable going to Shiley in the future. I will share my experience with my friends.

Shiley Eye Institute in LaJolla, CA. I am extremely impressed with the Coronavirus preventative measures they have in place. I had some anxiety when I needed to go there for an appointment after the precautions went into effect. They have social distancing inside and outside the building. Every person wears a mask. Hand sanitizer is at the entrance and no one is allowed in until 12 questions are answered and your temperature is taken. Someone will walk you to where you need to go. Everyone is wearing a mask. EVERYONE! Hand sanitizer is in every room. Chairs are placed to provide Social Distancing. They have improved their precautions every month. You will feel safe. It is a safe place.

Dr. Weinrab and his fellow Drs and staff are working as a team

I know because I worked in health care.

F.Cusack retired RN.m

I recently had eye appointments at Shiley Eye Institute. The first appointment was in March. I called 24 hours prior to appointment to check on the safety precautions. I was worried because of the virus. This first appointment was great!

I returned 4 weeks later and there were more precautions. On the third visit, I was surprised at how internal precautions were implemented. I am a former nurse and understood what was required.

I feel very safe and have no worries when I have any appointments at Shiley. Everyone wears a mask, all surfaces are cleansed after each patient, social distancing is evident in the waiting rooms. No one is allowed in the building unless checked.

I am very impressed!

Freddie C.
Retired RN

I appreciated the skillful and kind care of the entire staff at Shiley during the challenge of the COVID-19. You didn’t miss anything to keep us safe!

Thank you,
Harvey Elder, MD

BEFORE I GOT INTO THE DOOR @ SEI – MY FEARS WERE ALLEVIATED!

As a senior, I was nervous and apprehensive before my appointment at Shiley. I had cancelled all my other doctor appointments. Even before I got into the front door my fears were alleviated! Before I walked into the building, my temperature was taken, and registration checked me in outside, I sanitized my hands and was given a mask. In the waiting room, the chairs are socially distanced at 6 feet apart.

When I had my visual field and OCT, the technicians sanitized the machines before and afterwards. I was called into Dr. Weinreb’s clinic right away – there was no waiting. I was put into an exam room and that was “my” room for the rest of the visit. Everyone came in/out so I did not have contact with too many people.

Dr. Weinreb, the technicians and young doctors made me feel relieved and safe with the upgraded sanitizing procedures. Everyone was cleaning and washing hands constantly.

I am extremely impressed with the safety precautions taken by the doctors and staff. I can tell a lot of thought and planning was put into the clinic experience to make Shiley safe for patients.

Thank you all, Billy G.

I had my eye appointment at UCSD and was impressed with the cleanliness and attention to detail. The staff went out of their way to make everyone feel safe.

I have had excellent experiences here with 2 eye physicians. Both had to perform minor surgeries, years apart, on my eyes. They are all expert in their field and it shows.

The clinic staff members are also great. They take care if you and offer great customer service and patient care. Of note, I remember Optometry Technicians Joy, Lauren, and Joy in the office. They have the best attitudes and make patients feel great.

My most recent experience was exactly in the timeframe that the physician told me. He was calm, cool, and very collected. I appreciated how he was super calm and handled everything so well. As a patient, the demeanor of the physician is key.

Everyone here, from the people who answer the phones to the various medical technicians and assistants to the anesthesiologists and surgeons, is top-notch. Every visit is a great, productive, rewarding experience. My cataract surgery restored my sight after not only years of sightlessness, with just the smallest bit of light getting through, but being told by another surgeon that it was inoperable. I am forever grateful to Dr. Afshari and her team, both in and out of surgery, and to the rest of the fantastic staff at Shiley.

Excellent facility staff. I highly recommend Dr. Afshari there. She is a kind and caring doctor. Her staff are very accommodating and care about your well being.

I am a retired physician who has seen Dr. Cristiana Vasile this past year for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. She is a highly competent professional who gives great attention to detail. She’s also a warm, engaging and authentic individual, a real “mensch.” As a physician myself, I know quality care when I see it and receive it. Dr. Vasile and her team embody what good patient care can and should be.

I also want to give a shout out to Dr. Natalie Afshari and her team who diagnosed and performed cataract surgeries on both my eyes. My entire experience at Shiley has been wonderful and my eyesight is better than it’s been in years.

My experience with Dr. Natalie Afsheri was absolutely wonderful. The first time I was there, I recieved a warm welcome which made me know I was in good hands. I also recently had a cataract surgery and I am very pleased.

I am fortunate to be one of Dr. Natalie Afshari’s patients. Kind, compassionate, and extraordinarily intelligent and gifted in her field, she represents the best anyone could hope for in both a doctor and surgeon. This holds true for her entire team.

At the one month mark since cataract surgery, I am more than pleased with the results. An at-risk candidate on account of lasik surgery performed 16 years ago, I chose Alcon’s Vivity ACRY Sof IQ, multi-focal lens. My far vision has returned to 20/15, and I no longer need reading glasses.

A 5-star rating little reflects the gratitude and joy I feel for the priceless return of my sight. Without hesitation, Dr. Afshari has earned my recommendation to anyone.

Dr. Afshari has wonderful bedside manner, and I was very happy with the results of my cataract surgery. She was attentive and answered all my questions.

Dr. Natalie Afshari is that wonderful combination of a highly skilled doctor with a warm and personable manner with her patients. Dr. Afshari is knowledgeable with the latest technology in ophthalmology and helpful in responding to any questions. It was easy to rate Dr. Afshari with five stars!

I have been a patient of Dr. Afshari for several years. She is both professional and empathetic. She has performed a cornea transplant on each of my eyes with amazing success. Initially I was frightened by the procedure and she held off until I was ready, medically and psychologically. I have no regrets. She has restored my vision!!

I want to thank Dr. Natalie Afshari for her amazing care during my cataract surgery process. Not only is she a caring, and down to earth person, but she is an amazing surgeon and doctor. I am so happy with the outcome of the surgery. After spending a lot of time searching for right doctor, I am happy to say I found the best. I highly recommend her for cataract surgery.

Dr Afshari is one of the best eye surgeon's in all of San Diego! I feel very fortunate to have had her do my cataract surgery. I am a high risk patient and was referred by my retinal specialist. He told me she was the best doctor for my condition. I am so happy I decided to have Dr. Afshari do my surgery. She is very caring and answers any questions that you have. I highly recommend her!

Had an emergency on a Friday evening. I went to the emergency room and was transferred to UC San Diego. Two doctors came and did a thorough examination came up with a plan and set me up for 8:00 am on Saturday. Dr. Knight was there ready for me. He took his time, made sure I was comfortable the entire time. I am very thankful for everyone and the care I received. Dr. Knight is amazing and very smart. Thank you to Dr. Chan and I didn’t catch her name but the doctor that worked with her was also excellent thank you all.

Update Well my tear actually required surgery with Dr. Freeman and Dr. Knight. I have trouble with twilight anesthesia so they put me to sleep for the procedure. The anesthesiologist was very professional and waited for the doctor in case I had any questions. The procedure went fast and was painless and I had a follow up appointment yesterday and again I have to give them 5 stars. I think Dr. Knight is going to be a top notch retinal specialist after his fellowship with Dr. Freeman is through. Dr. Freeman is an excellent doctor. I have also been seeing another specialist at UC San Diego for my bladder Dr. Parsons and he too is in my opinion at the top of his field.

My cataract surgery with Dr. Weldon Haw was amazing! The organization and efficiency of the entire Shiley Eye Institute, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, is quite remarkable. The clarity of the vision in my right eye with the new Vivity lens implant far exceeds my expectations. I recommend Dr. Haw and his staff wholeheartedly and without reservation.

OMG...what can I say about Dr H! He is an amazing guy and you will be in the best hands...period. I developed a large cataract in the center of my vision immediately after retinal detachment. It essentially had me blind. I lived like that for 1 year because I was told a cataract replacement uses vibration/radio waves to break up the cornea, and that Vibration "could" cause another retinal detachment. I was freaked out.

Dr. Haw was patient and very caring, as I asked a thousand questions. He knew how scared I was. He shot straight with me & told me he could not give me any odds on what my vision would be with new corneal lens because of my retinal surgery. But he assured me he could give me much much better vision & that staying blind wasn't in my best interest. He made me feel confident in having the surgery. That's the hallmark of a great Doctor. I thank God daily for Dr H!

If you need cataract surgery, you owe it to yourself to see the BEST, and that's Dr Haw at Shiley Eye Institute.

Despite the inconveniences caused by COVID, all of you are coping well with the situation. I was impressed by the good organization and extreme care of doctors and staff. I was so glad I overcame my fears and kept my appointment. I am 100% better after my visit with Dr. Haw.

I have gone to Shiley for eye care for the last 4 years or so. They've been terrific. I had a specialist for what might have been glaucoma and he was able to rule it out after they performed a series of tests. I was surprised at how thorough they were.

Recently, I had cataracts removed by Dr. Weldon Haw, M.D., in two separate surgeries, one last December and one in January, 2020. He performed surgery on my neighbor as well.

I could not be more pleased. The process was painless and the results spectacular! I no longer wear glasses except for reading very small fonts, and my distance vision is corrected. Colors are vivid and I don't need nearly the light I needed before to be able to read.

I really couldn't be happier. Dr. Haw was friendly, supportive and reassuring throughout the process. His education, training, and experience are unmatched and I would not trust this surgery to anyone else. So, I didn't, and it paid off! Highly recommended.

Just had cataract surgery by Dr Haw last Friday and cannot believe how easy it all was and how wonderful my vision is now. Had no idea it had gotten so bad! I am beyond trilled. Every person that I tell who my doc was, says same thing.....oh he is excellent!

Hi I want to thank your staff and Dr Kikkawa, excellent work on my eye today. very happy an success surgery. Thank you god bless you.

Dr. Kikkawa is incredible. He helped my young daughter with the removal of a strange bump near her eye. We were told by others we would have to put my 6yr old daughter under anesthesia for removal since it was such a sensitive area. But Dr. Kikkawa's calm demeanor and strong confidence comforted her so much so that he was able to remove it on the 1st visit with some numbing cream and a snip. 2 weeks later we can barely see a thing. Incredible!!! He also followed up with a personal phone call to check-in. I highly recommend him and am ever so grateful for his amazing work.

Dr. Kikkawa and the staff at the Shiley Eye Institute have changed my life in the most amazing way. I was lost suffering from thyroid eye disease until I found the most amazing staff and the Dr's. From the time I called and made my first appointment there was a kind person on the other side of the phone to easy my fear. It has been one year since my last surgery and recently went in for a follow up walking into the office I didn't realize I was going to be so emotional but it was so full circle. I was so broken when i first arrived not ever thinking I would be me ever again and Dr. Kikkawa, Dr. Ko, Dr. Lila, Denise and all of the amazing staff have given me my life back. I want others who are going threw this disease to feel the same joy. I know people mentioned having to wait to be seen but just know they give each patient so much time and attention.

My husband had to have eye surgery due to a health issue, EVERYONE was extremely helpful, professional, kind, and caring.

Dr. Kikawa is the most amazing surgeon. He is world renowned but not pretentious, he explains everything and is genuinely concerned about his patients. after my husbands surgery, the dr's office called the next day to check on him and the surgery center called to check also. I am very impressed with everyone there.

If I had to say anything that could use any improvement, it would be the long wait , you do have to plan on being there a long time. other than that ALL GOOD :)

Thank you Dr. Kikawa and staff (too many to name ) for the great care for my Husband.!!!

When you go to the doctor Bobby S. Korn, you are his number one concern, he listens to you and gives his opinion with confidence. It really deserves dozens of stars

What a wonderful, caring, professional, interested doctor! I was referred to Dr. Korn for a growth on my eyelid.

He examined my eyes extensively, took pictures, and asked questions regarding when I noticed the growth. He did a painless biopsy, I was numbed first and felt extremely confident with doctor Korn and his helpful staff. He has a most pleasant demeanor and exudes caring confidence that makes it easy to discuss any concerns you may have. He listens.

His schedule usually runs a bit late; but when he enters your exam room he's front and center. I'm incredibly happy to have been referred to Dr. Korn, by my dermatologist for the growth in my lower eyelid, as my eye health is very important to me. I highly recommend Dr. Korn. I return annually to have him check my eyelid and everything is fine. Thank you Dr. Korn and staff!

I normally don't write reviews, but my niece who is a highly trained physician herself (at Northwestern University and Stanford) advised me that this is an important review to write. She said that it's easy to write a review for a doctor when everything goes smoothly and turns out great the first time, but it's most important to find a doctor who sticks by you to make things right when unexpected complications arise. Dr. Korn is like that and I have a great deal of respect for him..

Close to a year and a half ago, I had cosmetic eyelid surgery done by Dr. Korn on both my upper and lower eyelids. After the surgery it was very noticeable to me that one eye looked bigger than the other eye. Dr. Korn said that when my eyes were sufficiently healed, he would open the corner of the smaller eye to enlarge it.

Three months after the surgery I developed an eye condition in both eyes called Chemosis. Dr. Korn did not think that the Chemosis was caused by the surgery and he gave me the reasons why. He said that we had to deal with my medical condition before we could do corrective cosmetic surgery. To his credit, he tried to determine the underlying cause of the Chemosis by having me take various tests (MRI and blood tests) and try certain eye drops, etc. in an effort to make a differential diagnosis. He even talked about my case to other physicians at a medical conference he went to China.

Finally a few months ago, Dr. Korn started to see improvements in the Chemosis, and earlier this month, he said that it looked much better. Last week he was able to open the corner of my smaller eye to enlarge the appearance and he had to do some cauterization so that my eye would drain properly. I still have a small amount of Chemosis and my eye is still healing from the surgery, but I can tell that it looks better already.

The bottom line is that for the last year and a half Dr. Korn has been very kind, patient, available, and medically diligent. Those are the characteristics of a fine doctor and one whom I appreciate.

Dr. Eric Nuddleman - I had detached retina and saw Dr N. He was the most caring and competent Dr. I could have ever chosen. I had no idea how bad the detachment was until Dr. N said we must do it now. Waiting would have caused much more damage & he scheduled it for the next AM. The surgery went well & he saved my vision.! I would highly recommend Dr. N to everyone. As far as I am concerned, his skills as a surgeon are top-notch. I thank God daily for Dr. N! Shiley Eye Institute is world class.

Completely satisfied with the service and work here. My vision has been restored, and my life is able to move forward because of a level of expertise. Dr. Robbins, I can't thank you enough!

Everyone loves a good story especially if there is a happy ending. Our story is probably no different from other stories that begin with a challenge that had to be overcome and the path to overcoming that challenge. The challenge for my husband was his eyes were turning inward resulting in double vision, squinting to see things and his need to work exceptionally hard to watch programs on TV, play golf and do everyday things we take for granted. Due to these problems his “quality of life” was greatly affected. At age 72, a decrease in quality of life has an overall dramatic effect on all the things we do each day.

Our path led us to Dr. Shira Robbins, Ophthalmologist, with several specialties, including eye re-alignment disorders, to seek help for my husband’s double vision, squinting to see and the related fatigue. After an extensive evaluation, she thoroughly explained my husband’s problems were related to his eye muscles not correctly aligning the position of each eye. She provided treatment options, one of which was to have surgery, to correct the problem. He decided to have the surgery because of his feeling of confidence in Dr. Robbins and her team.

Our “happy ending” after the surgery my husband no longer has double vision, no need to squint to see things and the fatigue has been replaced with increased energy to enjoy life.

Thank you, Dr. Robbins for giving my husband a happier and better quality of life!

My husband and I encourage older adults to seek out help versus thinking nothing can be done to help your vision or blaming it on “getting older.” Your vision problems maybe similar or different from my husband’s vision problems. Let Dr. Robbins hear your story and hopefully you will learn more about your vision problems and find a path.

We wish everyone a Happy Ending to their story

Linda and John Bott

Last year I was in a bad accident that ended with severe double vision. Nothing I had ever experienced was more challenging and frustrating than dealing with my vision after the accident. I had countless physicians recommend that I have a consultation with Dr. Robbins. After my initial visit, Dr. Robbins thoroughly explained the importance of being patient and waiting at least a year after my trauma to allow for full healing.

From the very beginning I was confident that Dr. Robbins was the right physician for what would be a life changing procedure for me. She always took the time to answer mine and my wife's questions as she could tell we were both nervous and excited. Finally, once we determined my vision was stable and it was safe to proceed I scheduled the surgery.

Long story short, I feel like Dr. Robbins gave me back the gift of sight and it has completely changed my life. The results of the procedure have far exceeded what anybody had told me would even be possible. I am beyond grateful for Dr. Robbins and her team. Dr. Robbins truly is the very best at what she does.

I had a lazy eye for over 40 years but, two days ago I had surgery at Shiley Eye Institute and my surgeon, Dr. Robbins, realigned my eye in less than two hours. For the first time in 40 years both of my eyes are facing in the same direction at the same time. It is almost like a miracle but it's actually Dr. Robbins skill and dedication. She has literally changed my life's trajectory.

I couldn't be happier with my vision now. It was almost an accident that I was sent to Shiley and found Dr. Robbins. In 2016, I had pneumonia and my doctor treated it and checked my vision too. My vision had deteriorated from 20/40 to 20/125 after I became sick. The decline was due to a change in the shape of my eye ball that left a scab inside the back of my eyeball. The doctors called it a macular pucker and surgery was done to remove it.

Dr. Granet was consulted about my right eye which was misaligned and had been that way forever. Dr. Robbins replaced Dr. Granet. Dr. Robbins fixed my lazy eye and, as an aside, fixed my vision too. From 20/125 to 20/20. I have normal vision for the first time in 40 years. This is massively big for me and I am as grateful as I can be. Shiley is a great institute and, Dr. Robbins is an excellent surgeon.

Just had an eyemuscle surgery with Doctor Jolene Rudell, such a great doctor, excellent attention since last December I started with my first appt. until today.

My 5.5 yo had surgery at RATNERS Children Eye Center. Dr Rudell and the staff at ratners was amazing. The surgery scheduler, Nancy, I did not like but other than that everybody at Shiley and Ratner was so great with my daughter and keeping me informed on everything that would happen.

I had my first appointment here today. I have been dealing with a not so fun diagnosis of a rare eye disease called birdshot. I was lucky to get a referral to go to Shiley. I can not say enough good things about Dr. Spencer. He was informative, knowledgeable and personable. For the first time since being diagnosed he put me at ease. I must also say everyone at Shiley was awesome. The nurse, Maria, the doctor who took my eye photos, the people at the front desk. Thank you to all at Shiley!

I am a retired physician who has seen Dr. Cristiana Vasile this past year for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. She is a highly competent professional who gives great attention to detail. She’s also a warm, engaging and authentic individual, a real “mensch.” As a physician myself, I know quality care when I see it and receive it. Dr. Vasile and her team embody what good patient care can and should be.

I also want to give a shout out to Dr. Natalie Afshari and her team who diagnosed and performed cataract surgeries on both my eyes. My entire experience at Shiley has been wonderful and my eyesight is better than it’s been in years.

Thank You,

Thank you Dr. Weinreb for saving my mother’s vision and giving our family many more enjoyable years with her. I could see that you liked her – and she appreciated the care you and Dr. Afshari gave her over the many years.

Dear Dr. Weinreb,

On Monday, January 4, 2021, I underwent cataract surgery at the Shiley Eye Institute. You performed the surgery assisted by your fine staff. The surgery was highly successful. I want to thank you and all the wonderful members of your staff that participated in the surgical event and all those at Shiley who made my visit a pleasant and successful experience. The professionalism and dedication of everyone I encountered at Shiley was evident from the onset. Every detail was meticulously addressed and there was significant emphasis on ensuring patient care as it related to protection from the coronavirus. As a senior citizen, I very much appreciated their concern for my health.

So again Dr. Weinreb, thank you for the wonderful care you have provided. Please know that it is very much appreciated. And please pass my sincere thank you to the wonderful professional staff at the Shiley Eye Institute. I feel very fortunate to have access to the entire UCSD Health Care system and most especially to the Shiley Eye Institute.

Dr. Weinreb saved my husband’s eyesight. The majority of the frustrations in these comments around wait times and bedside manner honestly feel quite irrelevant when you are talking about the ridiculous technology, experience and amazing advancements at Shiley Eye with Weinreb leading the charge. I can only imagine the time and sacrifice that has gone into making Shiley what it is today.

We travel from far northern California in order to see Weinreb and after my husband’s most recent surgery he was experiencing post op pain. He worked us into the clinic and saw him 6 times in one day until we could get the cause of his pain under control.

So next time you are having to wait, maybe remember that there are patients who he is fighting to make space for when they are in crisis.

Bring a book.

Lastly, we ave experienced nothing but kindness and attentivneess by Dr. Weinreb and his staff.

Again, he literally saved his sight with our local doctor gave us no hope. I don't care if we have to wait a bit or if he is only in the room a couple of minutes. We are forever profoundly grateful for him and his team.

I wanna thank Andrea Lloyd and her team for the excellent service. They are very helpful, attentive and guided me very well. I thank the professional who made my exams and the Dr. Emeralda, I hope my eye will be recovery pretty soon. Thank you and continue with this great job!

They are on time, and I did not wait to be accepted (Also I was on time). Dr.Mclean was very nice and good in detecting issues.

Very pleased with my experience here. Compared to other optometry clinics I've sought help from, Shiley is by far the most professional. The receptionists were helpful. I also really appreciate how Dr. Mizoguchi was very detailed and informative. So glad my physician referred me here.