UC Berkeley School of Optometry

Howdy,  I, too, got frustrated with Kaiser about an eye malady that i was having ... wanted more info and recommendation(s) for treatment.

Went to UC School of Optometry, 200 Minor Hall (on campus);  510-642-2020.  I got an appointment within a week (it's possible they can tell you the cost right over the phone, depending on type of appointment), got a very thorough exam, retinal pics, etc., all for under $300.  They asked if I could come back on Wednesday, the day their retinal specialist is in; I went back and got more input, as well as some referrals as to whom I might see at Kaiser for surgery.  Very pleased with their help, advice, etc.  Good luck to you.

I also have a really high prescription.  I go to the UC Berkeley optometry clinic at Minor Hall and have been for almost 2 decades now. Philosophically, I like the idea of helping medical students in their training and my eyes are the part of my body where I’m willing to do that. Every time I go, I feel like I get a very thorough exam and excellent care. The only downside I would say is that they can run a little long because the student does the exam and then brings in the attending optometrist at the end. You don’t get the same ongoing relationship building that you might in a smaller but it has all the benefits of lots of appointment options and a strong administrative infrastructure to respond to questions quickly.

My daughter got an evaluation at the UC Optometry clinic, in 3rd grade, which is now 8 years ago.  Their report that identified the main issue helped with getting the public school to do a free evaluation -- the school would be required to do it in any event, but it made things roll along easier.  And the clinic gave us materials to work with each evening to help with her visual tracking issues.  My daughter needed a 504 (accommodation but the same classwork).  When the school did their evaluation they also found very slow processing speed and limited working memory, as well as attention issues, in addition to the vision problems.  I remember she didn't used to like museums because she couldn't read the little information cards by each picture, but now she is into it.