Testimonials

In the Architecture world, we have a term to describe good design that stands out, brings aesthetic delight to the viewer, design that looks good without need of verbal explanation.
It Pops!
This is how I would describe my experience at Urban Optiks Optometry.

I use this term not just because the office was very pleasing from a designer's perspective, nor is it simply due to the fact that I have never seen such a unique and attractive selection of designer eyewear under one roof.

Maybe it was in the amount of detail Dr. Gary Klein took while doing his exam or the state-of-the-art technology he facilitates.
Or maybe it was the confidence and innovation of his optician, Kristy Cambone, when she assisted me in finding the most appropriate pair of specs to fit my lifestyle - whether I'm at a business meeting in New York, a night club in Seattle, or sipping a Corona on the beach half naked in San Diego. There was nothing stodgy or faddish about the choices presented.

Rather, I would say that the entire experience as a whole, just like the many components that come together to create a good design, is what makes the experience at Urban Optiks stand out so far from the rest.

Jamin R. (11/15/10)

I had the best experience with my office visit here and even better, I am in the best pair of contact lenses I have ever worn in the last 16 years.
Kristy and Holly are wonderful and I really enjoy being greeted as if I was there every week.
Dr. Klien is fantastic, he takes his time to explain things to you that I've asked before and no one has ever been able to explain to me. The office is in a great location and beautifully decorated so you don't feel like you're in a medical office; the equipment is really new and the selection of frames is really unique.

Shana G. (12/24/08)

I've never wished poor health on friends...

However, after discovering Urban Optiks 3 years ago I wish more of my friends had a need for an (outstanding) optometrist! Alas, they all have great vision so I'm telling YOU!

Everything that makes a business worth supporting, these folks exemplify. The technical expertise and dedication to state of the art technology is the best I've experienced in my 15+ years of seeking vision care. They are true professionals, and genuinely kind hearted people.

Last but not least, the location is great and the environment they've created ... delightful! I often kid that I'm just going to start hanging out in their office ... such a creative, calming, and inspiring spot.

You vote every time you pull out your wallet. Do your research and support a business that deserves it.

VIVA LA URBAN OPTIKS!!

Jill D. (11/01/10)

Great location right outside the crazy parking area of Hillcrest. They were able to get us in on very short notice on a Saturday. Friendly and welcoming staff made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in. The office has a relaxed and colorful atmosphere complete with big comfy chairs and unique post-industrial decor. There's lots to look at.

Dr. Klein got me into a very comfortable set of contacts and I can see better than ever now. I'm happy to say I have a regular optometrist now.

Trevor C. (10/23/10)

Gary is the best eye doctor I have been to in my life!! I will certainly go back for any and all of my eye care in the future. Gary is a great guy to talk to and he explains everything so clearly. He will not let you out of his office if you do not completely understand what he is talking about. He takes his time and does not rush you by any means. His number one objective is to ensure you can see as clearly as possible. I will be back to see him time and time again.

Tyler L. (07/15/10)

Without glasses or contacts I can see about as well as Stevie Wonder in a bear hug from Shaq so after losing m y travel kit with all my backups it was time to head to the doc. I pretty much hate going to all doctors, but this was a must for me unless I wanted to shop for a seeing-eye dog instead.

Eye care has never really been a strength of mine. If I were to have told Dr. Klein how often I really changed my contacts he probably would have had a nervous breakdown, but he was really informative and stressed how important it is for me to make sure I'm switching them out on the reg.

The exam he gave was quick and done without even having to dialate my eyes so I was free to head back to my computer for more yelping as soon as we were finished. Either doctor Klein is really good or the people who gave me my previous exam sucked hard-core cuz we found out that I had been wearing the wrong prescription for about the last two years. Thanks to this checkup I now see better than I have in quite some time. He was also really informative about the possibility of lasik and even referred me to some specialists. I'm not quite ready for lasers to my peepers so I just went with contacts and glasses instead.

The optician (who's name I forget) was very helpful in explaining what my insurance was going to cover and also assisting in finding some frames. Even though the selection they had on hand in their store seemed a tad small she was able to find me a pair that I was happy with.

A week later and I'm back in business with a 6 month supply of lenses, and some new glasses after a couple year hiatus. They're kind of Clark Kent-ish so if you don't recognize me at first, don't worry I'm still super! And best of all...now I can see!

Danny W. (06/28/10)

I went here today and absolutely love this place. The doctor was great and so were his staff members Holly and Kristy. It was very clean and professional. Dr. Klein really knows his stuff and is very personable. All of their optometry equipment is up to speed with technology. They also have a wide variety of glasses, which I liked. I really enjoyed my experience here and would totally go here again!

Tawnie B. (06/26/10)

Dr. Klein is great! His office is modern and high-tech. I've been having problems with my contact lenses, and he fitted me to find a brand that works well for me. This is the first time in over a year that I have comfortable contacts. I also like that, with his high-tech equipment, he can examine my eyes without dilating them. I give my highest recommendation!

Kevin A. (06/05/10)

Dr. Klien is amazing! Great service and a truly caring staff.

Brian S. (05/27/10)

If you are looking for a great Doctor, excellent service, a vast selection of unique frames, and a local business - go to Urban Optiks, you will be very happy. If you are looking for cheap eye-wear, you want to wear glasses that everyone else wears and expect service like McDonald's - please don't go here.

I have purchased 4 pairs of glasses in the last 6 months. 3 pairs from Urban Optiks, one from a mass retailer. I won't go anywhere else but Urban. I don't take the star rating lightly - these guys are the best.

Chris T. (05/26/10)

Okay...so the Doctor is absolutely incredible. I'm out of the state on vacay and I lose my contact, which sucks because I am literally legally blind without my lenses. I call the office to see if they can mail me a new one, but they're closed. I leave a message on the machine expecting a call back the next day.

15 minutes late, I'm pleasantly surprised with a call from the doctor himself, who not only says he can mail me a contact, but that he'll have the manufacturer overnight to me it directly. He even asked how my vacay was going!! IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE!!!

Andrea R. (05/19/10)

If you are looking for personal service in eye care--and not a puppy mill where the doctor spends 1 minute with you then runs down the hall to the next door as he juggles half a dozen other patients--this is the place to go. Dr. Klein is sweet natured, really knows what he's doing, has all the latest equipment, and works with you till you find the right lenses. I had been struggling with astigmatism for years and didn't even know it--other optometrists had just upped my prescription to the point where I could only see at a distance without dealing with the ghost images and blurriness astigmatism causes. Dr. Klein corrected my sight so that I see near and far perfectly. I am delighted. It's a beautiful office and his staff are caring and competent. I recommend Dr. Klein and Urban Optiks very highly.

Tom R. (05/03/10)

Dr. Klein and the whole staff at Urban Optiks are awesome. The office is top notch. Beautiful frames paired with skilled and caring staff. They work hard to make sure that you are completely satisfied. I wouldn't even think of visiting any other office for my eye care

Linda C. (03/19/10)

I had reached that milestone where my eyes began to betray me. It's one of the first signs. Ouch! My current employer eye plan is limited to,...shall we say styles and service that I would receive at a drug store. I'm going to have to see these things everyday so I needed to shop around. I'd heard about Urban Optiks through a friend. I trusted this man as he has great style. I love his glasses. I arrived at my appointment to find a very friendly and helpful staff. Gary performed a battery of tests to determine what exactly was going on with my eyes. Best of all I didn't have to get my eyes dilated. They have this machine that is able to perform the test without it. I have to say that I was impressed with the level and quality of testing. When I was ready to pick the frame the friendly staff took a long time to select just the right thing. I felt like they weren't going to let me leave with something that I was less than satisfied with. I am extremely happy with the resulting product. I didn't realize how bad my eyes had become until I looked up at the moon one night. Thanks to Gary and his wonderful staff I now have my sight back and feel quite fashionable. This was a great experience!

Steve B. (03/11/10)

I can't tell you how happy I am with my new frames. They weren't cheap but after all, this is my face we're talking about. Eyes are the window to your soul and if you need to wear glasses you have consider that when chosing them.
Honestly, I wasn't even in the market for new glasses. I came in to pick up my husband, saw these frames which arrived that day and hadn't even been put on the shelf yet and I couldn't stop thinking about them. I love them!
When I came back to pick them up, there were other new frames on the shelf that made me think perhaps I need two pairs. The selection is amazing and ever changing.
Holly and Kristi are fabulous at fitting you with right frames for your face. Very cool styles and materials...New York, San Francisco, European cool. The ones I chose are made of bone and ebony and made in Paris. Sorry, you're not going to find that at LensCrafters and Costco.
Dr. Klein uses state-of-the-art technology and gave me an eye exam without using drops...no down time afterwards. I recently had another exam with my former optometrist and was told that my eyes were stable and no new prescription was necessary. Dr. Klein's exam proved differently...not by much but my vision has improved with this prescription.
If you value your eyes and want everyone who looks at you to see you at your best with some amazing artistic glasses then this place is the place in San Diego.

Rand A. (03/11/10)

Exemplary.
Dr. Klein is meticulous. Mine is a complex Rx.
He took more time and showed more initiative beyond any I've experienced in 50 years of wearing glasses.
He even bought a new piece of equipment to get the Rx right.
I've read the few kvetches in this space about Urbanoptiks.
They are at such variance with my experience as to be risible.
I'm telling my friends and acquaintances.

Peter B. (03/09/10)

ANOTHER review you ask?! Yes...another review.

I felt compelled because I recently went into Urban Optiks for my annual check-up and was once again, amazed.

If you are still on the fence about this place, please quickly hop off and walk in. Dr. Klein is fantastic and absolutely wonderful. He looks you in the eyes when you talk to him, he stops what he's doing to listen to your crazy story about your Gold Reflective Aviators that were made for you...in a word, he CARES.

Kristy knows more about glasses than Benjamin Franklin...who INVENTED them! She'll take into account your price range (mine being 'poor') and looks for ways to get YOU the best deal. What more could you ask for?!

Like I said in my previous review, the place just feels like home. If you're looking for a new Optometrist, PLEASE give Urban Optiks a try, I promise that at the very least, you will feel the most "human" you've ever felt in any doctor's office.

Love you all!

Benjamin W. (02/19/10)

I highly recommend this place to everyone. The office is beautiful, trendy, relaxed and professional. Dr. Klein was extremely helpful and caring and really took the time to get my prescription just right. He has state of the art equipment so you know you are getting the best quality care. The selection of frames is probably better than any other optometrist I've ever been too. You won't go wrong by coming to this office!

Joe O. (01/21/10)

I had bought frames at another local shop since 1984, but the service and selection had declined so much it was time to make a change. I am always looking for frames that have a little more than the usual mass-produced look, and the mall shop selections leave me cold.

I found the Urban Optiks shop by googling for Gold and Wood frames. If you are looking for frames that make a statement and improve your face, together with a caring and engaged set of service providers, then UO is exactly where you want to be. Kristy was completely helpful and offered real advice about aesthetics for my appearance (they didnt just say each pair looked fabulous). I showed up with a prescription that was a year old, and Dr. Klein re-appraised my eyes to be sure I got the best outcome possible (gratis!, thanks doc).

The UO frame selection is unique, and includes a number of lower volume makers who you won't find easily anywhere. I searched the enitre Albany region of NY and found nothing comparable. The price is moderate to high end.

So, if you care about your appearance, want glasses that say something about you as an indiivdual, and personalized service that values your needs, get on down to UO. You will be glad you did.

Mark M. (10/22/09)

I must say I have never been so impressed by an eye doctor in my life. Dr. Klien was great an very passonate about making sure my contacts fit an work correctly. The office its self is amazing an confortable, really didn't feel like I was in a doctors office at all. An they had no problems schedualing me around my time. The whole experience was the best I have ever had an I have seen a lot of doctors in my life. I would defonatly reccomend urban optiks to anyone looking for first class eye care :)

Mikah L. (10/20/09)

Fabulous. Incredible selection of frames - some very high end and some moderately priced. If you want 4-Eyes or Costco quality, price and service (meaning poor or bad) then do not come to Dr. Klein, Holly and Kristy They are all great, the place is new, decorated well and all the equipment is new.

Ok so enough about that, they are so professional, make you feel very comfortable as their attitudes and the 'air' in the shop are those of relazation and calmnes. Not only do I have full condfidence in them, they have some rad frames (as I mentioned above) that are not to badly priced for what they are.
Go.

Stuart K. (10/01/09)

Urban Optiks is the best !!! If you are looking for an optometry office that will take the time to really get your eye prescription right and truly cares about customer satisfaction, then this is the place to come !! Look no further. You won't find another eye doctor in San Diego that is as customer focused as Dr. Klein. I came in to the office to get mono vision contacts and progressive glasses. I had never worn either type of lenses correction before. Dr. Klein took his time making sure he got the best possible eye prescription to meet my needs. It is truly refreshing in this day and age to meet a doctor who is willing to take extra time to make sure the patient is satisfied and has all their questions asked. The office atmosphere is charming and wonderful which is a nice addition. I would say Dr. Klein is probably one of San Diego's very best eye doctors around. Check him out and spread the word to your friends. You will be very pleased and happy with him. I rarely write reviews for doctors offices. How often can any of us say we went to the doctors and were given quality time with the doc? Here you will be able to say YES, without a doubt. Catherine S.

Catherine S. (09/23/09)

I was looking for a new Optometrist and having VSP insurance there are tons of offices to sift through. I though it would be best to check out Yelp for reviews along w/ offices that accept VSP.

I came across Urban Optiks and of course the name is what first attracted me to check out there website. I also had taken the advice of other Yelpers. When I called I was able to make an appointment the next day and my glasses were finished in 8 days!!

Dr. Klein was very thorough and cares about the future of your eyesight. I really like there atmosphere and artwork that is displayed. You'll get great service with a friendly staff!

Jennifer W. (08/21/09)

Dr Gary Klein is a genuine, caring physician. He takes personal pride in his patient's needs and it's reflected in his respectful and helpful staff, Kristy and Holly. I recently purchased an incredible pair of rolled titanium sunglasses from IC Berlin; light as a feather and super cool. I also needed an additional pair of prescription with progressive lenses and made a final selection with Kristy's assistance from FaceaFace, an extraordinary pair of frames imported from France.
I'm a very active person and frequently want to take off my glasses, however I don't want to set them down because obviously I might forget them. Well Kristy came up with a great solution with La Loop, a chic, well designed neckstrap (I'm a guy) with a sterling silver loop that you can slide the temple of the glasses through so you don't have to worry about them.
If you like the finer things in life and want to look your best, this is definately your place with wonderful people to help you in this pursuit.

Ron F. (06/02/09)

To me there are two elements to my eye care...having an optometrist who is skilled and caring, and finding the right selection of lenses and eyewear once the exam is completed. At Urban Optiks, I have found both in one place! My first visit to Urban Optiks was soon after it had opened its doors, on the recommendation of a colleague, and I just had my second visit with Dr. Klein, who is absolutely the best! I wouldn't go to any other optometrist right now. He placed me in my first pair of progressive lenses, and boy am I glad he encouraged me to try them. I have had glasses since I was eight (and I am now...well...much, much older!) and have gone through pretty much every iteration of eye correction...these progessives have made one of the most significant differences in my eyesight, and I chalk it up to Dr. Klein's ability and patience to get the right measurements for each of the corrections. I don't usually write testimonials, but in this case it is truly deserving.

The neat thing about the Dr. Klein's office setup is that you can get up from your exam and walk right over to one of the most incredible selections of eyewear in San Diego. So, even though I'm an old coot, at least I can look hip! Seriously, the selection is broad but concise, so there's pretty much something for everyone. And his opticians, Holly and Kristy, have an incredible eye (no pun intended) for finding and fitting the right frame. In the past, trying to find the right frame was often frustrating...now it's actually fun!

Thanks for everything, Dr. Klein!

Garold W. (05/27/09)

Urban Optiks is such a beautifully designed space, that feels more like an eye wear boutique than an Optometrist's Office. Dr. Klein and Kristy are very knowledgeable and very helpful. Dr. Klein fit me with new pair of contact lens that not only help give me crystal clear vision, but are the most comfortable lens I have ever worn. Kristy help fit my partner with an amazingly designed pair of frames. Truly Beautiful!!!

Joel B. (02/26/09)

Where do I begin?

Imagine the most relaxing, informative, welcoming optometrist and then also imagine that feeling of KNOWING that something feels right... got it?

Well that is how I felt the SECOND I walked into Urban Optiks.

I won't bore you with repetition of the things others have mentioned, they are all true and more. What I will say is that Urban Optiks is like no other optometrist's office you've ever, or will ever, visit.

Dr. Klein listens to all your questions, he laughs at your jokes (even if they're bad), and he takes time to treat you like... well a person!

Kristy and Holly are too good to be true. Not only do they know EVERYTHING there is to know about frames, fitting, and lens types, they spell it all out for you in the easiest and simple way possible.

Urban Optiks is wonderful; they want to see you happy and do that through their courtesy, respect, and friendliness. So if you're looking to be treated like the human you are and to be welcomed like family, Urban Optiks is for YOU!

Thanks Dr. Klein, Holly, and Kristy! I love my glasses and I'm going to stop in soon for those GAUDY mirror lenses!

Your Best Customer,

Ben

Benjamin W. (03/05/09)

I found Dr. Klein though my insurance company...

The office is BRAND new, all new equipment, great setup. They're in the bottom of those Eqyptian condo's on the corner of University & Park.

Dr. Klein makes you feel really comfortable. I've been wearing contacts since I was 12 years old & this is BY FAR the best place I've been to. He gave me tons of contact lens solution. I accidentally told him I was using a different brand of lens so he gave me a newer spiffy silicone version of a lens to try...because of my error they were bugging me & he gladly gave me a different brand to try the next week.

He has a great selection of glasses as well. Give them a try!!

Sarah H. (02/20/09)

Dr. Klein is wonderful. He takes the time to thoroughly examine all aspects of your eye's health and explains everything to you in plain English, the way it should be! I felt very comfortable working with Dr. Klein and will definitely return. This place is completely open, however, so just keep in mind if you're someone that likes your privacy, you won't have it here, but that's not an issue for me, and actually the open feel of the place makes you more comfortable and you don't even feel like you're at a doctor's office! :) They accept VSP, which is the only eye insurance I've ever had in the past 4 companies I work for, so I'm guessing pretty much every optometrist does, the exam was only $10 bucks which was my copay.

Rob K. (01/21/09)