Santa Barbara Eye Surgeons
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Santa Barbara Eye Surgeons
Office hours: Monday & Thursday - 7:30am-5:30pm. Tuesday & Wednesday - 8am-5pm. Friday 8am-Noon. Phones open 8am-5pm M-Th, 8am-Noon Fri Lunch hour M, T, W, Th - Noon-1:30 Dr. Winthrop is on call after hours. Since bringing the first LASIK system to Santa Barbara, I've made it my priority to provide the best available LASIK technology for my patients.

So I'm very pleased to announce my newest LASIK technology: the WaveLight EX500 with CONTOURA Vision eye-mapping. This is leading-edge technology, and I urge you to read all about it. From a medical standpoint, this is the new standard. So whether you travel to a large city or see me, please ask for the WaveLight EX500 with CONTOURA Vision for your LASIK procedure.
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Dr. Winthrop has been a leader in the Santa Barbara medical community for over twenty years, providing excellent ophthalmology care to those seeking relief from a variety of conditions. The Santa Barbara community consistently names Dr. Winthrop "Best Ophthalmologist" or "Best LASIK Surgeon" through the Santa Barbara News-Press and Independent reader polls.
This is a new automated system. Please leave your message with your account number, phone number, and your billing question. Our representative will return your call in 24-48 hours. For immediate assistance, please call our office directly during business hours.

In this ever-changing climate of health insurance, it can be frustrating to understand what kind of insurance you have, and if in fact, it will cover the office visits and procedures I provide.I do NOT accept any HMO insurance plans. HMO plans have a panel of providers you must choose from to receive covered services.
Although the skill and experience of the surgeon are the most significant factors affecting the outcome of your LASIK procedure, the surgeon's choice of LASIK system is also important. Dr. Winthrop upgraded his LASIK suite to the WaveLight EX500 with CONTOURA Vision eye-mapping to offer his patients the additional safety and efficacy this system provides.
LASIK stands for LASER assisted IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS and is a combination of two refractive procedures: Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). This laser refractive surgery is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopoia), and astigmatism.
It goes without saying that everyone who relies on glasses or contacts would love to have natural 20/20 vision. LASIK has made that a reality for many people. The WaveLight EX500 with CONTOURA Vision eye-mapping expands the boundaries of candidacy for LASIK. With the largest optical zone available, WaveLight EX500 candidacy includes many patients who were previously told that their pupils were too large for LASIK.
Reviews (20)
J. L.
J. L.
Jan 27, 2022
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Don't risk your eyesight. Avoid this office.
Dr. Winthrop and his staff are extremely unprofessional. I had a Retinal Tear found on a Retinal Scan. He took him over a month before he contacted me with the the results from the scan which was emergent.
I could've lost my eyesight.
He also scammed me into purchasing a less effective product & treatment at more than triple cost that I could receive from another ophthalmologist. Horrible medical treatment and patient customer service.
Staff is not knowledgeable and will hang up on you when you contact the office with questions, concerns
Julie L.
Julie L.
Dec 15, 2021
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Disastrous experience with Dr. Winthrop and my cataract surgery.
I now suffer from permanent eye damage from his mishandling of my procedure.
There are other more compassionate and competent eye surgeons that would be better and safer choices.
Alexa F.
Alexa F.
Dec 06, 2021
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Dr. Winthrop was originally recommended by my husband for my own LASIK procedure. I was apprehensive at first; but a few other friends have also seen him for their LASIK procedures.

All had great experiences, and I can say similarly for myself. Scheduling was a breeze; and Dr. Winthrop and his team were very patient and helpful in answering all my questions and concerns surrounding LASIK.
Sydney C.
Sydney C.
Aug 20, 2021
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If you're debating whether or not you should move forward here with LASIK, my short answer is yes.

I wanted to wait a few months after recovery before I review, so here it goes!

I had been wearing contacts for 13 years. My eye sight was stable for about two years. However, I developed an intolerance to my contacts. I tried switching brands, but, still, the irritation continued and worsened. So I looked into LASIK since I do not enjoy wearing classes. I have an active life (exercise, military, security). Glasses just were a bother most of the time. I had two of my friends in the military
Nicole H.
Nicole H.
Aug 15, 2021
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I looked near and far, and discovered that Dr. Winthrop had the best laser on the market. Each eye took about 5 minutes, and was nearly painless. I CAN SEEEEE!
Marissa M.
Marissa M.
Aug 01, 2021
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As someone who has dealt with contacts and glasses for the last 20 years, I am so, so grateful to Dr. Winthrop and his staff for an amazing lasik experience. From the initial consultation to post procedure follow up, Dr. Winthrop ensured I was comfortable both mentally and physically. Any nerves I had were eased by his willingness to answer any questions I had. When I arrived for procedure day I was walked through what was going to happen so there were no surprises and during the procedure itself Dr. Winthrop made sure to communicate each step as he went through it. Everything was finished before
Lizzy F.
Lizzy F.
Jun 26, 2021
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I recently had lasik with Dr. Winthrop! It had been something I was contemplating for a few years. This was a big decision and the doctor and all his staff took the time to explain it to me step by step of what it would be like and what results to expect. And walked me through all the pre op steps slowly so I knew exactly what was happening. When I got to the day of the surgery I felt completely at ease because of all the prep I had gone through. Again I was walked through step by step through each step of the procedure as it was happening. Incredible bedside manner not just from the doctor but
Evan C.
Evan C.
Jun 05, 2021
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Dr. Winthrop is a high class professional. I got LASIK surgery yesterday morning and everything went smoothly! He carefully explained the entire procedure in my consultation appointment, exam the day before surgery, and step-by-step during the surgery which was very comforting! The best news is I can see clearly now!! I highly recommend Dr. Winthrop. I can't say enough nice things about him and his staff. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Angie H.
Angie H.
May 17, 2021
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I held off on getting LASIK until my mid-40's and finally decided to do it this year. I consulted with multiple surgeons and felt the most confident with Dr. Winthrop. I had a very high prescription & was extremely near-sighted. Surgery was pretty simple but my vision fluctuated for months and never quite settled. This was a really discouraging period of time for me - one of my eyes was blurry enough that driving felt a little risky. In the interim, Jeff was awesome and helped me get glasses. After 5 months, Dr. Winthrop agreed that we needed to do another LASIK procedure to try
Maggie P.
Maggie P.
Apr 25, 2021
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Just got lasik with Dr Winthrop! I was amazed at how quick and easy it all was! No pain, speedy process, quick recovery! Everyone that worked there was kind and helpful. They talk you through everything and I felt safe and confident in my decision. Highly recommend!
Christopher H.
Christopher H.
Apr 11, 2021
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Dr. Winthrop and his staff were wonderful. They were recommended to me by trusted colleagues and I was not disappointed. He has the experience, courtesy, and latest technology that you are looking for in a physician when getting Lasik. I won't hesitate to recommend him to my SB colleagues who want Lasik. Great results, stress-free environment, and clear follow up plan. I can see again!
Claudia B.
Claudia B.
Apr 08, 2021
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Before making an appointment for a Glaucoma consultation with Dr. Winthrop, I made a mistake... I checked Yelp and the glowing 5 stars blinded me (pun intended). Unfortunately I failed to read the reviews, which would have quickly revealed this doctor has one area of expertise: LASIK. My bad!
I regret spending time and $ 290 at this office. The doctor was busy, rushed, uninterested and unwilling to provide me with information on my condition. He did not offer one ounce of compassion, understanding or basic guidance.
He did not provide facts, and had I not asked for my intraocular pressure measurement
Crystal C.
Crystal C.
Nov 24, 2020
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It's been close to three months since I got my lasik done. All the staff were so nice very welcoming. From the front desk to Dr. Winthrop. They walked me through every step. They made me feel comfortable. The actual procedure was quick. He knows what he's doing. Highly recommend! I can see!!
Diane A.
Diane A.
Nov 01, 2020
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Dr. Winthrop and his staff are simply the very best in Santa Barbara and the surroundings area. I had full confidence in my cataract and lasik surgery with him. My outcome couldn't have been better as I feel like I can see again like when I was in my 30's (I am 65). It has been one of the very best things I have done and seems like a miracle.
Marlene H.
Marlene H.
Sep 28, 2020
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I recently had cataract surgery with Dr. Winthrop and it was not only a success but a very positive experience. Dr. Winthrop is extremely knowledgable with many years of experience. His staff is personable diligent, and attentive to your needs and concerns.

The SB Surgical Center is well run and everyone on staff there is excellent... the receptionist, the nurses, and the anesthesiologist. No worries with this group!

Prior to seeing a cataract surgeon I asked for referrals and Dr. Winthrop was always recommended. I can now see why and readily join the fan club.
Miranda S.
Miranda S.
Sep 26, 2020
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100% recommend getting LASIK with Dr. Winthrop and his team (Jeff, Claudia and Peggy).

I had an appointment in place to get my LASIK elsewhere but after my consultation with Dr. Winthrop I immediately scheduled to get it done with them. The equipment they had required less laser time, lower enhancement requirement rates and overall better experience.

They did a great job calming my nerves and talked me through the whole procedure which truly flew by. The procedure itself was painless. Just mind over matter focus on the green flashing dot and it was over before I knew it. While foggy, I could
Vanessa U.
Vanessa U.
Sep 14, 2020
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If I could rate Dr. Winthrop and his staff with more than 5 stars, I would totally do it. I did Lasik last week and can truly say that I couldn't have done it anywhere else. His staff and Dr. Winthrop himself are so professional, honest and up front with you. They won't leave you with any unanswered questions. The procedure itself was completely painless and you felt in the right hands from beginning until the end. Dr. Winthrop even calls you the evening after your procedure to make sure everything is good. Wow, I'm really impressed and wish I would have done it sooner. My vision
Eric A.
Eric A.
Jun 17, 2020
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I had been considering getting Lasik for the last 10 years and I finally committed to it. I did my research and found Dr. Winthrop as the best choice in the area. I even had a colleague who got Lasik 20 years ago and recommended Dr. Winthrop! The staff and Dr. Winthrop were all very helpful and transparent about the process and pricing which made me very comfortable. The process from their free consultation to surgery was less than a month and I couldn't be happier with my new 20/20 vision! My corrected vision is better than i ever had with contacts and glasses, I wish I did this years ago
Martin C.
Martin C.
May 19, 2020
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NO MORE GLASSES

Hey Dr. Winthrop, thanks for giving this 68 year old guy the vision of a 16 year old with 20/20 vision! Recent cataract surgery with PanOptix IOL Great experience at Santa Barbara Surgery Center. Kind and caring nurses. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Winthrop and his staff of consummate professionals. Finally can buy all the cool non prescription sunglasses!
Andy F.
Andy F.
Oct 05, 2019
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I had a great experience getting Lasik with Dr. Winthrop. A few friends had their Lasik done by him a few years ago and highly recommended him. During each appointment he always asked if I had any questions and called me the evening of/ after the procedure to check on me.

Peggy and Claudia, the Lasik coordinators, are very helpful and responsive. Doctor Winthrop explains what will happen during the procedure and walks you through it as he performs each step. It's very fast and painless. And great to be able to see! I've been wearing glasses since I was 10. Now I just have to get out