We provide personalized vision care and quality eye wear in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. We carry the largest selection of frames in the county for all budgets but we are especially well known for our boutique lines, which are beautiful, well made, small batch and exclusive frames. We carefully curate our selection to bring our customers the most sought after styles as well as unusual, playful ones.
The best way to shop for the perfect glasses and sunglasses is to do it in person. With the guidance of our knowledgeable opticians you can feel confident that your frames work well with your unique features as well as your prescription. We believe that everyone has a right to quality eye care, which starts with finding the right doctor.
The best way to shop for the perfect glasses and sunglasses is to do it in person. With the guidance of our knowledgeable opticians you can feel confident that your frames work well with your unique features as well as your prescription. We believe that everyone has a right to quality eye care, which starts with finding the right doctor.
Services
In the aftermath my good friend, Dr. David Farberow, and I decided to invest our savings and our futures in the recovery of Downtown Santa Cruz. A vacant lot appeared where Penniman Title and United Sagar once stood. Joining with other partners, we were able to buy this empty space and eventually design and build a building located on the alleyway known as Plaza Lane.
Dr. David Farberow graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 1980. David first moved to Santa Cruz in 1974, after graduating from UCLA with a BA in psychology in 1972. After several years of working locally for other doctors, he bought a satellite office in 1983 from a doctor in Gilroy and began a private practice on 41st Ave.
Dr. Brittany Heyano is a California native who obtained her Bachelors degree in Chemistry at CSU Fresno where she graduated with honors and ran track as a NCAA Division I athlete before achieving her Doctor of Optometry from University of California Berkeley.
She received extensive training on the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, dry eye, and specialty contact lens fittings across all age groups through her clinical rotations at VA Monterey, Meredith Morgan Eye Center, Crow Indian Health Services Hospital, Eastmont Community health center, and the student health center at UC Santa Cruz.
She received extensive training on the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, dry eye, and specialty contact lens fittings across all age groups through her clinical rotations at VA Monterey, Meredith Morgan Eye Center, Crow Indian Health Services Hospital, Eastmont Community health center, and the student health center at UC Santa Cruz.
Please call to schedule a time for an exam, eyeglass selection or eyeglass repair as we have limited availability at this time in order to allow for ample cleaning in between all patients and to maintain social distancing as much as possible. Face masks/coverings are required, no exceptions (masks with vents will not be permitted).
Eye care is unique in that we provide both routine, wellness exams (this is what Vision Insurance covers) and medical eye care such as dry eye, red eyes, flashes/floaters, etc. (this is what your medical insurance would cover). All co-pays, deductables and out-of-pocket expenses for service and product is expected at time of service/purchase.
Reviews (20)
Annette Kypreos
Jan 13, 2022
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Julia Smith
Dec 23, 2021
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Jay Blair
Jul 31, 2021
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Disappointment all around. Too-busy receptionists, followed by a rushed tech. The Optometrist was good at least. The glasses took longer to arrive than the $15 pair shipped by sea from China. When I came to pick them up, they were so smudged I took them home to clean and only then did I realize why my eyes couldn't focus on the new pair from Plaza Lane - glare. There's glare on the inside and outside of the lenses. My eyes can't see past it to focus. No returns, no refunds, no exchanges. Absolute junk. 0/5. Would not recommend.
Myea A.
Mar 31, 2021
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Riley H.
Jan 29, 2021
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I've been going to Plaza Lane for a few years now and I am always impressed with the service I receive. The front desk receptionists and medical professionals are always extremely accomodating, friendly, and knowledgeable. Everyone always goes the extra mile and makes me feel well cared for. I highly recommend Plaza Lane!
Nikki Henninger
Jan 05, 2021
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What I love about Plaza Lane Optometry is that all of there equipment is state of the art and the pre exam is very fast and efficient. Dr. Buell takes the time to explain everything if you have questions and will check out any concerns you have. After the exam there are several qualified people to help you choose your frames and work with the eye medical insurance of each client. Also the women at the reception desk are friendly and very helpful.
Paloma Vachon
Dec 30, 2020
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The staff at Plaza Lane are very knowledgeable when it comes to classes. They are a professional group that are very nice to work with. I love going to pick out new glasses because they make me feel like I am their priority. I also love that they will take care of me even after I have purchased glasses. They are always happy to help adjust glasses that I bring in to them.
Jennifer Hamilton
Dec 02, 2020
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I love this place! I picked up my glasses curbside after having my prescription adjusted slightly. It was the PERFECT change and I was so happy I wanted to call them to thank them. I figured an online review would be better. (: Overall their team is super friendly and I felt very safe going there. They have their pandemic procedures down well.
Susan Leo
Oct 01, 2020
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I love this place. Plaza Lane is conveniently located right downtown with plenty of parking all around. The staff is kind and responsive and very efficient. I see Dr. Jennifer Buell and she's terrific. My vision situation is a little complicated and I feel like I'm in very good hands with her and the staff there. They are handling the covid-19 challenges very well and I felt safe and not at all uncomfortable the entire visit. Do not hesitate to call ahead and make an appointment!
S. McCourt
Aug 28, 2020
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I have been a client of Dr Farberow for over 30 years.
Plaza Lane has the most up to date equipment and found my visual field was impaired leading to a diagnosis of brain tumor. This saved not only my vision but my life. Staff and Drs provide a beautiful and kind environment along with highly qualified with details.
Plaza Lane has the most up to date equipment and found my visual field was impaired leading to a diagnosis of brain tumor. This saved not only my vision but my life. Staff and Drs provide a beautiful and kind environment along with highly qualified with details.
Carol D.
Nov 18, 2019
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Dr. Buell at Plaza Lane Optometry provides the personalized care that instills confidence among her patients. In addition to her technical proficiency, she offered concise explanations and took the time to educate me about my options. Along with Dr. Buell, I found the entire staff at Plaza Lane Optometry helpful and accommodating.
It's easy to feel overlooked in today's fast paced world. Dr. Buell and Plaza Lane Optometry make sure you don't.
It's easy to feel overlooked in today's fast paced world. Dr. Buell and Plaza Lane Optometry make sure you don't.
Juanita M.
Jul 03, 2019
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Jason M.
Jan 27, 2019
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Kirby L.
Oct 21, 2018
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I've been a customer for a few years and nearly each time I visit, it's been an excellent experience (except that one time the front desk person was really grumpy but we all have those days!). I recently brought my frames in because one of the screws fell out. The woman who repaired them not only reattached the temple, but tightened up both so now they fit well. Other times I've ordered contact lenses and gone for eye exams - all experiences consistently excellent.
Laurie M.
Apr 12, 2018
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What a pleasure to find this place. The staff was so kind, helpful and friendly, so was Dr. Buell. She explained everything clearly and did not try to push me to get glasses I didn't need.
I had not been for an eye exam in decades and I am so glad I gave this office my business. I first called the office of Dr. Kuo, I had been there 20 years ago. Not only was the receptionist short with me, they only offered appointments two hours a week, Wednesday from 1;00 to 3:00, for my insurance. It was demeaning.
I had not been for an eye exam in decades and I am so glad I gave this office my business. I first called the office of Dr. Kuo, I had been there 20 years ago. Not only was the receptionist short with me, they only offered appointments two hours a week, Wednesday from 1;00 to 3:00, for my insurance. It was demeaning.
Lawrence R.
Mar 04, 2018
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Don't even think about going anywhere else! Hands down the BEST service in the state! The staff is great. They have top of the line testing equipment and their customer service is 10+. My glasses broke today and instead of sending them out for repair, they swapped my lenses into their display model and reordered a replacement. 5 min process. Simply incredible. Love this place!
Sharon P.
Oct 28, 2016
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If you ever need a great eye guy, go see David Farberow at Plaza Lane Optometry. The office is easy to find and the parking garage is directly behind his offices. Also don't forget to get your ticket validated!
I've been seeing David for over thirty years, so I thought it was time to give him some accolades. He must be good for me to stay with him all this time, not to mention the fact that I come over the hill for the visits. I live in San Jose, his office is in Santa Cruz!
Also the office was very flexible with my appoint this year and every year.
I have always been pleased with
I've been seeing David for over thirty years, so I thought it was time to give him some accolades. He must be good for me to stay with him all this time, not to mention the fact that I come over the hill for the visits. I live in San Jose, his office is in Santa Cruz!
Also the office was very flexible with my appoint this year and every year.
I have always been pleased with
Joy W.
Oct 22, 2016
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Holly A.
Dec 09, 2013
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I am going five stars for Plaza Lane. Dr. Farberow is very very thorough and has been my doctor for many years. He takes his time with you and explains the procedures well. I have a very finicky prescription and he worked with me to get my contacts fitted perfectly.
They also give really good customer service in the lenses and frames department. I had some issues with the frames I picked out and they took care of me right away and were very fair about it. They just wanted to make sure I was happy which I am. It's rare that you get this kind of treatment this day and age. I recommend this
They also give really good customer service in the lenses and frames department. I had some issues with the frames I picked out and they took care of me right away and were very fair about it. They just wanted to make sure I was happy which I am. It's rare that you get this kind of treatment this day and age. I recommend this
Cesar R.
Nov 05, 2013
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More accurately, I wish my review could be 2.5 stars - it's really better than two, but not quite 3.
Love that Plaza Lane offers beautiful, unique frames that I don't see at other optical shops. What keeps me from anything more than admiring glances is that all the frames are locked behind glass cases. If I want to try them on, I need to get someone to open the case (or cases). And if someone else wants to try on frames, the keeper of the gate has to handle both of us while one waits. I'm sorry if your clientele or walk-ins are a shady group, but this Louvre-type of display
Love that Plaza Lane offers beautiful, unique frames that I don't see at other optical shops. What keeps me from anything more than admiring glances is that all the frames are locked behind glass cases. If I want to try them on, I need to get someone to open the case (or cases). And if someone else wants to try on frames, the keeper of the gate has to handle both of us while one waits. I'm sorry if your clientele or walk-ins are a shady group, but this Louvre-type of display
