Optical Illusions
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Optical Illusions
We are Optical Illusions of San Mateo, a leading optometry clinic and eyewear boutique in the Bay Area. Our philosophy is simple: to provide unparalleled eye care to our valued patients. From comprehensive eye exams to dry eye therapy to laser eye surgery consultations, when you're in our care, we work hard to provide the best experience.

We have a highly knowledgeable team, the latest in eye care technology, and the best selection of products available. When you walk through our doors, you can rest assured your vision and eye health is in the best hands. Glasses do more than improve your vision; they're an extension of your personality.
Services
From the moment you walk in our doors, we strive to offer you a comprehensive and thorough experience. From our knowledgeable and friendly team to our detailed eye exams and diagnostic testing, to our unsurpassed selection of eyewear brands, Optical Illusions of San Mateo is the perfect fit for your entire family's vision care needs.
Optical Illusions of San Mateo provides more than just the essentials. When it comes to both ocular and optical services, our patients receive an exceptional standard of care. Over 3.4 million Americans over the age of 40 are either visually impaired or legally blind. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, most eye diseases and conditions will only worsen over time.
At Optical Illusions of San Mateo, our goal is to safeguard your child's vision while making eye care fun. Children's eyes change at a rapid pace as they grow. In fact, vision is their most important tool for learning. That's why it's vital for your child to have regular eye exams - this gives them the best chance of success in school and life.
Many individuals who develop myopia, or nearsightedness, as they find that their vision is not stable until they are well into adulthood. Prescriptions may change year after year during adolescence, with the outlook seeming worse off for their visual abilities. But there are treatments for this issue; it all depends on finding the right treatment for each individual case.
If you've ever experienced dry eyes, you can appreciate just how frustrating the symptoms are. Itching, watering, rubbing - it's not pleasant, so why put up with the discomfort? Relief is available, and the friendly and professional team at Optical Illusions is here to help. The first step in determining the best treatment for your dry eyes is diagnosing the underlying cause.
Reviews (21)
Dee Beard
Dee Beard
Jan 21, 2022
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My eye doctors name is Paris Montgomery and she is an absolute doll. Very thorough and explains everything. You just don’t see that anymore with doctors of any kind. I’m new here and she was one of the first to show compassion, kindness and just generally cares. So refreshing. Love her, fantastic doctor and just a great person!!
Regina B.
Regina B.
Jan 21, 2022
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I have been a patient at Optical Illusions San Mateo for over 10 years. Not sorry to say, I will not be returning. Over the last year some of the front of office staff have changed, and quite frankly are rude and unprofessional. I had a routine eye exam in November 2021. I had an optional test performed on me WITHOUT my consent and was then charged for it. I had a contact lens exam. The doctor recommended I try 2 different brands and come back in 1 week. When I returned, I told the female staff member that I was there to pick up the contact lens prescription for the brand I preferred. She
M. M.
M. M.
Jan 21, 2022
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They do not inform you when doctor is running late. I showed up and they told me I needed to wait over one hour to see the doctor I had an appointment with. Of course, the doctor can be late. That is not a problem. The problem is they do not inform the patient that the doctor is running late over one hour! Try other offices that respect patients! I visited plenty of doctors office and this is the only one that do not inform patients when they are running late over one hour!
Ronald K.
Ronald K.
Jan 14, 2022
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I just got a dilated fundus exam and imaging at Stanford.
Now OI will not give a refraction check without dilation and imaging.
Sorry, that is not necessary, is not required, and you lost a long time customer. This is a pure money grab.
Jana W.
Jana W.
Nov 21, 2021
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It's been many years since I've been able to wear contacts due to the limited options for my condition and the discomfort that came with those options. Needless to say, when I came in for my annual eye exam and Dr. Yandell told me about a fancy new machine they were bringing in that would allow them to take precise measurements for custom fit scleral lenses, I was sold. After multiple visits and lens trials, we finally got the perfect fit and I'm so excited! Dr. Yandell was super patient in making even the smallest tweaks until we were sure I was getting the most comfortable fit
Naing Lin
Naing Lin
Nov 13, 2021
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Optical Illusions has top notch technology for eye exams and the staff is very professional. Dr. To is very knowledgeable and answered all my questions patiently. 10/10 would recommend.
Amanda Morales
Amanda Morales
Nov 04, 2021
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Truely the best optical experience I have ever had! The team is very welcoming and organized which makes the visit incredibly pleasant! Dr. Paris Montgomery was my particular doctor, she is incredibly fantastic, I would highly recommend this optometrist and optical illusions overall!
Enze Li
Enze Li
Sep 29, 2021
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Dr Montgomery is excellent. Deducted three stars for unprofessional and rude one of the front staff who “helped” me with glasses adjustment appointment schedule.
Allen F.
Allen F.
Sep 02, 2021
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NOT FOR AUNT MARGARET. This is a very nice optometry store. The exam rooms are clean and there are lots of places to put your chin. There is a girl who takes pictures of your retina and then a doctor comes in and tells you what they mean. The color pictures are nice but the black and white ones are even better. They look like old Bizzozzero microscope drawings. I wanted to get a set to show Aunt Margaret, who used to watch me when I was little. Aunt Margaret wore perfume and she would put her hand on my knee and tell me I had nice eyes, so I thought she might be interested. Unfortunately, the optometrist
Chris K.
Chris K.
Aug 29, 2021
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Took my business elsewhere. They're trying to scam patients into doing a "required" retinal scan due to COVID. Never have I ever been 'required' to do a scan or dilation. I acknowledge the importance of COVID as well as retinal scans/dilation, but there is no correlation between the two. I have already had this service performed elsewhere last year and personally I only accept that service every 2 years. I understand times are tough, but don't try and upcharge your customers for something that should be completely optional.
Lisa N.
Lisa N.
Jun 29, 2021
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Out of all the optometrists I've been to, everyone at Optical Illusions was the most thorough. Not just with the prescription for my glasses but also with helping me pick out the right style of frames for me, which was pretty fun.

I have a pretty small nose and all the glasses I had in the past used to slide down my face. And I've been wearing glasses since the 2nd grade. I forget what it's called but the staff at Optical Illusions ordered the same style of frames but with higher nose pads and it definitely stays on my face the way it should.

I used to only wear my glasses at
Terri F.
Terri F.
Jun 16, 2021
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I was impressed with the technology they use for the eye exam, and Dr. Paris Montgomery was very thorough in explaining the xrays and what they mean. She was also great at finding the exact prescription I needed, and didn't rush me at all when comparing the eye charts against one another to see which was the clearer view. All the staff was very nice and I felt very much at ease there for my first time. I'll definitely go back.

The only problem i had was with their frames, all were designer and very high priced. They all looked the same with little variance in the options for the look
Paige Y.
Paige Y.
Jun 06, 2021
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I deducted 1 star off d/t the front store staff.

The store is beautifully decorated and designed. When I walked in, the front staff acknowledged me in an indifferent tone and told me that I'd be called when they're ready. I was immediately put off by the demeanor but decided to continue with my appointment.

I was pleasantly surprised that my later interaction with the technician or the nurse (Nora) was friendly and professional. When scanning my retina using the numerous most up-to-date technologies, she kindly explained what to expect and the purpose of each machine. My visit was
Kimberly Patton
Kimberly Patton
May 30, 2021
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If you want beautiful glasses there is no place like Optical Illusions. Every pair of glasses I’ve purchased have been so excellent! This is an accessory you don’t want to buy at a discount store, trust me. The first thing I noticed is they feel weightless. Stop here first and you’ll also see how amazing they treat all their customers.
Megan K.
Megan K.
Apr 24, 2021
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Dr. Katalina Yandell is incredibly informative, and a wonderful doctor to visit. She explains everything she's doing, and why she goes through each process/test.
Cris A.
Cris A.
Apr 12, 2021
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Will not be coming back here.
Got my glasses and my contacts here, I spend a lot of money on them only to be disappointed, I was misled about the glasses that it would thinner and with my contacts I told them I want to pick it up but they said because of covid they can't, which is understandable. The problem was my contacts wasn't delivered, stolen I called them they said they won't do anything other than give me the tracking information and for me to contact the delivery service and take it to them. I never heard such a thing before in my life where the store doesn't do anything
Sabrina M.
Sabrina M.
Mar 31, 2021
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I had a great experience, love the designer glasses, clean and friendly staff, I have referred all my friends to get their designer glasses here, and they all are happy. I highly recommend optical illusions as they really take care of their clients.
Pedro V.
Pedro V.
Mar 03, 2021
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Thank you victor and Lavinia! Very helpful staff and nice selection of frames. Appreciate the care they give
Ino C.
Ino C.
Feb 28, 2021
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Victor R is the best!!!!! I have been getting my eye exam and frames from Optical Illusions for almost 10 years. Since my first visit, Victor has helped me select frames and lenses that fit my face, my taste and my budget and he always does a great job!!!! Thank you Victor!
Tracey R.
Tracey R.
Feb 08, 2021
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Have been using this practice for years and have always been happy. Victor (sorry possibly Vince) was super helpful in choosing new frames with me!
Thank you!
The Thinker M.
The Thinker M.
Oct 12, 2020
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I have Kaiser insurance but I could not find frames that I wanted so I went to optical Illusions. Let me just say the frames are beautiful and the staff is very professional and helpful. I really appreciated Gina helping me find frames that are flattering. What I like about her is her honesty! Some sales people will sell you anything but she took the time to help me she let me know when frames were unflattering and that is priceless to me. I will definitely go back and purchase from this business again. (I have purchased frames here before because they are so elegant & stylish)

BUT WAIT there