Dr. Thomas Aller Optometrist Inc.

San Bruno, United States

4.7

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
By Appointment Only

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Telephone:
+1 650-871-1816
Website:
draller.com
Address:
711 Kains Ave, San Bruno, CA, 94066
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.8 miRental Car Center
0.8 miSan Bruno
1 miWest Field Road
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
By Appointment Only
Yes
Accepts Insurance
Yes

Today

Today 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Open now
Local time (San Bruno) 18:33 Thursday, 5 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Dr. Thomas Aller is an internationally known optometrist offering your family comprehensive eye care, prescription glasses, complex contact lens care, co-​management of LASIK and other refractive surgeries, Ortho-​K for gentle overnight vision correction and proven methods to control myopia. Thoroughly committed to caring for his clients since 1983, Dr. Aller is the optometrist you can depend on for your family’s. Our state of the art facility in San Bruno, California is a complete eye care center with three exam rooms, an automated pre-​testing room and a spacious eye wear dispensary complete with all the latest designer frames. We offer the most advanced eye care treatments in the area. We are constantly updating our knowledge with the latest technology and new methods & prescriptions to better serve you. Dr. Aller reasoned that if bifocal glasses were effective in controlling myopia, bifocal contacts might be effective as well. What he found in a seven-​year study of 100 patients was that if he prescribed bifocal soft lenses for the appropriate nearsighted person, adult or child, that their rate of myopia worsening was reduced on average by 90%. Inspired by this finding, Dr. Aller sought and received a clinical research grant to fund further research.

Our capabilities:

Computerized and manual vision testing Fast automated peripheral vision testing

Optos Panoramic digital retinal photography…

History

Established in 1986.

I started working in this practice in 1986 and took it over in 1990. We moved to our new location in 2003 and we expect to stay quite a while. For about the last 10 years this office has been a major site for clinical optometric research and there are many more studies into novel treatments for myopia and hyperopia that are planned in the future.

Meet the Business Owner

Thomas A.

Business Owner

Dr. Aller has lived in California for most of his life and grew up in Berkeley. He and his wife Virginia, who also now works in the office, have three young adult children making their way through various universities. He attended UC Berkeley for both undergraduate and optometry school and has practiced in San Bruno since 1986. He is an avid inventor and has spent the last twenty years or so on researching and developing a clinical method that has been shown to very effectively slow down the gradual increase in myopia or nearsightedness that is typical for children and many adults. He is now collaborating with The Vision Cooperative Research Centre in Sydney Australia, to help develop innovative, new contact lenses designed specifically to reduce myopia. His next project will be to try to develop a clinical method to reduce farsightedness and is currently underway.

Dr. Thomas Aller Optometrist Inc. also recommends

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«Unique cuisine, expertly prepared, with friendly service. Well worth a visit for lunch or dinner.»

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20 reviews of Dr. Thomas Aller Optometrist Inc.

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I was pleased with my initial visit to this optometry office last month. The service was prompt, cordial and professional. The doctor that saw me answered all my questions about some concerns I had a laid them to rest.
However, it was the after visit service that impressed me. At the time of my visit, it wasn’t clear if my insurance company would cover my visit, due to it not being a regular eye exam. I was fine just paying for the visit, but they said that they’d file it with the insurance company and see what happened. Several weeks later, they contacted me to let me know that the insurance company had paid the claim and that I could receive a credit or refund for my payment.
In the past, I’ve encountered many optometry/​optician offices that structure billing to receive the maximum payout for themselves while also extracting the most from the patient. Dr. Adler’s office instead was honest and fair to me as a patient. I’ll definitely continue to be a patient.
Place rating: 1
San Francisco, CA
I was very hopeful when I 1st visited Aller but every prescription I got from him did not work. 3 visits, contact lenses, glasses. What a waste of time and money. It didn’t help that this doctor seemed annoyed when I asked questions. I was patient because I have problematic eyes and I just wanted a good solution but the whole experience was bad. I didn’t even want to write this review but now I’m getting letters from my insurance because they filed their papers improperly. Thought I was done with this place… apparently not. I should’ve known things were not going to go well when he wanted me to wear contacts and glasses… at the same time. I have a new doctor and my eyes are great… thanks for nothing Aller
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
My youngest went for her annual appointment. Her myopia has gotten worse. Dr. Aller provided us with the best options and case studies to back them up, which was great. She now wears contact lenses and is doing well. Chelsea, the assistant, trained her on how to clean and take of the lenses. My daughter continues to do the eye exercises and she is determined to take care of her eyesight. The employees are nice and helpful. I got my hot chocolate while waiting. The other day, my hubby told me that it is finally time to see Dr. Aller because it is difficult to read close-​up. We will be going there soon. Overall, it is a wonderful office.
Place rating: 5
Pacifica, CA
My family has been helped by both Dr. Aller and Dr. Gno (pronounced «No»), and we have had very positive experiences with both doctors. The office has all of the latest state-​of-​the-​art equipment. The front desk people are also very nice. All the 5-​star ratings for this practice are well deserved!
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
I love Dr. Aller! I swear the past 2 glasses I’ve received were PERFECT. I’ve alway struggled with getting the right eyeglass prescription. But after going here for 2 years that problem is solved!
He spends time with you and helps get your prescription right. He can even be funny at times and has a dry sense of humor. He’ll discuss your eye health and the things you can do to really improve it.
I also love the rest of his staff. All of the girls are really nice! They spent time with me and helped me pick out the right pair of glasses. I’m really impressed with the selection they have too!
Place rating: 5
South San Francisco, CA
I have been to so many optometrists since I started using contacts. I’ve always had so much trouble with the fittings. I was always told that with contacts, I would never see 100% clearly. That the contacts would always shift & move. Till now, Dr. Aller has taken the time to test different contacts till he found the correct fitting & strength. I’m so happy with him, I can finally see clearly 99.9% of the time. I recommend him to every one.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I looove Dr. Ngo!
I usually schedule my annual eye checkup appointments with her because I’ve just grown to be super comfortable around her.
I came in 4:28PM and my appointment was at 4:30PM. The women at the front desk were all very friendly and I was immediately assisted. They brought me in and seated me inside the doctor’s office promptly.
Dr. Ngo is always so sweet and she is very professional! Whenever I ask her questions, I always receive informative feedback. She is very knowledgable and patient. I have never had a problem on my visits with her :)
I’m very happy that I live walking distance away from this Optometry because of the convenience. Although I’ve never had Dr. Aller as my optometrist, he seems like a passionate, reliable, and knowledgable optometrist – based off what I read here. Good luck!
Very much recommend this place. 5 stars for sure.
Place rating: 5
San Ramon, CA
Our family has been going to Dr. Aller for over 12 years! Dr. Aller is the most thorough & knowledgeable optometrist I know (& I work in healthcare). His staff is so awesome. Chelsey, his office manager, is amazing. She goes out of her way to help you with your insurance & your choices (contacts, glasses, lenses, etc). She will tell you honestly what looks good and what doesn’t (I appreciate that!). She has a great eye for picking frames that fit your face. She’s also help my dad (who was totally against contacts) feel comfortable in them and enjoy wearing them. He hated wearing his glasses and would leave them everywhere so it was so important to us that he switch. Additionally, the office itself is organized, clean, and efficient.
Place rating: 5
South San Francisco, CA
Dr. Aller is not only innovative, but has the most advanced technology, and invests his time towards clinical trials.
Dr. Aller is the most knowledgeable and most passionate Optometrist that I have worked with. It is a huge reason why I have been going to him for years. What I appreciate most with Dr. Aller is his continual effort to make sure that his patients are satisfied and well taken care of. I have always had issues with my vision. Noting my astigmatism and high prescription, he always spends the extra time to ensure that my prescription is what I am the most comfortable with.
I never feel rushed and his front staff is super accommodating. If you are considering a new optometrist, come here, you will not be disappointed.
Place rating: 5
Pacifica, CA
Dr. Aller did great things for me. I was using progressive glasses and was not aware of many of the other options available. He is passionate about what he does, earnestly listens and works hard to find what works best. He was able to get some multi-​focal contacts for me that work so much better than glasses for sports, hobby, etc. Never having worn contacts, they were very patient and helpful teaching me to use them and working through an adjustment period to get me the best outcome. Dr. Aller had some other options and recommendations but the multi-​focals worked great for me, so I didn’t pursue further. In the past, I had gone to Kaiser optometry. It was good for eye exams, but always rushed and not informative for options/​advice. The whole staff at the Dr. Aller’s office were very helpful. I will certainly use his services regularly in the future.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I went to Dr. Aller for the first time a few weeks ago, so this is based on a short period of time with him and his office so far.
I’ve considered San Bruno to be home to nothing superlative, except Toto’s pizza, until now.
I have had bad astigmatism and myopia since I was a teen, and have gone to about half a dozen different optometrists over my life. I’ve gone through dozens of pairs of glasses, many gas permeable contacts, a Lasik procedure, a few types of soft contacts, and more glasses. My eyes have continued to get more myopic, even in my 40s. And after the Lasik procedure, my eyes tend to get really dry. I know eye doctors and the difficulty in getting excellent vision correction.
Dr Aller speaks of studies that he’s participated in and cites studies or his years of experience when he answers my many questions. And he gave some theories about why my shortsightedness keeps worsening, and I didn’t even ask him about that. He tells me about my options in various forms of vision correction, what each entails, and their pros and cons. His explanations are thorough and efficient. No fluff, just lots of information, which is perfect. I feel incredibly informed now.
His office must have the most up-​to-​date equipment around, and he seems to have the most current methods in examinations. I didn’t know that my last eye doctor had outdated equipment and processes.
The eye glass frame selection is very good. I like modern plastic frames that have nose pads (for my Asian face), and there were handful of options,. My last eye doctor’s office only had one or two. (I must say that I’d think there’d be a lot more at any office, since there’s a large east Asian population ’round this neck o’ the woods, but every office I’ve been to doesn’t have a lot.)
I now have what I think are really nice Kate Spade eyeglasses and really comfortable daily disposable contacts for sports and special events. I couldn’t be more pleased!
Place rating: 3
Pacifica, CA
Dr Aller is very thorough and detailed in his eye exams. Yes, the most modern equipment and no pupil dilating drops, but you will have to pay extra money not covered by VSP if you choose this option. For a set of gas permeable contacts and contact lens exam was ~$ 220 with VSP insurance was about equal to slightly higher than competitors in San Bruno and San Mateo area that I have tried. You get stuck with a «fitting fee» of $ 60 – 90 depending on any of the offices.
If you are first time patient, expect to spend 1 – 2 hrs time for first visit and possible 3 – 4 shorter followup appointments several weeks apart! Yes, I ended up having to come to the office for 5 visits in 2 month time. To some people this may feel like you are getting better care, but to me it was a waste of my time. It wasn’t additional cost, but time is money right? And I have neither to waste.
His office tends to push hybrid contacts from Duette (gas permable in the middle surrounded by soft lens). Comfortable yes, but taking out is a bit of a thing to get used to, impossible if you like to drink or are very tired and almost gave myself a corneal abrasion… 3 – 4 week wait to get them special ordered. I returned them after 2 days, I couldn’t deal with them. I should have been told that «trying» out these new lens would mean a possible additional 2 – 3 visits to the office to sort out fitting. I want to get in and out, I was told when I made the first appointment is usually 2 – 3 visits for new patiends, but it ended up to be 5 visits. And ended up with my original gas permeables.
A bit insulting to my intelligence, part of the exam was putting my old contact into one eye and the other eye was the Duette hybrid lens that was not in my prescription, what is the point of seeing blurry from one eye and clear from the other eye and tell me to look at an eye chart.
The office will also try and convince you that ordering replacement contact lens is quick and fast using his office, but this is not true. If you are a new patient expect a 3 – 4 week wait especially with Duettes, if you are lucky, you won’t need to go through the return and reorder process like I did. I always ask for a written prescription and online or Walmart options are always faster and cheaper.
The glasses choice is modern and plentiful, but some styles they may not give you any glasses case, because they say they were not given any case from the company. Most eye glasses places give you free cases with the office’s name on them, this apparently is not available for all styles of glasses, so be sure to ask.
I may give the office another try next year, but if I am required to go in for more than 2 visits, I’m dropping this office like a bad habit.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
Such a great and professional optometrist! One thing I’ve always liked about Dr. Aller is that in addition to just checking the health of your eyes, he’s also an advocate of finding ways to prevent eyesight from getting worse.
I know he’s done a few studies himself, which is great because it shows that he really is passionate and does care about the health of your eyes.
I would recommend his practice to anyone!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I chose Dr. Aller because of all the great Unilocal reviews, and I’m glad I did.
Everything is state of the art high tech in this office. I especially liked having the option of getting the retinal scan (which takes a few seconds) instead having your pupils dilated. Plus it’s kind of cool to see a full screen image of your eye.
I must add, Dr. Aller takes the time to explain the pros and cons of your options for various vision issues, and offers good, pragmatic suggestions depending on your preferences and situation .
I actually had no idea where to start picking out the frames, but the person who was helping me (I didn’t get her name), was amazing at quickly narrowing frames that fit my face and my style. She actually managed to bring me a great selection if frames based on my saying «distinctive and sassy». Plus she made it really fun !
Also, most of the frames come in multiple colors so they will order a different color for you if you want to see it in person, but you’re not committed to buy that frame. Can’t wait to get my sassy glasses!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Finally I have eye exam insurance again! and my first choice was Dr. Aller’s office based on a recommendation from one of my friends and Unilocal of course! Setting up an appointment was easy and I was greeted warmly upon arrival. My appointment was at 2:30 and within a few minutes, Dr. Ngo led me to the exam room. The exam itself went smoothly and Dr. Ngo answered all my questions to the best of her knowledge, she even fitted me for new contacts which I love! Prior, I was wearing two week extended wear contacts that would dry my eyes, now I have contacts that last monthly and are so comfortable!
There is a big selection of glasses however I passed up on getting a pair here because I’m more into vintage styles. When I decided to pick up some snazzy glasses at Lencrafters, I lost my RX and the girls in the office were nice enough to fax my prescription within the hour so I was able to get my glasses before my Health Spending account funds expired!
Also, I like Dr. Aller’s office because there’s a play area for children and I brought my niece there :-) she really enjoyed the little play table, books, and puzzles. I also recommended my sister to come here and she had a positive experience as well. I highly recommend this office and Dr. Ngo in particular based on my experience. 5 stars! Ps. There is plenty of parking!
Place rating: 5
Kihei, HI
I came here last summer for my annual check up and met with Dr Ngo. The front desk staff was very helpful and I was seen right away. Dr Ngo was very efficient and did more than my eye docs in the past. She was very informative without inundating with medical language and she answered all my questions thoroughly. She was professional, efficient, and very nice. I’ll definitely be booking an appt with her for my next eye check.
Place rating: 5
San Bruno, CA
After looking up all the 5-​star reviews on Unilocal,many from people who have gone to Dr. Aller for years, I decided on Dr. Aller to be my optometrist. Now, after my first visit, I am joining the 5-​star bandwagon for Dr. Aller. I was impressed with him on many different levels, including his thorough knowledge base, his research interests, his careful and thorough examination, and his passion for his work. I’m a physician scientist myself, so maybe that is why I particularly like Dr. Aller’s scientific and research-​oriented approach. Although I thought everything else about his practice was also great (staff, office space, exam equipment, location, etc.), to me all of that is just icing on the cake. After just one visit I already know that Dr. Aller is an optometrist I’d go out of my way to see (no pun intended)!
Place rating: 5
Millbrae, CA
I have been coming to Dr. Aller for as long as I can remember. He used to be in Tanforan.
Anyhow, I absolutely LOVE coming here! The options of glasses are the best, and Chelsea will give you her honest opinion, if something looks good or doesn’t! So I don’t have to bring one of my girlfriends or daughters with me! How awesome it that! I’m a definite repeat customer, and Chelsea keeps me up to date on new cute frames!
Oh! Dr. Aller is wonderful also. I enjoy his sense of humor, and is always very timely (as I do not like to wait if I don’t have to!). I have tried going to other places to get glasses, and since my prescription is a bit difficult, they never come out just right.
Place rating: 5
East Bay, CA
Since my previous review I have been back Dr Aller’s office a number of times for myself — 2 eye tests & change of glasses. The staff have been excellent each and every time.
My original glasses from here ended up being a little too strong and after 2 weeks my eyes still hadn’t adjusted so I had to return them for a lower prescription and it was sorted for me no questions asked.
The recent 1 star review surprises me as it outlines a similar issue with eye wear as I have mentioned above and the staff were nothing but friendly and helpful. I also think the number of 5 star reviews previous speaks for itself.
Professional, friendly staff in a nice clean bright office. I don’t think you could find any better.
Place rating: 5
San Bruno, CA
I give Dr. Aller 5*. I didn’t know who to go to and I just got VSP insurance through my employer. My childhood optometrist who i have been seeing for 20+ yrs is not on the network. I wanted someone on the network so that I wouldn’t have such high out of pocket costs so I decided to just randomly look up 2 – 3 optometrists in the local area. Since Dr. Aller had good reviews, I just chose him.
When I arrived, I was surprised to see a few ppl there already, on a weekday! That was a good sign. Dr. Aller spent about 30 – 40 minutes examining my eyes, didn’t rush the job.
I can’t compare to other optometrists, b/​c the only other optometrist I had was my childhood one and I was with him for 20+ years and he provided me great service as well!