I just finished having cataract surgery on both eyes by Dr. Shin. I’ve been his patient for several years. Dr. Shin spotted the forming cataract a few years ago but advised me to wait until it was necessary to do the surgery. This was the year. The entire experience was pleasant and smooth. Dr. Shin was super clear on what I should expect and how the process would go. The entire staff was knowledgable and helpful. The day before my first operation I was a bit nervous about the choices I made and asked Dr. Shin to call me. He responded within a few hours and gave me the time I needed to confirm I was making the right decision for me regarding which lens to use. On the day of the first surgery the staff was great, made me feel very comfortable and secure. Dr. Shin performs several cataract surgeries on the weekday that he operates. This assures that the staff is totally fluent with the steps required. I liked the idea that Dr. Shin does these surgeries many times per month. I wanted someone for whom this was rote. Dr. Shin fits the bill.
Joel S.
Place rating: 3 Novato, CA
Dr. Shin is an excellent Opthalmologist. That being said his manner, at least with me, was decidedly lacking. He was disparaging to my questions and comments, in some cases actually sarcastic. I am technically trained and used medically correct terminology in discussing my eye health. Some how this elicited negative comments as if I had no right to use terminology that only he «knew.»
Jodie S.
Place rating: 1 San Rafael, CA
while i can’t comment on John Shin’s surgical acumen, he owns the surgery center. I did not engage him for a surgical problem. I had an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. John Shin did not see me until the last 15 minutes of an hour long appointment. It was; check your glasss RX, then wait, check your vision, then wait, check your pressure, then wait, get the drill. The optometrist who was trained at Cal, could not answer my questions, and the eye diagnostic exam was lackluster and not thorough at best. By the time Shin, came in, I was frustrated — and his demeanor was condescending, and rude. He had no suggestions for me, on exercises, or answers to my questions that his optometrist could not answer as well. Spend your money and most importantly your time and confidence at another establishment where the doctor cares about ALL patients, not just the surgical cataract patients. Such a huge disappointment. Oh, and he does not read his past patient notes, to know about previous issues — THEWORST
Sue C.
Place rating: 5 Santa Rosa, CA
As a registered nurse, I know where of I speak. Finally a subject that I can address. Dr Shin is without question a most expert ophthalmologist. He is a sweet incredibly knowledgeable man and I wouldn’t hesitate to put my trust in this doctor. If you have any kind of eye issues that require the expertise of an ophthalmologist(eye doctor) please see Dr Shin. His office is efficient and well run. I need to give a special and especially loud shout out to every employee at Marin Eyes. You are all very professional and caring and detail oriented. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Shin and Marin Eyes. Thank you!!!
Frederic W.
Place rating: 5 Greenbrae, CA
Outstanding doctor. Caring and readily available at all times. There is no question about his technical expertise, and his ability to explain complicated medical terminology to a layman. I had one small issue after my cataract surgery, and he efficiently dealt with the problem. My left eye is now 20⁄20. Highly recommended.
Dorinda S.
Place rating: 5 Belvedere Tiburon, CA
I have been going to Marin Eyes for over 2 decades. Over the years when I have needed to be seen immediately for one eye problem or another, I have always been given almost immediate access to Dr. Shin who I have always found to be extremely efficient, professional and kind. Today I went in for my annual checkup Dr. Shin and also saw the optometrist Kelly. They were both wonderful. The overall experience couldn’t have been better.
Jim M.
Place rating: 5 Novato, CA
My experience with Dr. Shin at both the Novato and San Rafael, CA offices was top notch and extremely professional, precise, personable, and efficient. I had cataract replacement surgery for both eyes as well as follow-up post op exams. Everyone made sure a initially terrifying procedure, was fast, efficient, painless, and first rate at all levels. with personal followups the evenings after from Dr. Shin, it was clear I was in good hands. I’d recommend Marin Eyes and Dr. Shin to anyone.
Judy M.
Place rating: 5 San Rafael, CA
I just had cataract surgery by Dr Shin and am so happy with the results he is very professional and his staff are great would recommend him thank you so much
Andrew K.
Place rating: 5 Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Shin was fantastic. I consulted him after reading previous reviews and am very happy with his approach, effort, and bedside manner. He explains everything step by step to make sure I was comfortable and to eliminate any surprises. I had a papilloma in my right eye, the first time I had an appt he explained what he was planning on doing to remove it. He pulled strings and actually got me in the surgery room and saved me loads of money. His staff was very nice and comforting, Minda help my hand the whole time. He removed it seamlessly and didn’t have to bandage my eye. I highly recommend him!
SFnativeGal ..
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I accidentally poked myself in the eye while applying makeup. For several days afterward it felt like I had a scratch on my eye and when it didn’t get better I was concerned I did some real damage. The receptionist was sympathetic and squeezed me in for an appointment the next day. Dr. Shin was very professional and efficient while still being personable, and explained things in an easy to understand way. Turns out I did bruise my eye pretty bad but just needed some drops to ensure an infection didn’t develop while it heals. Dr. Shin also discussed coming in for regular eye exams because of my age(something I knew but never got around to) which I appreciated. Dr. Shin is part of the Marin Eyes office which houses several eye doctors and surgeons. The front office staff was friendly and efficient, and the office seemed to be running like a well-oiled machine. Office is easy to find and free parking is abundant.
Tiffany M.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Dr. Shin was funny and most amicable. Added bonus: When he didn’t know something, he wasn’t pompous enough to pretend, and referred me to someone else. Gotta respect that. A good general ophthalmologist, centrally located in San Rafael.