Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Tried to book an appointment for my wife who just developed a large floater in one of her eyes. Wanted to see Dr. Erny who has good reviews on Unilocal,but she was not available. They scheduled Dr. Shah in 5 hours. I subsequently found out that Dr. Shah is only an OD and probably fairly junior since she has no reviews nor history on any web site. I called back and requested an Ophthalmologist. They insisted that OD’s are qualified for this issue and will escalate if needed. My wife didn’t want to waste any time since we are leaving the country for a long trip in a day. The Ophthalmologist on call is Dr. Ghosh. I asked if she has openings and they said they have to consult a review board to see if they will let my wife see an Ophthalmologist. They will call me back. An hour later still no call. So I cancelled the appointment and got an appointment with Dr. Chen at Alta Eye Care down the road within the hour. They were swift and took all my insurance info via email. So much for the service at PAMF.

I had a consult with Dr. Shuiey and SO THANKFUL I didn’t go with him. His coordinator Kristen was so sweet, but I waited almost an hour b/​c the doctor was running behind. Then he comes in, takes one look and said I am a good Lasik candidate but did not recommend using the bladeless method because he saw a history of corneal scarring from multiple eye infections (which is true due to improper contact lens use and what prompted me to get LASIK). He said he would recommend the traditional Lasik using the blade, which is a word that totally freaked me out. And he kept saying, «it should be alright», and used the word «SHOULD» many times. I’m sorry but I am not putting my eyes and confidence in a doctor who says should and not confident about their answers.
I think they really emphasize his training and glorify the fact that he came from an IVY league, but really does not show at all when I met him. My opinion if you get a consult from him, get a second or even third opinion.

I have an seriously overcorrected LASIK operation at a clinic resulted in blurry vision and weak night vision. So I went to PAMF for a LASIK evaluation about another treatment. Although they advertise the evaluation is free. They asked me for insurance and collected copay. After Dr. Shuiey checked my vision and eyes. He actually praised the previous operation. The suggestion about the vision blurriness is to get a pair of prescription glasses. I dont feel I had any useful suggestion. Feels that he has an interest in denying LASIK failure and risks, even my operation was not done by him. Complained to PAMF about the advertisement about free evaluation. PAMF Billing department says they dont know what to do because the doctor sent bill to them.

Pretty bad. I do not recommend to anyone! Went in for a bi-​annual routine eye check covered by my insurance. I was seen by an Optometrist. They reported it as an «eye accident» and charged my insurance for Ophthalmology services… not covered by insurance and much, much more expensive than any routine eye exam. I asked them 4 times to correct but they insist its accurate. Buyer beware!!!

Incredibly happy with my decision to have Lasik done by here Dr Shuiey.
I first went here over a year ago, when i started considering laser eye correction. Kristin was very helpful with scheduling an appointment and promptly taking care of some preliminary tests when I arrived. Very soon after that Dr Shuiey saw me, and answered all my concerns about the different methods of addressing my moderate astigmatism, and which would be most suitable for my active lifestyle. I really liked that there was no pressure to proceed, and both Kristin and Dr Shiey were very open and helpful with my questions about the cost.
I continued to talk to other eye surgeons, and while there were cheaper options available I didnt want to proceed with surgeons who tried to use high-​pressure sales tactics, or didn’t want to spend any time talking about my concerns regarding possible problems with high-​impact sports and night vision.
Two months ago I decided to proceed with Dr Shiuey and I am so glad I did. The surgery went fine, and while i did have a little pain and dryness in the days afterwards, I was able to get in to see the good doctor on short notice, and they new drops he prescribed sorted that out quickly.
I now have ²⁰⁄₁₅ vision in both eyes, and love that I never need glasses — i even use sunglasses less than before the surgery, and my night vision is much better than it ever used to be even with glasses. I would strongly recommend talking to the staff at PAMF about permanent escape from needing glasses.

Dr. Shiuey performed my Lasik surgery a few years ago and it was one of the best things that I have ever done. Before the surgery, my contact lenses were bothering me and my glasses always would hurt my nose and face. I was of course a little scared because they were My Eyes! I did a lot of research and I found out that Dr. Shiuey was a Harvard trained doctor as well as a corneal specialist. I liked the fact that his office had a lot of high tech equipment and a laser on the premises. When, I met Dr. Shiuey he was very pleasant and professional. He spent a lot of time with me and answered all of my questions. I never felt any pressure to have the procedure. A day after my procedure, I was amazed at how clear everything was and I was able to drive to the office by myself. Whenever, anyone asks me about my Lasik I always tell them have Dr. Shiuey do it for you.

Dr. Halipern’s bedside manner may turn off some folks — he is abrupt, mechanical, and terse. But, he is very thorough, disciplined, experienced, and knowledgable. I think these are the most important traits you want in a doctor — and, I had good results with my iritis — which for me is the whole point. For this I would recommend Dr Halipern.

dont go here.
dont go to dr shiuey.
1)
few *months* ago i had minor injury in eye and had the ill fate to visit dr harvey halperin. just like how other reviewers have mentioned, this guy is rough. c’mon old man, after decades as an eye surgeon and doctor, you didn’t mature up to a little gentleness in your fingers? he’s swift and rough and *you* have to watch his fast fingers won’t poke you. he prescribed artificial tears and said pain would go away in days, but sure i had pain again after few months.
2) i had second appointment recently with dr michael fain. he is good but he just wants to wrap up asap and get his money. any topic about past injury causing pain are not answered except for the *one* issue you are seeing him for. what’s wrong with doctors? all money and no oath of hypocrisy???
3) *** the most shocking experience is with dr yichieh shiuey.
cornea specialist? more like cornea-​as-​his-​atm…
i recently met the much hyped dr yichieh shiuey. i had the exact same experience as every other reviewer here!
** the stupid office staff had me wait for 1 hour 5 minutes even when i told them repeatedly i? have a new job and can come back if you’re backed up… docs also should value patient times — some times?
** this guy wants me to do lasik just because many months ago my daughter’s finger went in my eye!!! i don’t even have any pain now but visited just because previous doc asked me to.
w.t.f. is that. you think we are not educated?
** he did not offer smart enough explanation why i need laser complications for something minor. he did not discuss alternative treatements!
** diagrams he shows look fake and dumbly drawn in microsoft paint-​brush by his kids — they were not ‘personal reports of *my* eye’.
sorry clown, especially after reading how you botched up lasik surgeries, i am not illegally and illogically funding yichieh shiuey’s kids’ college education with my money for bogus service.
it’s about people’s eyes. behave responsibly.

I wish I could give more than five stars. Dr. Shiuey has given me the gift of perfect vision! I have worn glasses since I was 8, and I can say, there is nothing compared to waking up, being able to see.
Kristin is so pleasant and helpful throughout the entire process, I look forward to my visits just to catch up with her!
Dr. Shiuey is very professional, and very easy to work with, and you can tell vision is his passion!
As far as the procedure, it didn’t hurt at all, and being prescribed unlimited sleep after the surgery wad a dream come true! I had my surgery on a Wednesday and by Friday I was back to work.
Ten out of ten I would recommend to anyone without perfect vision.

I got care from Dr. Tanya Ghosh at PAMF, Sunnyvale a few times during thee last 9 months. She is excellent. She patiently listened to my explanation of my eye problem. Then she patiently and courteously explained to me the treatment options I have, and the pros & cons of each option. She was very sensitive to my situation and allayed my concerns. In addition, she was friendly and articulate. I have great confidence in Dr. Tanya Ghosh and strongly recommend her for her skill.

1-​star — simply to be able to post this review.
PAMF Vision Center gained my business because their main medical center takes care of our full family pretty well. Now they have lost it! How? Please read on…
We came here for my son’s follow up appointment (appt). and I specifically asked before the appt. if his insurance would be any issue. I explained how we had X vision and Y medical plans etc. They told me no worries, and to go on with appt. Now, a month or so later, I am told they don’t accept X vision plan and Y medical plan refused the bill. This does not sit well with me as a customer. They should have looked carefully and advised me correctly. I am now left with a near $ 300 bill to foot!
Sorry, but we won’t return and hope others look before they leap, before choosing this place for their vision care.

Great first experience here. I have had eye condition requiring treatment for the past 14 years. So, for me, changing ophtalmologist was a big deal when moving here just recently. I was damn scared of not finding similar eye care I did in San Diego (that was superb, awesome my Dr. Lozier and my Antoinette in the front desk, I miss them so much). I also found a welcoming environment in this Sunnyvale office. I liked the front desk lady, very friendly and nice to me as new patient I was. Then Gigi and Sarita were awesome assistants/​technicians (not sure their roles, but they were great). Dr. Halperin was very attentive and friendly. I am glad a coworker mentioned this center close to my work place, I will come back for next check up.

Never in my life had the worse experience with an ophthalmologist. It was Hell! Maybe it was bad luck for not making an appointment with my regular doctor at the time. Dr. Ghosh was super nice, caring and detailed. Unfortunately she wasn’t available, so I had no choice but get next available doctor. I made it to my appointment on time and was promptly called in by the assistant. He was cool with pre exams till the doctor came in. Dr. Harvey Halperin was the culprit, Caucasian old man around mid 50s. We greeted each other and that was fine. He seem ok at the beginning but then when he started manually checking my eyes using a magnifying glass by tilting my head back. «Look down, left, up, right» I followed directions correctly but to a point he was putting his damn finger nails into my eye socket firmly. I screamed out in pain…“stop!” He said I would feel some pressure. I am here to get my retina/​macula checked and… why is there pressure on the outer rim of my eye socket for? He didn’t even apologize. I was already tearing from the intense light going into my eyes with added eagle’s claws sharply puncturing into my skin near the brows. I felt violated like I was a refugee at a German concentration camp being check for diseases. It was scary… never again will I switch doctors. Damn! He has no feel or knows how long his nails are, or he is old and ignorantly over experienced, or maybe disgruntled cause I am not his regular patient or whatever the excuse he may have. Either way… UNACCEPTABLE!!! I WANT TO GIVE THIS A NEGATIVE 5 STARS honestly which Unilocal should have that option. I didn’t want to complain to the office management cause I know it wouldn’t matter. It is hard to prove what happened. Better to do it on Unilocal so many of you could see and be cautious. Beware everyone… don’t see this guy. You have been warned. Go for Dr. Ghosh please, or others. Please take care and see beyond your horizon…
Couple days later, to my surprise, got a respond from PAMF business relation dept. They were concerned and wanted me to call them to give them more details of what had happened. I think my review was detailed enough. Enough said… but thanks PAMF for the respond. It was awesome of them, actually have someone reads my review and try to resolve problems. You can have one/​two star now.

I have visited Dr Yichieh Shiuey 11 years ago. I am near-​sighted, and came for a routine checkup when he offered me to do Lasik. I refused and forgot about him, started going to another doctor who would simply check my eyes for general health.
I forgot about him completely.
I set up an appointment with PAMF and they assigned me to him this month.
He offered me to do cataract surgery on BOTH eyes, while only one eye has a cataract, plus he shamelessly promoted the most expensive surgery using a lens that would cost $ 2600 per eye! and did not really explain about any other options I may have.
When I started asking questions he shamelessly left and did not answer many of my concerns. Shamelessly his admin called to try and set up surgery!
even if I do get surgery, it will not be with this doctor. I do not trust him to be honest and caring. in my opinion he is money-​centered and has very bad ethics.
I wish I could give 0 stars!

I agree with other patients with remarks about follow-​up. I just wanted to make a late afternoon appointment so then they were going to have someone call me but I had to call. What’s the big deal?

I have a million eye doctors, but I had to come here when I was diagnosed with GD.
I loved how quick and effecient they were in this location. I admit, I was running late – I got there at 3:45 for my 3:40 appointment. I hadn’t even finished checking in yet, they already called me for my appointment. Whoo hoo! A doctor that runs ON TIME? Hell yes.
Dr. Preston was so nice. He was really quick to explain the nature of my visit and what they were trying to keep an eye on. He walked me through each of tests and had me in and out as quickly as possible.
Thanks everyone! I would not mind coming back here at all!
#Yelp100Challenge

I had a similar experience as a fellow Unilocaler where I was told by the retina specialist here (Dr. Tanya Ghosh was who I saw) that I didn’t need to see her anymore, and to see her fellow optometrist instead. Um, well, I’ve been seeing retina specialists for the previous eight years, and I’ve never been told that before. My optometrist (eight years before) had seen something in my retina and had referred me to a retina specialist, who then told me that I should see one every year to monitor my eyes. I move often and have seen a few different retina specialists, and every retina specialist I’ve been to have always told me the same thing – follow up once a year with a retina specialist, and since I value my sight, I have gone religiously every year. Although nothing significant had changed in my eyes for years, Dr. Tanya Ghosh is the only one who was so annoyed that I was seeing her for apparently no reason. She made it clear to me after the appointment that I was not to see her any more unless her fellow optometrist referred me. That didn’t seem right to me so I made a mental note to look for a new specialist. Well, luckily, I moved out of state the next year and my new retina specialist spotted a tear in one of my retina and performed laser surgery the same day. Retinal tears left untreated can lead to blindness (!), so I do not take this lightly. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to Dr. Tanya Ghosh; no way would I recommend her to anyone.
I have not seen any other practitioners at this location, but I do remember the wait to be seen took forever, the longest I’ve ever experienced. The worst is when they dilate your eyes and forget about you… you’re left sitting there with nothing to do – you can’t even read because of the dilation!

I have mixed feelings about this place. I have retinopathy of prematurity, and I go to this location primarily for retina care. I also see an optometrist, who I see for my glasses. Here they told me it would take 45 minutes to dilate my eyes! My optometrist says it will take 20 minutes.
Every time I go to both of them, they say everything is stable. No changes. So the retina specialist says I don’t need to see her anymore, I can see an optometrist. I’m already blind in one eye, and I’d like to keep the other one, so my retinas are rather important to me, whether they have been stable for a while or not. I only see her every two years, anyway. I voiced concern about this, and she assured me the optometrist she was referring me to would know if I had a problem with my retina. If that’s the case, why do we need retina specialists?
I left feeling like my concerns were not met, or listened to.

Good, competent vision care and friendly, professional staff but making appointments and follow up visits is a royal pain.
I use this for my eye care and have always found the treatments to be fine but what really stinks is their way of making appointments and follow on visits. I gather that they have many patients and are not able to schedule things efficiently so that they either can’t do it when you are at the facility trying to schedule a future visit (they just take your info and say someone will get back to you but this never seems to happen) or they have you call in, put up with endless phone transfers to automated recordings, and then put you on hold and hang up on you. Really bad service and this is so frustrating.
The difficulty in scheduling needed appointments is the only blemish on an otherwise competent and effective medical care facility.

I’ve waited to write this review for about a year now. I got my LASIK surgery done then, and I can definitely say that this has changed my life! If you are eligible for it, you should absolutely do it.
The staff here is absolutely terrific, they took the best care of me. Kristin is one of the nicest people I have ever come across anywhere. Dr. Shiuey really discussed all the details of the procedure to my satisfaction which really put me at ease for the procedure.