Acuity Vision Optometry Boutique

My husband and I have been seeing Dr. Schmidt for a number of years and have purchased both reading, distant and prescription sunglasses from Acuity Vision. Dr. Schmidt is always friendly, professional, knowledgeable and has taken the time to give extremely thorough exams. Acuity has also been great about adjusting my husband’s glasses which always seem to get bent out of shape. In addition, Dr. Schmidt also has gone above and beyond and treated my pinkeye on short notice right before my vacation.
In short, we love Acuity and would highly recommend them!

This should get your attention: I can see ²⁰⁄₁₀! With hard lenses! Its a miracle. Dr. Schmidt is amazing in her precision and accuracy. The prescription I went in with was very incorrect. She corrected my prescription and now I can see an amazing 20/​10, its like High Def. The staff is also great, Phil and the nice woman who works in the front. I recommend this clinic for your needs!

Hmmmm… mixed feelings here. We’ve been coming to see Dr. Schmidt for many years (since she opened) and purchased numerous pairs of glasses from Acuity. She’s a wonderful person and terrific with her patients. The place is clean, spotless and hip! The exams are extremely thorough. Yes, the selection may seem limited, but the products are high-​end from independent designers. Nice to see a place not carrying every day eye wear. 5 stars for Dr. S and the boutique store.
So, why 3 stars on the rating? Had to take a way 2 stars for Phil. Maybe he was having a bad day, but probably not (my friend shared my same experience). Extremely poor customer service — not quite on the brink of being rude, but pretty darn close. Sorry, but if you’re in customer service, be polite and helpful. Don’t make people feel like you’re above them or seem annoyed for not purchasing the most expensive pair of glasses. Not everyone has unlimited means. Have patience (they’re spending a lot of money) and act like you want to help. Sorry, but I’m a great read of people and feel like I’m spot on with the way we were treated.
I’ll continue to see Dr. S and get my eyes examined annually, but that might be the extent of it, unless I go on day when Phil is not working.

Went in a couple months ago to get new lenses in two existing Mykita frames and get my first pair of progressives. Service was great: they helped me out with my insurance, we spotted an error in my prescription for the right eye (done by somebody else) and were able to get that re-​measured on site and the lens replaced free of charge. The selection of frames is also pretty good and turnaround fairly short.

Not too bad. Insurance changed at my work and LensCrafters doesn’t take my insurance. Don’t want to pay more and just use my discount with AAA, so went with a local optometrist. This place wasn’t too hard to find, it caters to probably just the people around the area. Dr. Schmidt and her staff were friendly and able to accommodate me for a same day appointment. The selection of frames wasn’t that great, I’m used to being able to choose from a lot of name brand frames but there was a small selection. Overall it was a good experience.

Was looking for a new Optometry office and lucky enough found a good one in the neighborhood. They had a nice selection of frames, the staff was helpful and the doctor was wonderful. Overall it was a very positive experience.

My first visit to Dr. Schmidt was within a week of her boutique opening and I remain a very satisfied client.
Dr. Schmidt always provides a thorough explanation of my eye exam results and makes me feel as if there is «no stupid question» I can ask her.
The staff at Acuity is friendly and accommodating as well and questions about frames and lenses are always answered in a knowledgeable manner.
It is true that the frame selection does lean towards the high end, but I personally enjoy the selection and have always been able to find something in the range of
what I would like to spend.
Overall, I would and on several occasions have recommended Acuity to anyone looking for a first class Optometry experience.

I’ve always felt like a bit of a poser. Bookworm without rims, two-​eyed nerd, lens-​less loser, etc. Anyway, due to a combination of excessive reading and powerpoint clicking, I’m finally joining my people… not as excitng as I had anticipated, unfortunately.
I booked an appointment easily, received a prescription, and chose frames very quickly. Acuity Vision easily accommodated my schedule and called me as soon as my glasses were in (just 1 week!).
Despite throbbing temples and «glasses marks,» I’m getting along okay. Acuity Vision was very helpful. My prescription seems just right and has finally gotten me to stop squinting like my computer is shining laser beams through the o’s or something.

I have been a client of Acuity Vision since they first opened. Dr. Fandino-​Schmidt is amazing and her staff very professional. I have bought 8 frames from them (regular and sun glasses) and contact lenses too. Their prices are very reasonable and I can go in anytime, without an appointment to have my glasses adjusted whenever I want, at no charge.
They often have trunk shows to showcase new frames and brands and they also donate proceeds to charities. This place is everything and more!!!
In April I had an emergency and Dr. Fandino-​Schmidt came in on a Sunday, when the office was closed, to see me and help me with an eye infection. I was amazed by the quality of care and compassion she showed to me.
If you want an amazing eye doctor and/​or great glasses (readers, sun or regular) than this is the place to go!

For the past five years, our whole family has gone to to Dr. Schmidt and Acuity Vision. It is such a convenience to make appointments for myself, a working mother, my husband and the children on a Saturday! Dr. Schmidt and her staff are terrific with children and make the experience a positive one.
Additionally, when my daughter was suffering from migraines a few years ago, we got effective treatment, as well as helpful and compassionate advice from Dr. Schmidt.
They take VSP insurance and really help you get the most of your vision and HSA benefits. They may take other plans — ask.
My children have broken or mangled more than a few pairs of glasses — Acuity Vision’s staff has fixed them if they are able to free of charge. They have also sent glasses back to the manufacturer for repair, usually free of charge. If you are walking by, they are always willing to adjust your glasses and check how they are fitting your face.
Our experience has been nothing but positive and we highly recommend Dr. Schmidt and her staff.

I found my dream doctor and dream pair of glasses here last week.
This place is a very neat eye office.
Dr. Samii was so down to earth and so easy to talk to. She made me feel very comfortable and explained everything she was testing with my vision. I feel like I got a very very thorough and professional exam with her, I really enjoyed it! I felt like she was really talking TO me and LISTENING to me, rather than just talking at me or pretending to listen to my concerns, I highly recommend her.
Most of the time I can’t stop cracking up when I go to the eye dr. cuz its just so funny when they’re so up-​close in your face!
but Dr. samii didn’t make me uncomfortable so I didn’t have a laughing fit :)
So they have very stylish glasses options, I loved it the range of types, I would get more if I could afford them, but at least they take my insurance, VSP.
All in all I was very happy with the comfortbale atmosphere, selection of frames and Dr. Samii.
Plus, they have a fun-​looking kids day care room. Random! But its really great I’m sure for people who have kids.

The eye exam was fine, but I figured out rather quickly that all they really care about is trying to sell you something.
I was told I needed «computer glasses» just for using the computer. I bought them but I felt duped.
The salesperson tried to sell me some very expensive frames while also telling me that if I buy those and a pair of polarized sunglasses to protect my eyes, I would get 35% off that day… but only that day.
They really pressure you to buy. It’s too bad. It’s also strange that they have such a limited selection of frames, given that their business model is to sell you some at a high price.
They were nice people, but I didn’t feel like I was given the best care.

I was just walking by on Sacramento Street when I decided to go into Acuity. The office staff was very nice and personable so I decided to schedule an exam and they were able to get me in the same day since I was visiting from out of town. Dr. Schmidt gave me the most thorough and fun exam I’ve ever had. Not sure why but, they even took my blood pressure and brought me tea! hehe
I wanted to get new frames but always have such a hard time finding something nice. Phil, in the front office, said that they have this new line called Bevel. I didn’t want to buy an expensive frame but the Bevels looked so good on me that the only decision to make was on the color, black or brown. These are the best frames I’ve ever owned and the lenses turned out super thin… no more «bug-​eyes.»
I’ll definitely return to Acuity Vision next year for my exam if I’m still living in SF.

What a disaster.
First — I was in the market for a new eye exam. I preferred close to my home, but I was willing to travel. I was looking for a good exam but also something cost-​efficient as my insurance doesn’t provide vision coverage.
This particular location is literally 3 blocks from my place so I called them first, especially given the discount listed on Unilocal.
It reads:
«NEW CLIENT SPECIAL $ 75 OFF:
$ 75 OFF a complete new pair prescription glasses if your receive an eye exam. New clients only, & cannot be combined with insurance.»
In my case, I have 3 eyeglass frames lying around but with a now defunct and inaccurate prescription in all three (hence needing a new exam). Given the proximity and this special — I called the store because I was not clear if this discount would be given to people who were going to get an eye exam and get the glasses made there, but did not need new frames.
G: «Hi there — do you have time for an eye exam today, in like 30 minutes? And how much is the eye exam?»
Storedude (SD): «Yes, we can see you in 30 minutes. Eye exam for glasses?»
G: «Yep.»
SD: «$ 135.»
G: «Fabulous. I do have a question though. I am looking at this Unilocal special and wondering if it still applies if I am not buying my frames there. I have the frames I want.»
SD: «The Unilocal discount… yeah, I’m kinda new, but it’s what it says $ 75 off.»
G: «OK – but even if I don’t buy new frames at your business?»
SD: «Yeah, I guess so as long as you’re having your eyeglasses done here. But I’ll let you know if that’s not the case when you come in.»
G: «Yeah, I will get them done there. But I definitely want to use my frames. OK, good. I’ll be there in 30 minutes. Thank you!»
All in all, it would end up being a relatively good deal. I figured $ 135 for the exam, another $ 150 or so to get the glasses made w/​prescriptions, and $ 75 off — so I’d be spending about $ 210 – 220 for a new pair of glasses. Cheap? No. But it was a nice discount.
Thirty minutes later, I was at the store. It’s a small boutique store w/​a small selection of frames — all rather pricey. I see «Mr, SD» and he takes my paperwork, and begins the initial part of the exam w/​me. We’re chatting about this and that. He checks the frames I brought and gives the prescription details to the doctor because I did not know it offhand.
I go into my eye exam w/​Dr. Schmidt — and after about thirty minutes, I’m done. They will be sending out my glasses to be made, SD says.
And then, he adds the following:
«Will you be buying a new pair of frames? Because otherwise, the $ 75 discount wouldn’t apply.»
I look at him, slightly taken off guard.
«No,» I tell him. «As I told you on the phone, I am bringing my own frames in. I asked you specifically if the discount would be honored.»
SD: «Oh. Uh – yah, you have to buy the frames here or else it doesn’t apply. Like the ad says.»
G: «I know what the ad says which is why I specifically called for clarification. NOW you’re telling me, after I get the exam, that I won’t be getting any discount?»
SD: (blank expression)
Then Dr. Schmidt intervenes asking what the problem is — and I explain it. SD admits that is what he said — SD doesn’t even object to the fact that when I did come in, he didn’t tell me otherwise. What does the doctor do?
She pulls up Unilocal and reads the discount and says, «Yeah, this says it’s $ 75 off a new pair of glasses if you receive an eye exam.»
Like, I can’t read it myself or something.
What is it with these people continually re-​reading the wording to me? That was precisely why I had called earlier — to clarify what it meant. Getting a new pair of prescription glasses MADE here was what I intended to do – but since I did not intend to BUY the frames here, and it makes no mention of FRAME PURCHASE, I specifically called for clarification.
And thought I had received it.
For a minute, we all stand there awkwardly. I take a big sigh and just hand them my card. SD, in all his intelligence, asks me, «So, do you still want us to make the glasses for you or just charge you for the eye exam?»
About 400 different replies like, «I don’t know, Einstein — WTF do you think?» went through my mind before I curtly replied, «Just charge me for the eye exam.»
$ 135 DOWN the drain and I wasn’t one step closer to seeing clearer.
I could have gotten that eye exam for even half the price if that is all I wanted, at various optometrists in the city. There is NO WAY that I would have gone to Acuity if not for this discount.
With or without the discount, I cannot recommend a business that (1) does not honor what their own employees tell the customers, and (2) opts to lose the amount of business that someone like me would have sent them to make an additional $ 75 from me.
Good job, Acuity — you managed to make Lenscrafters look like the French Laundry of optometrists. Bad business practice!

Dr. Schmidt is a fairly decent optometrist. I appreciate her professionalism and thoroughness. I was interested in options for when I play sports and she went all out in assisting me with trying out different contact lenses for astigmatism and other eye problems that I was having. I like that the receptionist will help you figure out the best frames for your face. She is perceptive in suggesting flattering shapes and colors. And I’m also a fan since they stock my favorite line of eyeglasses, Pro-​Design. This is a small optometry shop and given the location you can expect to have to dish out a bit of dough.

Way too expensive here, same selection as Sears Optical, just marked up about 1000%

Dr. Schmidt is a great O.D. My examination was very detailed, and she took the time to explain every single detail of the eye exam. We discussed the different options on eye contacts and the appropriate frame options that will be helpful with my heavy computer usage.
The staff is super friendly and overall awesome, Anna helped me find the perfect frames for less than perfect egg head. I absolutely love my ic! berlin frames!
I will certainly return, and will refer my friends and family as well.

I had a VERY unpleasant experience with Dr. Schmidt. I booked an appointment Halloween night of 2005. I booked a late appointment because I worked over 40 miles from her office (which was close to my apartment at the time). That day about 1 ½ hour before my appointment, Dr. Schmidt had her receptionist call me to see if I could come earlier. I was already on my way and couldn’t get there any sooner. About 15 min. before my appointment, the receptionist called me again to see if I was coming. I told her my appointment was in 15 min. She then realized that I wasn’t late for my appointment like she thought. I told her I would hurry as much as I could, but I couldn’t get there much sooner.
Dr. Schmidt hurried through my exam. I tried to slow her down because my prescription seemed off. My vision was not quite right. She told me that I would have a follow up exam and I could get it adjusted then. She ran out the door before I did to take her daughter trick-​or-​treating. I was left to finish up with the receptionist. I’m all for putting family first, but couldn’t she have just scheduled me at a different time if it was going to put her out to see me then?
During the exam she also pushed glasses on me. She said my eyes were developing. don’t remember the term, but I had veins growing over my eyes and it would start to blur my vision and the condition wasn’t reversible. She said I would need to wear my contacts less and STRONGLY consider getting new glasses. (Later during LASIK consultations, I had 2 second opinions on my eyes, and both opthamologists confirmed that they did not see that this condition was a problem.)
I returned nevertheless to have my follow up exam. I’m all for giving 2^nd chances so I thought Dr. Schmidt could redeem herself during this exam. I told her I was having headaches because I couldn’t see well. I was hoping for a more thorough follow-​up. Instead, Dr. Schmidt hurried again and increased my prescription by a notch in both eyes (–0.25 diopters)… Later when I had 2 second opinions, the opthamologists said that my prescription seemed too high for how I was seeing — that the prescription over-​corrected.
Dr. Schmidt inspired me to look into LASIK. (After all I should wear my contacts less, right?) I had LASIK in August of 2007 with Dr. Daniel Beers of Mtn. View and have been extrememly happy with results and the care he gave me.
Needless to say, I won’t be returning to Acuity Vision.

Acuity isn’t bad, I just don’t think I meet their demographic.
If you’re into a «spa experience» where overdressed employees serve you bottled water and you don’t mind walking out a thousand dollars later for a pair of glasses and exam, then this is the place for you.
Me, I’m a Lenscrafters kind of guy, and never had any problems with them.

It turns out I do not have ²⁰⁄₂₀ Vision as I have been saying my entire life. If I told you this lie, I apologize. Hey, the last time I had my eyes checked (in the 90’s I think) the guy told me I was a vision of perfect vision.
Over the past year, its become apparent that I can’t read anything smaller than 14 font so I decided to woman up and get my eyes checked. Acuity is right down the street and the reviews here were positive so I made an appointment. After Dr. Schmidt asked me about 4 different ways to verify that I didn’t’ really HAVE glasses or contacts she finally sighed and asked me why I was endangering the rest of the world with my blind driving. I told her I had «perfect» vision and she just started laughing. I was honestly shocked to find out that I needed glasses. Shocked!
So, I had to pick out my first glasses. I like to shop so it was a fun eperience. Anna is a rockstar at helping you find the frames that frame your face and the colors that suit your coloring. I ended up ordering a pair of Kio Yamato and they are fabulous! My glasses were set to arrive 7 days later.
So my only complaint is that I had to call Acuity after 10 days and inquire about my glasses. I was told that my glasses had come in a couple days earlier but that they were scratched so the were reordered. Not a big deal, but a call would have been nice. After another 10 days, I ended up stopping by to again inquire about my glasses. They were ready (again, where was the call?) and they are perfect. I only have to wear them for reading and driving so its not like I was actually blind without them, but it would have been nice if I didn’t have to call for status myself. If I was full time blind this delay would have really been a problem!
I can see clearly now.
P. S. Dr. Schmidt is very personable and fun to talk to. We swapped neighborhood restaurant reviews and discussed some new books. Fun!