Marsha Howard, OD

I actually saw a different optometrist at this Costco location named Dr. Le-​Huynh. I have never had vision problems in the past so it was kind of scary coming in and not knowing if it was just from getting older or something else. Dr. Le recommended a retina scan or a dilation, which to be fair I’d never had one, but I honestly don’t think it was necessary. I decided to get the retina scan because she’s the expert and she recommended I have one. I work in medicine. Scans are ordered to rule out a suspected cause of your symptoms. But when she read the retina scan she made a comment about how she didn’t expect to see anything to begin with. So I paid an extra $ 15ish for a test that wasn’t indicated. Aside from that the service was super quick and lacking in interaction, which I personally didn’t like. I would have liked it if the physician had addressed my concerns a little more about why I was losing my vision. I’m sure it’s asked all the time, but for each client it is a new and concerning phenomenon that she should take the time and care to discuss. Didn’t feel the empathetic side of medicine at this office.

Great doctor if you dont mind waiting an exra 30 minutes from your appointment time, even though the receptionist said it would only be 10 minutes. As a courtesy to doctors i like to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so i really had to wait 40 minutes.

I came in for my first-​ever vision wellness exam and the added eye dilation check as well. Dr. Marsha was very pleasant and thorough in explaining the process of things; with it being my first time and all, it was very helpful. It is a busy practice so I was glad I was squeezed in at last minute. Walk-in’s welcome & affordable prices for non-​insured.

A terrific office with a helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable staff.
On the recommendation of a friend, I got an appointment with Doctor Howard. The appointment was for 6:40pm and there was a only a very short wait time, during part of which I busied myself filling out a short new-​patient questionnaire.
First came a couple of staff-​administered tests for peripheral vision and that squirt of air in the eye (I do not like that one). A wait of literally a couple more minutes and the doctor came out to invite me into her office.
Doctor Howard is a very nice lady who explains what she’s doing as she goes along. She has up-​to-​date computerized diagnostic equipment that made short work of the testing process. She knows what she’s doing and answered all of my questions – including those that I didn’t even know enough to ask. She made suggestions on what kind of glasses I might consider, based on my work and lifestyle.
I’ve worn glasses all my life and I’ve gone to a number of optometrists and opticians. Doctor Marsha Howard stands out as probably the best I’ve ever been to for an eye exam. I will definitely head back to her office next year.

I went in for an annual eye exam yesterday for the first time with Dr. Howard and I was very happy. Dr. Howard was great, explaining everything, asking questions about my eyesight history and recommendations. She wrote down my eyeglass prescription along with my contacts prescription. She even wrote down an alternate brand/​fit for me since I couldn’t remember which brand I had been using. She said her philosophy is that my prescription is my property so I should be able to have not only the contact prescription but also my eyeglass prescription, which was great. I’ve never had an optometrist give me both! It’s also customary for optometrists to give a new pair of contacts to patients after an exam to test out the prescription. That way if they don’t feel right you can go back to see if a different one is better or if the prescription needs to be tweaked.
The receptionist (I think her name is Patrice?) was very nice and understanding when I explained about my insurance coverage through VSP since i’m covered for myself but also under my husband. Our coverage only allows exams and supplies once every two years so using both I can still get exams every year as well as supplies by alternating which insurance I claim under. She got it right, I paid my copay for the exam and fitting and opted to also get my eyes photographed for an additional $ 15. The office manager is a little curt/​abrupt but I didn’t interact much with him so I didn’t mind. I didn’t have to wait long at all and they always seem to be busy.
I’d like to note that they are separate from the Costco Optical department where glasses and contacts are purchased, I think a lot of people have misconceptions about that. You have to take a number and wait to be called in order to be helped with products, purchase contacts or glasses. It’s a zoo, just like to rest of Costco usually, but it gives you time to look at all the products and try on glasses. The pricing of products is great compared to a normal doctor’s office, I paid for a year’s worth of disposable contacts (monthlies) for $ 140 and $ 110 of it was covered by my insurance. My eyesight is horrible so in order for me not to get coke bottle lenses I have to get the high index lenses. I was quoted $ 100 for anti-​reflective high index lenses which could be fitted into a pair of existing frames I had if they were deemed ok by the staff for another $ 18. There was no surcharge if I got a new pair of frames from Costco directly. Considering that their frames are reasonably priced (I saw some for $ 40 and a pair of Furla glasses I liked were only $ 100) that is PHENOMENAL! I’ve paid hundreds in the past for glasses and have avoided updating my spare glasses for years because of this. Now I can update my spares without paying an arm and a leg, SUPER happy camper.

In Costco, I saw a banner advertising a great price on exam, and contacts, something I had been thinking about for a while, and though I suspected there must be a catch, I went for it. Dr. Howard and one of her assistants took a few minutes to coach me on care and use and seemed very nice. I was given ONE pair of contacts.
Her receptionist, however, is where the trouble starts. It is my nature to be forgiving and kind, so in writing this I was tempted to say he was emotionless. But that is being too nice. This clean cut man is abrupt, and when I tried to melt his robotic demeanor with joviality, he became insolent and snarky. Oh well. He wanted to make a return appointment, and it dawned on me this might be the catch I was expecting, their way of extracting more money out of me (or you) I explained that money is very tight, and I’d just like my contact prescription numbers. This seemed to amuse him. He abruptly and condescendingly explained that in order to get more contacts I needed to see the Dr. again. My clear concern about the most important factor — PRICE — was not addressed. I was so unhappy with having to deal with the an increasingly diva-​esque representative, that I left, thinking I was going to say something to the Doctor when I saw her.
Ironically, over the next few weeks, I recommended her office a few times. See, It’s that tendency in me to see the bright side and forget the bad. At that point I was still happy with the initial price, Dr. Howard herself, and one of her assistants; I had no idea what was to come, and how much of Dr. Howard’s business was controlled by her icy receptionist.
Thinking the second appointment was going to be when they tried to extract more money, and because I didn’t have any, I missed it. A couple months passed. Honestly, I was disappointed by the performance of «bifocal» contacts, and I felt a little duped. Seeing close was fine, but distant was a problem. I could not realistically be expected to take them out before driving. Nonetheless, I still wanted a pair of contacts for special occasions. I paid for them, I should get them. I called and explained that all I wanted was my prescription, but was shut down by the receptionist. I asked to speak to Dr. Howard, but he refused. I asked for her to call me back. That hasn’t happened. I’ve stopped by twice, and now, Prince Charming recognizes me and gets nasty very quickly.
Having never had the chance to speak to Dr. Howard, I wonder: Is she genuinely nice and unaware of how nasty her her boy out front can get? Does she know that customers want to talk to her but that he makes the executive decision to not tell her? Am I asking too much to ask to hear it from her IF by missing an appointment I FORFEIT my $ 200 and all I get is one pair of contacts? Or is this a strategic decision to put this man, with his special cold-​steel abilities to shut down very determined customers who want what the big banner implies they are going to get?
Resist the urge to fall for the super cheap price on the banner — it is trick. You will not be given your prescription so that you can get affordable contacts from places like 1−800-contacts, but more importantly, you will empower a business that relies on trickery. The price lures you in, but the second you don’t play by the receptionist’s unknown rulebook, you meet a whole new nasty side to him, and he seems to be the one in charge.

Pros — super cheap
Cons — why have an appointment if you have to wait a long period of time?

I’ve been going here for years, and have always been really happy with the service and expertise of the doctors here. It’s easy to get an appointment and for the most part you get helped in a timely manner.

This is my second time here and I really like Dr Marsha Howard! She’s such a sweet lady. I had a bad experience last time because I had a different doctor from there and she prescribed me a horrible prescription for glasses. I couldn’t really see through my new lenses because she did a horrible job. This time I finally got Dr Howard to see me: D hopefully I can see clearer!!! Just waiting for my new glasses to arrive. I recommend it here especially with Dr Howard! Make sure to request her because I didn’t know that last time.

$ 54 for an eye exam by a woman who knows her stuff, and THEN you get to reward yourself with a Costco churro? YES PLEASE!
I’ve seen Dr. Howard now for three years, and I am very impressed with her skills and her thoroughness.
I highly recommend her for prescriptions.

What is the point in making an appointment, when it takes them an hour to attend you anyway? I understand they are busy, but they should be considerate of others and ask if we would like to wait, shop, or come back another day.
The staff member standing around chatting, is no help to anyone. It actually gets annoying after a while.
Friendly staff, but you need to learn to work faster and efficiently. It’s Costco for crying out loud!

I had an appt. for my annual exam and they always call one day before to remind you. I went in and had Dr. Le. She was great and patient. She took the time to explain everything and was very down to earth. It is hard to find a great optometrist but when I do I will definitely be continuing to see Dr. Le year after year. The assistants were okay — service can be a little better the that area but Dr. Le counteracts it which is why I’m giving 5 instead of 4. I also got a dilated eye exam ($ 25) and photography ($ 15) which is recommended for people with higher eye Rx. Might as well recommend Bioinfinity Cooper contact lenses. They are for 1 month and are very gel-​like, slippery, and extremely comfortable to wear. Costco approx price are $ 36 per 6 month box. They are on the expensive side compared to Acuvue Oasis but the comfort of these lenses are worth it. See ya!

Dr. Howard is always very nice and helpful, along with her staff. She is very easy to talk to and answers all my questions. The appointments don’t take very long… maybe I already know the routine but I never feel rushed

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Howard’s for so long that I can’t remember a life of nearsightedness without her. She has just remodeled her offices within Costco and the transformation is outstanding. There’s much more room for the standard eye testing, plus two private examination rooms.
Dr. Howard is now working on Saturdays so I’m grateful that I’ll get to see her instead of her associates. She’s an amazing professional who makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
I brought the Michael Unit for his first eye exam in over 40 years (yikes!) and he was also impressed with her demeanor and honesty. Don’t assume you’ll get inferior service just because it’s within Costco. You’ll miss out.

I’ve been coming here for years and so has my family.
Dr. Howard has great bedside manners. I’ve never come across with a doctor that speaks with such clarity and genuinely cares. I have vision insurance but gladly pay out of pocket to see Dr. Howard because she is worth it. One of my siblings came here for her 1^st time contact lens exam + training years ago and has been coming every year from SAN FRANCISCO just to renew her prescription with Dr. Howard.
The staff is very competent, always very nice and willing to work you into a full schedule if you have an eye emergency. Every time I’ve come in, the office has been very tidy. I’ve passed by after closing time and noticed the staff cleaning the office, great job guys!
I’ve also taken my parents to see the doctor that works here on the weekend (Dr. Le) she is also great and very friendly.
I definitely recommend this office, especially if you do not have vision insurance because you cannot beat their prices. They even offer additional services like dilation and fundus photos (most optometry offices do not)

Always professional, always trustworthy, and always personable, I drive out of my way to see Dr. Howard and heartily recommend her services without qualification. When making an appointment, be sure you ask to see Dr. Howard and not one of her associates, even if you have to wait longer to get an appointment. You will not regret it.

Appointments here go quick and smoothly, but she is always thorough. I never feel rushed even when I can’t decide between 1 or 2…1…2…they both look the same! Anyway, shes very easy to talk to and answers all your questions and makes sure you leave satisfied. The prices for exams are pretty good and you can’t go wrong having this Costco’s optical department right outside, they’re awesome!

I’d recommend making an appointment, otherwise you would have to wait an hour to be seen. They did manage to squeeze me in though. I picked this place because of the price, other places charged $ 75+.
I didn’t get a chance to see Dr. Howard because but I had another doctor who was really nice and friendly. The exam went by quickly, but she suckered me into doing a picture and a dilation and said that I had a retinal tear in my eye or whatever, and told me to see a specialist. (I didn’t have anything wrong with my eye, and had to pay about $ 500 for that…)
Anyway, I LOVE costco. Their glasses and contacts are cheap and durable. Dr. Howard’s staff were sweet, and although her waiting room is really small, which bothers me quite a bit, I’ll be back for another eye exam!

Nice, no too much waiting, knowledgeable, friendly, and very affordable.
Been going to her for years now and she’s really honest in her recommendations to your eyes. She also does a good job answering all of my questions and concerns.
Not really anything negative that I can think of.

Overall the staff was nice, but the end product was not.
I got examined for and ordered my first pair of glasses ever, so obviously I’m not used to having any kind of optical aids at all.
After an examination and ordering some glasses, I put them on and I thought I saw about 10 years into the next galaxy. I immediately took them off and told the optician lady that they made a mistake and that those couldn’t possibly be mine. She checked, and said no, these are yours. So she sent me back to the examination room, where they checked (I don’t know how they validate this «check»), and said, nope, that’s the right ones. Just leave them on for a while and it should be ok. I was TOLD that was how it was, and really wasn’t given the time of day after that. Gee thanks.
They even twisted my glasses and the nose pad mounts into such a twisted mess of a pretzel in such a hasty manner that it was nearly impossible to get them adjusted to actually fit later. I spent like 2 hours getting them pretty close but I was pretty pissed that they were so jacked up at that point. They even tried to claim that they had to bend them so that the lenses were like .1″ away from my eyes — that was the reason for the distortion unless they were right against my eyes. Sure. Yeah. Uh huh.
Needless to say, I lived in a world of distortion and neverending motion sickness for 5 days. I basically gave up and figured that glasses weren’t for me. By random luck someone referred me to Dr. Santi at the Torrance Costco location. They said he was DAMN GOOD at what he does and to go see what he had to say.
So it turns out that they found the correct «correction» for my eyes, but that since I had never used glasses before, and that since my left and right eyes were so different, that I probably wouldn’t be able to have a full correction done without issues. The logic was that probably a ½ or ²⁄₃ correction would be enough to see clearly but not to cause all the problems I was having.
Turns out this did the trick and even without full correction, I can’t imagine things being any clearer. Sure would have been nice if someone actually discussed this in the first place instead of TELLING ME what works and what doesn’t.
Sad, so sad since I love Costco so.
The plus side was they fully warrantied the glasses at the other location so I didn’t have to pay anything, even for totally different frames. I had to pay for the exam again but whatever, I had no problem with that.