Ophthalmology & Optometry

Optometrists are members of the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology who perform routine and diagnostic eye exams. After completing an undergraduate degree, an optometrist attends a four-year graduate program focused on ocular health. In addition to prescribing glasses, optometrists can diagnose and treat many eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and dry eye. If necessary, your optometrist will refer you to one of UCSF's ophthalmologists.

We have a physician on call 24/7. To speak with a triage nurse, please call (415) 353-2020 and press 1, or go to your nearest emergency department. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses, including the labeled boxes and your previous prescription. If you're scheduled for a contact lens exam, wear your contacts. Otherwise, wear glasses. Also bring any previous medical records related to eye health and a list of medications you take.

Depending on the tests you need, the eye exam can take one to three hours.

Dilation enlarges the pupils to give your optometrist a better view of the back of your eyes. It may be performed during your exam in order to fully assess your ocular health. Dilation may cause light sensitivity and blurry vision for up to 24 hours, though typically the side effects wear off in three to four hours. You may want to bring a driver with you.

We accept most medical insurance plans and VSP vision insurance. Please specify the purpose of your visit when scheduling. Vision and medical insurance cannot be used on the same day. Glasses and contact lenses are typically not covered by medical insurance plans and may require an out-of-pocket fee.

You may pay your bill through MyChart. All insurance questions should be directed to the UCSF billing office. Call (866) 433-4035.

MyChart is an online portal that allows you to communicate directly with UCSF care providers and staff. You can also use it to make appointments. If you don't have an account, please request an activation code from our clinic's front desk and then set up your account on UCSF Health's MyChart page.

Not all insurance plans cover a prescription for glasses. If your insurance plan doesn't cover glasses, the prescription is a $77.50 out-of-pocket fee. Please verify coverage prior to your appointment to avoid unexpected bills.

Regular eye exams don't include a contact lens prescription. Contact lens services have additional fees and may require multiple visits. When making an appointment, be sure to let us know that you need a contact lens exam. If you wear contact lenses already, please wear them to the exam and bring your boxes or prescription information.

Our Vision Optical Clinic on the Parnassus campus sells glasses and contacts. You can schedule an eye exam there as well. You don't need an appointment to shop, but you'll need one for the exam.

In order to respect the time of all our patients, we may not be able to accommodate those who check in late. If we can't accommodate you, our staff will help reschedule your visit. Please keep this in mind when planning your trip. Allow extra time for catching a bus or parking and walking to the clinic.

We have more than one location where you can have an eye exam. (See the map below.) Double-check your appointment location, so you come to the right place.

For the Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic in Mission Bay, head to the Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision at 490 Illinois Street. There's a paid parking lot in front of the building. Public transit options include Muni lines 22, 48 and T-Third Street.

If you're visiting the Vision Optical Clinic on our Parnassus Heights campus, you'll find several paid parking options nearby. You can also take Muni lines 6, 43 or 66.

For eye appointments at the Berkeley Outpatient Center, public transportation options include BART to the Ashby station and various bus lines. If you come by car, you'll find us just off the Eastshore Freeway. Parking in the building is free.

Refills are best done at the time of your visit. If you need refills between visits, please use the MyChart patient portal or make a refill request by calling (415) 353-2020. Since prescription refills may take up to eight business days to complete, we advise patients to request refills as soon as they notice medications are running low. If your insurance company requires a prior authorization to pay for your prescription, please allow an additional 10 business days to process.

If you need specialty care, your optometrist will submit the referral on the day of your visit. You should be contacted by the specialist's office within seven business days. If you don't hear from them, please call (415) 353-2020 to request an appointment.

Of course! You can ask non-urgent questions using the secure MyChart portal. A member of our patient care team will reply. For urgent issues, call us at (415) 353-2020.