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Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre
Categories: Health and Medical Optometrists Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Optometrists, Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
104 Broadway EVancouver, BC V5T 1V9
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 874-7302
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 4:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre
Review Highlights
26 reviews in English
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Review from Robin M.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Have you ever seen the inside of your own eye? No, I'm not being philosophical here, I'm actually really asking -- have you ever been shown the interior of *your own* eyeball? Neither had I up until just a day ago, and lemme tell you: it was amazing. Hypnotizing, really. Like a magic ball full of gas and electricity, my eye appeared as though it held some kind of supernatural power. Turns out there was no sorcery at work, it was just a healthy eyeball looking as glorious as it should.
The real alchemy came from Dr Koh herself. Carefully and thoroughly, she detailed the whys and hows of the eye, pointing at veins in the photo of my optical organ and comparing them to clots in a photo of another poor soul's peeper. Not only that, she explained what she looks for when examining the eye and what I can watch out for on my own. WHO DOES THIS? I felt like a child finding out why the sky is blue, or how the earth turns -- she was above and beyond informative. And nice. My gad, this whole clinic is just so bloody nice. How could I *not* give them 5 stars??
Absolutely believe the hype. Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre is bomb.Listed in: The Essentials
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Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
2/2/2012
Eyeballs!!!!
People, eyeballs are SO cool. As I was sitting there, getting air blown into my face and bright lights flashed in my eyes, all i could think of was...
"this is cool yo"
I had not had my vision checked in about 10 years so figured it was time. Based on Robin M.'s review I headed to MPOC and am happy I did.
I saw Dr. Karen Wong who was young, pleasant and chipper for late on a saturday afternoon. She did the field test, then showed me the images from my glaucoma test. SO COOL! I saw the optic nerve and vasculature. She then showed me an unhealthy image...whoa! Anyway, after all was said and done apparently my vision has improved in the past 10 years and i need a weaker prescription! Go figure.
All in all, very professional, very clean, lots of lenses to play around with while you're waiting to see the doc. Will definitely go back although I think i'll check out EyeCandy for lenses... -
Review from MMM S.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 12/18/2011
Had some great feedback from Kevin at MPOC. He addressed my concerns personally regarding both the direct billing and the bear (latter being more important). Again wanted to emphasize the great customer support. I have rarely found this level of support in this city, and rarely from the medical community. And have had way too much contact with the medical community in the past 4 years of living in Vancouver.
So upgraded to 5 stars.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/6/2011
Found this place via Yelp. YAY!
Agree with most of the opinions which is why I made my apppointment… Read more »
Comment from Kevin M. of Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre 12/6/2011
Hello and THANKS for your kind review! To address a couple… More » -
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Review from A. Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2011
I recently bought a pair of worn out 1950s cat eye glasses at a thrift store. After having seen a half century of use, the plastic on the frames - which comprised of most of the material around the lenses - was understandably brittle. To make things worse, the original glass lenses were still firmly in place.
I came to Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre looking to have prescription lenses made for the frames. Dr. Butler removed the lenses with expert skill, but he also assured me that there's a high chance that the frames would crack in the process of putting on new lenses. I was apprehensive about going forward with new lenses, since I'm a student on a limited budget, but I decided to take my chances.
Sure enough, the frames plus new lenses were returned to me completely intact. These frames - which I now wear for most of the day - stand testament to the incredible skill and patience of the people at Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre, who are also very friendly. Highly recommended! -
Review from BR G.
Burnaby, BC
10/29/2011
I can safely say I am probably one of Mount Pleasant Optometry's oldest, and perhaps most nearsighted (that's Myopia in eye lingo I think) patients. And by old I mean I've been going here since I was 7 or 8, and I'm now almost 31. It's probably about time that I write a review.
One of my best kept secrets is that I'm pretty much legally blind without corrective lenses. Meaning if stumble into bed in a drunken stupor and drop my glasses somewhere, it could be a rough battle the next morning until I manage to find/feel them, hopefully not crushed by my 110 pound frame. Ok, I'm much too responsible to get drunk on a regular basis, but I do occasionally lose my glasses, which is a major pain (future laser eye surgery: 1 So blind I can't function: 0).
I went into see Dr. Mowbray yesterday for my annual eye exam, and as always it is probably one of my most pleasant things on my to-do list. He has done an exceptional job taking over Dr. Robin Simpson's business. It is pretty tough getting an appointment here sometimes, but it is a true testament to what a success they are. I've since referred my husband to them, and they have always taken him in on short notice if it's dire (ie. cataracts!). Somehow they remember the minute, trivial details of your life like where you've travelled to, when you got married etc, and although I know they keep it on file I think it is a cute, personal touch that you won't get at Costco. They also do a very thorough exam, which leaves you confident that your eye health is indeed taken care of.
I have very few beefs, other than the fact I wish they had a more expanded, modern collection of frames. I haven't purchased glasses in years, but I would if they were cool, and affordable (high index lenses are never cheap, unfortunately, anywhere you look. Dr. Mowbrary mentioned their price-match guarantee, which seems to be a new service which I hope to take advantage of when I get new contacts. I know it's not an easy endeavor, though, considering that our public health care system does not deem eye exams an essential service. What our system lacks, though, Mount Pleasant Optometry makes up for a thousand times in service. Highly recommended. -
Review from Martina M.
Vancouver, BC
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in desperate need of an eye appointment since my old glasses weren't helping anymore. I decided to book an appointment at Mount Pleasant Optometry because of their overwhelmingly positive yelp reviews and also because they're located on the 99 B-Line bus route. I was able to easily get an appointment on the day I requested. You have the option to book an appointment online, but I chose to call them instead.
The waiting room is small but clean. If you walk past the reception desk, there is a small room with rows and rows of glasses frames to choose from. The frame selection is alright, but if you want designer frames I'd go elsewhere.
I had to wait an extra 10 minutes before I was taken to the back for some pre-testing by a receptionist. These tests include a colorblind test, typical reading of letters on a chart, a bright flash when they take pictures of your eyes, and the dreaded puff of air (which was actually really quick and painless). The receptionist also asked me a bunch of questions about my family medical history, last time I had an eye exam, and any concerns I had. The receptionist was nice, but she didn't really come off as friendly.
After this pre-test, I was taken back to the waiting room until the optometrist was ready to see me. My optometrist was Dr. Koh and she was super friendly. She went through all of the eye exams and explained why she was doing them. She also showed me the pictures of my eyes and compared them to eyes that were suffering from glaucoma and macular degeneration. I'm not sure what the deal was with my old optometrist, but she explained to me that I have slight astigmatism and although my eyes could use a slight correction, glasses weren't necessary. She let me try on the lenses and was patient while I tried reading with and without them. I will still get glasses because I spend way too much time reading and on the computer, but it was nice that there was absolutely no sales pressure to purchase my lenses or frames there.
If you're looking for an optometrist, I highly recommend this place. I will definitely go here again in 2 years for my next appointment. -
Review from Kari C.
9/2/2011
My eyes have been feeling a little out of focus lately, so I called Mount Pleasant Optometry because of all the positive Yelp reviews, in addition to the fact that it's been around since I was a kid. Who can say no to their giant metal bear with the sunglasses?
Fortunately, I was luckily able to get an appointment on the same day, and came in that afternoon. I had to wait 30 minutes past the appointment time for my eye exam to start, because of 3 elderly clients who needed extra attention, and while it's not ideal if someone is in a hurry (and I wasn't), it was nice to see that the doctor was making sure that they had all of the care that they needed.
If Dr. Wong was the type of doctor who was going to rush them out for the sake of making an appointment time, then I probably would have been rushed out, too, without feeling like I had been properly addressed, so it was okay because I was trying on glasses for fun anyway, and they had current magazines.
It was the most thorough exam I'd ever had, they even showed me pictures of the insides of my eyes. It turns out that they had been getting stronger! I had been considering switching from glasses to contact lenses on occasion, and Dr. Wong felt so bad that I had to wait, that she gave me a few free pairs and cleaning solution to try out. Hooray!
I had to do some additional testing for peripheral/field vision, wearing an eye patch in a dark room and clicking a button whenever a little green light popped up anywhere, while also staring only at an orange dot. It was tough! My eyes started to dry up from staring so hard, and I probably have ADD or something, and kept looking at the green dots, but they didn't get mad at me.
The receptionists were really friendly. A client who left, came back because she was boxed into her parking spot, and so one of them checked out the places next door to see if she could help her find the other car's owner. The people who work here really care.
My workplace's health benefits program covered the initial eye exam, yeehaw! I don't know if it's possible for MPOC to charge my provider instantly or anything, but if it were, that's the only suggestion that I could have for improvement. Other than that, it was a great visit and I would recommend them.
Thanks, Mount Pleasant! :D -
Review from Jason W.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 12/5/2011
Went back for my annual checkup, and it was like I had been there a week ago.
Fantastic service.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2010
I give the eye exam itself 5 stars. Very extensive and thorough, with great communication by the… Read more »
Comment from Kevin M. of Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre 5/4/2010
Thanks for your good review Jason! It is from the positive… More » -
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Review from Karen C.
Vancouver, BC
8/30/2011
Ditto to all the other positive comments. I decided to try this place out due to all the good reviews on here. I am that annoying patient who likes to ask lots of really basic, bordering stupid questions that could easily make a busy optometrist lose patience. Dr Ivy Koh appeared to know a lot about recent research and its controversies, and took a lot of time to explain the results of each exam she did for me.
Finally this office seems concerned with helping you save money! I paid a total of only $70 for a comprehensive exam because they managed to make some MSP claims for me. Plus, they do price matching for contacts. -
Review from Amy C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 6/20/2011
Came in again for my annual check up and service was fantastic as always. The doctors are very knowledgeable, friendly, and they take their time to make sure you are comfortable and all your questions are answered. While I'm not stoked that my prescription has increased, I have to say that getting your eyes examined can be rather intimidating, and the staff at Mount Pleasant ensure you are at ease.
Also, received a thank you card in the mail a few months ago - handwritten by the owner. If only more companies actually took the time to care and thank their customers...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2009
Today I went to Mount Pleasant Optometry with my mom. I saw Dr. Kc Mowbray and my mom (who hasn't… Read more »
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Review from Sarah D.
4/3/2011
I booked an appointment at the Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre to get my eyes tested due to all the positive Yelp reviews, and they didn't disappoint. I saw Dr. Koh, and she was very personable and informative. She ran me through a gauntlet of different eye tests and explained the results of each one to me. It was definitely the most comprehensive eye exam I had ever had. They even took photos of my eyes, and Dr. Koh took the time to show me my eyes in contrast with others to reassure me that mine were very healthy.
At the end, I discussed frame and lens prices with one of the gals in the shop, and she gave me a quote on the cost of my lenses. I was impressed that the price was very reasonable -under $200. Even though I have already picked out my frames at a different shop (check out Bruce Eyewear: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) they recommended me to bring in my frames to have them do the lenses, since their work is guaranteed.
I highly recommend MPOC to anyone looking to get their eyes tested in the near future. The folks here do a great job, and you can tell they take pride in what they do.Listed in: The Main Attraction
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Review from Robin M.
10/21/2011
I am a very demanding ex- New Yorker who expects great service. I found it at Mt Pleasant Optometry! They even had my favourite brand of French designer frames that I thought I might have to go back to The City to find. They were even able to show me the different colours the frames were available in on the computer. They were very patient and helpful.
I brought my young daughter back for a check- up after she complained about seeing the board at school. My daughter's eyes tested OK at her Family doctor, but it seems that they missed something that patient & thorough Dr Koh was able to find. My daughter was upset about needing glasses, but left the exam room with a smile on her face- excited about choosing frames! The office staff also permitted me to bring my well behaved large dog along for the visit.
Nice group. Impressed on first visit, even more so on second visit! -
Review from Emma L.
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I saw Dr. Ivy Koh last night for an eye exam -- I'd been getting some headaches and eye strain from too much computer use and just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else happening in there. Dr. Koh was fantastic -- super professional, understanding of my paranoia, great about explaining what each test did and thoroughly describing the results, and she gave good advice about glasses. Turns out I have a slight issue with my left eye, but not enough to warrant glasses yet. Awesome.
The centre loses a star for a couple reasons. One is purely aesthetic -- it looks and feels like a very lived in, older clinic. The decor could use some updating. Two is that the receptionist I dealt with, who also did some pre-exam testing, wasn't very friendly. She wasn't mean, just not the sort of bubbly person who usually interacts with patients. Third, I was hoping for Dr. Koh to give me some advice about what I can do to manage my eye strain, considering I didn't need glasses.
Overall it seems like a great set of optometrists. I'll go back in two years for my next eye exam. -
Review from Fehkor M.
Victoria, BC
8/2/2011
I had driven by the Berlin Bear a ton of times before going in to replace my contact lenses. Service was great and efficient. Next time I need a new prescription, I'll be going here.
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Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2008
My wife's co-worker recommended Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre to us and we were really pleased with our experience. The office staff is friendly, thorough, and professional. As Tim L mentioned, the office has cutting edge exam equipment. They do subject you to the dreaded (at least to me) puff of air. The technician who performed this part of the exam was patient with my apprehension about this. Fortunately, it was actually only a puff, unlike what I have experienced in a lot of other optometrists where it feels more like an dart of air. Phew.
Mount Pleasant Optometry has extended hours on Tuesday and Thursdays and they are open on Saturdays too. Another convenience is that you can book your appointment on their website. -
Review from Paul T.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2011
I have never worn glasses before and had not been for an eye exam that I can remember (I am 27 years old now). I was nervous about being told I needed glasses when I didn't and then being sold an expensive pair.
Luckily, I visited Mount Pleasant Optometry and experienced some of the best service I have ever had. I was able to book an appointment the same day that I called. When I arrived, the exam began on time and the staff were friendly and helpful.
I saw Dr. Koh who took the time to do a thorough exam and then walk me through the results. This was especially helpful for a someone new to glasses and eye-exams. She answered all of my questions and I came away understanding my prescription better than I ever thought I would. I ended up needing reading glasses, but I never felt as though I was being pressured into buying the glasses right away.
If you are looking for great service and knowledgeable professionals in a low-pressure environment, this is the place to visit. -
Review from Darcy C.
2/17/2009
These folks do a bang-up job, and are very reasonable. They have an excellent deal for trying contacts- $60 bucks to try them until you find a pair that works. They were also totally able to roll with my unwillingness to tolerate the air puffer machine ... they were pretty much unflappable. A good eye experience.
Okay, roughly eight weeks later, they are now a total five star experience. I've been through umpteen visits trying to find contacts that work for me- my eyes are really funky- and, I've now got good contacts that totally work. They were really willing to keep trying- well worth the $60. If you have had problems getting contacts fitted, they are worth a try. -
Review from Tim L.
8/27/2008
Although they may not be the largest optometry centre, they've been here for so many years offering consistent and top notch eye care.
I've been going to them for over 20 years and they have always been on the cutting edge in terms of examination equipment which tends to make the process more enjoyable and interesting (like being able to see the inside of your eyeball on a computer screen).
The staff and Doctors are all very friendly and unlike many other places with high turnover even all the support staff seem to stick around for years.
I think that speaks volumes about their commitment as well as the personality of the optometrists.
Mr Butler was the best and I fear he will be retiring soon. His many many years of experience in adjusting frames and just make sure your glasses are right are unparalleled by anyone else or machine. There is just no replacing someone who has the ability to just know from experience what needs adjusting.
It is staff like this that perfectly compliment the work of the optometrist. -
Review from Daniel S.
Vancouver, BC
11/4/2009
I just had an eye exam for my tired vision and soreness. The whole process was very streamlined and easy, from booking an appointment to actually getting to speak to my doctor.
They gave me a prescription and some sample products (which turned out to be rather helpful), and some advice on buying a pair of computer glasses.
The lacking star is due to their selection in frames and their less-than-competitive prices in this area. A quick search on the web revealed price differences of over 50 CAN on some of their frames.
Still, their service was excellent - I'd go back there for sure. -
Review from Jane W.
Vancouver, BC
6/9/2011
The staff were super friendly and it was a nice, bright, open space. Left with a new prescription knowing I'd go back.
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Review from Angel C.
Vancouver, BC
4/5/2010
I went to the Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre today (thanks to some other positive Yelp reviews) because I was concerned about some floaters in my field of vision and wanted to get them checked out. I must say this clinic really impressed me!
I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who took down my information and asked me some questions about my medical history. My appointment for the eye exam was with Dr. Ho. She was very friendly, patient, and knowledgeable - like the rest of the staff. She listened to all of my concerns and made sure all of my questions got answered.
I have gotten several eye exams done in the past but the one at Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre is by far the most extensive one. I really like the fact that Dr. Ho sat down with me and explained ALL of the results. She was even nice enough to take the time to show me some pictures of abnormal retinas to re-assure me that mine are very healthy.
I would highly recommend this clinic for eye exams. Not quite sure if I would recommend them for purchasing frames as that was not the intent of my visit today.
A little tip - if you are getting your eye exam done bring some sunglasses to your appointment as your eyes can get quite sensitive to light after they dilate your pupils. -
Review from Kevin N.
Vancouver, BC
9/22/2009
I discovered this place on Yelp when trying to decide where to get an eye checkup, which is long overdue. After reading the reviews and noting that is was not too far from home I decided to make an appointment.
They offer an online appointment service so I thought I'd give it a try. I did my info searching online on Sunday when I had some free time and made my appointment then as well, thinking that when they open Monday morning my request would be available for them to review and book.
It was 4pm yesterday, Monday, when I finally received a call from the receptionist informing me they had booked my appointment for one week later.
As the day was almost over I had given up and booked an appointment elsewhere. If it takes a full business day to reply to an online appointment request I would be very scepticle that the service would be any better for my checkup!Comment from Kevin M. of Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre 9/22/2009
Hi Kevin - this is Kevin Mowbray owner of Mount Pleasant… More » -
Review from beki L.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 7/8/2010
im a clutz..and lost one of my ortho-K lenses.... i am not going to reveal how, because its bad enough that I lost these expensive lenses.... =P
well, i got in touch with Dr. Mowbray and without even pausing for a second thought, he said he would get them replaced and try to push for a slight discount.
wow eh?
I was perfectly okay with paying the full price since it was 100% my own fault. but what an awesome gesture!! lets see.... i spoke to him on monday, he got them ordered that very day..and i just picked up my brand new lenses this afternoon.
yay! i will be able to see again!Listed in: LifestYleS
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2009
For the longest time I have been in denial of my fading vision. It was an acquaintance (who… Read more »
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Review from siobhan d.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2008
First, I have to say I don't have any complaints about the professionalism of the optometrists here. If you need your eyes examined, don't hesitate to check out Mount Pleasant Optometry - especially if it's a convenient location for you. That being said, getting glasses filled here was a comedy of errors that left me shaking my head in dismay at their profound incompetence.
A year and a half ago when I had my eyes checked, my prescription had changed so it was time for new glasses and contact lenses. I chose a pair of frames that suited me and asked about high-density glare resistant lenses. In the past I've always splurged on high-index Nikkor (or other) type of lens. Of everything I wear, my glasses are the most important part of my wardrobe so I wont skimp. I was told that I didn't need to get the highest density of lenses because my Rx isn't that strong, so I acquiesced and went with a cheaper lens against my better judgment. When I went to pick up my new glasses, I couldn't see through them very well - particularly my right eye! I was told that it takes a while to get used to new glasses. Erm.... I've been wearing glasses since grade 3, and I *know* the difference between the crazy "3D" feel of a new prescription and the "help me I'm blinded!" feel of a wrong prescription.
Did I mention that I had to wait 2 weeks to pick up these glasses that turned out to have the wrong prescription? Oh yeah, they weren't the high density lenses I had asked for either. I said, "hey, these are really thick lenses!" and was told, "the high density ones are expensive." Erm.... again, yeah I know, I asked for them in the first place.
So, the glasses went back to the lab for another week and a half. When they came back, only the lens that had the wrong prescription in it had been swapped out for the high density lens.
To this day I still have a skinny lens and a fat lens. I would have made a bigger fuss and had them go back to the lab again, but after waiting a month for my glasses, I was leaving on a business trip in 2 days and really wanted to have my new glasses.
I was at Mount Pleasant Optometry recently with my sister, and while I was waiting for her I overheard a conversation between a client and a staff member - the conversation seemed to be about how long it would take for the incorrect lenses to be replaced with the correct ones. The client sounded friendly and not overly agitated by the error. In retrospect, I wasn't either at the time my glasses were made incorrectly. It was only after the fact that I calculated how much of my time they had wasted by not getting it right the first time (forgot to mention that I was told I could pick them up on a Saturday, I went in on Saturday they weren't ready and I was told to come on Tuesday afternoon, on Tuesday afternoon they weren't ready so they called me Wednesday to come back to pick them up).
I recommend getting your eyes checked here, but take your prescription someplace else to be filled.Comment from Kevin M. of Mount Pleasant Optometry Centre 9/28/2009
Thanks for your detailed review Siobhan. Your bad… More » -
Review from maureen M.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2009
Very professional. I would recommend them to anyone who needs an eye exam. I didn't need to be fitted with glasses so I am not able to give you a review on that.
Very nice staff too! -
Review from K. M. L.
Vancouver, BC
1/15/2011
I was sad when Dr. Simpson retired, but Dr. Ho turns out to be at least as good, and is also a lovely person in her own right. Altho' prices aren't the best, you get a lot for your money. The older gentleman (who's name escapes me) who helps with choosing and fitting frames is incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I keep coming back because other places just don't compare.
