Optometrists in San Luis Obispo

“Awesome person.....Very easy to talk to.... He knows what he's talking about... Recommend him anytime.“

“Shout out to Jofni! Great hospitality. Went to other stores, but he was the only one to help me repair my glasses. Fast repair. Didn't wait long. Grateful for the help!“

“Just got home from my yearly eye exam with Dr. Parreira.
Again, a very thorough examination and extremely informative visit.
I received a new glasses prescription and, instead of going back to the discount chain store, I decided to use this facility to get my new glasses.
Laura fitted me with the perfect frame for my face. She has years of experience and it really shows. She is a delight.
And, it turns out that the price of my glasses was very competitive with my previous purchase from the chain store.“

“Fantastic Costco Eye Care Experience in SLO –

Dr. Loren Yasunari, O.D.

This past Saturday, my wife and I walked into the San Luis Obispo Costco anxious and on edge. She’d noticed a new, growing floater and, after some well-meaning but alarmist input from friends, was convinced vague “flashes” (really just night-driving fatigue) might mean impending blindness or a retinal detachment.

We called Friday. They said, “Come in tomorrow.”

No weeks-long wait.
No HMO MD nor triage ER nurse gatekeeping.

Just: Saturday, quick appointment friendly.

Enter Dr. Loren Yasunari, O.D., the weekend relief optometrist who doesn’t take insurance — and who just delivered the most thorough, thoughtful eye exam either of us has ever had. We both went to the University of Hawaii, which was very cool indeed. He just does the weekend, is semi-retired, and is a nice guy, who takes pride in doing a great job, like in the old days.
It feels sort of like Costco priced Concierge care in a way. To be fair, this is not the same as seeing a MD for potential surgical advice, but it does focus on ruling out the immediate need, to see a surgeon.

What Made This Different (and Better)

Not a refraction mill – This wasn’t about pushing new glasses.

It was 100% focused on ocular health and our acute concern.

Step-by-step, gold-standard eval:

Detailed history
Slit-lamp exam (used twice)
Pupil dilation
Retinal photography by tech
Intraocular pressure check
Multiple angles of fundus viewing

Informed consent done right – Every step explained, risks/benefits clear, differential diagnosis walked through out loud.

Bedside manner: A+

– Calm, present, zero rush. Made a scared patient feel seen.

The Verdict: All Clear
No bleed
No detachment
No urgent threat
Just a benign floater + reassurance

The Logistics? Shockingly Good

Cost
$125 total (includes retinal photos — a $50+ add-on elsewhere, even with VSP)

Insurance
None accepted — didn’t matter

Wait time
Next-day, Saturday, appointment needed

ER/Urgent Care alternative?
Zero chance they’d dilate + image

Pacific Eye / SLO Eye wait?
3–6 weeks — useless for acute concerns

Local Context: Eye Care Access in SLO County

Specialists are booked solid
ERs have no ophthalmology on call
Medicare? Great. Spouse without it? Good luck.

Costco? Open Saturdays, Sundays.....
no gatekeepers, real diagnostics. Weirdly therapeutic.

Pro tip: While waiting 20 minutes for dilation, you can roam the aisles, try all the samples including AG1 samples (tastes like lawn clippings & is priced like Presidential Crypto), or just people-watch.
Best bet Kirkland Multivitamins...not Gummies. Gummies are missing vital Thiamine, and Iron for the ladies....not to mention being low on most others.“

“I've seen Dr. Tackett for years now. She's a great doctor: friendly, compassionate, always willing to answer questions and share information. Highly recommended.“