Eye Care in Hillcrest — Top Local Picks (2026)

Eye Doctors & Optometrists on University Avenue & Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest

Who is the best eye doctor in Hillcrest?

Invision Optometry carries one of the largest optometry patient bases in the 92103 ZIP, offering comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and medical eye care. Urban Optiks Optometry combines high-end frame selection with full-scope optometry for patients who want boutique eyewear and clinical care under one roof.

Vision Specialists of California handles complex vision cases including low vision rehabilitation and specialty contact lenses. Eye Care of San Diego in Mission Hills serves the western sub-community with general optometry. The 36-practice field gives Hillcrest residents options across every price point and clinical specialty.

Where can I get an eye exam in Hillcrest?

Routine eye exams are available at most of Hillcrest's 36 optometry and ophthalmology practices. Hillcrest Optometry and Uptown Optometry both accept walk-ins and scheduled appointments for standard vision checks, prescriptions, and contact lens fittings.

An annual eye exam typically costs $100 to $250 without vision insurance. Most VSP and EyeMed plans cover one exam per year with a copay of $10 to $25. If you wear contacts, the fitting fee is usually separate from the exam charge. Hillcrest optometrists can also screen for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease during a comprehensive exam.

How much does an eye exam cost in San Diego?

Without insurance, a comprehensive eye exam in San Diego runs $100 to $250 depending on the practice and whether additional testing — retinal imaging, visual field tests, or corneal topography — is included. Contact lens exams cost more than glasses-only exams because of the fitting and trial lens process.

Vision insurance through VSP or EyeMed brings the out-of-pocket cost down to a $10 to $25 copay for an annual exam. Some Hillcrest practices, including the UnOptical and Lions Optometric Vision Clinic, accept multiple vision plan networks. Medical eye concerns — dry eye, infections, sudden vision changes — are billed through medical insurance rather than vision plans.

Where can I buy glasses in Hillcrest?

Urban Optiks Optometry stocks designer and independent frame lines in a boutique retail setting alongside its clinical practice. the UnOptical stocks independent and smaller-batch eyewear brands not typically found at chain optical shops.

Most optometry practices in Hillcrest also sell frames and lenses on-site, so you can get your exam and order glasses in one visit. Chain alternatives like LensCrafters and Costco Optical are outside the 92103 ZIP but accessible in nearby Downtown and Mission Valley. Prescription sunglasses, progressive lenses, and specialty sport frames are available at several Hillcrest locations.

Is there a LASIK doctor in Hillcrest?

Chris J. Gualtieri, MD at LASIK and Vision Care Center offers refractive surgery consultations and LASIK procedures in Hillcrest. The practice evaluates candidates for both LASIK and PRK based on corneal thickness, prescription stability, and eye health.

LASIK in San Diego typically costs $2,000 to $3,500 per eye depending on the technology used and the surgeon's experience. The procedure is almost never covered by vision or medical insurance. Most LASIK practices offer financing plans or promotional pricing. A free consultation is standard — the surgeon will determine whether your prescription and corneal measurements make you a good candidate.

Are there eye doctors in Mission Hills?

Eye Care of San Diego: Mission Hills is the most-reviewed optometry practice in the Mission Hills sub-community. Sara Julazadeh, OD also practices in Mission Hills with a focus on comprehensive eye exams and contact lens care.

Because Mission Hills businesses map under the /hillcrest/ directory, the full 36-practice eye care listing applies to Mission Hills residents. For additional choices to the east, Dr. Chinn's Vision Care in North Park carries one of the largest optometry patient bases along the 30th Street corridor.

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Eye Doctors & Optometrists in Hillcrest 92103

All Eye Care

Urban Optiks Optometry

Vision Specialists of California

Invision Optometry

Hillcrest Optical

Sara Julazadeh, OD: Mission Hills

Insight Optical Center

Uptown Optometry

Hillcrest Optometry

Warlen Mark E MD

Nora El Khatib

Dr. Fahad Khan

Joyce B. Medina, OD, APC

Warlen Optical

the UnOptical

Dr. Anne Lam

Lux Eyes

Steven R. Larsen, OD

Chris J. Gualtieri, MD, LASIK and Vision Care Center

Lions Optometric Vision Clinic

Kelly S. Keefe, MD, Inc.

Tri D. Phan, OD

Urban Optiks Optometry: Gary A. Klein, O.D.

UC San Diego Health Eye Care

Cu-Unjieng Andrew B MD

Dr. Suzanne P. Handler, M.D., INC

Kentaro E.Yamada, M.D

Michael Couris, MD

Vision Care And Correction

UC San Diego Medical Center: Ophthalmology Department

Eye Care of San Diego: Mission Hills

Angel Lopresti, OD

Kathryn Ordonez, O.D.

Marcelline Ciuffreda, O.D.

Nickolet A. Boermans, O.D.

Pamela A. Hoo, OD

Retina Consultants San Diego - Hillcrest