Ophthalmologist in San Francisco
Board-certified ophthalmologist care in San Francisco
If you are searching for an ophthalmologist in San Francisco, LaserVue Eye Center provides medical and surgical eye care from a board-certified eye doctor at 711 Van Ness Ave, Suite 320. The practice is led by Dr. Jay Bansal, M.D., an ophthalmologist certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology who founded LaserVue Eye Center in 1996 and serves as its medical director.
LaserVue serves the San Francisco Bay Area from two offices, San Francisco and Santa Rosa, so patients can be evaluated, treated, and followed within one practice rather than being referred elsewhere for surgery.
Ophthalmologist vs. optometrist: which eye doctor do you need?
The terms ophthalmologist, optometrist, and eye doctor are often used interchangeably, but they describe different levels of training and scope of care. Understanding the difference helps you book the right appointment the first time.
An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school and an ophthalmology residency, which means an ophthalmologist can perform the full range of eye care: comprehensive medical diagnosis, prescription treatment, and eye surgery. That medical and surgical training is what separates an ophthalmology practice from a vision-only provider, and it is why patients with cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye disease, keratoconus, or a need for surgical vision correction are seen here.
| Provider | Degree | Scope of care |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmologist | M.D. or D.O. (medical doctor) | Medical diagnosis, prescription medication, eye surgery, and the management of complex and sight-threatening conditions |
| Optometrist | O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) | Vision exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, diagnosis of many eye conditions, and co-management or referral when surgery or advanced medical treatment is needed |
For a routine vision check, new glasses, or a contact lens fitting, an optometrist is often the right starting point. For a suspected medical eye condition, persistent symptoms, or anything that may require surgery, an ophthalmologist is the appropriate provider. LaserVue Eye Center is an ophthalmology practice led by an M.D., and it also includes optometrists who handle routine exams and pre- and post-operative care. That means if a routine exam uncovers a medical or surgical concern, it is managed inside the same practice rather than handed off. Learn more about our optometry and comprehensive eye exams in San Francisco.
Meet Dr. Jay Bansal, M.D., founder and medical director
Dr. Jay Bansal, M.D. is the founder and medical director of LaserVue Eye Center and a board-certified ophthalmologist. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, performed his first LASIK procedure in 1994, and has been caring for Bay Area patients since founding LaserVue in 1996.
- Board certification: American Board of Ophthalmology
- Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Professional memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Focus areas: cataract surgery, glaucoma, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and laser and lens-based vision correction
Dr. Bansal is supported by a team of ophthalmologists and optometrists across both LaserVue locations, so patients have access to medical, surgical, and routine eye care under one practice. Read Dr. Bansal’s full bio.
Medical eye care: glaucoma, dry eye, keratoconus, and more
Much of what an ophthalmologist does is medical, not surgical. At LaserVue, the ophthalmology team diagnoses and manages conditions that can threaten vision if left untreated:
- Glaucoma: a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often without early symptoms, which is why screening matters
- Dry eye disease: evaluated and treated with options that may include in-office therapies such as LipiFlow and intense pulsed light, depending on the cause
- Keratoconus: a progressive thinning and steepening of the cornea that may be managed with specialized contact lenses or corneal procedures
- Cataracts: clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is diagnosed and, when appropriate, treated surgically
A complete eye evaluation is the starting point for any of these conditions. Your treatment plan depends on what that exam finds, and recommendations are made on an individual basis.
Surgical eye care and vision correction
Because LaserVue is a surgical ophthalmology practice, patients who are candidates for surgery can be treated by the same team that diagnoses them. Surgical and vision correction services include cataract surgery and a full menu of laser and lens-based refractive procedures.
This page is the starting point for finding an eye doctor in San Francisco. For details on a specific procedure, including candidacy, recovery, and how each option works, visit the dedicated procedure pages:
- LASIK in San Francisco for flap-based laser vision correction
- SMILE in San Francisco for flapless laser correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism
- PRK in San Francisco for surface-based laser correction
- EVO ICL in San Francisco for an implantable lens option
- Refractive Lens Exchange in San Francisco for a lens replacement approach to vision correction
Refractive Lens Exchange uses premium intraocular lenses. The individual lens technology pages explain the specific lens platforms in detail, so this page does not compare lens models; it points you to the Refractive Lens Exchange page and the procedure pages that own those topics.
Comprehensive eye exams in San Francisco
LaserVue offers comprehensive eye exams at its San Francisco office, performed by the practice’s optometrists and ophthalmologists. A comprehensive exam does more than check whether you need glasses. It evaluates your vision and screens for medical eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and signs of systemic disease that can show up in the eye.
The advantage of having your exam at an ophthalmology practice is continuity. If the exam uncovers a medical or surgical concern, it is managed within the same practice by Dr. Bansal and the ophthalmology team, rather than requiring a separate referral and a new patient workup elsewhere.
Free vision correction consultation vs. a comprehensive eye exam
LaserVue offers a free consultation, and it is important to understand what that appointment is and is not. The two visit types serve different purposes:
- Free consultation: focused on vision correction candidacy, such as LASIK or other laser procedures. It helps determine whether a procedure may be appropriate for you and what your options are.
- Comprehensive eye exam: a complete medical evaluation of your eye health and vision, including screening for conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
A free consultation is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. If you are not sure which appointment fits your needs, the team can help you choose when you call. Eligibility for any procedure is determined only after an appropriate evaluation, and no outcome can be promised in advance.
Insurance, financing, and what to bring
Medical eye care and cataract surgery may be covered in part by medical insurance, while elective vision correction such as LASIK is typically not. LaserVue offers financing options, including CareCredit, to help make elective procedures more affordable. The team can review costs, insurance, and financing with you during your visit.
To make your first appointment efficient, it helps to bring your current glasses or contact lens information, a list of medications, your insurance card, and any prior eye records if you have them. Some vision and medical insurance plans may request a referral for coverage of certain services, so it is a good idea to check with your insurer before your visit.
San Francisco office: location, hours, and contact
The LaserVue Eye Center San Francisco office is centrally located on Van Ness Avenue, convenient to neighborhoods across the city.
- Address: 711 Van Ness Ave, Suite 320, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 346-5500
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call (415) 346-5500 to confirm current hours and availability or to schedule an evaluation.
Also serving Santa Rosa and the North Bay
If San Francisco is not the most convenient location for you, LaserVue Eye Center also has a Santa Rosa office serving the North Bay, under the same medical direction.
- Address: 3540 Mendocino Ave, Suite 200, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
- Phone: (707) 522-6200
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Both offices offer the same standard of medical and surgical eye care, so you can choose the location that works best for you. See our ophthalmologist in Santa Rosa page
How to schedule with an ophthalmologist at LaserVue
You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at LaserVue Eye Center, though some insurance plans may request one for coverage of certain services. To book a comprehensive eye exam, a medical eye care visit, or a free vision correction consultation, call the San Francisco office at (415) 346-5500 or the Santa Rosa office at (707) 522-6200.
When you call, let the team know whether you are coming in for a routine exam, a specific symptom or condition, or to explore vision correction, so they can schedule the right type of visit and the right provider for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who completed medical school, an ophthalmology residency, and is licensed to provide the full range of eye care, including comprehensive medical diagnosis, prescription medication, and eye surgery. An optometrist (O.D.) is an eye care provider who examines vision, diagnoses many eye conditions, and prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and who refers to or co-manages with an ophthalmologist when surgery or advanced medical treatment is needed. LaserVue Eye Center is an ophthalmology practice led by Dr. Jay Bansal, M.D., and also includes optometrists who handle routine exams and pre- and post-operative care.
Is Dr. Jay Bansal a board-certified ophthalmologist?
Yes. Dr. Jay Bansal, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, founded LaserVue Eye Center in 1996, and serves as its medical director. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Where is LaserVue Eye Center’s San Francisco office located?
The LaserVue Eye Center San Francisco office is at 711 Van Ness Ave, Suite 320, San Francisco, CA 94102. You can reach the San Francisco office at (415) 346-5500. LaserVue also has a Santa Rosa office at 3540 Mendocino Ave, Suite 200, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, phone (707) 522-6200.
What eye conditions does an ophthalmologist at LaserVue treat?
The ophthalmologists at LaserVue diagnose and treat a wide range of medical and surgical eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and keratoconus, and perform vision correction procedures such as cataract surgery, LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, and refractive lens exchange. Routine comprehensive eye exams are also available. Your treatment plan depends on a complete eye evaluation.
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist at LaserVue?
A referral is not required to schedule an appointment at LaserVue Eye Center. Some vision and medical insurance plans may request a referral for coverage of certain services, so it is a good idea to check with your insurer. You can call the San Francisco office at (415) 346-5500 to schedule an evaluation.
Does LaserVue offer comprehensive eye exams in San Francisco?
Yes. LaserVue Eye Center provides comprehensive eye exams at its San Francisco office, performed by the practice’s optometrists and ophthalmologists. A comprehensive exam evaluates your vision and screens for medical eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. If a medical or surgical concern is found, it is managed within the same practice by Dr. Bansal and the ophthalmology team.
Is a free consultation the same as a comprehensive eye exam?
No. The free consultation at LaserVue is focused on vision correction candidacy, such as LASIK or other laser procedures, and helps determine whether a procedure may be appropriate for you. A comprehensive eye exam is a separate, complete medical evaluation of your eye health and vision. The team can help you schedule whichever appointment fits your needs.
Does LaserVue offer financing for eye care and surgery?
Yes. LaserVue Eye Center offers financing options, including CareCredit, to help make elective vision correction more affordable. Medical eye care and cataract surgery may be covered in part by medical insurance. The team can review costs, insurance, and financing with you during your visit.
What are the office hours for the San Francisco ophthalmologist office?
The LaserVue Eye Center San Francisco office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Santa Rosa office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (415) 346-5500 to confirm current hours and availability.
Should I see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for my eye care?
For routine vision checks, glasses, and contact lenses, an optometrist is often the right starting point. For a suspected medical eye condition, persistent symptoms, or any concern that may require surgery, an ophthalmologist is the appropriate provider because of their medical and surgical training. Because LaserVue Eye Center includes both ophthalmologists and optometrists, you can be evaluated and, if needed, treated for medical and surgical conditions within one practice.
Ready to SEE a Change?
Helping you to achieve your personal best vision is our mission at LaserVue Eye Center. Wondering where to start?
Please complete the fields on the right to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our eye doctors! You can also Call 1-800-527-3745 to speak with our staff.
