What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.95
Average wait time
4.53
Bedside manner
4.97
“Amazing communication and took time to explain the whole process. Super kind staff and quick to be seen.”
Shakira V.June 8, 2023
“Dr. Tao was very calm and personable. The entire process was efficient and clear. Her office staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend her over and over again.”
Michelle L.February 9, 2023
About Dr. Clare Tao
Dr. Clare Tao is passionate about the design of specialty contact lenses and dedicates herself to restoring sight for individuals who have experienced vision loss due to refractive or ocular surface conditions. Her custom lens designs are tailored to address a wide range of conditions and purposes. Typical conditions she designs lenses for include keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal grafts, post-radial keratotomy (RK) or LASIK corneas, and dry eye syndrome.
Inspired by the resilience and determination displayed by her patients in overcoming various visual obstacles, Dr. Tao is driven to prioritize the restoration of sight, alleviation of discomfort, and improvement of overall quality of life.
Recognized for her extensive knowledge and proficiency, Dr. Tao holds the title of Specialist Corneal and External Disease Optometrist, with expertise in routine and complex lens fitting for individuals with mild to severe ocular diseases. She is also distinguished as an OrthoKeratologist, Myopia Control Specialist, and Dry Eye Specialist, showcasing her multifaceted skill set. Beyond her role as an orthokeratologist specializing in corneal reshaping, Dr. Tao finds immense fulfillment in assisting both children and adults in reclaiming their independence from glasses and experiencing the freedom of clear vision.
Dr. Tao earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the State University of New York. At her New Jersey clinic, her expertise is highly sought after, and the facility serves as a reputable referral site for contact lens case management. General optometry and ophthalmology practices in the local area frequently refer tertiary cases to Dr. Tao's clinic, recognizing her specialized care and knowledge.
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Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Education and training
- State University of New York, Doctor of Optometry
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Optometry
- New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians
- American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control
Languages spoken
- English
- Spanish
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Provider's gender
Female
NPI number
1003320136
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.95
Wait time
4.53
Bedside manner
4.97
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
137 reviews
Most relevant
I told she was very professional and understanding.
I have already schedule my follow up appointment with her.
July 3, 2020Robert M.Verified patient
Amazing communication and took time to explain the whole process. Super kind staff and quick to be seen.
June 8, 2023Shakira V.Verified patient
Very professional, kind and answered questions with good context and provided understanding behind advice given.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very professional staff! Easy and clear to understand every step of the process. Fast and efficient service.
More than 1 year agoAngelica G.Verified patient
Dr. Tao is better than sliced bread. She's extremely knowledgable and easy to open up and talk to.
March 22, 2022Eshawn A.Verified patient
This office has always been very professional and very friendly.
Would recommend to everyone.
February 20, 2021Robert M.Verified patient
Dr. Tao and the entire staff is extremely thorough, courteous and professional!!
February 11, 2022Richard M.Verified patient
A very detailed explanation and analysis. Highly recommend .
December 6, 2022Initials hidden
Very informative and easy to talk to. Staff was pleasant as well.
February 12, 2021Initials hidden
She was thoughtful and quick. Excellent experience!
January 31, 2022James F.Verified patient
Dr. Tao was very calm and personable. The entire process was efficient and clear. Her office staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend her over and over again.
February 9, 2023Michelle L.Verified patient
Dr. Tao was incredible. I was due for my annual appointment. It was my first appointment with Dr. Tao. I felt very comfortable from the beginning to the end of my appointment.
She is patient, kind, and knowledgeable.
December 8, 2022Diana L.Verified patient
Was very impressed with Dr. Tao. She was very professional and had the latest equipment. She gave me a thorough examination. I will highly recommend her to all who need an eye doctor.
April 2, 2022Michele W.Verified patient
This was my first visit and it was very pleasant. She noticed that my contact were too strong especially for sitting in front of my computer screen all day. She changed my prescription and I no longer get tension headaches. I had that previous prescription for over 5 years. I would definitely recommend this doctor.
February 23, 2022Erica D.Verified patient
This visit was very positive and thorough. Doctor gave me good exam, feedback and advice. She is very knowledgeable, personable and comforting. I would recommend her to others seeking an Ophthalmologist. Office staff is very nice and efficient. Great visit!
February 12, 2022Jay S.Verified patient
I was very impressed with Dr. Tao and her staff. Very friendly - clear explanations (this was my first eye appt in over 15 years). Dr Tao lessened my concerns about some recent happenings with my vision and was really so polite and personal.
December 22, 2021Ivan M.Verified patient
Dr Tao is a gem. She has a very nice bedside manner and really knows her stuff. I’ll be going to her again for my next annual eye exam for sure.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Courteous
December 22, 2021Felicia O.Verified patient
If I could have a Dr. Tao in every medical/health discipline, I can guarantee you I wouldn’t avoid going for yearly checkups. Extremely friendly and funny. She takes the time to analyze and thoroughly explain any issues or concerns to patients for them to understand the direction they should take to better their eye health.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Professional and straight forward; friendly Staff
November 6, 2021Patricia P.Verified patient
Had a great experience and Dr.Tao was very helpful in diagnosing my problem with my contact lenses. Very professional and nice team from the moment I walked in! Will be sure to come back for my next annual or any other reasons that could arise with my eyes!
October 3, 2021Meliz G.Verified patient
Dr. Tao and the entire office staff was wonderful - very friendly and helpful. The office is clean and welcoming. It was also a very thorough exam all around. The only downside of the experience is that the full visit took 2 hours (my appointment was at 11:10 and I didn't leave until 1:10. This is in part due to the fact that this was a very thorough exam, so I will expect a longer visit next time. It was also due to a delay in the schedule. Overall it was a great experience and I recommend this office and this Dr. highly. I will plan for a longer visit next time!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
The office is well managed . The front desk and technician are friendly and professional . I Switched from my previous eye doctor to Dr. Schussel and Dr. Tao . I feel very confident that I'm being well taken care of with up to date medical information. I would highly recommend this office.
July 27, 2021Linda B.Verified patient
She explained very clearly the issues with my eyes. I felt confident with her assessment and left with a better understanding of my eye health :)
July 16, 2021Kaylee B.Verified patient
make sure when you go in that the test they give you is cover by your insurance. so that you do not receive a surprise bill. i was told that mines were but they were not. surprise.
July 2, 2021Mayzella J.Verified patient
The office is very small but nice and clean. The staff are very warm and inviting and help along in the steps prior to seeing the doctor. They take eye images and scans that the doctor then uses. The wait time is a little long, but overall it was really good. My son liked his visit!
April 5, 2021Ayden C.Verified patient
Dr Tao was wonderful! She embraced all of my little questions and was open to explaining the science behind her answers. She was wonderful in keeping my 6 year old calm during his first eye appointment too.
April 5, 2021Sara E.Verified patient
Dr Tao was lovely and responsive. Plus she was knowledgeable about some weird family history that many previous doctors were not. Definitely feel like I am in good hands with her.
More than 1 year agoLauren C.Verified patient
Dr. Tao was very professional and courteous. She was very throughout him her exploration of care and provided for a great experience.
March 13, 2021Marc R.Verified patient
Dr. Clare was very thorough and friendly.
March 12, 2021Amtul S.Verified patient
This was my first visit with Dr. Tao. She was understanding, patient and extremely thorough. I was very pleased with her care. I think the entire team of Professional Eyecare of West Orange is faulous!
January 16, 2021Eileen B.Verified patient
Dr. Tao and the office staff were all very professional and friendly. I was taken care of every step of the way. Everyone was knowledgeable and capable of answering all of my questions. I was very pleased with my visit.
I came to Dr. Tao because she was recommended for my daughter (6yrs old). My daughter's visit went so well, I changed my optometrist and scheduled a visit with Dr. Tao before leaving the office.
January 8, 2021Jomo D.Verified patient
Great doctor, very informative
December 19, 2020Shana Y.Verified patient
We had an intelligent conversation about my current and past issues with my vision and my eyes. She listened carefully. And she made me aware of how my new prescription has changed in each eye since my previous eye exam.
October 23, 2020William C.Verified patient
Dr Tao is very knowledgeable and up to date in her field. She took the time to go over all the exam results with me... I was blown away by her competency ... no other eye Dr ever went over these level of details with me... She is amazing!
October 17, 2020Nancy J.Verified patient
Clean Office, Efficient Staff and very Professional. Doctor has great calming effect, very thorough in explanations. Office maintains Social Distancing at all times.
More than 1 year agoPatricia P.Verified patient
Dr. Tao took me exactly on time. The office was very nice and had updated equipment. Dr. Tao was very thorough and knowledgeable. Would definitely go back.
September 19, 2020Erica D.Verified patient
After my first visit I’m already writing my review for Dr. Tao. Very polite and friendly along with her staff. She was the first eye doctor that I felt made use of modern technology to analyze my entire makeup as a patient and used that in her prescription. Amazingly she pointed that my last few prescriptions have actually been too strong which was a main factor in my headaches and stress - something no other doctor has ever pointed out even though I always list those two symptoms in my patient profile. I would strongly recommend her to anyone without hesitation.
September 19, 2020Vincent N.Verified patient
The doctor as well as the office staff were so attentive, professional and friendly. I’m so glad I found this office so close to home!
August 22, 2020Tracie M.Verified patient
This was my first medical appointment since the COVID pandemic, and the attention to sanitization and safety put me at ease. Everyone was very kind and attentive, and I would definitely recommend Dr. Tao. She explained everything very clearly, and I was very satisfied with my visit.
July 2, 2020Jacquelene W.Verified patient
I think Dr. Clare was probably the nicest optometrist I've ever met! She was exceptionally thorough, even though my prescription isn't very serious. If you want a really thoughtful and kind doctor who takes your health and eye health seriously, I suggest seeing her!
February 26, 2020Claire C.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
January 23, 2023Shihui W.Verified patient
January 20, 2023Linda M.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
August 7, 2022Kevin B.Verified patient
July 25, 2022Joseph C.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Clare Tao?
Generally, Dr. Clare Tao has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Tao's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Clare Tao accepting new patients?
Dr. Clare Tao generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Tao's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Clare Tao accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Tao is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Clare Tao online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Tao using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Clare Tao work with?
Dr. Clare Tao works with Smart Eyecare.
Where is Dr. Clare Tao's office located?
Dr. Clare Tao's office is located at 6000 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093.
Which board certifications does Dr. Clare Tao have?
Dr. Clare Tao is certified by National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Clare Tao?
Dr. Clare Tao frequently sees patients for Contact Lenses, Eye Infection, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, and Routine Eye Exam. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Clare Tao on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Clare Tao speak?
Dr. Clare Tao speaks English, Spanish, and Chinese (Mandarin).
How do patients rate Dr. Clare Tao in reviews?
137 patients have reviewed Dr. Clare Tao. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.95/5. They have a 4.97/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.53/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.