
Dr. John Elman, OD
Optometrist
1431 7th Street, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90401
At a glance
4.86 stars (298 reviews)
97% are satisfied with this provider ·
Accepts 8 insurances
Cigna, Guardian, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, VSP, more+ ·
Works at John W. Elman, O.D.
2 office locations
Speaks English and Spanish
4.86
298 reviews
Bedside manner
4.9
Wait time
4.8
Recent reviews
Extremely knowledgeable doctor who is very patient and explains everything thoroughly and in great detail.
January 11, 2021Farhad P.Verified patient
I love Dr. Elman! He took the time to figure out why my contacts felt the way they did and what the best fit would be. He really cares about the individual experience and makes sure you leave with the best prescription. I can’t say enough great things! :)
January 8, 2021Katherine T.Verified patient
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In-network insurances
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
VSP
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
VSP
Popular visit reasons
Contact Lenses
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eyeglasses
General Eye Consultation
Glaucoma Consultation
Retina Consultation
Retinal Detachment
Routine Eye Exam
Contact Lenses
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eyeglasses
General Eye Consultation
More about Dr. John Elman, OD
**Please provide your insurance ID so the office can authorize your insurance prior to the appointment. Without providing the full ID, we cannot guarantee the insurance will be accepted.**
John W. Elman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but has lived in California since age 13. He attended the University of California at Berkeley as an undergraduate and received his doctor of optometry degree (O.D.) from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1968. That year he became a Diplomat of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He has been in private practice in Santa Monica, California, since 1972. He is a charter member of the Contact Lens Section of the American Optometric Association. In 1996 Dr. Elman completed the postgraduate Course in Ocular Therapy given by the University of California School of Optometry at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. He also completed his preceptorship for therapeutics with the Jules Stein Eye Institute. By passing the examination in Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease given by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry in 1996 he became certified by the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry, and was among the first optometrists in California to receive a license issued by the California State Board of Optometry with TPA (Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent) certification. Dr. Elman has a special interest in how computer technology can enhance testing, medical record keeping, communication, and health delivery.
Education & experience
Education
Marshall B. Ketchum University, Doctor of Optometry
Practice
John W. Elman, O.D.
Background
Languages spoken
English
Spanish
Gender
Male
NPI number
#1417021361
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Ophthalmologist
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1 mi1301 20th St, Ste 105, Santa Monica, CA, 90404
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Ophthalmologist
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Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD
Optometrist
5.0010 reviews
Santa Monica, CA, 90403
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Dr. Renia Malek, OD
Optometrist
5.0014 reviews
7.5 mi8500 Beverly Blvd, Level 6, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
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Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.86
Wait time
4.78
Bedside manner
4.91
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
298 reviews
Most relevant
His methods seemed kind of outdated. He was counting in his head, etc. Used old instruments instead of computer calculations.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Elman is great! He always checks everything and makes sure that you have the glasses that you need for your situation.
May 7, 2019Jacqueline G.Verified patient
He's excellent. Very thorough and discusses at length any issues he sees currently or potentially arising in the future.
October 28, 2013Alexandria N.Verified patient
I've been seeing Dr. Elman for 3-4 years now and he's been great! He's knowledgable and friendly. I highly recommend him!
More than 1 year agoJeremy M.Verified patient
Dr. Elman is a great optometrist. He's been my eye doctor for over thirty years. I always get my eye services from him.
February 27, 2012SE
Best eye doctor I’ve ever had. Very thorough, very patient, and explains everything he’s doing so it’s educational.
More than 1 year agoTerrence K.Verified patient
He is old achool but knows his stuff. Doesn't rush you through like an assembly line. I trust his judgment.
April 9, 2015Gina B.Verified patient
Extremely knowledgeable doctor who is very patient and explains everything thoroughly and in great detail.
January 11, 2021Farhad P.Verified patient
Best eye doctor ever! So thoughtful and smart. Really cares about his patients and teaches you a lot, too!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
He is very thorough and takes his time to explain any questions you might have. Would recommend to others.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I have been seeing him since I was 10 years old, I am now 25 years old and he continues to be the best!
May 16, 2017Blanca M.Verified patient
Really diligent and did everything in my best interest. Better than any optometrists I’ve seen before.
December 28, 2020Michael B.Verified patient
I had trouble with the glasses I got from him.
He adjusted them and they are fine now.
Thank you
April 18, 2013Gene W.Verified patient
Dr. Elman is the best! His exams are thorough and he always produces glasses that are perfect for me!
June 5, 2017Cindy T.Verified patient
Hes great and knowledge and very friendly. The office is a little dated and a little dusty though.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Elman is very professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field. I would highly recommend!
January 3, 2014Lauren T.Verified patient
My Vision Is Better Than Ever With Dr. Elman's Care. He Is Reasonable. Worth Every Penny And More.
February 27, 2012RA
I appreciate Dr Elman's calm demeanor and his willingness to inform throughout the examination.
November 7, 2015David R.Verified patient
Dr. Ellman is by far the best. I would not even consider another doctor for my vision needs.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very experienced doctor with warm personality. My higest recommentation.
More than 1 year agoNina A.Verified patient
I enjoyed his thoroughness and his knowledge. He's old school and I really appreciate that.
April 27, 2018Brian R.Verified patient
Extremely thorough and helpful. Very patient with questions and explains things clearly.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Elman is terrific. I have been seeing him for years now and would not go anywhere else!
July 15, 2015Cindy T.Verified patient
He is excellent. My whole family goes to him and we're all very happy with his service.
December 22, 2016Mark P.Verified patient
I am grateful for all of the knowledge and explanation.
Thank you Dr. John Elman !
July 17, 2015Initials hidden
Dr. John's exam is thorough and dedicated to the highest ophthamological standards.
February 22, 2014John H.Verified patient
Very thorough. He explained everything each step of the examination. Very friendly.
March 11, 2016Larry J.Verified patient
Dr. Elman was absolutely amazing! Very attentive, kind, and great at what he does
July 30, 2019Alyssa J.Verified patient
The doctor was extremely kind and helpful in getting me glasses. Would go back.
May 23, 2017Amy R.Verified patient
I had a very good and thorough exam and he answered all of my questions clearly.
More than 1 year agoHilary R.Verified patient
Dr. Elman was patient, friendly, and very thorough. I am a customer for life!
More than 1 year agoSaro A.Verified patient
Dr. Elman is very knowledgeable and is very good at explaining the process.
July 23, 2012Charlena T.Verified patient
I am a regular patient, and as always Dr. Elman is thorough and courteous.
February 6, 2013Michelle T.Verified patient
The best eye doctor I have ever seen. He explains everything very well.
January 30, 2017Initials hidden
Dr. Elman always shows great concern in his examination and is through
September 19, 2016David B.Verified patient
Excellent. Very thorough and really cares about your vision health.
July 17, 2018Howard S.Verified patient
He is excellent. My family and I have been going to him for years.
August 3, 2012Mark P.Verified patient
Very nice gentleman with good knowledge and selection of frames
December 7, 2020Ferdi S.Verified patient
Very sweet and knowledgeable. Explained everything in detail.
More than 1 year agoTerri K.Verified patient
He's very thorough & I walked out of his office seeing great!
October 22, 2016Robert B.Verified patient
Very nice. Knew his craft. Didn't try and up-sell you.
November 26, 2019Initials hidden
Dr. Elman is the nicest doctor in all of Los Angeles!
February 5, 2013Liza D.Verified patient
He's a really nice person and a great eye doctor.
June 15, 2019Molly B.Verified patient
I'm sorry, but it looks like he's not able to practice anymore. I've been waiting for 1hour, and the doctor didn't seem in the position to understand me, speak to me. He tried to examine me, but the experience was terrible his machine so dirty I had to clean myself. I ended up leaving before the end.
February 1, 2021Thomas M.Verified patient
I love Dr. Elman! He took the time to figure out why my contacts felt the way they did and what the best fit would be. He really cares about the individual experience and makes sure you leave with the best prescription. I can’t say enough great things! :)
January 8, 2021Katherine T.Verified patient
Dr. Elman is great, he is very attentive to the patient's expectations and needs, and goes out of his way to provide the best experience.
December 21, 2020Farhad P.Verified patient
Dr. Elman was great! He was very thorough with my eye exam. He was comprehensive in how he explained the procedures he was conducting. Overall a great experience.
More than 1 year agoMolly M.Verified patient
Dr. Elman is the best and most experienced optometrist I have ever seen. He is extremely thorough and he explains everything in great detail so you know your eyes condition exactly. I will recommend him to all of my family and friends.
November 21, 2020Farhad P.Verified patient
I would like to preface this as the first review I have ever written. Upon entrance to Doctor Elaman’s office I was greeted by a lovely dog. That is the best I can say about my experience. Doctor Eleman didn’t introduce himself and instead had me watch a video about an elective procedure that would allow a computer to have a deeper look at my eye. I declined this and the cost associated with it and soon understood why he would want to have a computer do the work for him. He was extremely impetuous and rushed through my exam - in fact so much so that he didn’t even finish the glaucoma reading after dilating my pupils. The doctor didn’t adequately adjust my vision to be able to clearly read the bottom line of the text, as would be indicated by 20/20 vision. In addition, his receptionist was equally unprofessional as she was rude and informed me that I took to much time in my exam after waving away another potential patient in haste. She then told me she had a family to go to and I questioned her behaviour toward me especially after the paradox of Doctor Elman rushing through my exam supposedly taking too long. I am abhorred my this experience and will never be going back and strongly recommend other avoid at all costs.
October 5, 2020Initials hidden
He is thoroughly up-to-date with the latest technology in diagnosing eye issues. He explains in a way that I had no trouble understanding what he was saying. He is kind and he is calm and very helpful.
September 14, 2020Mei Ling M.Verified patient
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What practice does Dr. John Elman work with?
Dr. John Elman works with John W. Elman, O.D..
Where is Dr. John Elman's office located?
Dr. John Elman has 2 office locations in Santa Monica, view full addresses on Dr. Elman's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. John Elman?
Dr. John Elman frequently sees patients for Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, Retina Consultation, and Routine Eye Exam. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. John Elman on their profile.
What languages does Dr. John Elman speak?
Dr. John Elman speaks English and Spanish.
How do patients rate Dr. John Elman in reviews?
298 patients have reviewed Dr. John Elman. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.86/5. They have a 4.91/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.78/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.