Dr. Suzanne P. Handler, M.D., INC
3969 Fourth Ave Suite 301,
San Diego, CA

I have a long history of serious eye problems including amblyopia (a lazy eye) since birth. From early childhood into my 40s I was cared for by an outstanding opthalmologist, Dr. Richard Lansche in La Jolla. I was devastated when he retired, and struggled for years to find satisfactory eye care. Finally an acquaintance recommended Dr. Handler, and I have been very happy with her care for more than 12 years now. She pays close attention to detail, and has always had competent staff. I had her remove a cyst from one eye, and that went very well. She does very accurate refractions, so my eyeglass prescriptions are always precise. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Dr. Handler. She is what some people might call an "old school" medical doctor, very professional in every way, also cheerful and has a good sense of humor.

My partner and I have been patients of Suzy's for years now and I have nothing but great things to mention about her, her amazing staff, and the quality care they provide. It pains me to say, the office building in which her practice is located, is horrible. The building is very old, dirty, and unwelcoming. There are unhoused individuals constantly blocking the front doors, sleeping in walkways, hiding in corners of the garage, etc... I sympathize with these individuals, and I understand our entire region is in the midst of a crisis with the increasingly problematic housing situation. However, as this building houses many medical practices, including Dr. Handler's, they [owners & tenants] should be strongly encouraged to maintain their property in a more welcoming and safe manner. Until things greatly improve, I will not be returning. It's a shame too, as the work they do is fantastic, but not at the risk of our health and personal safety.

Dr. Handler and her staff are amazing. I feel very lucky to have met her, and meeting her was quite the journey. In late October I woke up with what was determined by my family practitioner to be conjunctivitis or "pink eye." After a week of meds the pink eye had disappeared but then quickly came back, and then, eventually, about two weeks later, with a different type of pain: a scratching/scraping/annoying pain on the inside of my eyelid. At which point I went back to the family practitioner who then, after looking at the eye, referred me, as she could not determine the exact cause, eventually to the Vision Care and Correction Location on 4th Ave. Short story is after three more weeks I still had no relief. There were assorted visits, two doctors who could not determine the cause, several drops, tests and ointments, and then into the Christmas season, I still had no relief. Just pain, blurred vision, and an icky feeling that was not going away. The day after Christmas I couldn't take it anymore. I called in to the Vision Care office and left a message on the voice recording complaining of pain, and not expecting any sort of return call. I mean it was the day after Christmas and I knew my doctor was on vacation, but I had to try. Much to my surprise, I got a call back from Apryl, who discussed my symptoms and meds, and hearing what she did, quickly got me in to see Dr. Handler, who was covering the entire office. I was so impressed as I did not expect anything to happen during Christmas week and here I was getting medical attention! I will avoid the medical terms and procedures she did that first day, but Dr. Handler had different theories from my previous doctors on what could be causing the pain and developed an action plan. Two weeks later the pain was finally gone and we have that plan moving forward to determine what the real cause of the pain is. I feel soooo much better! During this time Dr. Handler has been available to help with prescriptions, insurance, and even talk on the phone reviewing my protocol! All said, I truly feel blessed to have met D. Handler and the staff at Vision Care. They are friendly, seem to really care and have a sense of urgency. I wouldn't want to leave anyone out, but Apryl especially has been super helpful. Whether it is checking on insurance forms, or relaying info to Dr. Handler, she takes time to call and email, and speak to me directly about needs and next steps. I could go on and I wish I could write as well as I feel about Dr. Handler's office. Again, they are simply amazing!