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Children's Eye Institute was founded by Dr. Lance Siegel in the Fall of 2003. Dr. Siegel was previously the pediatric ophthalmologist for Pacific Eye Institute for seven years and the director of pediatric ophthalmology at Loma Linda for three years. He was also formally an assistant clinical professor at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. The Children's Eye Institute specializes in medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases in children, as well as strabismus in adults. This may include ptosis, crossed eyes, genetic syndromes, amblyopia, lazy eyes, retinopathy of prematurity and many other vision problems.
Services
When planning your appointment, please allow adequate time for a comprehensive eye exam. Due to the nature of pediatric ophthalmology, this will be 2-4 hours in addition to any other diagnostic tests the doctor may deem necessary. Dilation is necessary for a thorough evaluation of your child's eyes.
Reviews (29)
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Jun W.
Jun 23, 2022
The front desk person was less patient and rude, the waiting time are too long even you have appointment, you might spend two or three hours only for ten minutes see the doctor
Monica D.
Jun 21, 2022
This place takes advantage of the fact that that they are the only local pediatric ophthalmologist around. Their motto is clearly "churn and burn." They do not have a good process for patient intake or respect for their patient's time. We are supposed to arrive on time but there is zero reciprocation. I waited 2 hours after arriving for an AM appointment.

Then waited two more times. This would not seem so intolerable if they actually had a waiting room or ANY place to fill out paperwork. Instead, they want YOU to spend you gas and money waiting on your car. This is completely unacceptable for PEDIATRIC patients. My son is six weeks old and nursing. I suggest CHOC or Loma Linda. Like I said, ZERO respect for their patients. PLEASE hire a process improvement consultant--you have nothing to lose.
Ana F.
Jun 18, 2022
Yes the wait is long but you are given this information before hand. For this mama knowing that my son is getting the best professional care for his vision/eye health is all that matters to me. All the doctors are wonderful and we have never had nothing but wonderful and pleasant interaction with the staff. Thank you!
Natalie Campos
Jun 02, 2022
I waited to 2 hours to see the eye doctor then had to wait again another couple of hours and now I'm waiting again. Don't come here! It's too long of a wait. I'd advise go somewhere else basically been here since 10:15 this morning.
Jennifer C.
Jun 01, 2022
I never do this, but I am LIVID! We took my 6 month old grandson to an appointment today at the Children's Eye Institute in Upland to evaluate his congenital nystagmus. We had the appointment for a month and the front office told us the appointment would last from 4-6 hours. We arrived at 10:15 for a 10:30 appointment. We didn't get called into the office until 12:30, after waiting in our car for 2 hours.

We saw a doctor for 10 minutes and they dilated his eyes. We were told to return in 40 minutes. We got back in 30 minutes and proceeded to wait until 2:30, when we were called back in. Another doctor saw us for 10 minutes and we were told to go back out to the car and that there were 3 people ahead of us. At 4:15, my daughter went in and was told there were still 2 people ahead of us.

We waited 6 hours, to be seen for a total of 20 minutes. We left, but not before I went into the office to complain. The front office gave me attitude and said that we were informed when we booked, that the appointment would take between 4-6 hours. I told her that the appointment only took 20 minutes.the wait was 4-6 hours and we didn't even see the specialist! DO NOT GO THERE! Totally unprofessional and completely overbooked. Take your child ANYWHERE else! #furiousgrammy
Brian Medina
May 18, 2022
This place has save my sons vision dr segal is the best doctor anyone could ask for i never been so happy with an eye doctor my son got his surgery a week after his first appointment this was great now my sons eye or perfect he is happy with his eyes now thank you doctors segal and all the staff there you guys are great people!i will definable recomend to go here.
Sue H.
Apr 19, 2022
Dr. Siegel is a wonderful and very skilled ophthalmologist. Our community is very blessed to have someone with so much knowledge. His staff is excellent and patient. I understand the wait is long but it's because Dr. Siegel serves kids with special needs and he wants to make sure that he serves them well and takes his time. He knows his stuff and is very credentialed. He is worth the wait. Thank you Dr. Siegel for serving our community
Azucena Hernandez
Mar 21, 2022
Be ready to spend 4hrs for a total of a 20 min DR appointment. If only they cared more about their service than how many transactions they can get in a day! Should really cut their appointments in half if they can't properly handle the volume for a CHILDREN location.
Naomi
Feb 20, 2022
I see many positive reviews about Dr. Siegel - would love to schedule an appointment but the phone rings, it's transferred to their after hours service line (during working hours), I've left messages and still to get a hold of a live person.
Emily G.
Feb 18, 2022
We were here a total of 3 hours yesterday on 2/17/22. My daughters pediatrician noticed irregular eye movement at her well visit so recommended we come here. They make you wait in the car after check in. We waited 1 hour and 20 mins before being seen. Once called back we spent about 15 mins inside and they dilated her eyes and back to the car we went for for another hour.

They called us back inside and spent about 25 mins finding out absolutely nothing was wrong with my daughters eyes. The great part is they give you diagnoses right there. No having to come back or wait for a call. It was a long boring day in our car especially with kids. So if you're coming here I would bring plenty of snacks, toys, entertainment because it will be miserable if you don't.

Reason it's not 5 stars is because they pack this place and multiple people had a 9:20 appt time like me. Which is why such a long wait. They don't value your time. If they did it would be 5stars.
Caitlyn H.
Jan 27, 2022
This office is obscene and so unprofessional. The doctors there are great, don't get me wrong but the staff is the complete opposite. I took my 11 month old son to get an eye exam to help find a solution to his lazy eye. My appointment was for 10:20 so I got there a little earlier (around 9:40) to make sure I checked in and had enough time to beat any traffic if there was any.

I wasn't seen for my appointment till around 12:30 and they proceeded to tell me to sit in my car for the remainder. They did tell me that my appointment could take UP TO 4 hours, however I was at this office for almost 7 hours total. Completely ridiculous. When I did get seen at 12:30, I was seen with the technician first where she took his medical history and asked to dilate his eyes (but to not expose him to direct sunlight) yet asked us to stay in our car IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT.

I complied and waited. I was then called in to the office again at 2:00 where they checked my sons prescription and that lasted for approximately 30 min. My son unfortunately had a blowout in his diaper during the visit and I went to the bathroom to change him and at that point I was so overwhelmed and frustrated. At around 2:45 I finally made a complaint and the office manager said there was no way to make a complaint and that I needed to comply with staying in my car and that everyone was equally waiting as well.

He also mentioned that I could "just go to a department store and get him clothes and wait till I needed to be seen, which could take up to 2 more hours". At this point, I was at my wits end. Having to waste my whole day for an appointment that shouldn't take more than two hours MAX. This office is so unorganized and I will never recommend them to anyone else.

They also required not only babies to comply in waiting in the car for majority of the day but also special needs children. This is supposed to be an office that specialized in children and in return they should be courteous to the parents of these children as well as our time. I wish I could do a NEGATIVE rating for this office. I'm so disappointed.
Jennifer Z.
Jan 14, 2022
Wish I could leave a better review but never received a call back after 2.5 weeks and 4 messages. Maybe we dodged a bullet with this place.
Sonia Zavala
Jan 10, 2022
Dr. Siegal was the one that seen my daughter. Lauren took care of the referral my daughter needed. Both are amazing. Thanks to Dr. Siegal's urgency in getting her MRI done avoided the possibility of further unkown complications and Lauren for following through to the end.
Ashley Slattery
Jan 09, 2022
My son was born with a clogged tear duct and by the time he was 2 we realized it was not going to open up on it's own. I was referred to children's eye Institute and was hesitant at first because of the reviews but I have had nothing but great experiences here. The wait times to me are reasonable since the patients are kids and they are very thorough and the staff has been great, they are all so patient with my toddler and have made the eye tests seem fun for him. Dr. Siegel did the procedure to open up the tear duct and the results were amazing.

He was really made to work with children, he is so silly with my son at every appointment that it makes him relax and give complete cooperation which is not always the case with my almost 3 year old. After this last check up he came home so excited to tell his dad about the "magic chair" at the doctor's office because Dr. Siegel made it seem like his nose and his tummy were making the chair go up and down. I would absolutely recommend this doctor's office.
Marlea Wiebe
Dec 25, 2021
Dr. Siegel has done an amazing job for my daughter, who was born with a unilateral congenital cataract. He did well with the surgery and has helped us each step of the way, including getting glasses and contacts for her. Without his help my daughter would be blind in one eye but now she has sight in both eyes! We're so pleased with everything he's done for us.

Please don't believe all the bad reviews. The staff has been amazing and are very friendly and super helpful. They have helped me time and again to get my appointments with Dr. Uribe at Children's Hospital Los Angeles figured out. It's very hard to get into that clinic for eye contacts but Dr. Siegel's staff have set up appointments for me, emailed them for me, etc.

They're also very adept at working with children and truly do a great job. I know that the long waiting times can be inconvenient or even frustrating at times but it's surely worth it to get expertise help for your child. We would definitely recommend Dr. Siegel to anyone!
Ala D.
Nov 20, 2021
Dr sung yom is one of the most patient, knowledgeable, and emphatic optometrists we've ever been to. She takes her time and doesn't rush us, answers all our questions even if we ask them more than once to make sure : She's the best so if you decide to use this office, ask for Dr Yom. She'll treat your child with a lot of care.
Ashley Fontanes
Oct 17, 2021
My Daughter's had both of her Eyes drifting out and seeing doubles. She wouldn't have been seen for a year at Loma Linda Children's hospital. So I switched Eye specialist and got the Children's Eye Institute. Once you get pass the Front. They doctor is very nice and knowledgeable. Dr. Segal is a amazing surgeon. He did fantastic with my daughter's surgery.

If you can get past the long time waiting. It will be worth it. If you can stand in a 3 hour line for a ride then you can do this appointment no problem unless your child isn't important enough. We were able to enjoy lunch while we were waiting. Theres so many food places close by. We also went to the Memorial park and my kids played. They are very accommodating. Thank Dr. Segal and his Medical Team my daughter's Eyes no longer drift. Everything was done within a month. We are so happy with the results.
San M.
Oct 15, 2021
This place is always overbooked to see the Doctor, because he only comes here one Friday a month. Wait time from beginning to end ja over three hours. Who has that amount of time to be waiting around for this Doctor. It absurd. I can not wait to he done with this Place I do not recommend it.
Leah O.
Sep 30, 2021
This office is soo horrible worse customer service! I always wonder why they take half a day just to see their patients. Does it really take that long or do they do it to bill insurance more? Their waiting room is nasty and the bathroom is worse. For being a children's specialty office they need to get on it! Do they not know children get cranky after a couple minutes let alone the 4 hours it takes you to be done with the whole office visit. If I could I would give them 0 stars. I would never recommend coming her and if you get referred to this office ask to go somewhere else.
Cathy J.
Sep 14, 2021
Dr. Siegel is wonderful! Lauren at the office wonderful! Thank you both so much for everything you've done for my daughter and helping her get the care she needs. I would 100% recommend The Children's Eye Institute and I do all the time. Dr Siegel diagnosed my daughter with a very serious and critical eye/brain condition (IIH) in Jan. 2021 and here it is Sept. 2021 and he is still helping her get to the specialist she needs to see. And Lauren is making it all happen behind the scenes. So grateful for them.
Kylene T. L.
Aug 19, 2021
The office staff are extremely rude and unhelpful. They will not let you pay out of pocket, and they do not accept Blue Shield. If you can go to any other place for your child's eye exam, that would be wise.
Jennifer Q.
Jul 27, 2021
This is for the UPLAND office: Giving it 3 stars because Dr Siegel is great and sweet, his back office staff is friendly, and the surgery scheduler is awesome! It's unfair to give EVERYONE there a bad review. On the other hand, getting an appointment was the first issue. I called and left multiple voicemails which no one ever got back to me until I called and explained the problem and was then scheduled quickly. (The schedulers were very kind) Second problem is the waiting, I feel like this place is tremendously overbooked. Yes, they do tell you to be prepared for minimum 4 hour appointment which is mostly due to waiting because of how booked they are.

In my life, have I ever heard of or been to a place with such exaggerating wait times. Third problem: Why is it necessary to take the insurance card to EVERY SINGLE appointment if a copy is made the first appointment and eligibility is ran online? If you lose or forget the insurance card THEY WILL TURN YOU AWAY! And the BIGGEST issue is the front office! Specially the male receptionist.

He is very rude and unprofessional. He should be replaced with someone who actually enjoys and has the persona to do the front office job. They are the first people we see when we walk in, they are the first impression of the office. Unfortunately, it is not a good one.
Monika S.
Jun 24, 2021
Such Bad service. To be fair. When booking the appointment I was informed the eye exam would be a 4-hr process. however I was not informed that included an hour of waiting time before initiating the visit. This place over books patients to hit a financial quota (I overheard the doctor asking for no show percentages $$) resulting in 6+hours of visit time.

One family confirmed she was booked at my exact time. Another family confirmed she spent 6hrs on a visit. What is the point at SCHEDULING A time only to be seen over an hour after the agreed upon time? This place charges a 200$ cancellation fee. I would presume it's because they want their time and business respected. Why can't the patients time be respected?

When asking the front desk rep if they are indeed booking families at the same time he lies and says they do not do that when I spoke with other families who said otherwise. If you're dishonest here and inconsiderate of others time. I am not interested in your medical service. Wish I would have came in here before wading my time there
Merry Jones
Jun 22, 2021
At first I was skeptical of a place with 2.5 stars, as anybody would be. As I read the reviews, most of the negative review was about the wait time and the staff bedside manners. I guess I was lucky, I didn't experience any of that. I filled out paperwork at home (made filing paperwork super easy and cut down your wait time), made small talk and was polite with the front desk and in return, they were nice and polite with me.

I was made aware there would be a wait time (understandably, they're dealing with youngsters; so it takes time), so I prepared my daughter and myself with snacks and entertainment while we waited (rather wait in my car than a stuffy wait room). With them calling me in every time they're ready to see my daughter, made the wait time went by faster. From the lady checking us to the doctors being incredible nice and made my daughter not afraid, BRAVO. Seriously, don't go in demanding and expecting things; just be polite and patient, you'll be surprised, at least I was. Oh for the 4 stars instead of 5, it was the 1hr 10 min drive for us; driving the 10
Analaura A.
May 25, 2021
The doctor is great, the nurses are also super attentive and sweet but I agree with all the other reviews regarding the office staff. I told the male receptionist I was just bringing my daughter in to get her stitches taken out and that her previous appointment the Dr had told me to just let reception know all we needed was her stitches taken out so we would not have to wait! and the recepionist said well im sorry he told you that but you will have to wait and I said can you ask the dr then because i dont want to be forced to wait if theres no need and he said yes i will ask and once he checked me in he said okay go wait in your car and i said but are you going to ask the dr and he just continued to tell me i had to wait! he didnt even bother to ask the dr! so rude!
Debbie S.
May 24, 2021
There is no need to sit in your car 2 hours before being seen. NO ONE is friendly. I asked after two hours where I was in line and they couldn't tell me. They kept saying you need to plan for four hours. So wait and wait then be seen for 10 minutes wait another hour be seen for 5. Doctors are good. Front office is terrible.
Jay B.
Mar 29, 2021
Shouldn't have to fight a company to make a eye appointment for my child. Needed faxed release paperwork from hospital so I called my Doctor whos nurse did it over the phone with me. 2 weeks later and not even a call back. Hard pass on this place. Ill drive to another county to get my work done.
Paola Serna
Dec 18, 2020
The waiting time it was super longggg the appointment was at 10:30 and the last call was at 3:45. I think to wait outside in summer with my daughter with special needs is incomprehensible In my opinion I don't like it.and the guy in the front desk is rude for no reason. I told him it was hot and he told me to wait in the car which does not make a difference unless you have the air on for 4 hours plus.
Connie P.
Aug 20, 2020
This is for eastvale office I just read the upland reviews Untrained staff? During covid? It's same here, same rude nurse doesn't really gave 2 shit, also wasn't gentle with my daughter, just rips off the sticker off of her eyes, my daughter said it hurts! I just want to storm out of here ( all my waisted time!) I even took time off from work and made time to get here, says 4 hour minim yikes!

But that's medical part, I won't be complaining about that But saw the actual women doctor and was nice, still at this point Im still nervous Upon arrival they asked me to fill paperwork in the car Wtf?!? They could have emailed all this ahead and avoided I go up took an elevator and drops off the paperwork And tells me to go back to car and wait until they call me It's 100 degrees going in and out of the car at least we can avoid one trip Venting or truly concern? Felt so much better seeing the doctor