Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Marin County
Founded in 1945, Marin Eyes has been a trusted leader in comprehensive eye care for over 75 years. Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists deliver cutting-edge medical and surgical solutions, supported by state-of-the-art technology across two conveniently located facilities in San Rafael and Novato. With an on-site California State Licensed and Medicare Certified Ophthalmic Surgery Center, we provide seamless care from routine exams to complex procedures. Our Optical Gallery offers premium eyewear curated by ABO-certified opticians, ensuring personalized service and the latest lens technology.Backed by a legacy of innovation and patient-centric care, we prioritize your visual health with proven expertise and compassionate attention. Our Electronic Medical Record system ensures flawless coordination between locations and specialists, while our commitment to affordability and transparency builds lasting trust. Whether addressing acute needs or long-term vision goals, our team combines decades of experience with ongoing education to enhance your quality of life through optimal eye health.
Services
Eye Exams
Cataract Surgery
Laser Vision Correction
Glaucoma Treatment
Optical Gallery
Contact Lens Fitting
Preventive Eye Care
Surgical Eye Care
Frame Selection
Lens Technology
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- Board-certified doctors with 75+ years of Marin County service
- On-site state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgery center
- ABO-certified opticians with 26-point quality inspection
- Electronic Medical Records for seamless care coordination
- Proven expertise in complex procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery
Associations and certifications
- California State Licensed
- Medicare Certified
What people say
Thorough and great bedside manner
On time
Go out of their way
High quality service
State-of-the-art technology
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our routine preventive examinations screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration while providing accurate glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Using advanced diagnostic technology, our ophthalmologists and optometrists assess your complete visual health. Patients receive personalized recommendations for maintaining optimal eye wellness through regular check-ups tailored to individual risk factors and lifestyle needs.
Cataract Surgery
Board-certified surgeons perform advanced cataract removal with premium intraocular lens implants at our San Rafael surgery center. The procedure replaces clouded natural lenses with artificial ones, restoring clear vision. Patients benefit from pre-operative evaluations, precise IOL power selection, and post-operative care using the latest surgical techniques and technology for optimal visual outcomes.
Laser Vision Correction
Our Novato center offers blade-free LASIK and CustomVue procedures using VISX STAR S4 IR technology. This outpatient treatment reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With wavefront-guided precision, surgeons create personalized treatment plans to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts while ensuring rapid recovery and improved visual acuity.
Optical Gallery
Our ABO-certified opticians assist with premium frame selection and lens customization in our Optical Gallery. Featuring designer brands and protective eyewear options, we combine style with functionality. All prescriptions undergo a 26-point quality inspection before dispensing, ensuring precise lens fabrication that meets strict optical standards for patient satisfaction and visual performance.
Glaucoma Treatment
We provide comprehensive management for open-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma through medicated eye drops, laser therapy, and incisional surgeries. Our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to monitor intraocular pressure and optic nerve health. Treatment plans focus on preventing vision loss through personalized medication regimens, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and surgical interventions when necessary to preserve long-term visual function.
People
Christian K. Kim
M.D.
Board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in laser vision correction with over 10,000 LASIK procedures performed. Fellowship-trained corneal specialist offering advanced refractive surgery techniques at our Novato center since 2008.
John C. Shin
M.D.
Experienced ophthalmologist providing comprehensive eye care since 1998. Specializes in cataract surgery and general ophthalmology, serving patients at our San Rafael location with expertise developed through years of clinical practice and continuing education.
Susan Cunningham
O.D.
Licensed optometrist offering primary vision care services including eye exams, contact lens fittings, and pre/post-operative care. Committed to patient education and preventive eye health management through personalized optical solutions.
Patricia Tang
O.D.
Doctor of Optometry providing comprehensive eye exams and vision care services. Focuses on accurate refractive error correction and early detection of ocular diseases through thorough clinical evaluations and patient-centered care approaches.
Questions
What eye care services does MarinEyes offer?
We provide complete vision care including eye exams, cataract and glaucoma treatment, LASIK surgery, and premium eyewear solutions at our San Rafael and Novato locations.
Do you have opticians on staff?
Yes, our Optical Gallery employs ABO-certified opticians who help select frames and fit advanced lens technology to meet individual vision needs and lifestyle requirements.
Are your surgeons board-certified?
All our ophthalmologists are board-certified medical doctors specializing in eye surgery with decades of combined experience in cataract, glaucoma, and refractive procedures.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call our San Rafael office at 415-454-5565 or Novato location at 415-892-0111 during regular business hours to book comprehensive eye exams or surgical consultations.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with most major vision and medical insurance providers. Contact our billing department for specific coverage verification and payment options tailored to your plan benefits.
Reviews (7)
C. K.
May 13, 2022
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5 stars for Dr Shin! 0 for receptionists Dr. Shin is one of the most personable doctors I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. He's absolutely great! Unfortunately the front office-reception staff at BOTH San Rafael and Novato offices have HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS. Dismissive, rude and consistently acting like every patient is a bother.
San R.
Mar 18, 2022
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I felt so stressed after calling to make an appt today that I considered cancelling the appt. I've decided to keep it and hope the doctor is more patient than the admin staff. I was trying to describe my daughter's symptoms, which are pretty basic and something she's been treated for before at the same practice with a simple eyedrop prescription. I felt badgered over the phone for more and more details, when there really as not more to say ("what do you mean by 'her eyes are watering?'" "I mean. there's water coming out of her eyes when she wakes up and during the day." "What do you mean?" Ummm.
I don't now how else to say it.) I said that my daughter would be able to answer more detailed questions during the appointment, but it seemed like they expected there would be no time during the appointment for questions. Why not? Isn't that what doctors do, ask the patient to describe symptoms and then prescribe treatment based on what they learn? I decided to keep the appt because it's conveniently located, and probably a simple fix. But I think I would find a place that was less rushed if we had a bigger problem.
I don't now how else to say it.) I said that my daughter would be able to answer more detailed questions during the appointment, but it seemed like they expected there would be no time during the appointment for questions. Why not? Isn't that what doctors do, ask the patient to describe symptoms and then prescribe treatment based on what they learn? I decided to keep the appt because it's conveniently located, and probably a simple fix. But I think I would find a place that was less rushed if we had a bigger problem.
Craig F.
Dec 25, 2021
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Thank you Marin Eyes, Dr. Shin, K Astroth, Angie, and the nurses for my great experience before, during and after my cataract surgery on 7 December 2021.
Lxs S.
Oct 08, 2021
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I am extremely pleased with the care, attention & results of my cataract surgery performed by Dr. Shin of Marin Eyes. I had worn glasses/contacts for nearly 60 years. Yup folks, I had really bad eyesight with strong astigmatism in both eyes. Now that I'm older cataracts appeared & it was finally time for surgery. Off to Marin Eyes I go after recommendations from friends & my primary care physician.
The result? 20/20 vision, cataract cloudiness gone, no glasses/contacts necessary. At night, no haze, glare or difficulty seeing traffic signs or house numbers. Everyone working here every step of the way was courteous, informative, helpful & professional. During the pre-op exam where measurements are done, they were very eager to understand my vision goals. They were also very honest & explanatory about the lens choices that would meet my goals given my specific vision situation.
All instructions were explained in detail & backed up with info you take home & can refer to throughout the process. The required pre-op physical exam is also appreciated. Four months later, my vision is excellent & I will continue to see them for eye exams.
The result? 20/20 vision, cataract cloudiness gone, no glasses/contacts necessary. At night, no haze, glare or difficulty seeing traffic signs or house numbers. Everyone working here every step of the way was courteous, informative, helpful & professional. During the pre-op exam where measurements are done, they were very eager to understand my vision goals. They were also very honest & explanatory about the lens choices that would meet my goals given my specific vision situation.
All instructions were explained in detail & backed up with info you take home & can refer to throughout the process. The required pre-op physical exam is also appreciated. Four months later, my vision is excellent & I will continue to see them for eye exams.
Mari N.
Jul 09, 2021
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This is about the front desk staff. There was some confusion about my vision coverage as I just got added to my husband's health coverage at his work. I formerly had VSP and had full coverage. However, I wasn't sure if my new health plan covered my visit. So, I paid in full and asked for a statement to submit to insurance. They said they would have to send me a statement in a week. They insisted on payment upfront but I have to wait a week in order to submit an itemized statement? I've been coming to this office for at least 5 years and the front desk staff service has really deteriorated.
Larry S.
May 21, 2021
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This review is for Dr Shin. I find Dr Shin excellent and very personable. The staff is very helpful. Highly recommend
Loren B.
May 18, 2021
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Dr. Kim lacks personality, compassion, knowledge, and empathy to his patients. First time ever writing a review and would not recommend this physician.
