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Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Vision Excellence
At Chico Eye Center, we have dedicated ourselves to redefining eye care through innovation, expertise, and a patient-first philosophy. Since 1998, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists has leveraged cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized vision solutions, including LASIK, cataract surgery, and advanced corneal treatments. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition as Chico's Best Eye Care Specialist since 2009, driven by our focus on continuous staff education and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities. We treat every patient as part of our community, prioritizing their needs while maintaining transparency in all aspects of care. Our surgical team brings decades of collective experience, having performed thousands of procedures with precision and care.

The optical boutique offers an extensive selection of premium eyewear, ensuring comprehensive vision solutions under one roof. Patient testimonials consistently highlight our compassionate approach, rapid recovery outcomes, and the transformative impact of restored vision. Through educational resources, virtual try-ons, and flexible financing options, we empower informed decisions about eye health. Our relocation to a modern facility at 3401 Esplanade expands access to specialized care while maintaining our promise of exceptional service. By integrating advanced technology like the Light Adjustable Lens and femtosecond lasers, we deliver customized outcomes that minimize dependency on corrective lenses.
Services
Cataract Surgery LASIK Corneal Services Optical Boutique Cosmetic Services PRK Contact Lens Fitting Blepharoplasty Cross-Linking Intraocular Lens Implants
Details
  • Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
  • Performing LASIK since 1998 with state-of-the-art technology
  • Only practice between Redding and Sacramento with a corneal specialist
  • Offers FDA-approved Light Adjustable Lens for customizable post-surgery vision
  • Voted Chico's Best Eye Care Specialist for 14 consecutive years
  • Maintains full-service optical lab with elite designer eyewear selection
What people say
Gift of sight restored Great experience with surgery Inclusive care approach Vision like a young man again Pilot's improved performance
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our cataract surgery removes clouded lenses using micro-incision techniques with options for monofocal or advanced technology intraocular lenses. Patients typically experience improved vision within days, with laser-assisted options offering greater precision. We provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to ensure optimal outcomes.
LASIK
Custom LASIK procedures use femtosecond and excimer lasers to reshape the cornea for lasting vision improvement. Ideal candidates achieve reduced dependency on glasses, with most noticing immediate results. Our surgeons have performed thousands of procedures since introducing LASIK in 1998.
Corneal Services
Specialized corneal care includes cross-linking for keratoconus, DSAEK transplants, and pterygium removal. Our dedicated corneal specialist offers treatments unavailable elsewhere between Sacramento and Redding, using advanced diagnostics to preserve vision.
Optical Boutique
Our full-service optical boutique features premium frames from elite designers, progressive lenses, and specialty contact lenses. Certified opticians assist with selections, while our lab ensures precise lens fabrication using digital technology for customized vision correction.
Cosmetic Services
FDA-approved treatments include BOTOX, Juvederm fillers, and blepharoplasty to reduce aging signs. Procedures are performed by physicians with expertise in facial anatomy, combining medical knowledge with aesthetic artistry for natural-looking results.
People
Pablo M. Arregui
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Arregui specializes in cataract and refractive surgery with over 25 years of experience. He has performed thousands of LASIK procedures since 1998 and focuses on utilizing advanced intraocular lenses for optimal patient outcomes.
Benjamin N. Gilbert
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Gilbert provides comprehensive eye care with expertise in corneal transplants and laser-assisted cataract surgery. He has trained extensively in advanced anterior segment techniques and serves as a key surgeon for complex cases.
Jaskiran Grewal
Optometrist
Dr. Grewal manages pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients while providing general eye exams. Her focus includes contact lens fittings and diagnosing ocular diseases to optimize visual performance.
Heidi E. Houlihan
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Houlihan specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures. She combines ophthalmic expertise with aesthetic training to deliver natural-looking results that enhance both vision and appearance.
Sean M. Liston
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Liston focuses on medical and surgical retina care while contributing to comprehensive eye health assessments. His experience includes managing complex cases requiring multidisciplinary approaches for optimal patient outcomes.
Questions
What eye surgeries do you specialize in?
We specialize in cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, corneal transplants, and cosmetic procedures like blepharoplasty. Our surgeons also perform advanced techniques including DSAEK and cross-linking.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we provide financing options for premium procedures not covered by insurance, including custom cataract surgery and LASIK. Our coordinators help evaluate eligibility.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Schedule directly through our online portal or call us at 530-895-1727. Emergency consultations are prioritized for urgent eye conditions.
What makes your optical boutique unique?
We offer the largest selection in the North Valley, featuring elite designer frames, transition lenses, and specialty contact lenses for complex vision needs.
Are your surgeons board-certified?
All our ophthalmologists are board-certified with decades of combined experience. Our team includes fellowship-trained specialists in corneal and refractive surgery.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Lynn Elliott
Jun 18, 2022 Report
My glasses broke. I substituted old glasses, but they were troubling my eyes. The nurse at Chico Eye Center determined I could put my new lens on the old frames and fixed them quickly. I was so thankful.
Carol Turner
Apr 18, 2022 Report
Although very busy, as always, the staff keeps things moving right along in a pleasant and epathetic manner.
Zaden Z.
Feb 21, 2022 Report
The YouTube ad makes me extremely uncomfortable. Please hire a different face for commercials and never say "we literally help people see the world in a new way" I hate it
Cinda
Feb 11, 2022 Report
I couldn't have been more blessed than to have Dr. Houlihan and staff take care of all my needs at the Chico Eye Center!
Suzanne Ross
Jan 02, 2022 Report
While the doctors seem knowledgeable enough and front desk receptionists civil, this office schedules too many patients and has horrible wait times. I have never waited less than 30 minutes, and that was for the FIRST appointment of the day with my doctor. The other appointments I have waited at least an hour to be seen by the doctor. And if YOU are more than 5 minutes late they refuse to see you.

After your appointment they force you to wait and see optical to even pick up your prescription. Ridiculous. I will find a new office as soon as my follow-up appointments (I had PRK surgery for vision correction) are done.