Business Details
10 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Eye Care and Vision Correction in San Francisco
San Francisco Eye Institute has been a trusted leader in comprehensive eye care since its establishment in 2016, building on a legacy of excellence dating back to the 1940s. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists specializes in advanced vision correction surgeries, including EVO ICL, LASIK, and cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses. We combine cutting-edge technology like ORA System with VerifEye+ and Glaukos iLink cross-linking with personalized care to address conditions ranging from dry eye to keratoconus.With a focus on patient education and outcomes, we serve the San Francisco Bay Area from our state-of-the-art facility equipped with diagnostic tools such as Pentacam AXL Wave and Optical Coherence Tomography. Our commitment to quality is reflected in over 500 five-star reviews, highlighting our compassionate approach and life-changing results.
Services
Cataract Surgery
EVO ICL
LASIK
Dry Eye Treatment
Corneal Cross-Linking
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer FDA-approved cross-linking for keratoconus with the Glaukos iLink system.
- Our surgeons use ORA System with VerifEye+ for real-time precision in cataract surgery.
- Comprehensive dry eye treatment with iLux technology is available in-office.
- Board-certified team includes pioneers in EVO ICL and refractive lens exchange.
- Over 500 five-star reviews highlight successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.
What people say
Life-changing results
Expert surgeons
Pain-free procedures
Quick recovery
Compassionate staff
Services
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes clouded lenses and replaces them with advanced intraocular lenses to restore clear vision. Our surgeons use ORA System with VerifEye+ for real-time precision, ensuring optimal outcomes. Patients often experience improved color perception and reduced glare after this 10-minute procedure.
EVO ICL
EVO ICL corrects myopia and astigmatism with a micro-thin collamer lens implanted in front of the natural lens. This reversible procedure offers UV protection and is ideal for patients with thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK, providing rapid visual recovery.
Corneal Cross-Linking
FDA-approved corneal cross-linking strengthens weakened corneas using riboflavin and UV light. This minimally invasive treatment halts keratoconus progression, preventing vision loss while preserving corneal integrity through the Glaukos iLink system.
Dry Eye Treatment
iLux therapy targets Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by clearing blockages in 15 minutes. This non-invasive in-office treatment reduces dry eye symptoms like irritation and light sensitivity, offering immediate comfort without recovery time.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our exams assess eye health, refractive errors, and systemic conditions like diabetes. Advanced diagnostics including OCT imaging and visual field testing ensure early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and corneal diseases.
People
Dr. Margaret P. Liu
Founder & CEO
Dr. Liu specializes in cataract surgery and corneal diseases with over 20 years of experience. She pioneered San Francisco Eye Institute's integration of advanced IOLs and cross-linking technology, focusing on personalized vision restoration.
Dr. Helena Cheng
Optometrist
Dr. Cheng provides comprehensive eye exams and manages complex conditions like glaucoma. With expertise in contact lens fittings, she emphasizes patient education and preventive care for long-term ocular health.
Dr. Gary L. Aguilar
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Aguilar performs vision correction surgeries and oculoplastic procedures. His 30+ years of experience include treating cataracts, eyelid disorders, and refractive errors with a focus on surgical precision.
Dr. Steven Cohen
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Cohen offers full-service contact lens care and cataract evaluations. With 36 years of practice, he combines technical skill with personalized attention to address patients' unique visual needs.
Dr. Marc Cruciger
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Cruciger provides comprehensive ophthalmic care with 37 years of local practice experience. Known for thorough explanations and compassionate care, he serves as a trusted resource for Bay Area patients.
Questions
What vision correction options are available?
We offer EVO ICL, LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange tailored to your eye health and lifestyle needs.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Medicare and most insurers cover standard cataract surgery, though premium lenses may involve additional costs.
How soon can I return to activities after LASIK?
Most patients resume normal activities within 24-48 hours following LASIK surgery.
Do you treat keratoconus?
Yes, we offer FDA-approved corneal cross-linking to halt keratoconus progression using the Glaukos iLink system.
What dry eye treatments are available?
Our iLux device provides in-office treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, typically completed in 15 minutes.
How to schedule an appointment?
Call (415) 421-8667 or use our online booking system for consultations and eye exams.
Reviews (7)
A. L.
Jun 15, 2019
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Very nice and clean office. Very friendly and kind office staff. Everyone went out of their way to help me out. Even the doctor herself called back after few days to check in with me. I have never felt such a kind attitude from a doctor's office before and made me feel very welcome. Thank you for helping me get the best out of my insurance and making sure i didn't have to unnecessarily pay out of pocket. Definitely will go back again. Will give 10 stars if that was an option!!
Shirley C.
Apr 06, 2019
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Dr Lui was my second opinion. She is brilliant. Kind. She was able to rediagnose my symptoms from another eye doctor. Instead of surgery that was suggested she discovered that my issue was able to be treated with self care. I highly recommend her and her staff at the San Francisco Eye Institute.
Liz S.
Jun 27, 2018
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I came to Dr. Liu for care as she is the only ophthalmologist in San Francisco that offers ICL surgery. I was severely myopic, with a glasses prescription in the -20s that precluded me from Lasik. It has only been a week since my surgery, but the change to my vision has been life-changing. It has been a great experience thus far, from the initial consultation and workup, to surgery day and post operative visits.
Drs. Liu and Chang provide top-notch, compassionate care and their staff are very welcoming and professional. I also work in the healthcare industry and am so grateful to have a provider
Drs. Liu and Chang provide top-notch, compassionate care and their staff are very welcoming and professional. I also work in the healthcare industry and am so grateful to have a provider
Grover W.
Jun 07, 2018
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I have been seeing Dr. Liu and Dr. Chang for many years. They have both been amazing. What prompted this review now are the two cataract surgeries I had recently. Dr. Lui did the surgeries and all I can is that she is FANTASTIC. In addition to being very caring and kind she is a GREAT surgeon. The surgeries were actually pleasant and the results beyond expectations. Both Drs. Liu and Chang are very patient and will answer any questions with excellent explanations. They are also both always available. I completely DISAGREE with the criticisms of the reception staff given in another review
Simmi S.
Nov 25, 2017
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First off, I don't think the receptionist should be a determining factor for a 1 star review (as listed below). Reviews on this page should reflect Dr. Liu as an ophthalmologist; not the facility in which the receptionists work. I've been a patient of Dr. Liu's for years; she practices at several different medical offices in SF and I've seen her at just about all of them. So trust me when I say the admin staff have nothing to do with her quality of care as a medical professional. I first came to Dr. Liu after learning that my initial corneal transplant had failed from a surgery
Alia B.
Oct 26, 2017
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Dr Liu is very professional and caring ! She has been treating my eye problem for 3 years and I never had to wait long to make an appointment or wait longer than usual in her office ! She diagnosed my rare eye desease right away and found a great non invasive solution!
Rachel D.
Feb 02, 2017
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Your "receptionists" are a representation of who you are as a business, company, and/or person. They are the first and last impression.They are the primary reason of why I will never be back. I thought showing up early for my appointment would be acceptable, instead I was looked at like I shouldn't be standing in the office to check in. I clearly interrupted your staff lunch period, my apologies. Please enjoy your lunch, but when a paying customer or patient walks in, start off by greeting them. I can think of many different responses other then "have a seat, we are still eating
