Armen A., Medical Student
I wanted to find the best surgeon to operate on my eyes and my research led me to Dr. Gaster. If accolades and awards interest you, he has plenty, but I was more interested in how he would treat me as his patient and answer my questions and concerns.
The first impression was that he is as knowledgeable as he is experienced in the field of vision correction and understanding of any concerns a person interested in vision correction like me would have. He took the time to answer any and all of the questions I had, giving the answers with confidence and in an easy to understand language and made sure I understood everything he said before moving on.
We decided that SMILE would be the best operation for me to correct my vision and decided on a timeline leading up to surgery day.
Once surgery day came, everything went without a hitch, a quick 10-15 minute procedure just like we had discussed in his office. During the short surgery, he explained what he was doing and what was happening to calm my nerves and to make sure I wouldn’t be surprised by anything.
I went home and had a post-op visit the next day where he checked up on my eyes and confirmed that everything was healing as predicted and explained to me the medications that I will be taking and in what frequency.
I just came home from my one-week post-op visit and have 20/20 vision now with no complications, and my vision is expected to continue to get better from here. I would recommend Dr. Gaster to anyone who is looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy surgeon to work on their eyes.
Google Review, 2020
Dian P.
I have had two laser cataract removal surgeries with Dr. Gaster, in Nov. of 2019 and again in August 2020 (one for each eye). I’m very satisfied with the results of both surgeries (20/20 vision again!) and Dr. Gaster and his team were very professional and provided excellent care before and after each procedure. I highly recommend him and his office staff.
Google Review, 2020
Kim H.
My son was referred to Dr. Gaster after progressively losing his eyesight. From the very first visit, we knew we made the right choice. Dr. Gaster was always willing to answer our many questions as this was all new to us. Their staff just as patient with my many questions and numerous phone calls.
My son has epi-off cross-linking surgery on his right eye. The surgery went very smoothly and Dr. Gaster explained every step to my son who was 21 at the time. From the very beginning, we were advised that there was a possibility of needing a transplant on his left eye that he has not been able to see out of for almost 5 years if not longer.
In March of 2020, my son had a cornea transplant on the left eye. Dr. Gaster explained the process and the procedure in detail. The staff worked with our insurance carrier and handled everything for us. That process also went smoothly. We had surgery on a Thursday.
Everyone at the surgery center was great! Dr. Gaster came out and explained everything to us. We went home so he could begin his recovery. We had an appointment the next day and his eye looked great.
Saturday morning my son’s eye felt like something was itching. So I called Dr. Gaster and he met us in his office Saturday morning. A stitch had come loose and he took that stitch out. We came back on Monday and the patch was removed. We have followed up with weekly then monthly visits. My son is doing fabulous!
Thanks to Dr. Gaster my son is doing WONDERFUL! We are so very thankful and grateful for the new life Dr. Gaster has given to my son. I would and do recommend Dr. Gaster to anyone that has an issue with their eye!
Google Review, 2020
World Champion Surfer Bruce Irons
Real Five Star Yelp Reviews
Vince J.
“I’d wanted corrective eye surgery for years and had consulted with another physician before meeting with Dr. Gaster. Unlike the other doctor, whose consultation felt more like a sales pitch than a medical doctor exam, Dr. Gaster and his staff took their time and did a thorough examination of my eyes and my vision. And, most importantly, Dr. Gaster discovered that my corneas were too thin for the procedure that the other doctor tried to convince me to have. And in my case, as opposed to doing both eyes, he suggested that I could better achieve my goals by simply doing one (saving my vision and saving me money). When he told me that I knew I was in great hands.
The surgery went like clockwork, from prep to the post-op follow up call to see how I was doing. And of course, Dr. Gaster’s work was excellent.
I could not be more pleased!”
Vince J.- Hollywood Hills West, Los Angeles, CA
Esther V.
“Dr. Gaster is a knowledgeable ophthalmologist and a wonderful, kind human being. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus at a young age and have been under his care for about 5 years. I am fortunate to have found him. In the last 5 years, Dr. Gaster has allowed me to reach the best vision I can. After a corneal crosslinking procedure, a corneal transplant, and PRK, I see respectively 20/25 in both eyes (unaided). This is a significant improvement as I was 20/60 in the right eye and 20/4 fingers in the left.
Dr. Gaster is extremely straightforward. He will not recommend a procedure he does not think is necessary, will thoroughly review details (along with complications), and answer any questions. His honesty is refreshing because other doctors, in my experience, will allude to being able to somehow cure or “conquer” your Keratoconus – which is not the case at all. A frank conversation with a medical professional is imperative for anyone who has a progressive, chronic disease (such as Keratoconus). There have been several times when Dr. Gaster has kept me “grounded” by reminding me of 1) where my vision was when I first started seeing him and 2) how grateful I should be for the great vision I have now. There are times when I become impatient or discontent as I still want to have that “perfect, 20-20” vision. Undoubtedly, his reminders are much needed. Furthermore, Dr. Gaster has a strong work ethic that truly benefits his patients. He’s answered emails and taken phone calls during after-hours.
In regards to the procedures, the surgeries have been life changing. For the first time in over a decade, I have functioning vision in my left eye. No words could ever describe how thankful my family and I are to him. We value and respect him.
I have such wonderful memories and positive things to speak of Dr. Gaster because he has always been supportive and professional. There have been times where I have lost my composure, either before surgery or during a post-op appointment, and he has always been able to handle the situation with great care (my apologies for the anxiety and the few tears I’ve shed!).
So if you need an ophthalmologist, pay him a visit! Be ready for straightforward discussions.
Much luck to all of you!”Esther V.- West Hills, CA
An Ophthalmologist’s Son
Physician’s Son
Anna
IPL Patient
Brandon G.
Dear Dr. Gaster,
“Words are not capable of expressing my level of appreciation for all you have done to help me. I was terrified last month. I will never forget you taking the time to call me. You are a Mensch, a hero and I wish more doctors were like you! Look forward to seeing you for my follow-up.”
Brandon G.