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Dr. Christen Allaman, MD

Dr. Christen Allaman, MD

Ophthalmology*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Christen Allaman, MD is an ophthalmologist in Santa Cruz, CA and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Allaman has extensive experience in Eye Conditions. He graduated from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1992. He is affiliated with Dominican Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 73 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (73 reviews)

Allaman Eye Care Medical Group

1665 Dominican Way Ste 122 Santa Cruz, CA 95065

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Dr. Allaman's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Allaman

4.9
73 ratings, 38 with a written review
5 star
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4 star
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3 star
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More than satisfied
Dr. Allaman performed cataract surgery on both my eyes over a period of 8 years. As someone who wore glasses or contacts since childhood, my uncorrected vision is now 20 20, which I love! His focus on overall eye health, while also solving my medical problem, really impressed me. His office staff is superb as well.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Kathy Huntley – Apr 16, 2024
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Cataract Surgery Magic
Everything about my experience of working with Dr. Allaman and his staff was extrodinary. After cataract surgery in both eyes my vision is also extrodinary.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Robyn Clare – Nov 17, 2023
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Excellent MD. Hysterical sense of humor. I would just go to visit with him. Really likable, great reputation with other physicians and he takes time with each patient.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lisa Carter – Oct 21, 2023
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An absolutely life changing experience!
A gift, unexpected psychological boost. Opened up aspects of my life I had though closed. Superb treatment.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Joni campbell – Sep 01, 2023
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Outstanding Care
Dr. Allaman did my left & rt eye cataract surgeries & at every turn, I experienced a 5 Star ophthalmology practice. So appreciated when you live 2.5 hrs away. From office staff to assistants + optometrist, all appts were on time & professional. All covered & non-covered charges were explained + pre-op over-the-counter medications were available to purchase there. At my initial appt, Dr Allaman explained options based on test results & answered all ques. Once I decided to proceed, pre-op, surgeries & post-op were scheduled at this time. Surgery centers’ staff were as professional as his office staff. Dr Allaman explained details once again, before heading to surgery, & I felt very comfortable. The entire experience was an efficient, well-choreographed ‘medical ballet’! They laid out the plan, I followed it & everything fell into place according to the plan. I received the finest care & I can’t recommend Dr Allaman highly enough.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
D Warne – Jun 29, 2023
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Superb Opthamologist
Dr. Allaman is an excellent opthamologist. Having used him for many years, I have found him to be highly knowledgable, technically advanced, thorough, considerate, an excellent communicator, and a superb surgeon. The only problem is, at times, a lengthy wait at his office.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Ed – Jun 14, 2023
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Cataract surgery
Had both eyes done, 18 months apart. My wife has also had one eye done. Everything went smoothly with no complications. My vision is now as good or better than it ever was.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 09, 2023
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Bully doctor...
Nice office manager (on the phone) but robotic staff; inexperienced and/or careless technician (poked my eye pretty bad), and Optometrist that doesn't answer any questions?? Doctor on a power trip with me telling me that I was "at his mercy" (due to my one eye ops needing a second eye done fairly soon). Threatened to "fire" me if I didn't live up to his demands. So I fired him first, lol.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Apr 29, 2023
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Clear directions, knowledgeable staff
Very efficient staff and caring and patient physician. He made the surgery easy and non-stressful
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Apr 26, 2023
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Dr.Allaman is extremely skilled and talented.
Dr, Allaman did eye surgery on both of my eyes and the results were awesome!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 25, 2023
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Cataract Surgery
Dr allaman performed surgery on my right eye first,since it had the least developed cataract of the two. An excellent sequencing. This first surgery would, by its very nature , be less intrusive, produce less swelling and would heal fairly quickly,serving as a sort of cushioned introduction to the entire surgery.Best of all i could see almost immediately. colors were distinct, forms were defined, words on the page enjoyed a clarity i'd not seen in years. It took a few days before i was able to see clearly out of my left eye. A slight blurring here and there , like going in and out of focus. Throughout this months-long process, the pre-op appts, measuring, testing,& restesting,Dr Allaman and his staff were wonderfully supportive,helpful,attentive & thoroughly professional.Te'a,Monica,Lupe,and Maria helped me through it all,Claarifying medical nuances, keeping me up to date on any developments and chatting as if we were having tea. They are simply the best.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
BK Faunce – Mar 10, 2023
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I would recommend without reservation!
The anticipation of the surgeries was worse than the experience! I was very anxious; this was to be my first experience with surgery and IV sedation. Also I presented a challenging case; large cataracts in both eyes and dangerously high eye pressures due to narrow angle glaucoma. During the previous two years my vision had deteriorated to the point that reading, with prescription glasses, was difficult without a magnifying glass. Reading my car's instrument panel and street signs while driving was nearly impossible. Dr Allaman was clear in his diagnosis and treatment plans, which I accepted. Throughout the lengthy diagnosis, testing , surgeries and recuperation period the office staff provided thorough information and materials. All of my questions were answered. The surgical team was efficient and supportive. Eye Care Medical Group greatly improved the quality of my life. I now have 20/25 vision and my glaucoma is under control.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Stephanie – Feb 27, 2023
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Wonderful experience
I am forever grateful to Dr. Allaman for his skill in performing my cataract surgery and restoring my 3-D vision. I had mistakenly been told by an earlier clinician that my vision problem was due to a corneal scar more than the cataract. I thus did not hurry getting it analyzed further. A friend referred me to Dr. Allaman , who had done her cataract surgery. He immediately recognized it as a very dense cataract that had by now made me almost blind in that eye. He was calm and easy to talk to, assured me he could most likely correct it with a new lens, but warned that it was a more risky surgery due to the severity of my cataract. He said it could shatter during surgery. I truly had had no idea that I had landed in the office of someone known for having success with risky eye surgeries. I followed all pre-op meds and protocols exactly. His staff were friendly, and efficient, and I felt in good hands overall. My surgery went perfectly and I awoke the next day with 3-D vision again!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 21, 2023
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ABSOLUTELY .. would recommend to anyone !!!
FANTASTIC .. After years of trying to fine tune / tweek my Rx I finally went for cataract lens surgery. 1 eye at a time - 2 weeks apart.. Dr Allaman and his entire staff were great - surg center was terrific.. Anestologist called the nite bef and told me what to expect -all went well. I was explained my 2 lens option - one that Medicare paid for - another upgrade, premium I paid for. I opted for the prem upgrade - it is FABULOUS .. no more glasses - I can read and see the TV wonderfully, even small sports scores in the tiny box -- Colors, the ocean and boats are clearer and crisper - watching grand k baseball and soccer games much clearer. I did my research on the lens - the prem seemed the best way to go for me. I have 20+ more years to enjoy life and the extra $$ was well worth it. There is NO do over .. check out the prem lens... very happy with Dr All - and his staff.. Thanks you CW
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
C Walker – Nov 22, 2022
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New Lease on Life
The results from my cataract surgery ( both eyes ) are so much better then I expected .Clarity , color saturation , and vivid hues are just the beginning of the amazing results that I am experiencing . Dr. Allaman did a a fantastic job of installing the new lenses and correcting my astigmatism I am pleased with the huge quality of life improvement and would highly recommend Dr. Allaman and his team to anyone considering this surgery .
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jamie – Nov 16, 2022
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Dr, Allaman is fantastic
Both my cataract surgeries went great, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Dr. Allaman and his entire staff could not have been kinder or more professional. I received clear direction and guidance every step of the way to assure a successful outcome.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Aug 26, 2022
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Best Medical Surgery Care in 71 years
Had cataract lens replacement surgery for both eyes after 6l years of wearing glasses. Immediate 20/20 vision. More magical miracle than medical procedure. Words I would choose to describe Dr. Allaman AND his staff are: Professional, , warm, caring, friendly, helpful, communicative, open to feedback, and skillful. Definitely on my Christmas card list from now on going forward. (Unless Christmas gets cancelled, then Valentine's Day I will send candy.)
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Stacy Smith, MFT – May 21, 2022
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Dr. Allaman and staff are the best.The whole process was explained and carried out with the utmost professionalism. At the day of surgery I was made comfortable and every effort was made, by the team, to guide me through what was to come. Dr. Allaman took the time to explain the my condition and how he planned the course of treatment. If you're needing cataract surgery I can strongly recommend Dr. Allaman. By the way I'm 72 yrs. and have 20/20 vision.The colors and brightness are a life changer.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
john cureton – Apr 14, 2022
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Dr. Christen Allaman
I had cataract (lens replacement) surgery in both eyes performed by Dr. Allaman. I had a severe astigmatism in both eyes and developed cataracts. The entire process, from introductory consultation, pre-op support, the surgical procedure and post-op was OUTSTANDING. I had no problems, no pain and now have 20/20 vision in both eyes. It was life changing. I have 100% confidence in Dr. Allaman and I strongly recommend him if you're considering lens replacement surgery. Kudos to Dr. Allaman and his entire staff. Sincerely, David A. Torres
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
David A. Torres – Apr 09, 2022
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Dr Allaman recently did cataract surgery on both my eyes. I have worn glasses since a childhood and the surgery has restored me to near 20:20 vision. Dr. Allaman and staff were the utmost professionals, did a great job informing me about my alternatives, the surgery, and post-surgical care. They treated me with care and compassion.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jay Cutler – Feb 11, 2021
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About Me

care philosophy

Combining advanced skill, years of experience and compassionate care, Dr. Allaman is dedicated to helping patients of all ages improve, preserve and maintain the health of their eyes, with specialized treatment of many eye diseases and conditions....read more

biography

Dr. Christen Allaman, a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. After receiving his Medical Degree from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, he served...read more
  • Ophthalmology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Eye And Ear Institute Of Pittsburgh

    Residency Hospital, 1996
  • Calif Pacific Mc

    Internship Hospital, 1993
  • Columbia University Vagelos College Of Physicians And Surgeons

    Medical School, 1992
  • University Of California, San Diego

    Undergraduate School, 1986
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Ophthalmology®
Ophthalmology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
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Locations

Allaman Eye Care Medical Group

Office1665 Dominican Way Ste 122 Santa Cruz, CA 95065
1

Practice

Office1667 Dominican Way Santa Cruz, CA 95065
2