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Dr. Douglas Katsev, MD

Dr. Douglas Katsev, MD

Ophthalmology*

Dr. Douglas Katsev, MD is an ophthalmologist in Santa Barbara, CA. He is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4 Star Rating
Based on 79 reviews 4 Star Rating (79 reviews)

Practice

2946 De la Vina St Santa Barbara, CA 93105

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Katsev specializes in the area of Ophthalmology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. Katsev's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Katsev

4.0
79 ratings, 51 with a written review
5 star
71%
71%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
24%
24%

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He got the job done, but...
I had a cyst on my eyelid and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Katsev. I was seen promptly. He injected local anesthesia around the eye before slicing open and draining the cyst. I don't know whether it was his standard operating procedure or the fact that he was had a full waiting room of other patients to treat and was in a hurry but he started cutting on me well before the my eyelid was numb. The pain was almost unbearable. I told him I was in considerable discomfort. He ignored me. The cyst did go away, so I am pleased with that part of my experience, but I remember having had another similar cyst probably 30 years ago. I went to see another doctor (in LA) and the process to remove it was painless..
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
Helpful
Dec 14, 2024
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Poor result
I'm 60 years old and my distance vision was deteriorating. Dr. Katsev said he could improve my vision with cataract surgery. He advocated a Clareon PanOptix Toric multifocal lens, which he implanted in my left eye in September of 2023. The result has been very disappointing. My vision in the left eye is much more blurry than before the surgery, and I experience significant glare. The glare at night is tolerable, but the glare during the day is much worse. If I’m looking towards the late afternoon sun my left eye is almost a complete white out. Dr. Katsev saw me for a couple of follow-up visits and could not explain my symptoms. He said he “nailed” the surgery. I then went to a doctor at UCLA who diagnosed me with a hole in my iris, and a cloudy, wrinkled anterior capsule. Katsev did not mention any of these issues. I also learned my cataract was very modest, and I shouldn't have had cataract surgery.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 27, 2024
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Misdiagnosis, failed DMEK, permanent visiondamage
4/23Required cornea transplant, due to misdiagnosed eye dystrophy and a catastrophic cataract procedure. Dr. Ketsev consistently vacillated, never giving me a distinct diagnosis. Treated me for multiple issues. I diagnosed myself with Fuch's after research. that diagnosis is written in his notes as his own. He never once confirmed that was my diagnosis. I had DMEK, ended in the hospital six hours that night, pupillary block, violent, vomiting, and extreme pain. Next morning he shot another laser through my eye the most excruciating thing I've ever experienced. This transplant failed miserably.I had reconstructive surgery and another DMEK but due to the two prior procedures, the scar tissue left so much damage. I will have permanent vision impairment due to the Peary block, and most likely the subsequent laser, my iris was adhered to my cornea, causing a permanently enlarged and misshapen pupil now. It was a disaster. He has never followed up with his failed procedure nor my condition.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Julia Steele – Mar 19, 2024
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The modern eye clinic of Dr. Katsev is located in a very accessible business district of upper Santa Barbara. It is equipped with the very latest technology which makes a thorough eye examination a comparably comfortable experience. The staff is well trained and quite supportive and friendly, a most welcome experience for even most anxious 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
Gunther – Nov 14, 2023
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An eye doctor who truly cares
Dr. Katsev is different than many doctors today. He makes himself available 24/7 to his patients and truly cares. He came in on a sunday to see my eye for an emergency and was able to help with my pain and improve vision. We are lucky to have him here in Santa Barbara. I couldnt recommend him as an eye doctor more. My friends and family all go to him and have had fabulous experiences.
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
Sierra Parker – Oct 26, 2023
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I had LASIK eye surgery with Dr Katsev last year! The whole process was very smooth and easy going. The staff at the front desk, medical assistants, and the surgery coordinator were all very friendly and make my experience all the better. Dr Katsev made the whole procedure feel very comfortable and was able to answer all my questions. He is a very sweet and knowledgeable doctor. He also inserted plugs to help with dry eye and my eyes have been doing better ever since! I’ll definitely be going back for future needs.
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
Roxana – Oct 19, 2023
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Great surgeon and always makes himself available
Dr. Katsev and his staff are always friendly and professional. I had cataract surgery recently and he followed me religiously. I am enjoying my perfect vision now! Both near AND far
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
Ryan – Oct 19, 2023
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Best LASIK surgeon in the US
16 years later and my vision is still perfect. Best decision I have ever made! Thank you Dr. Katsev!
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
Julia Larson – Oct 18, 2023
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Unsatisfied
Terrible, placed wrong lens in eye (cataract surgery). Ruined my vision. No apology, said it could have been worse. Suffering with pain and poor vision.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 01, 2023
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I Will not suggest going to them, Worst service I have ever seen. I have been contacting the office for the past 90 days about my bill. No one cares and office staff are horrible and never care about patient problems.
What went well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Adam Kyle – Aug 04, 2021
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I had a lens replacement with Dr. Douglas Katsev. It is very expensive as they don’t seem to care about their patients after treatment, just a case of taking your money and don’t caring about it after. Also my eyesight seems to be deteriorating. Worst Experience Ever.
What went well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Eric Porat – Aug 02, 2021
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Would not recommend Dr. Douglas Katsev. I had the LASIK surgery which I found traumatic from start to finish. The suction cup lost suction twice which was advised by the surgeon down to a potentially faulty suction cup and as a result can bruise the eye for 3 weeks. Very unprofessional.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Scott Huish – Jul 29, 2021
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it was mu worhs decision to go there. Burning in my eyes. Allergy on the medications
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Carlos Jordan – Jul 23, 2021
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Dr. Katsev is an amazing surgeon and doctor. He did my LASIK my vision has been perfect ever since. Best decision I have ever made. You can tell he truly cares about each one of his patients. He gives you his personal cell phone if there’s ever a problem and goes the extra mile. I would recommend Dr. Katsev to absolutely anyone.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Julie Marie – Jul 20, 2020
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i have had a great expeience here dr katsev has done a great job on my eyes i can see again. thank you
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
Richard G. – Jan 28, 2020
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Dr. Katsev is a highly skilled doctor you need to improve your eyesight.
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
James J. – Jan 15, 2020
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has worked to help get thru multi 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
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Norma P. – Jan 08, 2020
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Very good experience.
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
Anonymous – Jan 08, 2020
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everygood eye doctor.
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
Anonymous – Jan 07, 2020
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I have confidence in Dr. Katsev regarding the most important decisions involving my eyesight. I understand the process and appreciate his experience. Highly recommend him!
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
Anonymous – Jan 04, 2020
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Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Katsev?

About Me

care philosophy

Dr. Katsev's main passion is helping others. He has traveled the world correcting vision for the underprivileged and taught many surgeons internationally. He has traveled to Kenya, Honduras, Fiji, Vietnam, Singapore, and Venezuela to name a few....read more

biography

Dr. Katsev is a board-certified ophthalmologist trained in cornea refractive surgery at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. He recently has opened up his own practice Santa Barbara Eyecare! Come visit him at 2946 De La Vina...read more
  • Ophthalmology

  • Cornea & External Diseases

  • Cornea & Refractive Surgery

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

  • Jules Stein Eye Institute

    Fellowship Hospital
  • St. Louis University

    Residency Hospital
  • St. Mary's Hospital

    Internship Hospital
  • Emory University In Atlanta

    Medical School
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.

Locations

Practice

Santa Barbara EyeCare Inc. A Professional Medical Corp.2946 De la Vina St Santa Barbara, CA 93105
1

Practice

Foothill Surgery Center at Sansum Clinic4151 Foothill Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93110
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 12:00pm
  • Directions

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

    400 W Pueblo St
    Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    86%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    21% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality