UCLA Stein Eye Center Santa Monica

Reviews

• MM

  Miya Murai

  Feb 12, 2026
  1.0
  Dr. Boris E. Malyugin's response to me speaking Japanese to my grandfather during a visit was extremely inappropriate, unnecessary, and quite frankly–unacceptable. I accompanied my 91 year old grandfather to his visit with Dr. Boris E. Malyugin. I left my grandfather to wait in the exam room by himself while I took a phone call. When I returned to the room Dr. Malyugin was in the process of (almost done) examining my grandfather. After he finished, he immediately turned to ME and started speaking with me rather than the patient. Since I wasn't present during the beginning of the examination and neither was a translator, I have to assume that the Dr. deemed my grandfather's English skill to be good enough to consent to an examination. So, if my bilingual grandfather's English comprehension is deemed good enough for him to consent, then why is the doctor explaining to me when the English-speaking patient is right in front of him (physically closer in proximity)?? It gets worse. As I was explaining the severity of my grandfather's condition to him in Japanese, I used the Japanese word "ma ma" (translates to somewhat). Dr. Boris E. Malyugin decided to display his ignorance by interrupting me mid-sentence with, "Ya you have to discuss with Mama first." He said this while laughing, then turned to his male colleague (that was typing on the computer) who joined him in the laughter. No one's mother had anything to do with what we were talking about in Japanese. This was not only a culturally insensitive comment/reaction, but as a young woman that had 2 grown men laughing at her for saying "ma ma" it was infantilizing. My grandfather prefers to speak Japanese because it's his native language, but he can speak/understand English. He looks Japanese and does have an accent but he is also: a United States citizen, he has been immersed in English speaking environments for 60+ years, and clearly understands English enough to provide consent for a medical exam. I accompanied him to his appointment so I could drive him home because they were dilating his eyes–NOT for translation. Words can not fully capture how infuriating this experience was, and how disappointed I am with UCLA Health. I highly recommend Dr. Boris E. Malyugin take several courses on patient communication and cultural awareness. Big shoutout to the receptionist Michelle! Thank you for actually talking to my grandfather and treating him like a patient. Thank you for not assuming that he couldn't speak for himself just because of the way he looks.
• SL

  Sara Liu

  Jan 7, 2026
  1.0
  The doctor was wonderful. I consistently have positive experiences with the medical care and truly appreciate the provider. Unfortunately, the front desk experience was again very poor. The receptionist, Veronica Chavez, was unnecessarily rude and antagonizing during check-in. I was asked for my insurance card, and I explained that it is the same insurance already on file since last year and that I have not yet received a new card. This is common in early January. Despite clearly stating that I did not have the card, the same question was repeated. At that point, the receptionist raised her voice and said, “I’m not questioning your insurance. I’m just asking if you have your insurance card,” even though I had already answered that I did not. I again explained that it is early January and that many insurance companies have not yet issued new cards. Instead of clarifying what was needed, the receptionist continued to antagonize the situation and then told me that I “needed to be respectful,” even though her own tone and behavior were rude and dismissive. The exchange became uncomfortable and occurred in front of other patients in the waiting area. This is not the first time I have had a negative experience at the front desk. It is disappointing because the quality of care from the physician is excellent, but repeated unprofessional interactions at check-in detract significantly from the overall experience. I hope this feedback is addressed so patients are treated with basic patience and courtesy.
• GW

  Green Water

  Dec 2, 2025
  4.0
  Busy place that provides excellent care. UCLA does have an eye urgent care at its main campus if you need that. I waited between 20-30 mins to be seen.
• AA

  Alexandria

  Apr 17, 2025
  1.0
  Overall calling this location you can guarantee a terrible customer service experience. As if you're being reprimanded by a school teacher when you call to ask for assistance by the scheduler, it does not matter if it is an appointment inquiry or surgery question. There is a sense you've inconvenienced the scheduler and clearly hearing the frustrated tone that you've called the wrong location. This is not the first time I've experienced this when I've called in. Patient care starts with the first hello, it is a customer service business and that's where this location misses it every single time. I found myself hanging up feeling frustrated. The Calabasas location is warm, helpful and quick to assist you they saved the day!
• TT

  Talar T.

  Dec 1, 2015
  1.0
  I would not go to this office. I was scheduled for an eye glass exam with Dr. Monica Khitri at their Santa Monica office and was billed $1,275. She refuses to discuss their charges with me and their office staff is very rude and unhelpful, as is the manager I was referred to. Stay away and save yourself the trouble and unexpected overcharges they do not correct.