Here are some of the compliments we have received from satisfied patients.  We enjoy hearing from our patients and always strive to provide excellent service and care.

Dr. Hakim is excellent! Our entire family goes to her for our eye care. She is very intelligent and thorough, listens carefully, asks good questions, and takes her time to make sure we are comfortable and understand our eye care needs. We highly recommend. She is a well-respected favorite of many of the top physicians in Los Angeles and we understand why. Thank you Dr. Hakim!

Rhonda H, Studio City

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Dr. Hakim is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and has her patient's best interests in mind. She advocates for her patients in an often complicated and frustrating medical field and is ready to answer any and all questions you may have. After a great visit with her today I felt obligated to spread the gospel to anybody else potentially looking for a skilled ophthalmologist with a fabulous bedside manner. My specific eye issue requires me to visit her yearly and with her I trust that my vision, and frankly my life, is in good hands.

-- Pablo V.

   
"Dr. Melinda Hakim saved my life!

I was rolled into the surgery room and Dr. Hakim looked at my chart, which showed I had a heart murmur and an order for a special ECHO/EKG that she had requested, but I had not had the time to get (just returned from a family Christmas two days beforehand and had no time to get what she needed) and she cancelled my surgery!  She stated that she had never lost a patient in surgery and needed the tests to proceed with utmost safety.
I then went to a Cardiologist who found a problem in my right coronary artery and 2 stents were required....1st for an 85% and 2nd a 97% blockage. Subsequently, she did perform eyelid, cataract, and preventative glaucoma surgeries on me.  The preventive glaucoma was because my mother had the disease and I had very narrow angles.  I had laser punctures in both my irises, which let fluid flow to the front of my eyes so I wouldn't get an attack of glaucoma. Dr. Hakim was very precise, gentle, informative, thorough, and amazing throughout everything and, today, I only see her once per year, and have maintained my 20/20 vision in each eye. She is truly my favorite physician and years ago she saved my life for which I am so very appreciative and grateful."

-- Dorothy F.

"My experience with Dr. Hakim couldn't have been better.  My eyes had suddenly become a problem--needed glasses to read and to drive.  She cleaned up the plaque in my eyes with a laser and voila--perfect vision.  No glasses.  She's great."

-- Barbara Hayes PhD

Dr. Melinda Hakim is a wonderful doctor.  First, she got my pressure down due to my glaucoma.  Second, she is so kind and caring.  I saw it not only with me but other patients.  For me, she would pick up a conversation that we had 4 months ago, right where we left off.  She is ridiculously smart as her educational background attests to and more importantly she has the empathy and kindness to connect to her patients and she does it with joy.  I recently relocated back to Texas and I truly miss her care.  I did look forward to our visits and her positive energy even with glaucoma at my young age.  Her attention to detail and her bright disposition gave me hope and still does.  I have bragged about her care to my family and friends as she has set the bar very high for patient care for all doctors regardless of practice!

--Kelly R.

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"I feel that a miracle has happened to me.  When Dr. Hakim explained that I needed cataract surgery, I thought it would help my eyesight, but I never expected it to be perfect eyesight.  It's like I have a whole new way of looking at things.  I went in one day, and then in a few days, the miracle happened.  I recommend anyone who is considering surgery to just do it--you will be thrilled! Especially with Dr. Hakim as your doctor."

--Suzanne Wallace

 

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" I am very scared of doctors and when I had to go get an eye exam and a small procedure on my eye, I was very nervous. Luckily, I made an appointment with Dr. Hakim. Throughout the whole exam and procedure, I was so comfortable. It was the best care I've ever received. Dr. Hakim was the most kind, considerate, caring, conscientious and talented doctor that I've ever been too. I would recommend her to anyone. She's amazing!"

 

 

--Melissa Ordway

"Dr. Hakim performed cataract surgery on my right eye.  The care I received was excellent, and the outcome was better than I ever expected.  My vision now is perfect, and I couldn't be happier."

--Mary Gullo

"Dr. Hakim is an exceptional eye doctor.  One of my eyes became legally blind after an injury.  Doctor Hakim was able to immediately restore my sight back to normal with treatment and came after hours to take care of me.   I also developed tearing in my left eye.  I went to two “tearing specialists.”  Neither of them could help me.  They kept telling me I had allergies or an infection.   I then went to Dr. Hakim.   She was able to fix my tearing problem with a simple procedure.    It has been over a year since that procedure and I haven’t had any problems with tearing since.  Doctor Hakim will always be special to me, I will always trust her, and I will never forget how she always goes out of her way to help me."

--Doris Singleton

"Dr. Hakim is an outstanding surgeon.  She removed the cataracts in both of my eyes.  I have 20/20 vision now without glasses.  Thank you for allowing me to see so well now."

--George Drumgo

"I met Dr. Melinda Hakim when I contracted uveitis for the second time. The first opthamologist that I saw did some blood tests but never explained why nor did he give me much information.  My uveitis was severe and caused me extreme physical pain in both eyes and I could barely see and was hypersenstive to light.

 

Dr. Hakim took the time to treat me like a person, an individual who was frightened and in pain. She also did blood tests but explained that she needed an ACE level on me.  By incorporating me into her treatment plans, I was not fearful and felt confident with my doctor.  She took the extra time to go that extra mile for me and I was referred to specialists who diagnosed me with sarcoid as the cause of my attacks of uveitis. I thought that my life would be forever plagued by eye probelms, but Dr. Hakim and the specialists that she referred me to made me grasp that there was a cure that did not include surgery.  I'm glad that I found her, as uveitis is extremely painful and I can't imagine life without my eyesight. 

      I highly recommend her as a doctor and as someone you'd select as a friend. A very thorough and sensitive doctor and friend."

 

--Joy Nitta

 

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"Dr. Hakim is thoroughly professional and extraordinarily specific.  She diagnosed and successfully treated an eye problem that had gone undiagnosed and mistreated by two previous ophthalmologists.  She is super smart, super kind, but most importantly extremely gifted.  Dr. Hakim is an absolutely great eye doctor and I am so grateful."

--Laurence Rosenthal

 

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"Dr. Hakim removed a wart from my eyelid and did an outstanding job.  No scars, no swelling, and a great result.  Everyone in her office is so friendly and efficient.  Thank you all! 

--Margaret Schabes

  

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"Dr. Melinda Hakim removed a thick cataract from my right eye.  Dr. Hakim is an outstanding surgeon.  I never felt any pain during or after the surgery.  I never expected to have perfect eyesight on the next day and no pain.  She did a GREAT job for me and the outcome was better than I had ever expected.  My vision now is perfect.  I recommend to anyone who is considering surgery to just do it!  Especially with Dr. Hakim as your doctor.  She is the best!"

--Andy Cooper

 

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"A year ago while driving I was not able to read the street signs. I went to see Dr. Hakim and she said that I had cataracts in both eyes. After operating and getting rid of the cataracts in my right eye and putting in a new lens I was able to see much better. After the healing was done, Dr. Hakim operated on my left eye and now I can see without glasses except for reading.  It is a pleasure to see so well again after so many years.

Dr. Hakim was wonderful in that she was always concerned for my welfare and my sight.  She answered all of my questions which were many and was available for any questions that I had between appointments.

I can't think of any doctor that would have been as concerned or caring as she was."

--Eli Rubenstein

"In November 2006, I had cataract surgery on my right eye.   After my follow up appointment, the vision in my right eye had improved to 20/20.  In addition to the very successful surgery, Dr. Hakim has been treating me for glaucoma in both right and left eyes for the past few years and as of my last appointment in November 8, 2007 the pressure in both eyes was normal.  I am very grateful to Dr. Hakim for changing how I see things and I really enjoy having the vision I used to have."

 --Gene Powell

"I came to dr. Melinda Hakim with a red inflammatory bump on my lower eyelid.  Nothing would make it go away.  Dr. Hakim recommended a steroid injection to help resolve the inflammation.  She made me feel so comfortable and safe during the procedure.  She is so gentle and thorough.  Now my eye is back to normal and I have her to thank!"

--Megan McCue

"Dr. Hakim...What can I say... nothing less than... I have had the good fortune to have been referred to Ophthalmologists Melinda A Hakim, MD in Los Angeles.  My experience during the past 8 years, with each and every visit was one of professionalism, thoughtful thorough examination and diagnosis...Which can only be surpassed by Dr. Hakim's delightful and compassionate personality.  The good Dr. said to me, "Your vision will never become a problem on my watch."  She has always been great about answering my questions and explaining everything she recommends in a way that I can understand.

AFTER CATARACT AND ASTIGMATISM SURGERY.... FOR THE 1ST TIME IN YEARS... I CAN WORK ON THE COMPUTER WITHOUT READING GLASSES AND WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE SHOPPING... CLEARLY ABLE TO READ LABELS.  MY VISION IN MY RIGHT AND LEFT EYE WENT FROM 20/50 to 20/20.

I  am thrilled I can see so much better."

--Shaun Walsh

"I am over 90 years old and very scared about doing any procedures because of my age.  I was not seeing well out of my left eye and discovered that I was legally blind in that eye.  Dr. Hakim said that she could fix my vision with a laser surgery.  I take care of myself and was concerned that my vision was not so good and that I could fall because I was not seeing well.  Dr. Hakim reassured me about the laser procedure.  She called my family and friends and spoke to them about the risks and benefits.  When I finally had the guts to do the surgery, she held my hand and guided me through every step.  The day after my procedure, I had perfect vision.  She is truly amazing and one of the best ophthalmologists I have ever met."

--Raquel Laniado 

"I recently had the removal of a large cyst from my eye socket by Dr. Hakim, one of the best doctors.  The procedure was painless, quick,  and I felt fine right after the surgery.  Due to my multiple medical problems, I am a very complicated and difficult patient.  I am very pleased with the outcome and the way everything was done on the highest professional level."

--Yuliya Balagula

 "I recently had a surgical procedure done with Dr. Hakim.  Dr. Hakim was excellent!  She made me feel at ease and ensured that the procedure was as painless as possible.  She's extremely personable and friendly and was able to answer all of my questions."

--Jennifer House, Esq.

"In addition to being extremely thorough in her evaluation and skillful in surgery, Dr. Melinda Hakim treated me with caring, kindness, and deep concern, traits that I value as a patient.  By the way, now I have 20/20 vision after she performed my cataract surgery!"

--Arturo Jimenez

"Dr. Melinda Hakim is an exceptional ophthalmologist.  I was referred to her by the ER doctor at Cedars Sinai Hospital after going in for an eye problem which included redness and severe pain.  After being informed of my dire need for care, Dr. Hakim saw me immediately that weekend.  It turns out that I had a severe case of keratitis.  Dr. Hakim was extremely thorough in my treatment.  She performed various tests and closely monitored my eyesight every week, including some weekends.  She also referred me to specialists, who performed very specific tests.  Aside from the great medical treatment, Dr. Hakim was kind, caring, and truly concerned.  This compassion came through during all examinations which provided me with great comfort.  Thanks to Dr. Hakim....my keratitis is completely treated.  I would highly recommend Dr. Hakim for all eyecare needs."

--Vickie V. Grasu, Esq.

"All of my eye and vision check-ups had been with an Optometrist, I had never needed to see an Ophthalmologist until I began noticing a slight bulge in my eye had become an even bigger bulge. I had no idea who to see.  My optometrist referred me to someone but I wasn't "feeling" it, you know. So I began my search and God directed my path. And that path led me to Dr. Melinda Hakim. It was because of her compassion, her thoroughness, her dedication, her knowledge and her bold  "I got this!" attitude that a tumor was found on my brain in the orbit. She jumped on this so quickly making sure I had the best care! The tumor was removed and my eye was saved! I thank God I found her!"

--Robin K.

"Dr. Hakim is one of the best doctors to whom I have ever gone.  She cares about each patient and is infinitely patient, through, and knowledgeable.  Dr. Hakim diagnosed a very unique condition in my husband's eye and referred him to a comparably stellar specialist.  When my father moved to California to be in assisted living, I took him to Dr. Hakim for regular checkups.  She was so kind to my 90 year old father and took excellent care of him when he went through his cataracts operation.  

She always spoke directly to him and made sure he understood every procedure.  My father so appreciated her gentleness and attention to detail.  Dr. Hakim helped me tremendously when I could not get used to contacts and she has accurately prescribed my progressive lens glasses each year.  In addition, her assistant is a loving, kind woman who works very hard and is extremely careful and detailed.  All in all, I cannot wait to see Dr. Hakim each year.  She is the best."

--Helen Bainbridge

"Melinda Hakim is an AMAZING doctor.  She is so kind and caring and extremely thorough - she has found things that other doctors have overlooked.  Eye exams can be uncomfortable but she puts you so at ease and has such a gentle touch that it makes the entire visit so pleasant - dare I even say I look forward to seeing her!   She takes her time to really know you and make sure you understand what's going on.  I have recommended her to all my friends and cannot say enough good about her - I feel I'm in the safest hands with her."

--Robin Ruzan

"Dr. Hakim is an amazing doctor.  I had a cataract removed from my left eye and right eyes.  After my first surgery, I had immediate results.  I was already seeing better than ever.  Now that both procedures have been completed, I am enjoying my new and improved vision.  For a long time, I was not able to drive at night, even with glasses.  Now I can drive wherever I want to, and I don't have to worry about my vision.  Dr. Hakim is a great doctor, and I would recommend her to anyone.  Not only is she good at what she does, but she goes above and beyond to make sure her patients are well.  She is always there for you whenever you need her.  I am so thankful for Dr. Hakim and all that she has done for me!"

--Maria Jamin

"When I was in the hospital, I suddenly lost my vision.  When I say I lost my vision, I mean I became completely blind.  I couldn't even make out shapes.  I was seen by many doctors who said my chances of seeing again were grimm and that there was no treatment that could make me see better.  Then Dr. Hakim was called to my case.  She did a lot of research on my case, looking through my charts, interviewing all the doctors and reviewing all  the medical literature.  She immediately started me on a regimen of IV medication.   After 3 days of therapy, I was able to read the 20/20 line.  I was able to see how beautiful Dr. Hakim is both inside and out.  I am a living testimonial that Dr. Hakim is an unbelievable doctor and changed my life forever."

 --Roosevelt McCraney 

"Dr. Hakim is truly the best ophthalmologist in Los Angeles.  I went to her after I had tearing in my eye that wouldn’t stop for months.  She cured my tearing with one simple in-office procedure.  She is extremely competent, listens attentively, and is one of the most caring doctors I have ever met.  I trust her with the eyecare of my entire family."

--Jana Eshaghian

"Dr. Hakim is the most dedicated, insightful, and kind-hearted doctor I have ever met.  After years of on-and-off again debilitating migraines, my physician referred me to Dr. Hakim to see if the migraines were the result of an eye problem.  I could not be in better hands.  When I came to Dr. Hakim, my headaches were worse than ever, and I was legally blind in one eye.  She conducted several tests and looked at my eyes with numerous machines and saw that my retinas had actually detached due to an inflammatory process affecting both eyes.  She spent several hours with me and immediately coordinated a retinal consultation that day with a fantastic retinal specialist.  The specialist diagnosed me with a rare condition called Harada's Disease.  He put me on medication, and after a few weeks, I went from being legally blind to seeing perfectly.  My vision is now 20/15 and my migraines are completely gone.  Dr. Hakim was, and continues to be, as concerned about my eyes as if she were my own mom.  Never have I met a more attentive and concerned doctor.  I am absolutely lucky to have met her."

--Sam M

"I was in the hospital and was experiencing serious double vision when Dr. Hakim was called to evaluate my vision problems.  She was very compassionate, listened very well, and was brilliant!  I ended up having a medical case worthy of a TV show, and actually, it was Dr. Hakim being a squeaky wheel with my whole medical team that brought about one of the big breakthroughs in my case!  Because of my Ophthamologist, my whole health has improved... going from having to use a wheelchair and walker, to now walking independently.   I am very happy to have Dr. Hakim as my doctor!"

--Teresa Caldwell

I searched for the top female ophthalmologist / specialist/eye doctor in Beverly Hills and found Dr. Melinda Hakim. I read of her credentials and many accolades, and thought how fantastic that was. My experience & thinking has always been the same in whatever I do; the prospective business/company or individual may be the best, and at the top of their game, but how are their interpersonal interaction(s)? Just to give a brief background: I recently visited a couple of physician(s) who failed to see the importance of communicating with me the diagnosis, prognosis, options, and any other relevant facts regarding my health care.  Also, it hasn't happened often but I personally have seen the difference and disparity in minority health care, mainly women, and no matter my income bracket, exclusive zip code, or great health insurance plan; people are people.

At any rate, I scoured whatever I could find online as well as her website(s), links, etc., but it was actually through the yelp reviews that I read the glowing responses and reports of Dr. Hakim's patients. Again- I was impressed with the awards, her involvement in the community both personally, and professionally; commanding the respect of peers & colleagues, but I needed to know that she spoke to and honored everyone.

I read through the reviews/responses, and marveled at the replies. And because of that I almost turned away. She just seemed too good to be true. Or, perhaps my view and opinion of people had become jaded. However, I continued reading and looking at every patient. Their concerns, experiences, and interactions with her, her staff, and/or liaisons w/hospitals, and they all had the same underlying message; she listens, she advocates, she's persistent, and is highly skilled at what she does. And she does not hesitate to refer you to an equally qualified physician or specialist.  I came away with the feeling that this just might be the best choice for me.

I have to say that I'm pleased that I made the call. Dr. Melinda is knowledgeable, attentive, and thorough. I can be and make no apologies for being particular and persistent. When I saw that she exhibited that and more during my examination & testing, I had to chuckle; she was so intent and meticulous that it thrilled & tickled me to no end. Finally! In this day and age of technology, social media, and reality television--and what seems to be power entrepreneurship partnerships & businesses and what-not of Doctors.

Dr. Melinda is genuine, and personable with a warm, and sincere personality. Her work and skill set is very intricate, and we can all relate to experiences of Doctors with the bedside manners of an orangutan and rhinoceros. Lol. In that order.  But it is refreshing to find a jewel.

I like that she takes the time with you and you actually come away feeling seen, heard, and your concerns be they large or small; validated.  She removed cysts, nodules, skin tags & warts (I know!) from the corners of my eyes and cheeks, taking years off my appearance. I no longer feel fat and stereotypical (at least nothing a farm2table lifestyle, H2O & daily brisk walks with my Yorkies couldn't help).

I'm back on my path and lifestyle of optimum health & longevity. I am so excited about life and resuming my outdoor activities. Dr. Melinda Hakim has helped change my outlook on life, and more importantly, myself. That to me--is priceless.

PS. I'm told I have my beautiful eyes back ;)

---Terry Burden