I recently had a troubling experience at Diablo Valley Optometric Group with Dr. Michael Ottati, located at 2255 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite C, Walnut Creek, CA. On April 7, 2026, I was denied an eye examination solely because I refused to undergo the Optomap procedure or sign a “Release of Liability for Internal Eye Health Exam”, which I felt was being aggressively pushed by the non-medical staff. I've been a patient at this office for approximately 13 years, and I was surprised to find that despite my prior examinations, I had never been properly informed by Dr. Ottati about the requirements and necessity of the Optomap procedure while the doctor performed the eye examination. When I denied the service by the front desk staff, I asked to speak directly with Dr. Ottati about my concerns, but his justification for recommending Optomap was vague and unsatisfactory; he only said “it is recommended”. What struck me as particularly concerning was the insistence from the front desk staff that I view a video about the Optomap (biased video by the product developer) and sign a “Release of Liability for Internal Eye Health Exam” in order to receive any services at all. This approach raises serious ethical questions about informed consent in medical care. Why is a non-clinical staff member pushing a medical procedure without proper justification from the doctor? To make matters worse, I later learned that my insurance covered dilation, the traditional method that allows a thorough assessment of nearly 100% of the retina, which is done as part of the routine eye examination (in my case conducted the previous year in 2025). I was denied the chance for my regular eye check-up even though, as later the my insurance company verified with Diablo Valley Optometric Group that the Optomap procedure was actually optional procedure. Comparing dilation (Tropicamide 0.5%) and Optomap is a choice between a traditional clinical "gold standard" and a modern, high-speed imaging technology. While Optomap is highly convenient, most eye doctors view them as complementary rather than as direct replacements. Doctors can see nearly 100% of the retina using the dilation (Tropicamide 0.5%). Dilation allows for a three-dimensional view and a more detailed examination of the extreme edges (periphery) of the retina and is covered by vision insurance. Doctors can only capture approximately 80% (200°) in one shot using the Optomap. It is used for low-risk patients who want to avoid the inconvenience of blurred vision, therefore is also helpful for children or patients who are sensitive to eye drops. Optomap is, in my case, an out-of-pocket fee ($39). Furthermore, the language in the “Release of Liability for Internal Eye Health Exam” document I was pressured to sign was alarming. It implied that without the Optomap, serious health conditions might be missed, which is misleading when dilation has effectively been used for my past examinations without issue. The reality is that the dilation method provides a comprehensive view of the eye and is also covered by my vision insurance. I wrote a letter to and strongly urged the California State Board of Optometry to investigate the practices at Diablo Valley Optometric Group. Patients deserve to make informed choices about their healthcare without pressure or coercion from non-medical staff. Based on the findings, I hope that the Board takes appropriate action to protect patients, possibly recommending that Dr. Ottati be removed from the VSP provider list. I am disappointed that I had to confront such unethical practices in what should be a routine medical visit. Proceed with caution if you decide to visit this office.
