1 Star - Very Disappointing Experience I visited Dr. Bell for an eye exam, specifically needing a prescription for seamless bifocals, which I have relied on for over 15 years for close-up work. Unfortunately, the first prescription was completely off -- my new glasses were unusable for my daily tasks. When I contacted the office to report the problem, they asked me to come back for a second exam. I did, hoping for a better outcome. A second pair of glasses was made with the new prescription, but that also failed to meet my needs. In 15 years of wearing bifocals, I have never experienced this with any other eye care provider. The entire process was time-consuming, frustrating, and ultimately left me without functional glasses -- twice. I cannot recommend this practice for anyone with specific or complex prescription needs, and I will not be returning for future eye care. read more

Dr Elizabeth Bell did my most recent exam. She's just the best. Explained how my vision is changing. Explained differences between bifocal and progressive lenses. Talked thru different strategies, eg separate pair for computer and driving. Highest recommendation. Also: Staff are super courteous and efficient. I'm a bit thick and they patiently explained the paperwork to me. (Maybe add a link from soundeyecare.com to this profile? Because this profile is too hard to find. Because Yelp is just the worst.) read more

Dr. Matthew Bell gave an exceptional contact exam. He was funny and easy to talk to. He pulled out magnifying glasses, reading glasses, different sized prints, hand-drew diagrams; explaining everything along the way. I left with renewed hope and feeling beyond pleased. I had 6 months of issues at another clinic trying to get help with the headaches from contacts that were too strong. I had been going there for years, but decided to try somewhere else. One exam here and I got my eyes back. I still had some minor headaches so I followed up and saw Dr. E Bell. (Followups on your exam are free for 90 days.) I wish I was scheduled with the same doc for consistency, but I ultimately was not disappointed. She addressed every single one of my myriad concerns and gave me more trial contacts - this time multifocal. Both doctors were very informative and knowledgeable. Dr. E Bell moves quicker so it might seem rushed, but she did still answer all of my questions and listened to me very well. I tried to offer to pay for the follow-up, but she refused. The front desk staff may not be the most overtly friendly, but the Doctor's help I received far outweighs anything else. read more

I discovered that the previous dr, dr lee that I saw was just a fill in dr. SO, I'm back to get my contacts checked and saw dr bell and he is wonderful. He spent a lot of time with me talking about my eyes and my prescription. He's got a great personality and very energetic. I would for sure recommend dr bell as an eye dr. He is awesome read more

Today was my first visit with Dr. Bell (mr. Dr Bell). He was funny, he was detailed, he even explained to me how eyes age. I wish I had found him years ago! Exam was got started on time and even with dilation, didn't take very long. A huge plus was the choice of Saturday appointments. They take VSP insurance and was able to look me up with my SSN and birthdate. Downside: Office is small and it is located in one of the busiest Costco's in the area. Do note that if you are later than 10 minutes for your appointment time they will reschedule you. read more

Had my second exam at Aurora Costco optometrist. I discussed the possibility of getting contact lenses with Dr Bell. He wrote an RX for glasses and another for lenses. At checkout I declined scheduling for a lense lesson as I didn't have my calendar and I wasn't completely sure I would try lenses. I received a bill charging me $40 for "Contact Lens Fitting Fee" I called the office and said I never had a "fitting" appointment. The receptionist informed me because Dr Bell wrote me an RX, I had to pay the fee. Wish he would've mentioned that he would charge me an additional charge at the appointment. More to the point it's not an "Fitting Fee" it's an RX fee. I won't be back. Beware of hidden charges at this office. read more

Bell Matthew & Associates OD - Optometrists Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

I procrastinate. So when I realised it was the end of my insurance benefit year and I needed an eye appointment, I scurried around trying to find an opening. And I got one... on the 31st of December! I was placed on the schedule and was seen within ten minutes of my arrival. I have since seen Dr Elizabeth Bell several times this year for conjunctivitis. Dr Bell showed such care to my poor angry eye and exhibited such attentiveness that I made the decision that she was going to be my new eye doctor! The front office staff can run hot and cold but have never been rude. The equipment and room was spotless. Parking is plentiful unless you go during a peak time at Costco. I recommend this office for your optical needs and think that you'll be satisfied after your first visit! read more

See all

I have seen Elizabeth Bell for years and she has been solid but last time I went she was out and the other person messed up my glasses script. The front desk person has been nothing but rude stating I need to pay for another exam. Never going back. read more

I've been wearing glasses for 40 years. I've had a lot of eye exams over the years. I went to Dr. Elizabeth Bell after having a bad experience with a local optometrist. Dr. E. Bell gave me the most thorough exam I've ever received. She even put together a pair for me to try with a set of frames and interchangeable lenses to make sure the prescription was spot on. Everyone in my family now see's Dr. E. Bell. read more

I used to come here because of the convenient hours and great prices. Now, the 'great prices' are out of the equation, so I don't think I'll be back. The office says they'll bill your insurance, but they do not have their (higher) insurance-billed rates written down, nor do they even mention it during the rushed check-in process (in case you're wondering, the insurance exam rate is $132). I don't know about you, but my insurance just covers a flat rate for an eye exam, so I'm going to be paying $80 out of pocket for this just-average experience. Don't wait on the phone and fight the Costco crowds to get to this place - go elsewhere. read more

Hi, this is a review of Dr. Elizabeth Bell (I am betting she & Matthew are married and both Drs). I just got back from seeing her for a second time (first was in 2006), and it reinforced the good feeling I got last time. Dr Bell was thorough, courteous, kind and patient. She explained lots and lots of stuff and was just a genuine human, while being a really good doctor. Her office is in the CostCo, which drew me first. Last time I did cash, this time insurance - both were smooth and cost-effective. Their sign says they take walk-ins, but I made an appt (I'm too busy to wait a long time). No negatives here. read more

I have done my part for medical science. I have gone to ophthalmologists and the student of the week at Harborview at least 6 times in the past 3 years or so. The quality of care has gotten progressively worse. In April they gave me a prescription for new lenses that was so week that it was stressing me out more than my financial situation and other health concerns. Enter Dr. Matthew Bell. He gave my eyes a through exam and took easily twice as much time on vision testing as I had in April. He did not bully me in the "can you read Anything on the next line?Are you sure?" style I have always had in eye exams. Then he gave me a great, understandable explanation of wtf was going on with my vision. That includes news about my cataracts, eye pressure and such. Excellent exam. One of the very best I have ever had in my 40+ years wearing glasses. read more

Great eye exam. They have a imaging machine so I haven't had to get dilation. Pricing is awesome and I got a discount for paying cash. I recommend! read more

We took our 11 year old for an exam and maybe glasses in Nov 2018. Was a fine visit, but we just got the bill (Feb 2019) and they did not check in with my insurance, only took a few line items off about "CASH". Still asking for a check (website isn't helpful about paying, want grandmas check... who pays with check anymore???) Insurance, I should pay around 30% of this visit for my kid. Bill is for 80% of visit. Nice guys, just need to fix their billing line. read more

I was able to get a next day appointment with Dr. Matthew Bell. I've worn glasses and contacts for forty years and seen a LOT of optometrists. Dr. Bell is as good as it gets. He is personable, smart, patient, funny, and easy going. I didn't feel rushed at all (a personal pet peeve when it comes to getting fit for a prescription) and he gave me options for contact lenses (and lots of trial lenses) that I hadn't even considered. All my questions were answered. We even got to go on a field trip to look across Costco and test out the difference between my old and new prescriptions. The price is completely fair, and the office staff I dealt with were super professional. I would not hesitate to come here for for your optometry needs. Fantastic place. read more

He explains monovision quite well for those that want to try one distance eye and one reading eye. His is competent and treats patients with kindness and respect. Highly recommend him as an optometrist read more

Dr M. Bell and Dr E. Bell are the best. We have been going to them for a few years and will be for many more. Not only do they have excellent customer service so does their staff. read more

I've been meaning to write a review for this office for awhile. A visit yesterday with my daughter prompted me to finally sit down and write this up. Our family has been to this office for several years. We have seen most of the Dr.'s there and have great experiences every time. The friendly and easygoing manner of the whole office made it easy to ask questions. They are very through and efficient. We will look forward to the continued excellent service we receive in this office. read more

Got my prescription and glasses in about 1.5 hours. Not too bad. I saw Dr. Lee originally and I had to go back for an updated prescription from Dr. Bell. Glasses were only $165 before insurance with the highest density. read more

Poor customer service. Booked an appointment showed up and the treated like i was the crazy one. Asked for proof i booked it over the phone. No help other than to be treated likecrap. read more

Dr Matthew Bell was relaxed, knowledgeable and efficient. The eye exam was the same quality as I've had elsewhere, but the location in Costco made it all very efficient. Thanks for an easy appointment. I also liked the clear explicit pricing, as I don't have insurance and am paying cash. read more

Dr Elizabeth Bell is a great, highly recommended.

I had seen Dr. Bell in 2009 and so I was WAY overdue for a checkup. I made an appointment with Dr. Fleurantin and she was wonderful! She checked my eyes thoroughly and was very informative about how my right eye has changed and developed more of an astigmatism. She was super friendly too! I hope to visit this office again in the future. read more

I learned more during my visit with Dr. Bell than I have in the last 30 years of visiting optometrists! He was extremely knowledgeable and patiently explained several helpful tips to keep my eyes healthy. He also happened to be hilarious, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Worth battling Costco crowds! read more

The office visits with any of the optometrists have been good. But I'm giving them 3 stars for the following reasons: 1. I once was late by 3~4 minutes to an appoint because of parking. No leeway, and the receptionist was quite curt about it. Drove through traffic etc etc the usual and I WAS PISSED. 2. Recently I wanted to get Warby Parker glasses and needed my prescription sent. I gave Warby Parker the office number to get the info directly. No luck. So I decided I should try. The 1st time, I left a message and didn't hear back til the next day and ended up playing phone tag. The 2nd time I called back, I got to a person and gave them Warby Parker's fax # as well as my email address. Still no prescription received by me or by Warby Parker. The 3rd time I called, I did the same thing and received an email about how to open the Virtru encoded email I will be getting. But no actual prescription email to open. All during this time, Warby Parker continues to call them but to no avail according to their customer service. Today I call again for the 4th time and they tell me if the Virtru email didn't come through, they can't send it any other way (and they've had that happen to other customers). They need to invest in some other service to send prescriptions. I am not a Costco customer, so I have no reason just go to pick up my prescription. They offered to fax me, but who owns a fax any more?! I am not going to sign up for a free fax-to-email service online just to give away my contact info for marketing purposes. Anyways, sorry for the rant. If you're not looking to have your prescription sent anywhere, this place is probably all right and the doctors are ok. But the communication has been horrible at this office. I started with 3 stars and bumped down their review to 2 after writing this all up. read more

I first went to see Dr. Bell two years ago, to get my first eye exam ever. Since my medical insurance doesn't cover vision, I spent some time calling around to different optometrists to see what an exam cost. I was a bit dismayed to hear that just a plain ol' exam for someone with no vision problems was anywhere from $100-135. And this was even at the big chain stores that are everywhere (Fred Meyer, the mall, etc.) But lo! A call to my nearest Costco revealed that a standard exam was just $65! SOLD!! Dr. Bell was great and very professional and kind to me, who had never seen any of that equipment before and had no idea what was going on. He was extremely thorough and I left feeling really great. (Although looking a bit wild-eyed after my dilation! That was entertaining!) I just went in a few days ago to get another exam, since it had been two years since the last. This time my exam was administered by Dr. Jaime Arambula, one of Dr. Bells associates. He was incredibly speedy, very friendly and seemed genuinely excited by the fact that I have such great vision at my advanced age. :) I still don't "need" a prescription but Dr. Arambula wrote one for me anyway, saying I might as well get something since I was paying $65 for the exam. Basically he told me to look around for some cheap readers at a +100 level if I had any problems, and that would save me money. I was in and out in under 20 minutes, and that included the time spent waiting for my eyes to dilate. Now I kind of wish there WAS something wrong with my vision so I can go back and see either one of these two docs again.....so nice to find that level of professionalism and this is what makes people nice to work with. I would recommend this optometrists office to anyone. read more

My family has seen the whole gamut of optometrists at Dr. Bell's clinic - Dr. Matthew Bell, Dr. Elizabeth Bell, and Dr. Fleurantin - and have been nothing but pleased. They take their time to answer any questions you may have, provide various options to you based on your eyewear needs, and make sure you leave with a prescription that works for you. read more

This office is a nightmare. Don't be fooled into thinking because it is Costco you can expect Costco level of service. I made the mistake of thinking I could save money but the money I spent here was wasted because I have no faith in the quality of the prescription. Furthermore, I have tried getting a copy of my prescription and it is always either lost, misplaced or the "system is down". I never write reviews like this but if you want to have confidence that your eye prescription is right for you, avoid this place like the plague. read more