Referred here from the ER, my eye had severe swelling, pain, and burning, with sores starting to form. Despite having a viral infection, the optometrist just gave me artificial tears and refused to give me any medication. He spent less than 5 minutes with me, was in such a rush to get out of the room, and displayed intoxicated characteristics. What a place read more

Led by Allison Bowman, I found the staff I encountered at Bellingham Eye Physicians (BEP) to be wonderful to a person--and, due to numerous visits, I had occasion to meet and/or be served by many of them. Everyone was friendly, engaging, informative, caring and helpful. The reception staff were cheerful and prompt. I felt that the technicians taking my eye measurements and pertinent information were competent and thorough, listening well as I described what I was experiencing or what I needed. Allison helped me specially on several occasions--she has to be incredibly busy, and yet I always felt her friendly attention, interest and helpfulness to be very focused on meeting my needs. My experience with Dr. Kullas was beyond... I cannot recommend Dr. Christopher Kullas more highly: I could not have found a better physician and surgeon for my cataracts. Anywhere! On the technical and operational side, rarely have I met a person so meticulous--a quality so necessary in this work when you are dealing with measurements in microns or something like that. I felt confident by the information he imparted that he truly was expert in this area. He was very forthcoming about potential complications in my situation, and he involved me in his decision to diverge from his original plan to potentially increase the likelihood of the most optimal outcome based on my needs and wants, explaining his rationale and giving me choice. His plan worked! On the personal side, I found him to be a very caring physician and one invested in good communications. I found him easy to talk to, comfortable, genuinely pleasant and highly personable. He takes his time, ensuring you get what you need from him as he considers reasonable options. He explains well and checks-in with you. I felt informed, plus I felt wholly attended to. He is responsive. I never felt pressed or rushed even when extra time was needed for checking my specifics or optimizing strategies for my case. It was made clear to me on several occasions--and not all involving me--that he is dedicated to best outcomes for patients. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I trusted him with my eyes--I would trust him with a lot more. read more

Our first time here, and it was a good experience. The staff were friendly and efficient - despite seeing us nearly 30-minutes after our appointment times. We felt like we were able to get our questions answered and attention when we were in the exam rooms. The space is clean and spacious, with plenty of seating for waiting guests. Glasses/Frames available to try on and purchase, though it took a long while for the lady working there to acknowledge us, and it was a less than pleasant initial greeting from her. read more

I had a headache and a pain in my eye. My regular optometrist was booked out for the day, but Bellingham Eye Physicians were able to get me in the same day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was seen by Dr. Buttar. She was clear and thorough with her explanation of what's going on in my eye and the plan for a treatment. She was not rushed and answered all my questions thoroughly. I felt I was well taken care of. Her assistant was also nice and professional. The receptionists were very friendly. Unqualified 5 stars (or 20-20?)! TIP: Go to their webpage and fill out their intake paperwork before your first appointment (if you have a printer). It will save you a lot of time at the clinic. read more

I've been seeing Dr Alan since I was a kid in the 80s and continued coming to this practice both myself and then my oldest child when she needed an eye exam. I guess I was shocked when I called to make her another appt and was quickly transferred to their billing department because I was told I had a balance due. Imagine my surprise at, after being a client for 30+ years, this office turned me over to collections for a $50 charge. Even worse - my insurance would have paid for the charge if they'd billed it properly as a CHILD exam. (My insurance even confirmed this should have been 100% covered but they billed it as tho she was an adult. The office argued and said they never bill appts as a child visit. Even more worse -- they sent the bills to the wrong address - someone else on my street who doesn't speak English and lives primarily in Hong Kong. None of these bills made it to me. They treated me like I was lying (as if it's the post office's responsibility to fix their mistake) about not receiving the bill. I have USPS dashboard. There was never a piece of mail received from them at MY address. They are scanned and I get emailed daily about upcoming mail. Despite the fact they had my correct mailing address in their system, they sent the bills to the wrong address. The worst of all this is that they refused to take ANY responsibility for this. I have 800+ credit score and they gave zero craps about this impacting me. They also refused to take the bill back from the credit agency, stating that they can't, even if it's turned over by error. I paid this bill as soon as I was notified of it, but I will never return to this office. That's all I am worth to them -- pennies on the dollar collection after 30+ years as client. Dr Alan was a close family friend of my dad's. I hope he's aware that this is how his office staff is dealing with clients. read more

Steer clear. This place is uncomfortable, rude, and basically there to just turn patients and bill insurance. They dont have time for questions, and while doing the exams there is no bed side manner. The girl who did the initial exam was extremely rude. I have a little trouble with eye exams and she had no patience for it. I was trying to allow her to do the pressure test but she was practically jerking the machine into my eye. I asked her to move a little slower and she just got frustrated and gave up. I apologized and she just scolded me, told me if we can't do the test, we can't help you (not true) and left. The front desk ladies are rude and will turn you away if you are 5 minutes late to check in and make you reschedule. But if they are 30+ minutes behind, that's ok. If you ask to be put on a cancelation list they just say "we are the only office north of Seattle, so no one ever cancels" they are extremely rude, in a rush and even get testy with older patients who may move a little slower. This place is just full of miserable support staff and doctors with God complexes. read more

I would recommend staying away from this place. They will play games with your appointments, turning you away from an 8 AM appointment because you arrive at 7:50 instead of 7:45 to complete paperwork. "You can try again tomorrow if you can check in at the right time". LOLOL If you have time and patience for this nonsense and rudeness, then sure. But there are better options out there and businesses that treat their customers with comtempt, should lose revenue for it. So we won't try again. Thanks though :) To the front desk: If you wish to be so firm on your policies, that is your (dubious) prerogative. But, perhaps save the rudeness and condescension. To the owners: Pay closer attention to your front desk staff, if the other reviews are any guide, you may have one or two good, and one or two bad eggs, who apparently don't exhibit qualities becoming to a medical practice, and they are damaging your business and reputation by the way they treat your paying customers. I bet if you think carefully, you can figure out which ones are the issue. Or maybe it's embedded in your company culture. I hope not! read more

Stay away from them at all cost! Terrible！Terrible experiences. I went to see the doctor and she didn't care about patients' health at all. She might destroy your eyes just for a few more dollars, play with words and irresponsible at all time. One of the receptionist was extremely rude, too. What a night mare. I do not suggest anybody to go there. Update: They subsequently threatened me on Yelp messages. I would consider it a kind of harassment! read more

I have been using this practice for 3 years. The staff, in every role is fantastic, caring and possess a wonderful sense of humor. Dr. Buttar was my Optometrist and was great. In 2024, I needed surgery to remove cataracts in both Eyes. I found Dr. Christopher Kullas to be one of the best physicians / surgeon of any kind I have ever dealt with. His patient communications skills were assuring and his suggestions well informed. Based on his recommendations, I chose a lens for both eyes that has far exceeded my expectations. The follow up care from Dr. Kullas and his staff was excellent. I couldn't be happier. read more

Mayeye had lots of Floaties and felt like I was looking through Vaseline so I called my optimist at Costco who wasn't in then they forward me too another and yet another and I ended up speaking to the staff who asked my symptoms, and like the others thought I should be seen promptly. They got me an appointment the next day with Dr Jean Kassem. He examined my eye and explained to me that much to my chargin this was part of aging and that it would likely happen in the right eye within the next couple of weeks. His delivery was sharp to the point where you almost missed the humor in his communication. We talked quite a bit about what was going on and why and laughed about how disappointing it is to get older. Being the smart Alec, that I am I have course through in my own two cents and giggles. He describes himself as irreverent and bratty and boy is that the case. What a greatly needed relief that irreverent and bratty doctor gave me in my health care road. I was very frightened, and after extra tests and a couple biopsies, he still continues to make me laugh, and to share a kindness that not many offer any more. The care he has provided me has been five star the staff that works with him both in back, and in front have also been hilarious and effective for which I am grateful. I cannot see how anybody could give this office such poor reviews? I find them, outstanding, compassionate, succinct, and a breath of fresh air. So for those of you looking for somebody, I recommend Bellingham eye physicians without any reservation. Be well! Maria Dahl read more

I found BEP to be highly courteous and professional. The only negative thing I can say is that they failed to inform me that I would have trouble with my vision for 3 or 4 hours after the exam due to dilation. Oh well, I figured it out. No worries read more

Friendly receptionist was the only redeeming aspect of my visit. Upon check-in, I was told Dr. Kassem was running an hour behind. It had been quite an ordeal coming into the office in the first place, as I was in terrible pain and had to have someone drive me. So the tardiness affected my driver's schedule as well. When Dr. Kassem was finally ready, he didn't apologize or even acknowledge the fact that he was an hour late to the appointment. Nonexistent bedside manner; overall attitude was cold and uncaring. He asked the same question several times within a couple minutes, giving me the impression he wasn't listening. Dr. Kassem's "assessment" of my eye was a joke. Literally said 50/50 option of surgery, but provided no advice about which way to go. His recommendation was to take the weekend to think, and then call back Monday if I wanted surgery. As I'd received no information, literature, or guidance from Dr. Kassem, how on earth was I supposed to make a decision about surgery?! Really disappointed with my experience at Bellingham Eye Physicians. I live an hour away from the clinic, and so combined with their hour delay, my appointment was a colossal waste of time (on a day when I was suffering from pain). I left feeling confused and uninformed about my eye's prognosis. Currently looking for another doctor, so I can receive an actual medical opinion. read more

I saw Dr. Bergman for my eye care/vision needs on August 4, 2020. He was kind and personable, very knowledgeable and competent. I felt comfortable asking questions. He answered my questions very thoroughly. His entire staff was excellent. Highly recommend! read more

I saw Dr. Kullas today and it was such a great experience! Dr. Kullas was kind and caring and made sure I was informed about what he was doing. He also educated me on a particular condition I have and explained what that would mean as I get older. I left the appointment feeling very well-taken care of. I will definitely be coming here from now on! read more

Dr. Christopher Kullas is both kind and calm and incredibly skilled. My cataract surgeries were a breeze with skilled follow-ups. Dr. Kullas answers all questions and offers more information one might not have thought to ask about. I highly recommend Kullas and his friendly, thoughtful, smart, skilled team. Everything was perfect from Pre-Op and onward. I have also worked with Dr. Kassam for eyelid surgery. My review of his care is A+. I can't understand the negative reviews of his. He was kind, thorough, and skilled. I loved talking with him. He was careful and thorough. As a final comment, I would like to add that many people I know go to Dr. Kullas and give him their highest recommendation possible. Dr. Colonna does my annual check-ups and is always personable and competent, and I'm happy to return to her each year. Dr. Kassam has my highest recommendation as well. read more

I was referred to dr.kassem by an other eye doctor when they were unable to discover the problem with my eye. I had to wait due to the pandemic until I received a call by the receptionist to make an appointment. I had also had an MRI done by the referring ophthalmologist so assumed it wasn't easily diagnosed. As another reviewer also stated he was late over half an hour and without apology. He immediately coped an attitude that how dare I risk his health to see what was not an emergency. I attempted to show him photos of which he was not at all interested in seeing. He hadn't even examined me yet so how could he determine if it was an emergency diagnosis overlooked. Clearly that is why I was sent to him. Didn't even ask about the mri. Then he proceeded to roll his eyes among other facial irritations and lack of professional demeanor. I started to cry. Your people called me! I'm no eye specialist, I don't know what kind of issue this is an emergency or not. He treated me very rudely and l started to cry. Of course I don't want to go out during this pandemic unless it's important. I was wearing a mask so I take it seriously. When he hands me tissue he says " that's five dollars for the tissue". I said what? He said it again. Are you making a joke right now ? Then he goes on to exam me when I said we don't need to I'll just go. He says "now which eye is it?" As if he hadn't even read the chart. I didn't answer and he in a snide tone says " you follow directions very well". I would like to have told him off but already had planned a review on him so I wanted to see the outcome. He didn't do near the exam the prior ophthalmologist had but that's fine he had the chart even though he didn't know what eye it was.smh. he gave me further instructions on what to do and what he assumed the cause was. He asked me to make an appointment for follow up which just proceeded to walkout. I certainly won't ever go back. He is a straight up you know what read more

Love Dr. Kullas. Unfortunately, it's time for me to try a pair of "progressive" lenses at my advanced age of 44. The exam and care I received from Dr. Kullas was first rate. He hit a complicated diagnosis and prescription on the spot, was very caring, and educational at my appointments. Needles to say, the glasses were spot on the first time and my reading ability is much improved. I've had situations in the past where the prescription was just plain wrong....Not here. This guys knows his stuff...and is nice to boot! read more

I had a great experience at this office. I was assisted by Angela on the phone who helped facilitate an appointment for me which was a bit difficult as I'm in Friday Harbor. So she accommodated the ferry schedule and helped me get set up. Next the front office was friendly and helpful. I was greeted and my temperature taken. All precautions were taken. Then I met Angela in person who was an absolute delight. She assisted with some tests and again helped me out because I had another appt to get to and she made sure the doctor saw me in a timely manner. She was friendly and thoughtful and nothing but genuine. I did meet Dr Kassem and he was absolutely fantastic. He was personable. He answered my questions. He spoke directly to me, not at me. He made me feel calm about what my problem was. I really enjoyed my visit and appreciate the staff. Thanks for your help and look forward to my next visit read more

Update: Lowering my review because I saw a new specialist .... and not only was he an a-hole, Kassem is apparently incompetent. My vision is so bad that I score in the 8th percentile in this area he's supposed to be an expert in. And the tests show I've been compensating a long time, so he was so convinced a PT didn't know her stuff that he completely missed it... Because he never even looked at me. I've suffered nearly 2 years when he could have just *looked* at me. F this guy. Dr. Kullas is amazing-- kind, clear, and personable. Never had a bad appointment with him for many years. The front office staff are nice, too. Be warned they are always *really* far behind schedule and it's hard to get appointments. The low rating is for Dr. Kassem. I was referred to neuro-opthamology by an experienced PhD physical therapist. When one expert sends you to another doctor, you expect that the doctor won't treat you like a hypochondriac or idiot. It was awful. After leaving me sitting in an exam room for 40 minutes (I heard him talk about leaving me there a bit longer several times through the door), when I finally saw him, he was so dismissive, even saying "why are you here?" in an obnoxious tone. He barely looked at me, didn't want to read my diagnostics from the University clinic, and didn't do any of the tests my PT recommended I have done, not even simple stuff like follow the pen with my eyes. I almost burst into tears right there, and I did in the car as soon as I escaped. I've never been so embarrassed. I'm a particularly easy going patient; it's something providers comment on all the time. So I don't know what I did that day to deserve such terrible treatment, but months later I'm still upset enough to review him here. If you want to feel like a speck, he's your guy. If it weren't for how amazing Dr Kullas is, I'd never go back. read more

I've been going to Dr. Alan for 4 years now and he's as good a doctor as I've ever seen. I've been wearing glasses for almost 60 years.

As a previous poster wrote, the receptionist was the only redeeming factor of my visit. Well, that and being referred to a specialist who was able to correctly diagnose and treat my acute eye pain. Dr. Stonnell chuckled throughout my initial visit, stated I had an infected corneal ulcer, placed a bandaid contact, and dispensed antibiotic eye drops. He said he might or might not refer me to a specialist. I was called after I left to see the specialist that same day. The specialist said a bandaid contact was inappropriate for an infection and prescribed different antibiotics. He also diagnosed another chronic condition, ABMD. When I returned to Dr. Stonnell the next day he stated the reason he had missed the chronic condition was because I did not give his assistant a complete history. I made the mistake of asking for pain medicine (after being awake with pain for 48 hours) and was instructed to use Tylenol or Aleve, because that was worked for his wife. He also gave me incorrect instructions for follow-up care for the chronic condition. After 3 months and 3 phone calls I am still waiting for a refund of my co-pay which I did not owe. read more

Very unhappy with this place. I was booked with an optometrist for my glaucoma instead of an ophthamologist, a mistake I only became aware of after my first appointment when I returned home. I stuck with this person only because she acted as if she knew something about DES (dry eye syndrome) from which I also suffer. She immediately insisted on two field tests within a month of each other (I normally take one field test per year) and decided my glaucoma is "severe" even though my previous two ophthamologists termed it "moderate". She wanted to put me on yet another drop. It was apparent at my second visit also that she knows very little about DES and admitted she would have to refer me to someone else. I then requested copies of my medical records...I had hand carried over ten years' worth of records from my two previous ophthamologists...but was told that would cost me over $100. While doctors are able to charge for records, I find this absurd since I had carried them there. I was told they had been shredded. What?! Without asking me?! "You should have told us." Lesson learned. read more

I went to Costco for a reading glasses prescription and was informed I had cataracts and would need them done before getting glasses. They recommended two different Clinics in the area, neither were Bellingham Eye Physicians. I researched the internet, asked my friends and neighbors for recommendations and then called each "office" to get a feel of them. A couple of people told me who to avoid and everyone said "watch out for the 'upsell'". After calling 4 clinics my "feel" was far and away for Bellingham Eye Physicians although no one mentioned Dr. Kullas by name. Every Time I took a "step" in the process I noticed that whenever and whomever talked about the surgeon, there was a reverence and respect that was reassuring, even providers that were not employed by him or his office. They would make it clear that they don't make recommendations, but that I was lucky to have found this Doctor. When I finally met with Dr. Kullas, I started thanking my "lucky stars" I had picked the BEP clinic. At every step along the way, they were thorough, detailed and solicitous to my care, health and optimum outcome from the surgerys. Dr. Kullas actually discouraged the "upsell" and when I initiated the possibility, he talked me out of it. Nothing builds trust like not selling, when I opened the door wide to do so. I could go on in more detail, but, you get the point. read more

In life, one can experience a health tragedy that can stop you in your tracks like a stroke, but then you get blessed with your team of doctors. One of my docs is Dr.Kassem. He has helped me to understand so much. He is very compassionate, understanding, and so genuine. I'm so blessed to have him on my team. read more