I didn't see it coming. Years ago, kids would say, "Cross my fingers and hope to die, stick a…read moreneedle in my eye" when they wanted to prove they were telling the absolute so-help-me-God truth. But I never thought I'd be crossing my fingers, hoping I won't go blind and telling a surgeon to go ahead and stick a needle in my eye. At least that's what reattaching a detached retina initially sounded like to me. Boy, was I wrong! It all a started with something creeping into the bottom of my right eye, like maybe a small animal running past me down low. I mistook it as an early "floater," signaling the need some day in the future for cataract surgery. But it grew like a rising moon, blocking a third of my right-eye vision, then about half, then three-quarters. If I had gone earlier to my ophthalmologist, I might have had a relatively quick laser fix but, instead, I squirted some Visine eye drops in hopes it would somehow magically clear my vision. A speedy trip to my ophthalmologist would have been a better choice because it is considered an "emergent " problem that merits immediate attention. I waited a little too long but I got in touch with my ophthalmologist at Cascadia Eye in Stanwood who suggested regional eye specialists at Pacific Northwest Retina with clinics in Bellevue, Bellingham, Burlington that specialize in these types of surgeries. They performed laser surgery in Bellevue on the very same day as multiple clinic team assessments were made in Bellingham. The travel from one to the other was well worth it. All doctors and staff were very pleasant, very talented, fun to be with, and very efficient to process and complete the surgery without waiting. The technology is amazing and more than I can wrap my brain around but, as I understand it, the surgeon put my torn retina back in it's place and held it where it belongs with a temporary gas bubble holding it there, then fastened it with laser flashes -- done with partial anesthesia and zero discomfort. The commonly used short acting gas Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) expands mildly then slowly shrinks 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Like most unexpected challenges in life, the recovery process is a good opportunity for "time-out" soul searching, life review "insights", meditation, playing calming music and listening to upbeat audible books. Some people prop up a mirror on the floor to watch television from a rented $200-$400 per week ergonomically designed face-down chair. I used rolled up quilts and pillows to do pretty much the same thing in my recliner chair. You will appreciate a patient partner, like my professional retired wife Julie, who keeps an eye out for you, so to speak, and squirts eye drops several times a day for the next four weeks. Keeping the gas bubble pressed against your retina is the key to a positive outcome. That process may arguably be the most difficult part -- sitting face down looking at your feet, elbows on kneels and hands holding your head up makes you look like a worn out old patient in crisis with a headache but it really is the vital key to restoring sight and gives some comfort too. When walking around, you will need to stoop over a little bit, head down "nose to toes." This regimen is necessary 90 percent of the time for at least three days with only a few catnaps likely. I spent the nights sitting in a recliner, bent over a thick rolled-up quilt face down on pillows stacked on my knees. (Oddly enough, the only discomfort was neck and back pain similar to whiplash due to the constant downward position.) Similarly, sitting in a chair face down on a pillow at the edge of a dining room or folding table works too. After three days face down you graduate to gathering pillows and blankets for a living room campout, sleeping upright in a recliner for about a week. As the healing process continues with a few headaches and tears, it's a bit like walking with one eye submerged in a swimming pool as the bubble very slowly oozes down a little bit more day by day. Before you know it the bubble recedes and your vision returns to varying levels. Each patient's outcome is said to be slightly different. But oh so better than losing sight in an eye.

I had an appointment here recently, and they made some mistakes when scheduling it (didn't read the…read morechart notes clearly enough), but that's not the basis of this review. While I was in the exam room, I could clearly hear the entire conversation in the exam room next door, where a doctor was speaking extremely condescendingly toward a patient to whom he was giving bad news and advising immediate treatment. The woman seemed to speak english as a second language, and was struggling to process what he was telling her (and was probably just stunned to need a procedure on her eye). I could hear the doctor speak really demeaningly toward her, minimizing her distress and borderline insulting her intelligence when she asked clarifying questions. The lack of auditory privacy aside, there's no excuse for a medical provider to speak to a patient this way. I don't know who the doctor was, but be forewarned when visiting this location.

I was referred as I needed a retina specialist and I had some anxiety but was soon put to ease by…read morethe caring staff, I then met with Dr. Hsu who was patient with my many questions and explained my diagnosis and treatment plans easily.

I've seen multiple doctors at this location, and each visit has been professional, timely, and…read morehelpful.

Good service, terrible glasses…read more Use of anything but Bellevue Vision clinic's "special" cleaning fluid ruins the lens due to the fact that they are made from cheap plastic. (Note cleaner used has worked fine with every other pair of glasses ever owned). Also opted for the add-on of magnetic pop on/off sunglasses. They are convenient, but the magnets are well within the field of vision. When complained about the issue was told there was nothing to do but perhaps let the manufacturer know. Finally, despite several visits for re-adjustments they still fit poorly. Back to old glasses. Waste of time and money. If you proceed anyway: Be VERY careful on your selection and stock up on the "magic" cleaner.

My experience with Dr. Clayton was nothing short of amazing. He's knowledgeable, personable, and…read morethorough. He took the right amount of time to answer all my questions. Since I hadn't been to the eye doctor in about 6 years, he made the experience comfortable and carefree. I'll be back next year or sooner if any matter of eye health comes up.

I have been told by Gilbert that I needed YAG, so I did. Since this Yag surgery didn't get good…read moreresult for my eye. Now I have floating bodies for several months which causes hindrance on my reading and reading on computer and also cause blurriness. It was much better before of this laser treatment.

I'm writing a review on behalf of my 80 year old mother-in-law, who was utterly flabbergasted by…read morehow rude Dr. Gilbert was to her. I believe such behavior was completely uncalled for as my MIL is the most docile, respectful, and compliant patient one could ever be. She is supposed to make a follow up appointment but is extremely reluctant to experience the same kind of obnoxious treatment a second time. Unfortunately, she did not read any reviews before seeing him for the first time. Dr. Gilbert should not remain in the business of seeing patients if he cannot treat them with kindness and compassion.

Everybody here is super nice. Got me in same day when I had an emergency. Staff is great. I…read morewill continue to go there

Unprofessional front desk: Is it really okay for an employee with a loud voice and lack of self…read morerestraint to converse right in front of waiting room patients about another patient being a "type A personality" and similar unnecessary comments, singing along with the radio, and cussing when she makes a computer error? Unbelievable how this poorly-raised, poorly trained person feels comfortable being so boisterous in front of patients before their procedures.

I was incredibly fortunate to find Dr. Kenneth Fung. I was seen within 15 minutes of calling his…read moreoffice with an urgent concern on a Friday afternoon. Dr. Fung treated and explained my condition in detail, prognosis and lifestyle adjustments while healing. He even gave me information for a referral to a specialist in my area. His staff was friendly, professional and efficient, as well! I left Eye Associates NW with full confidence of recovery and an understanding of the next steps to ensure success in preserving my sight. Thank you so much!

Not an easy building to find if you've never been there before so please get familiar with parking…read morebefore your appointment because they don't care why you're past the 15 minute grace period. Granted I understand I was past the grace period by one minute, but the self check-in is not easy to figure out when nobody acknowledges when you arrive. Also when I set my appointment and was asked for my insurance information, I gave it to them then was put on hold for 15 minutes. I'm sure the doctors are fine but the people who work for this place are pretty out of touch. If you can find a different clinic to visit, I suggest doing so.

I whole-heartily recommend Dr. Michael Rizen, MD. He is the best Ophthalmologist I've come across…read morein my 76 years of life. Dr. Rizen fixed my eye-sight that was quickly disappearing by performing cataract surgery on both eyes, and he continues to care for my vision on follow-up check-ups. I kid you not, if you want an expert eye-doctor, there is no better choice than Dr. Rizen practicing ophthalmology in Bellevue, WA. My eye-sight has been expertly restored, and I am publicly thanking Dr. Michael Rizen for his professionalism, expertise, and friendly manner. Dr. Rizen, you gave me my eye-sight back and I personally thank you. Benjamin Marquez