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 love the new calm look of the Retina waiting rooms, it goes well with the well timed system of…read moregetting through the check in and patient treatment and next appointment made in a reasonable time barring emergencies, which aren't often. Dr De Reuter is an excellent Doctor for us both. Very patient, answers our questions in a way we understand. Getting eye injections isn't easy so we appreciate his patience and compassion. We highly recommend him if anyone is looking for a doctor that is really top notch.

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.

Wow, first time there, definitely going to continue. I had some flashes in my right eye and went to…read morethe ER. They said they didn't see anything but said go to an optometrist for a dilated exam. I didn't much like my old optician, so I called these folks. They got me right in, were nice, did a comprehensive exam, and explained everything. Luckily, it wasn't anything dire. I made annual appointments for both my wife and myself.

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.

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.

Everything needs to improve. First, the dr needs to clear off his arrogance and eat some humble…read morepie. In addition to that, that office administration/ system has ti be better organized. They are never clear about all the details in the process. You never receive any written paperwork probably si if a situation does not come thru as told, there is no way to prove it. I felt they mislead you so you make assumptions on your part and again are unaware of actual treatment. They are like a car salesman running you thru to arrange surgery appts fast with vague data about your insurance coverage which is not accurate. It's impossible to contact them to change appointment dates. Some staff you deal with, like scheduling, don't have a phone extension or email. Most dr offices today, big or dnalk, have online portals to provide reports of your visits, what you need to do to prepare first your visut; you can leaves ?s and messages and billing is there as well. Why don't they havevthe $ to spendcon this? No, they claim all this cgarity work they fi just so they can write that off of their taxes worn they don't provide a decent service fur paying clients. I am livid abd recommend going to another dr.

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!

Dr. Fung and his entire team at Eye Associates Northwest have my deepest appreciation. He diagnosed…read morea retinal detachment and arranged to do an early surgery for me the next morning. Since then, my anxiety over the recovery has led me to several phone calls and office visits. They have all been VERY responsive and patient. I can't say enough about Dr. Fung as a surgeon and as a follow-up doctor. That goes for his team, too!

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