On April 10, 2025, I had a highly disappointing experience at Eye Associates Northwest in Edmonds, WA, with Dr. Ted Zollman. Despite some positive aspects, the overall visit was marred by significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities.
I was genuinely impressed by the scheduler's dedication. When I called to book an appointment for one doctor, the scheduler spent considerable time verifying my VSP insurance details and confirming which doctors were in-network to ensure I had no out-of-pocket costs. This level of care was exceptional, especially given I should know since twice a week or so I talk to schedulers about my numerous medical appointments each month. This level of care was exceptional, especially given my numerous medical appointments each month. I was so impressed that I shared this experience with others, as I had never encountered such a thorough scheduler before.
After my initial experience I was optimistic about how this would likely go. However, the positive impression ended there. Upon arrival I confirmed with the that I would have no out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, the appointment quickly went downhill.
I didn't realize they had sent me an email with forms to fill out prior to the visit. When I arrived, I was handed what felt like a "bible" of forms to complete. As a compliance lawyer, I found the volume of paperwork excessive, especially since it omitted critical information like potential out-of-pocket charges. This lack of transparency was frustrating and felt like more than an oversight.
The office was experiencing an internet outage, rendering their tablets and software inoperable. Despite this, they insisted on proceeding with the appointment, claiming everything would be fine. The eye exam was shockingly brief and inadequate. The technician used my old prescription, flipped through only a few (less than twenty lenses), in the exam machine, and concluded my prescription hadn't changed--all while struggling to manually record the information on paper due to the lack of digital systems. I understand the stress of dealing with an internet outage. I get it. I would lose it if I lost the internet access that largely drove the procedures at my business. Still, I wouldn't have provided this low level of service. Instead, I would have closed that day.
This is the opposite experience of prior reviews I have written about my experiences at Bella Vision Bothell and Dr. Varon at Kaiser in Pacific Center downtown Seattle who upon discovering I have an eye infection, insisting that I needed to get my infection cleared up and then come back several times for no charge to confirm my prescription is EXACTLY correct.
My interaction with Dr. Zollman lasted a mere five minutes, with no meaningful discussion or thorough evaluation. On the positive side, it was clear Dr. Zollman had read my chart before walking in. Upon his arrival, he asked me a few relevant questions. However, he spent more time outside the exam room worrying about the printer and going with the technician's suggestions entirely. I went in there knowing my prescription needed to be changed. Very sad the whole visit was a waste of money, time and energy.
To make matters worse, a month later, I received a bill for $150, which included a $50 charge for who knows what. $100 was attributed to a "contact lens fitting" that was never discussed and which I was explicitly told would by both the intake/scheduler and office manager that the office visit required no copay and fully-covered by my VSP insurance.
I called today and thought that the person who answered the phone in billing was nice, professional and easy to understand. I didn't think explaining charges that shouldn't be there was an easy job and I sympathized. She acknowledged the $50 was an error and reduced the bill to $100. This error, combined with the joke services, lack of transparency, felt deceptive and like a huge scam.
I would normally elevate this and fight it out but I am under serious orders not to stress because of my late-stage auto immune disease. Further, I just recently paid off every bill and credit card. Consequently, fighting this seemed like more hassle than it was worth.
This Eye Associates NW have most of their doctors rotating from one clinic to another throughout the week. The doctor, (a real MD,) is in the building but is completely fine allowing the technicians to insufficiently determine patients' prescriptions. This office and group of doctors of Eye Associates Northwest seems like more of a numbers game with some random upcharge rather than a real eye exam. I would not recommend. Instead you should go to your local mall/Costco eye exam place and try to get an exam within a day or two. read more