Northwest Eye Surgeons Review

I have not had my surgery yet, but will try to remember to post an update after. So far my experience has been incredible. I was referred to Dr. Cadera by a local optometrist for adult strabismus corrective surgery, repeating a procedure I had as an infant 40 years ago. By many accounts, Dr. Cadera is THE guy in the PNW for this surgery, and I feel extremely fortunate to be in his capable hands. He is also incredibly kind, patient, and happy to provide answers to all of the (many) questions I have had. VinhVy, the orthoptist with this group, is also incredibly knowledgeable with an upbeat, friendly demeanor that puts patients at ease, and Felicity, one of the surgery schedulers, is an absolute delight and wonderful to work with. This is a great group - extremely happy with my care thus far!

We love Dr. Cadera, my kids have been seen here since they were very small. The practice is conveniently located, easy parking. Staff and providers are always warm and professional. There's a coffee/beverage station and toys in the waiting room which we appreciate!

Extremely careful to follow current guidelines for social distancing.

Dr. Chin, the medical staff, and office professionals all are very welcoming, friendly, and get you taken care of in a timely manner. Medical procedures are explained very well and I know I got the very best care possible at Northwest Eye Surgeons. Thank you all.

I've been researching for a place to get the laser vision correction surgery and I came from California to get it done here, after seeing my brother go through the same procedure. We both chose SMILE eye surgery for fewer dry eye symptoms and faster healing process. The turn around for getting an appointment for the check-up to see if I am an eligible candidate and booking the surgery was quick; especially having a specific SMILE program manager, Denise who made sure I could contact her at any point during this process if I had any question was really nice. All the staff members, technicians, and nurses I've met were kind and welcoming, and I was genuinely pleased with the atmosphere and the cleanliness of the clinic. Dr. Rostov and Dr. Svanda are very professional and caring, and I'm happy that I've gotten the surgery from them. I thought that the whole procedure, ranging from picking up pre-treatment eye drops to receiving post-op treatment instructions was very well organized and thorough. Post-op, my vision was a little blurry at first, but I was able to see nearly 20/20 the following day with minimal discomfort. The period of blurriness and discomfort varied for my brother, but we both were able to perform daily tasks and go back to work the following day. It's only been a week for me, and a month for my brother and both of us are very happy with the results. I highly recommend this place for anyone who's been struggling to find the right physicians to get the SMILE lasik done.

Always happy with the excellent care provided along with the efficient work
of the desk staff and others involved with examinations.

I had a very good experience at NW Eye. Dr. Chin is a great Dr. and made me feel at ease. I didn't like waiting around for 2 hrs, I realize there is prep work prior to surgery, but it was a long wait! I had my right eye done in May and recently my left eye done. I would recommend this place and Dr. Chin.

The evaluation process was very professional and complete. I was presented with options from services offered to timeline options for the cataract surgery. I am confident about my choice of doctor and surgical center.

Very helpful from the front desk to the Nurses & Doctor.
This is where I'll have my eyes monitored and worked on if needed.

I was scared that I might lose my eye site in one eye. Everyone from the receptionist to the Dr was very kind and reassuring. The Dr took the time to explain exactly what was going on with my eye and what could be done should it get worse. I left feeling very much reassured that losing my site was not my only option.

In the past 12+ years of bringing my husband in for countless surgeries and procedures, there has NEVER been an instance when the appointment proceeded on time, NEVER. Today his surgery was scheduled for 1:40. It is now 4:40 and he has STILL NOT BEEN OPERATED ON!! If we could of quit this place, we would, and this being the last of more than twenty different procedures, we will. They have people over a barrel here. Any other business would be out of business. They need to take a good long look at their business practice because it really stinks!!

Had cataract surgery with vision correction; the doctor and staff were very professional, with rigorous procedures. The process went very quickly and was explained every step of the way. I am very happy with the results, can't wait to get the other eye done. Playing golf day after tomorrow, can't wait to enjoy my new vision!

From my vitrectomy surgery (detached retina) with Dr. Griggs to my cataract surgery with Dr. Chin, I highly recommend Northwest Eye Surgeons. Everyone is respectful and helpful throughout. Wonderful Team!!

great service and great doctors...easy place to do business with

Amazing staff, very professional, courteous, and impressive care. It is however obvious how sought after there Dr's are. They wait times even after having an appointment were pretty long. Expect top quality professional care, staff, and Dr's with a great deal of knowledge and bedside manner. You'll just have to wait for it.

This place is a class act. Everyone is friendly and helpful, and it runs like a well-oiled Swiss clock.

Had longer than expected wait times. 30 minutes after checking in and 45 minutes before seeing the surgeon. Tech staff were excellent

I am extremely pleased with this practice. Both cataract surgery and maintenance for eye troubles are handled well.

This was my third visit to Northwest . First two with one doctor who was absolutely awesome, but Im had to change for this appointment. My new Doctor (Dr Keppol) was very good. She was helpful in letting me know what was going to happen the next few years (nothing!!!) and helped me find a new place to get classes. She was much more businesslike than my previous but this is not a negative. She let me know what was happening to my eye and that it was not going to, get better and that is what Needed to know. I would go back there in a heartbeat!!!!

Great work professional good hard-working people to help you

Wonderful service from Vinhvy Nguyen, expert in strabismus treatment!

Everything went well--and I appreciate the doctors listening to what I had to say.

My surgery with Dr. Cadera was a success! Staff is great, appointments are handled punctually and the coffee's good. No complaints!

Too expensive. I was referred here by my ophthalmologist to get a consultation for PRK for my keratoconus since he said that the FDA had recently (at the time) approved it and so it should now be covered by insurance. His office made the appointment for me and forwarded my medical info. While there, to my surprise, I was given a complete eye exam and topography scan. I should've known to ask, but I assumed they saw my records (maybe they didn't), so they must not have been satisfied or always do their own exams. When Dr. Rostov finally came in, it was a 5-minute conversation to tell me that PRK is not covered by insurance yet, and that she recommends doing a corneal transplant and went on to explain how good she is. As it turns out, I can't afford the non-covered portion, and I still have 1 good eye, so I declined. After discussing with my ophthalmologist, he agrees I don't need surgery yet. The whole visit cost me about $450 which my insurance wouldn't cover, and she didn't need to give me an exam to suggest surgery when she could've reviewed my file. What a colossal waste of time and money. I guess that's the business of doctors referring to each other so they can continue to receive business from each other. I had a feeling that if I go through with the surgery, I would be in for more for financial surprises like another reviewer experienced. I'm glad I was able to stay away after horrible first impression.

We were seen quickly and efficiently. The providers were knowledgeable and worked well with my three year old son. Would definitely recommend.

I have had the crosslinking done and have had a cornea transplant. Dr Rostov has been my surgeon through both procedures and has done a fantastic job!!! The staff at the seattle facility has been great to work with as well. I have already recommended NW Eye Surgeons to several people that I come in contact with that have have eye problems and will continue to do so.

Double booked me so I had to wait around for over an hour, the procedure was great, though, and the doctors are helpful and informative.

This review is for the surgical team at Northwest Eye Surgeons
I had an appointment on 9/3 to prep for eye surgery. I was told that within a week someone would call me to schedule the surgery.
9/10 rolls around - No one called me
9/11 - I follow up, I am told that someone will call me either 9/12 or 9/14 (due to weekend)
9/12: No one calls me
9/14: No one calls me
9/15: I follow up, i am told someone will call me tomorrow
9/16: the wrong doctor's office calls me, so I follow up again, and they say that the right doctor's admin scheduler is out of office so they will call me tomorrow.
9/17: No one calls me, I follow up again, they tell me someone will call me tomorrow. (mind you every time I am unbelievably nice, EVERY TIME, I don't yell, I am just expressing some frustration).
9/18: No one calls me
9/21: No one calls me, escalation submitted again.
9/22: No one calls me, I follow up a few times that day - and am told that someone will call me either that same day or by end of the following day.
9/23: Guess what - no surprise no one calls me. I followed up again - and AGAIN I am told that someone will call me tomorrow. I just don't believe it anymore. I ask for a reference to a different hospital because it seems that they are busy, and I get put on hold after which the call drops (and no surprise no one calls me back)
The office is obviously either extremely busy or they have a broken process where you cannot reach them to accomplish what should be an extremely banal task. No communication what so ever!

My recent appointments with Dr. Booker and Dr. Griggs were extremely informative. They were knowledgeable as to my problems and concerns. The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Both my eye doctors are awesome. I have been getting the same eye treatment since 2012. Theses doctors are kind and considerate. I will recommend these two to all my friends and family.
P.S I wish the billing department would get better too. The bills are so hard to understand! I have called them several times. But they are very rude!

the office staff - the nursing staff and the doctors here are absolutely awesome people! there aren't enough words to fully express my thoughts and feelings - just a wonderful place and very caring and understanding with the fears of eye surgery!

The quality and care of the doctors and associates is top drawer

Northwest eye and Dr jones are the best. Kind, caring and efficient.

I had been fighting overly watery eyes! Pools of water from my eyes would flow down my face. I also noticed that my eyesight was growing worse especially in my left eye. Very red! But never hurt or itched. I had visit several different eye doctors with in a year. When my work schedule permitted! I was starting to get freaked out because I knew I was losing my eyesight!!! A very long story short version.... one doctor sent me to another doctor and another etc...then I ended with Dr Svanda!

She was amazing! Explained things in layman terms! Have to laugh after saying that! Because as she was looking in my eyes she would verbally tell her assistant who was typing it all down! And I am thinking... wholly cow!!! I wonder what that all means?!!
Well after about a month and a half of eye drops and all ! I can see again!!!! It s amazing!!!! And my eyes don t pool up and over!!! And!!!!.... I can actually wear makeup again!!!! Thank you so very much for everything!!!!!

Scheduling, prioritizing and urgent care needs to be addressed big time. 6 months no resolve

I suffered a sudden rerinal detachment while traveling in Hong Kong. Dr. Griggs and the team arranged the soonest medical appointment and treatment, fitting with flight schedule from HK to Seattle.

This is a beautiful office full of all the latest technology and amenities. The staff were all helpful and friendly. It really one of the fanciest doctor's offices I have ever been too.

Great care was taken by staff to ensure cleanliness during Covid-19 pandemic. Technicians were efficient, and very polite. Dr. Jones gave me all the time and attention I needed for an enjoyable experience. I have been a patient at this facility for 35 years.

I came to Yelp to see if others experienced similar issues to me, and it seems as though many are experiencing billing issues with Northwest Eye Surgeons. I had been seeing a doctor at this clinic for several years for a chronic eye condition when I was told he was leaving and they were moving me to another doctor. I was disappointed to be switching doctors, but happy they had solved the problem, and service for my condition would not be interrupted.

However, I then received a bill stating that the doctor they had assigned me to was out of network. After two appointments the doctor was then switched to in network, indicating they had realized a problem in their internal coding. I was not informed of the issue until I had attended 4 appointments, 2 in network and 2 out. For the same doctor, within one months time. I imagine many patients faced this same issue as many were switched to this same doctor. This is clearly a mistake made by the office, and they are unwilling to make it right.

Northwest Eye Surgeons has an offsite billing company handling these issues. These appointments occurred last November, and have not been solved. 3-4 case have been opened, multiple calls to insurance, and I have had to call this 3rd party billing service at least 10 times. I have received no communication from Northwest Eye Surgeons. After each case is closed, I received an aggressive bill in the mail, not a phone call to explain.

There are many eye doctors in Seattle. Don't risk having to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket by coming here.

Very caring and friendly staff. I d like to specially thank Doctor Bruce D.Cameron, Doctor Joshua M.Clermont helping to improve my vision. The care and concern that you have for your patients is excellent...
THANK YOU SO MUCH

Excellent service from checkin to the actual appointment. Auto computerized checkin was very efficient. Staff takes excellent precautions for Covid 19 (social distancing, temperature taking, face mask, etc..).
Physician was very knowledgeable and professional...

I'm a patient of Dr. Griggs. I've been impressed by the efficiency of NW Eye Surgeons, and by Dr. Griggs' decisiveness and confidence, but also his honesty about my situation, what we know, and what we don't. I had been working with another vitreo-retinal specialist and was unsatisfied with the communication and the lack of concern for the burdens imposed by surgical treatments and recovery. The only reason I gave four stars instead of five is that it will be another few months before we know the outcome of my latest surgery.

Dr. Susan HOKI was an excellent cataract surgeon.. brilliant ..conscientious..and calm. She is also an excellent listener and kind. Yale and Harvard aside ..it was her overall approach to patient care that matters the most... Dr Ali Mainayar was efficient in following up and Rondi and the front desk.
FIVE STAR FOR DRS AND PERSONNEL AT RENTON AND the NORTHGATE Flagship office. Werner CADERA is very careful with strabismus challenges and his competent associates.

However over a TWO year period the call system is challenging being on hold for an average of 25 to 40 minutes the last time being hung up on. Called 12 times over two years and that was before the merger I believe.

Sad because medical people are excellent.

If you are in doubt about the surgery or doctors...don't be. I had my eyes straightened in May and very happy about the results. Dr. Cadera and his staff put me at ease on the day of surgery and I relaxed because I knew I was in good hands. The nurses were so friendly and caring. I am a senior...and have 20 20 vision now. I have never in my life had 20 20 vision. I do not wear glasses except to read. Dr. Nguyen, CO (certified orthoptist) is friendly and answers all your questions. She is my doctor for visits after surgery. If I were the person reading this...trust these doctors and get the surgery.

Over the years eye have worked with a variety of savants, aspergers and differently abled perfectionists. Although eye was under a general anesthesia (so not privy to O.R. banter) I felt that eye was in good hands. With a bottle of pain pills and a rapidly recovering retina, eye feel good , save a case of all day hiccups. Eye would have liked to receive the follow up call that eye was promised. So if eye don't encounter any of the billing snafus reported here in other posts...maybe 5 stars ?
Ok I've up graded to five stars, if you dig Commander Data you'll dig Dr Griggs... Respect.

Dr. Victor Chin is very informative doctor. He has let me know all the information I need to know for a complicated cataract surgery coming up. I thoroughly am impressed with his mannerism and thoroughness on what is about to take place. Will post outcome of my surgery later.

Dr. Lange is an excellent and dependable doctor. Although my hemorrhoids case is very complicated she never told me to give up and always to offer her best advise to help me.

Always happy with the service at Northwest Eye Surgeons they know what they are doing when it comes to eye care.

Five Stars all the way! They did incredible with my 3 year old!

Husband had an appointment with Dr. Rostov on October 3, and it was determined that he needs surgery in both eyes. They sent us home, asking us to confirm the procedures were covered by our insurance, which we did the very same day, within hours of leaving their office. We were told that someone would call to schedule his surgeries, but no one has called. We have called multiple times, emailed through the website each time we are told that someone would call back but still nothing. We were trying to get this completed before our insurance changes at the end of the year so he doesn t have to start the process all over again, but it s looking like NW Eye Surgeons doesn t care. Got us in a box because there are no other surgeons in Western WA who can help my husband. So unprofessional that I m not sure I m okay with these people touching my husband, let alone surgery. Frustration level=Extreme.

All the staff is very friendly and helpful. I especially liked the gal who tested my eyes on Tuesday. She's very encouraging, and made me feel very comfortable.

Wish the front desk greeted patients in a warmer manner, but the staff and doctor was amazing. The quality of care and services was so impressive. Thank you so much!

I was very pleased with all aspects of my eye surgery .

Last year it was cataracts and vision enhancement. This year it was a small bleeding retinal tear. I thought this latest problem was an infection, "cooties" I said to the person who answered the phone. After asking a number of pertinent questions, the individual scheduled me to see the retinal team, which turned out to be the correct placement and may have kept me from a detached retina! They diagnosed the issue, got insurance approval, and put a barrier on the tear right then and there. Two hours total time. They all, receptionists to doctors, are very helpful and knowledgeable. And they run their appointments on time to boot! I recommend them unequivocally.

Mostly positive. We did have to wait a long time though.

I've been very happy with the care I received from Dr Bucher over the past couple of years. Professional, thorough, and yet friendly. The administrative staff I've interacted with have generally been helpful. I've often had to wait a few minutes after my appointment time to be seen, but not enough to complain about. Overall, very good.

In 2019, I had Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in both eyes. RLE is an optional surgery to improve vision; like a cataract surgery, only I did not have cataracts. RLE was the only option for me due to a high astigmatism and extremely poor vision, making laser treatment not possible. Now four months after the last surgery, I no longer need contacts or glasses, which I wore all the time since age five. One eye is set for reading and the other for distance.
I rate the entire process over TEN stars including Dr. Bruce Cameron/surgeon, Dr. Clermont, and Jan/scheduler. My eyes were getting so dry that I could not comfortably wear contacts from dawn to night any longer. I still have dry eye and use ointment at night and drops during the day; but the number of drops daily is now close to zero. All the surgeries were quick and painless. I will not get cataracts later in life due to having the RLE surgery.
The office was unbelievable in how they worked in my surgeries and routine follow up appointments around my busy schedule. One eye did not have the expected result so the surgery was done again, this time successfully. I had seen Dr. Cameron for an optic nerve drusen in 2013. I had the highest opinion of this practice due to the prior annual visits.
I still wake up and reach for my glasses only to remember that I don t need them anymore. Although elective surgery comes with the risk of unintended consequences, the decision to move forward with my dream of vision without glasses was a winner!

Dr Chin, treated me for pre Glaucoma and did my right eye cataract. I can see without glasses now for distance and reading. Dr Clermont has been following my pre Glaucoma and says I am doing really well. The staff at NW Eye Surgeons is courteous and very professional and most of all right now they highly follow all Covid protocols.

Very thorough and pickup up something that was not what the appointment was about. They also follow though very well, not only with me, but also any other medical sources I am using.

Terrible receptionist service. Super slow and rude ladies. I d rather stay blind

Excellent Doctors. The care is always impeccable and with the pandemic they have some of the best preventive precautions I have seen anywhere.

The best eye care medical facility I have ever been to. Also, my husband, an M.D. on the University of Washington medical faculty, damaged his iris in a fall and he would only have the repair surgery done here, at Northwest Eye Surgeons. Thorough, great communicators, knowledgable, very attentive to Covid safety. The highest recommendation.

Check in time was great, fast and professional. Got into the exam exactly on time. Then came the problem. I was directed to the waiting area to see a scheduler and told it would be 20 or 25 minutes tops. Now, after sitting over 1.5 hours and seeing people who came after me go in, I still have not been seen. Pretty abysmal service.

Very caring doctor. Explaining my situation clearly and offering solution to my problem. Also, stating what should follow in a comforting way.

Staff is nice, accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. They always have seemed to try and treat me as a person not just a number even in the midst of the pandemic and when they have been extremely busy before that.

Easy to get to, friendly reception, and great lobby coffee.

Very caring and friendly staff. I d like to specially thank Doctor Victor M.Chin, MD- Doctor Joshua M.Clermont, OD- Doctor Bruce D.Cameron,MD for helping improve my vision. The care and concern that you have for your patients is the top notch.
THANK YOU

How impressed I was with the number of medical experts all in one place! When it was found out that I had macular degeneration while I was being assessed for cataract surgery, an emergency appointment to assess my condition was made for the next morning with an expert in macular degeneration. After his diagnosis, he immediately began treatment with an eye injection and then I was scheduled for follow up appointments. All-in-all, I saw four doctors and many more support staff. The equipment was state of the art and the tech staff I encountered knew exactly what they were doing.

Doctors are great. Also their friendly assistants are really good and they answered all my questions and concerns. Front desk staff need to be more friendly or at least have a little smile on their faces.

very professional and generally very efficient in taking care of their patients expeditiously while complying to all recent changes due to COVID-19.

I have mixed feelings...sometimes I feel heard and attended to as a patient and sometimes not. My last visit was really great. I know everyone has their days and no one is perfect, but they made a big scheduling mistake for my surgery that is hard to come back from but they are!

NW Eye Surgeons are wonderful. Their checkin and out process is easy and their waiting room is comfortable! Not to mention staff are polite and doctors fantastic!

Everyone at this office were friendly and very courteous. I was impressed by the high level of professionalism by both the doctor and his staff.

Top notch operation. Probably some of the best professionals you will find anywhere. And excellent "bedside" manner as well. Highly recomend it.

They are very Covid-19 safety protocol conscious and follow them explicitly.
They are also a very good eye clinic.

Dr. Griggs, Dr. Lee, and their staff are wonderful, specifically Jordan and LJ. They make an uncomfortable experience (Avastin shots) as comfortable as possible. I won't go anywhere else for treatment.

Very thorough, friendly staff, doctors answered all my questions and concerns. The surgery went smoothly and quickly. Post op appointments were on time and showed the same professionalism from everyone I saw. I would highly recommend NW Eye Surgeons for cataract surgery.

This is Cataract surgery on my left ear. The right eye was done a month ago.
I've had no problems or gripes about them. Everything went according to plan:)

What a great place, they have a fantastic process for keeping everybody safe from the virus. Dr. Rostov and Dr. Caderra, and staff have been taking care of my son for years for his keratoconus and stopped the progression with the amazing cross-linking procedure.

Dr Caderra is also caring for my son and performed surgery on both of his eyes. Turned out great. The experience is always positive with him, and his staff as well. Surgery went swimmingly well.

Love NW Eye Surgeons.

Very good procedures in place for Covid 19 and very helpful and friendly.

Very professional operation. Scheduler, nurses, and doctors are nice and friendly, and keep patients well informed.

the entire staff is very professional & inviting. it feels like you're the only person around to take care of.

Professional staff. The nurses are helpful and caring. Dr. Chin, surgeon, is skillful, personal, and professional. I've had two cataract surgeries, and both have been without flaw. If I had a third eye that needed surgery, this is where I would go, again.

Outstanding 'Team'. Very Professional and People Oriented. Simply a 'Pleasure' to work with.

I waited for five years before finally committing to laser refractive eye surgery. I was told years ago I was an ideal candidate. Finally, my new optometrist told me about the new hotness: SMILE. Same vision outcomes, way less invasive, faster healing times. Sounded amazing but I was still pretty freaked out. Meeting with my rep at Northwest Eye Surgeons during my screening to verify I was in fact a good candidate helped me finally make a decision and get the procedure scheduled. As I type this it has been less than 24 hours post op. The nurses were lovely, the doctor was lovely, and my reps and other doctor for my post op checkup were all lovely as well. It might have been challenging for me to decide to do this, but I am so glad I did! I already have blurry 20/20 in both eyes less than a day later! Can't wait to see what I end up with in a week or so. Thank you so much everyone who worked with and made this experience less scary! You rock!!!

This place has a great knowledgeable staff. But they take forever. I have a full time job and waiting for an hour after my appointment time to me is just unacceptable. If you have the time then they are great.

I was very impressed at how well the whole process went. The staff were all very well trained, 100% attentive and extremely effective. So was Dr. Chin. I was awake the whole time, no pain and the surgery only took about 10 minutes. The aftercare was just as good. I highly recommend NW Eye Surgeons. Arnie Tucker

Dr. Werner Cadera is very professional and his manner very straightforward and confident. Having steered clear of surgical procedures my entire life, I had many reservations about this procedure. In restrospect, I am very thankful for the Doctor and staff's attention and care. The results exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with. My initial impression from the onset was the appearance that the clinic itself was hectic, judging by the many people coming and going in all directions. I suppose it's like a great restaurant or establishment, always busy!
Again, my expectations were not only met but exceeded, and I am grateful for the excellent expertise and care from Dr. Werner Cadera.