PACIFIC NORTHWEST EYE SURGERY CENTER

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Vivian Smiley

I go there for my glaucoma and other eye issues. Dr. Joseph Pham is the best and doggone best around, I highly recommend any doctor in this practice. A shout out to their newest Dr. Jasmine Garrison!

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Cindy Thrasher

I have cataract surgery on both eyes, as well as YAG laser CAPSULOTOMY. Dr. Patel and his team are professional and experienced. They did an excellent job. I can see better than ever. A great place for my eye health. I highly recommend Pacific Northwest Eye.

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Leslie G

Soley based on first impression... I wanted to run out of this place. The entry and lobby are filthy! Stains all over the carpets and dirty windows. Also hard selling upgrade to procedure! My husband is confident in the doctor so I guess he's going to go through with his surgery but I would never go there.

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Joe Dunlap

Had two excellent visits for laser eye surgery (one eye each trip). The nurses, attendants, and receptionist were very good, caring and attentive. Dr. Pham was very considerate and competent. Nothing but high praise for all personnel and the procedures.

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Bill B

Our experience with Pacific Northwest Eye Associates (PNEA) in Tacoma, WA, has been disappointing. My wife and I require cataract surgery. At 76, we take our eye health seriously. Before scheduling our first visit in December 2024, we carefully researched local cataract surgery options and Dr. Niraj Patel. We selected Dr. Patel based on his experience.The process to secure that initial appointment took two months. We believe Dr. Patel is a skilled ophthalmologist and surgeon. That said, we both felt pressured at the first exam with him to opt for the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), a $4,500 per-eye ($9,000 total) upgrade not covered by Medicare or our secondary insurance. The clinic prominently promotes this option, which likely benefits its revenue. Despite our optometrists advising against a replacement lens other than “standard,” we briefly considered it due to the strong recommendation. This raises concerns about whether other elderly patients might feel similarly pressured. Anyone considering this clinic should thoroughly research the LAL option and discuss it with their optometrist or primary care provider before making a decision. After our exams, we met with the “scheduling coordinator” for Dr. Patel’s surgeries. We were informed that due to a backlog, surgery dates would be significantly delayed. We accepted this reality and continued the process. However, communication with the clinic was frustratingly difficult. Getting answers required showing up in person and hoping someone could assist us. Scheduling changes were nearly impossible without being pushed months further down the waitlist. Even urgent non-elective medical issues did not seem to influence scheduling flexibility. Patients should be aware of these limitations before committing to the required exam process. This is a business in search of large patient volume and the bottom line. After nearly three months of waiting, we have canceled all future appointments with PNEA. It is too frustrating. Based on our experience, we would not recommend this clinic. Patients should carefully research not only the procedure itself but other local Opthalmology clinic choices, the clinic’s billing practices, scheduling and communication policies. We hope others have a smoother experience than we did.