I've been a patient of NW Eye Surgeons in Renton for over 7 years; everything used to be great. However, after the doctor I was seeing, Alana Curatola, left for maternity leave and decided not to return, the level of care has plummeted, and my last 2 visits have been subpar at best! Michael Wong was good, and we began to discuss the need for cataract surgery. Unfortunately, the first time I consulted with the surgeon, Dr Huang, last year, she was pressuring me to have glaucoma surgery and not cataract surgery, saying to me that the cataract surgery could make my glaucoma worse! After I advised her that I was not prepared to do that but wanted info on cataract surgery, she became dismissive. I chalked that up to her being a surgeon, so I went back last Wednesday to discuss it further. This time was worse. Once she realized we'd met before, she became dismissive and talked over me as I tried to ask questions! I finally had to say, "You're not allowing me to ask you any questions". I felt that her general attitude was, "If you won't take my advice and have the glaucoma surgery, I will not educate you by answering your questions". By educating myself, I've learned that the surgery does not guarantee better eyesight or fewer eyedrops; why was she pushing for it? As she rushed me through the appointment, she didn't even review where she would like to see my pressure.
She actually said to me, "Well, some people have the attitude of, My eyesight is what it is, and I'm ok with that." Implying that I'm ok with going blind! I assured her that I did not fall into that category. She wanted me to decide to have glaucoma surgery on the spot, asking me, "So what do you want to do"? I advised her that I would be getting a second opinion. She was obviously annoyed that I would question her. She was ending the appointment by suggesting other glaucoma specialists for my second opinion. The nail in the coffin for me was when I had to ASK for a follow-up and to be scheduled for the visual field exam that SHE said was overdue! WOW. It's sad to leave, but I don't feel that my eyesight is important to them, so I will be researching other clinics. read more