Dr Bird and the team there are really good to work with. We have been going there for over 15 years for our yearly eye exam. Have bought some really cool glasses there from time to time. Though like most quality retail optometrist, the frames are a bit expensive, but the glass they use has been outstanding and they have been really good at making glasses for me that are for a specific purpose and focus range. Last progressive lenses were really nice compared to some of the more budget shops out there. Well worth it. read more

Very grateful to Callen and Vision Northwest. Callen saved me big time right before a trip and got me set up with some contacts last minute. I ended up previously buying Lens from another supplier that ended up not coming on time right before a big trip. Love where this place located and I found out through Callen that might lens were cheaper than ones I purchased online! Hard to find this level of customer service in Seattle anymore. Thank you again Callen, you're a lifesaver. read more

Nice staff. Nice doctor. Good selection of frames. I really appreciated that the doctor took the time to explain the different options I have, and even gave me some trial lenses to see which I liked best. There was no sales pressure either! read more

I traveled to WA from CA and forgot my contacts. I called visions Northwest and Maritza was able to get me a pair of trial contacts close enough to my prescription so I could actually enjoy my trip and SEE Seattle. Thank you to Visions Northwest & especially Maritza. read more

Honestly I had such a great experience with Dr. Bird and his staff. Getting an appointment was super quick and easy despite COVID. Got one within 3 days. The please is really easy to find, too. It's a small, quiet shop with tons of sanitation equipment and signage. I was immediately greeted by the receptionist who was really kind and helped me with my paperwork. While I was filling that out he took my old prescription and did whatever they do in the office with them. When he gave them back he had cleaned the lenses and tightened the screws for me which was really sweet! The exam itself was routine. Dr. Bird was really nice and has great bedside manner! I've worn glasses since I was in the 2nd grade so suffice to say this isn't my first rodeo. I'll spare the melodrama of the exam itself but Dr. Bird was nice to chat with overall. He offered me a new type of contacts that I had never heard before. Sent me home with a trial pair to see how I'd do before we finalize the prescription which is exciting! Oh and I got free contact solution! Made some jokes, got my prescription, paid my copay and was out of there. Didn't feel pressured to buy a pair of frames in store or contacts on the spot for that matter which I really appreciated. Whole thing took maybe 45 minutes. Got home before sunset. All in a day's work. Yay! read more

I called ahead and confirmed that they cover Davis Vision insurance, which provides free frames and lenses in their collection. Only after I get the exam, they try to tell me that it only covers a $70 discount. I dispute this with a coverage paper from the insurance at which point they call Davis for about 20 minutes or so to clear things up. The clerk then tells me it only provides a $160 discount on just the Ray-Ban brand frames (which would be several hundred dollars more out of pocket). I decide to get my frames elsewhere and ask for my prescription, which they intentionally leave the PD value out and ask for a $30 fee to get (I have had three previous eye doctors give me that number with no hassle). When I get home, I call Davis and they tell me that that Visions Northwest does not carry the Davis qualified glasses at all, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO KNOW WHEN I CALLED VISIONS NORTHWEST AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE INNETWORK! Needless to say I won't be going back and I urge others to steer clear, especially if they have Davis insurance. read more

The staff is really nice and Maritza especially went out of her way to understand the style I was looking for and order glasses that might fit. I never felt pressure to purchase what they ordered though I ultimately did find a pair I like and purchased them. The team also did an awesome job processing my payments quickly before my benefits ran out, so I could get coverage. Best customer service of any opticians I have ever met :) read more

I was just seen last week, and I let them know I was running a bit late (I was about 3 minutes late). Over text, the admin told me if I was later than 10 minutes they would need to reschedule because they are busy and running behind (provider canceled on me a week or two prior and I was asked to reschedule). Then on my arrival, I was asked to fill out paperwork and told me again they were busy and if I did not get done with the paperwork that I could do it later. I felt like I was rushed. Then when I saw the provider, they also reiterated to me that they were busy. I had never done dilation, and was considering to do it, and then the provider said we are busy you can do it free of charge at another visit. But I did not want another visit, to take more time off from work. I said please do it today, which she did. From the start of my visit, I was told at least three times they were busy, and to move along. I just felt really rushed. I understand this is a business and we all need to make ends meet, but this is not the type of environment I want to be in to come for a preventative routine eye exam. I come to make sure my eyes are doing well, ask questions as they arise, and learn how to better care for my eyes. It is not the patients problem that the practice is busy. Provider/Practice should manage their time better, or don't book patients so close together (or come up with other solutions). No need to take the problem on your patients. If you are busy keep it to yourself, not on your patients and making them hurry. The provider I saw did a great job overall, just the overall environment was not welcoming. I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

Hi! Dr Bird is easy going and not in a rush. He takes one patient at a time and carefully goes over medical information in a way that is easy to understand. The reception team reminders are great since I need reminding The Opticians who fit the glasses are awesome and fun to try on glasses with. I broke my glasses, it was completely my fault, but they replaced them for free with the plan I had on them. Over all awesome! Thanks MaryMac Dahlke read more

Awesome staff and doctor. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. Great collection of frames as well.

The doctor was very knowledgeable. Very professional. Also the staff very patient and was involved and help so much with the glasses. We did not receive an itemized statement of our purchase showing the insurance deductibles that applied to each item. If so it would've been a five star. read more

I have the best optometrist in town! I've been going here for about six years and four pairs of glasses (I like to buy a really nice pair roughly every year, since I wear them daily and think nothing dates a lady of a certain age like out-of-fashion eyewear). I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. Dr Bird and his staff are incredibly nice and very patient with my both my somewhat complex prescription and with the lengthy process of picking out the next frames. And then there's that year they unflappably dealt with me choosing a pair of frames they don't actually offer -- the Judith Lieber salesman happened to be in the store that day and I lost my damn mind (whaaaat? they were sparkly!). The selection they *do* carry is lovely -- Fendi, Kio Yamato, Wood and Gold, OGI, Anna Sui, Boucheron, to name but a few. Of course, it's the equipment and the quality of care that really matter, and this clinic is *always* improving, upgrading, and adding new techniques and features. The quality of care here is exacting; my glasses are unfailingly perfect upon receipt, and the transition from regular glasses to progressive lenses went without a hitch. (And now let's agree not to tell anyone else I'm wearing progressives; so far nobody's guessed. Shh.) If great glasses are a priority for you, this is the place. read more

This is a great optometry office. Dr. Bird and his staff are always friendly. When I didn't have insurance eye exams were reasonably price, and now that I do they make it easy and painless. They have a pretty good selection of glasses in store and they can order any frame you want as long as it's within the brands they carry. read more

This was my first eye doctor when I came to Seattle and had been recommended by my insurance. I was very disappointed by Dr. Bird. His personality is flat and he is very awkward. There's no joking with him, no getting him to smile.. And I can live with that. However, it was my first time using contacts. I told him I needed help and wanted to be taught how to put them in(as if this wouldn't be an obvious thing for him to do anyway). He was literally going to let me walk out of the office without giving any real advice! He shied away and claimed his secretary would help me because she was "better with that stuff." Are you kidding me? My contacts were a horrible fit to top it off, but with me being new to all of this, I trusted him and figured this must just be how contacts are sometimes. After talking to friends with contacts I realized no one had these "problems" such as contacts blurring without notice off and on to the point where you just can't see most of the time. I contacted him about this, he rechecked and basically said there was nothing to be done. I went to another eye doctor the next time I needed contacts(Dr. James Mccrum of eyeballs Seattle) and told him my problems. He set me up with a better brand for my eyes and worked with me until we got it right. He was very professional and could actually carry on a conversation without looking like he wanted to run out of the office! He also told me he had "lessons" for new contact wearers before they go home and also told me there was a top and bottom to my contact! I had no idea and it helped a lot with putting it in and initial blurriness. Wish I would have gone to him from the start and saved myself a year of agony with crappy contacts. read more

I looked for the closest eye shop location to my work and gym. Saw this place across the street and popped in because my old glasses needed to be replaced about 4 years ago. The staff were great, they let me look around a bit before asking me questions and before I knew it I was asking way more than I ordinarily would. Rachel made me feel that comfortable. I quickly selected a pair of frames and they were delivered within a week of purchase. It's doubtful I'll be getting a new pair of frames within the next 5 years, but I'd recommend this place to family and friends without missing a beat. Great selection for a small shop, too! read more

Deplorable service. I packed and found myself in Seattle without my contacts. I walked in with a current prescription--and desperate. I'd have purchased contacts--or new glasses. I needed -- to see! The receptionist looked shocked at my situation rather than an opportunity to help! PS: I own a business in Seattle, my home for decades, and am in town frequently. Help me? No. Sell me? No. Instead--"you've got a problem and we reserve our samples for our customers!" Are you kidding? I'd have become one on the spot! Two other Optomitrists bent over backward to help and one of them GAVE ME lenses at no charge. Guess where I'm redirecting my company's business. This place will no doubt take your money--too bad they don't care about people. So disappointing to be summarily dismissed. She lost hundreds in business -- and deserved all of it. read more

I come in pretty frequently to get my glasses frames adjusted, and the staff are always welcoming. This is notable because I'm asking them for help that takes their time and energy, but doesn't generate any additional revenue. When I bought my frames there, the opticians generously invited me to come back whenever I needed adjustment--which is often because of how my thick lenses gradually push out the curve of my frames, and how my wide noggin quickly pushes out the temples. Visions Northwest's hospitable and personal help is why I always recommend this shop to friends. In particular, Rachel has been working on my glasses lately and is exceedingly patient. I'm always sheepish returning a mere week later, but she's consistently friendly and attentive as I explain the latest way my glasses are cattywampus. (For the record, she warned me that the plastic prodesign frames I chose would likely warp easily because of my thick lenses--and I bought them anyway.) Which leads me to how I came to choose the lenses. I also appreciate Dena, who was an absolute pro in hearing my preferences in frames and guiding me through the many, many choices. I learned about the Danish brand prodesign through Dena: it's the only plastic lens I've encountered that also has full nose pads, like what are found on metal frames. Despite the frequent adjustments they require, I really enjoy my prodesign frames and bought a second pair just for color & design variety. I used to a be a person who would buy my frames one place (SEE used to be my brand, until they got a little too wild for my taste) and see a favored optometrist somewhere else. I only switched doctors to Visions Northwest because of the convenient location, close to my office. It's a relief to find that I can get quality eye care AND excellent frames in the same place. Dr. Bird listens well, explains each process, and seems to be really invested in making sure my eyes are healthy. Finally, even the desk staff are always wonderful. Holly, before, and now Amanda have both been absolutely organized and efficient, while still being gracious and calm. Great shop on all accounts! read more

I buy all my frames here. In fact, I travel from Ballard to get my frames here, and here's why- Great service- Rachel is a excellent optician. She is very detail oriented and honest. She will not let you leave with anything that doesn't work for you and compliment your face shape and style. She is just wonderful to work with, fun and knowledgeable, and if there is ever a problem she will make it right. Great selection- Rachel makes sure there is a wide variety of styles to choose from so there is something for everyone. Many, many cool new looks everytime I go in! I highly recommend the folks at VN. read more

I've been here a couple times so far because they are the only company I could find to take my insurance. The customer service is some of the worst I've ever had in a doctor/professional setting. They are always very snide and rude to me and make rude remarks. I bought a pair of glasses outside of them because I couldn't afford a nice pair and they go on and tell me all these things about how my glasses suck and will probably break and what not but not even in a nice way. Here I am two years later, guess what my glasses are still alive. They also don't really care about informing people they have money due because they can't figure out how to bill the right insurance. Here I am almost a year later with a bill in collections and they only tried to contact me once about it in a letter. No phone call, no warning. I know you're not required to but what kind of customer service is that? read more

This was by far the best experience I have had from the eye exam, follow-up for the best contact lenses and eye glasses. It took three trial pairs of contacts before we determined the ones that worked best for my multi-vision needs. Rachel was absolutely amazing at helping me find frames for my glasses. She has a keen eye for what works best with my face shape and was very pleasant to work with. I had to leave town before my glasses came in and Rachel was kind enough to mail them to me all the way in Texas! I would definitely recommend Visions Northwest to anyone looking for quality service and great eye wear selection. read more

Have been scouring Seattle clinics for frame selection, this shop stocks some of the best - all top designers from mass couture to lesser-known, hard-to-find labels including Persol, Jai Kuo, Fendi, Gucci, D&G, o.g.i. Professional staff with great alacrity. Accepts VSP. read more

I've had a great experience at Visions Northwest. I particularly like the frames that I purchased from Visions Northwest. The staff spent a lot of time helping me pick them out and I get positive comments about them every time I wear them. read more

While my mother was visiting out of town she got a severe eye hemorrhage. I sent her to my eye doctor at the Visions Northwest. Doctor Bird was able to see her without wait time during his lunch. My mother was very pleased with the care, assistance and diagnostic she received. The staff was friendly, the doctor gave excellent care, her concerns were answered and at the end she wasn't charged. Thank you for being such kind. read more

The location was super convenient, and they were able to accommodate my schedule. Rachel was helpful in finding frames that looked good on me, and gave a genuine opinion on those that weren't ideal for me, which I appreciated very much. I was disappointed to discover that the contacts prescription was a steep additional charge. Of course they only told me this after I showed up for my eye appointment. Also, I purchased a pair of prescription sunglasses that the staff said were known for being too loose and weren't able to adjust them small enough to fit my face. Also of course, they only brought this to my attention AFTER ordering them, when I was picking them up. read more

I had a great experience at Visions Northwest. The office manager and I bonded right away, and Dr. Bird was really kind, thoughtful, and thorough with my eye exam. They have plenty of options to choose from, and other staff members there were really helpful and patient while showing me numerous potential frames to choose from. I highly recommend this location. read more

If you are a male POC, you may want to phone ahead and warn the staff you are coming to their store. The staff seemed taken aback when I showed up for 0930 appointment on 10/16. Even though I had a VNW handwritten appointment reminder card, given to me when I made the appointment, my exam was not listed in their system. Fair enough, a mistake was made, I can'r blame the two staffers for that, but instead of treating me like a potential new customer, they made me feel I like I was gumming up their works. One even suggested I had their store mistaken for nearby competitor's. This would have been my third exam and purchase from VNW. Needless to say, I'm going elsewhere now. read more

I was looking around for new places to get an eye exam near me. I called them to make sure they accept my insurance, but the lady was a little rude. She obviously didn't want to be on the phone and didn't want to help me. I asked her if she can check my insurance, but she said "you can't check online yourself?" She definitely was the reason I went to someone else. read more

I recently had my second annual checkup with Dr. Cannon and I couldn't be more pleased. Dr. Cannon is very thorough and explains everything clearly. In addition, he is friendly and warm. For probably a couple of decades my prescription included prisms and I couldn't remember why they had been recommended for me. Every doctor I asked refused to remove them but not Dr. Cannon. He was willing to let me try new lenses without the prism with the proviso that we return to that if it caused problems. So more than a year later I am prism-free and very grateful! The rest of the staff is also fabulous: friendly, welcoming and helpful. Rachel knows her stuff and does her best to help me within the limitations of my vision coverage plan. Last year after trying on pair after pair of frames, I fell in love with a pair of Gucci frames I loved except for the price tag. So I shopped online, bought them and brought them in to be used for my prescription. Rachel's service was beyond excellent even with the loss of the revenue from that sale. This year, she went out of her way to get me the best deal she could on the frames I liked. I have already referred one friend to Visions Northwest though I'm uncertain if she actually followed through. I will continue to recommend this business to anyone looking for a convenient, friendly optometry office in the downtown area. Quite simply, they rock! read more

I'm writing an update and adding a star to my original review in response to Dr. Bird's follow-up, which I appreciate. Dr. Bird, the drops being one of your standard procedures, I can understand forgetting that others might not be familiar with them or periodically neglecting to forewarn someone about the potential resultant sting. However, it was an alarming experience to have something put in my eye that was so painful. I had no idea that might happen, so I wasn't prepared. I strongly urge you to always let people know the drops might sting, regardless of what standard practice might be among other providers. (And, honestly, I experienced more than just a mild sting; the drops were painful. And while the pain may have been short-lived, it was a scary experience because, again, I wasn't expecting it.) I appreciate that you followed up with me and spoke with the person in question. I think it says a lot that you would make that effort, so I thank you. read more

Another super-thorough eye exam from Dr. Bird revealed that I have an underlying health condition. He urged me to get checked out and even referred me to the right specialists, and it turns out that he was right. However, since detection was so early, all my treatment options are still available to me and it's super manageable, but all the specialists that I've seen have assured me that it wouldn't be this simple if I had waited longer. The front desk staff and the opticians on staff are all still super kind and remember me when I come in! I still highly recommend Visions Northwest not just for their glasses, but for the health care that they provide. read more

This place saved our vacation! My brother and I are on our first road trip and after arriving in Seattle, he sat on his glasses. We were staying a a hotel a few blocks away and just walked into the closest glasses store- Rachel was able to repair my brothers glasses in minutes and we were back on the road within a half hour of the incident!!! read more

On a customer service level alone these guys deserve a 5/5. I had bought a pair of glasses and the lenses just didnt work right. I took them in over the period of two months and they finally got them to where the glasses didn't give me a headache. Even know when dr. bird rechecked my eyes and came up with the same RX he kept working at it till we found what would make the glasses work for me. I was a pain, i know i was, but they worked with me till the glasses were correct. On top of that they also have a really nice selection of glasses- something for everyone. No complaints here, top notch kind of place. I will be back. read more

I have been going to see Dr. Bird for almost 10 years now and have never been disappointed. They have a great selection of frames, and work with you if you do not have vision insurance! The lady that helped me pick out my prada frames was so lovely. Cannot be happier with my overall experience! read more

Long overdue review for Rachel at Visions Northwest! I've purchased several frames from her because the selection is just great and I've always been thrilled with the outcome of my look. She's been great with my insurance, with my budget needs, and her eye for what looks best on me; all things you need and want when its your face we're talking about. Convenient location and hours and they seem to be pretty quick with turn around. If you're looking for a downtown frame shop, check them out! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Bird for a long time. He is great. I like doctor's that keep it simple and don't try to sell me anything. They also have a pretty nice collection of prescription frames. They take all major insurance(s) and process everything quickly. read more

I needed a new optometrist a few years ago and selected Visions Northwest based on others' reviews and its convenient location downtown. I wish I'd found them when I first started my search - I would have avoided a few less-stellar experiences. In any event, I highly recommend this place. Nice, helpful staff (with appointments and eye-glasses), prompt service (your appointment begins at the scheduled time) and follow up. read more

I was introduced to Visions NW by a co-worker that was impressed by their service. I had an eye exam and contact lens fitting done by Dr. Bird and was very impressed by his manner and thoroughness. I have very sensitive eyes due to some eye rx I use, and he gave me some excellent tips which have helped tremendously. I brought in my own frames to be fitted with lenses with no problems. Everyone I've dealt with has been great. read more

I thought Visions Northwest was a great place. Very clean and warm when you walk in. The receptionist was very friendly and quick to help. I know this is silly, but I really enjoyed their magazine selection. It helps when you have to wait a few minutes to have interesting reading material and they have a wide selection. The Dr. was very nice and thorough. One of my eye's is getting worse and he offered a corrective approach to my contact lenses and I think it will help improve my long term vision. Overall, I would recommend this place. It is also great that they are located 2 blocks from where I work. read more

I've always been treated well at Visions Northwest and Dr. Bird is interested in how to bring me great vision. The location is extremely convenient being right downtown on all the major bus lines. They're flexible with scheduling. The front desk communicates well. But really its the eye care that matters. I first came in for contact lenses. He adjusted my prescription twice without charging so that I had the best prescription for me. Later, had some unrelated issues with my eyes and contact lenses (found out later that it was from expired contact lens fluid, watch out for that) and Dr. Bird gave me good treatment that resulted in things going back to normal which was great. I'm just about to schedule my yearly appointment now. read more

They were nice, did their jobs efficiently, and now I see better than before. Previously I went to some place that was like "Broadway vision" and I did not like them at all. I will keep going here. No sales pitches or attempts to get me to buy stuff I don't want or need either, which is always appreciated. read more