Broadway Vision Source

So, I haven’t written a Unilocal review in a long time, but I felt compelled to because of some bad reviews I saw for Broadway Vision Source.
I’m currently a student optician at Seattle Central College. In addition to technical skills, I am learning the ways in which you become an excellent retail optician. I went to BVS last year in order to use my VSP insurance and get a new pair of frames that I needed.
I started off with an appointment with Dr. Matsunami. He was professional and warm, something I had never experienced from an ophthalmologist. Thank you!
Without a doubt Warren Ruby (a LDO, and the Optical Manager) is a GEM (pun intended). I have never felt so welcome, so well cared for, and so understood while choosing frames. Without my interaction with Warren I would have never considered becoming a licensed dispensing optician.
This was the single best vision care experience I have ever had. I am now a repeat customer.
I highly recommend going to BVS with your VSP insurance. It was easy, and an excellent value.
Thank you Warren and Dr. Matsunami!

I haven’t gotten any exams here, but they have a better variety of frame brands that would work with my VSP insurance. I stepped in and was immediately greeted by the receptionist and told to sign in if I wanted to look at frames with staff because they are locked up. Fair enough. In their location, I can see why they’d be concerned with theft. I was told that I am welcomed to look around so I proceeded to do so. I was minding my own business when a smug salesperson next to me turned my way and said «I’m currently working with someone but if you’d like to see some frames please sign in at the front desk». It really got under my skin and made me feel super unwelcomed. It would be different if I had asked him to grab something for me… I told him «I am signed in» and continued to wait for 20 minutes. The layout of the store is also very cramped. I left before they called my name. I’m not interested in only being able to try on frames with a predatory salesperson breathing down my neck, likely trying to close the sale.

The other week I lost the eye glass frames I had for over 5 years. Devastated, I walked over to Broadway Vision source because they accepted my V.S.P insurance. The employees did an excellent job of explaining the different aspects of the eye exam and different vision options (LASIK, contacts, glasses). Glasses were my best option. The selection process was excellent. At first I was annoyed that all the frames are locked up, but the very knowledgable staff more than makes up for it with their personal attention and presenting options that were both in, and just outside my comfort zone. When it came time to order, they were able to get my glasses to me very quickly and in time for an event that was important to me, though likely trivial to others (A new movie release). I will definitely be coming back and recommending this place to my friends. Thanks for all the help.

Stopped in to have a nose pad replaced, was told that I’d need to make an appointment to see one of their optometrists before they’d be able to do so. Between the attempt to defraud my insurance and the desperation of their end of the year sale, I definitely won’t be coming back to get my new frames here.

What a wonderful experience!
I went in to get my annual eye examination and contact lens + glasses fitting. I’ve been wearing glasses for over two decades and have been to a lot of optometrists.
+The front desk staff are consistently friendly and helpful both over the phone and when I was in the office.
+I was promptly called to the back where the prep tests are conducted. No puff of air into the eye anymore=relief. There were explanations as to what I would see and the reasoning behind it, which set me at ease. The person conducting this test was professional and understanding. I was soon back in the waiting room.
+Again, there was a prompt call to the back. This time by Dr. Heather LeClaire for the rest of the examination. She is both professional and shows an understanding of what I might be going through. (For example, I am very near-​sighted, so she made sure to note in a jocular manner that she understands the difficulty in seeing objects.) I found Dr. LeClaire to be professional with a superb «bedside manner.» She was very clear to describe what tests were going to be conducted and the reasoning for them. The exam was probably the most efficient exam I’ve ever had. Again, I believe this is thanks to Dr. LeClaire’s professionalism.
After the exam, Dr. LeClaire showed me photos of my retinal wall (?) pointing out and explaining in laymen’s terms what each part she was referring to was, what it does, and how it checked out. She showed a self-​awareness of how doctors can use intimidating and incomprehensible jargon by her use of very clear explanations. This is a rare trait to find in a doctor in my experience. With the efficiency also came the space for me to ask any questions I had, adding to my feeling like Dr. LeClaire cared about me. She asked numerous times if I had any questions and would wait to make sure I did not. Also, I ended up learning a lot about how eyes work, which is an added bonus (e.g., Nevus=freckle on an eyeball).
+With some chit chat, I was walked personally by Dr. LeClaire who even pulled my seat open to optician John Willard – with who I had another terrific experience! As with the rest of the team, I found him both professional and friendly. He helped me decide on lenses in an easy-​going manner. I also got a movie recommendation out of the visit. *Perhaps more importantly, John took the time and effort to figure out the most cost-​effective way to purchase lenses, which I greatly appreciate.*
+Besides John, there are also several other opticians who all seemed friendly.
+As a graduate student, I found the prices at Broadway cost less out-​of-​pocket than with the university insurance. Or, rather, the staff figured this useful piece of information out and took the time to explain it to me. I was not pushed in any manner in my decisions in any step of the process, though many options that I did not know existed were made available to me by staff, Dr. LeClaire, and John.
+ Low costs, efficiency, professionalism, and friendliness: it can’t get better! I left in a better mood than I came in.

Walked in off the street a couple weeks ago, kind of happy to find a place so near my work. Waited patiently for the front desk receptionist to make an appointment «I’m so glad you are here,» I said «I’ve never noticed your location before».
We went back and forth on times, finally settling on today, the 30^th at 9:30 after she repeated the wrong date back to me I clarified it twice. I asked how long it takes to get frames in. It worked out to be about a week or two. Fine. She looked up my VSP insurance. Everything looked good. She gave me a card. I put the appt in my phone as I always do.
Confirmed, ok, thanks, goodbye.
Came in for my appointment this morning — on time and ready to get this important appt done before leaving on vacation so I would have glasses when I got back.
Suddenly she doesn’t have me in the system. I don’t exist. I never had an appt. But she can fit me in another time — later today.
No. I took this morning off of work to do this. I missed a meeting to do this.
Not ok. What a waste of time.
Just to be certain it wasn’t my error I called a friend who was with me when I made the appt. she confirmed it was the right place, and that’s the time she heard us agree on.
Since I never miss an appt, I doubt the error was mine.
Disappointed to say the least. Unimpressed with spending 20 minutes making an appt just to magically disappear from the system and even more so she didn’t even apologize. Forget about it. I will find a provider who values my time.

I see Dr. Matsunami and he is great. Really one of the better eye doc I have seen. So thumbs up. I also really like the frame fitting folks — I love my frames.
My complaint is regarding the front office staff and the techs who do the initial screening exams. Whenever I go there there seems to be some issue that they have to sort our. They never seem to have it together.
One of the techs spoke to me in an automated fashion such that it was impossible to understand what she was actually saying and asking me to do. I’d recommend that Broadway vision source invest a bit more in training and staff retention of their front office folks.

never a problem with our glasses, very helpful staff

I came early as instructed for pre-​test and was not sure why the tech simply asks if I want to do the optomap which in my case should be mandatory. Do you want to tell me more about it? Do you want to check my file and see if I am a good candidate? Oh wait you are not the optometrist. I felt like cattle being pushed through in the wrong order. The number of issues that came up during my actual exam would have made a compelling case for paying for the optomap, which is out of pocket and more expensive at BSV when compared to other offices.
I was held hostage for almost two hours as Heather LeClaire was both running late and then dilated my eyes, placed me in lobby and worked on paperwork. Why not recommend the optomap? Well she also searched the Web and figured out her lunch order to give to the reps that were in the lobby seating with me so they could have it ready for her while she still had to deal with me. You would not want to miss out on your free lunch.
The worst part of the whole visit was that Heather is a terrible healthcare provider with no bedside manner and gave me a great deal of alarm and anxiety with all her careless remarks about the health of my eyes. I think some professional development courses on how to be informative in an effective, empowering way are in order and how about get a better system for crucial outtake notes than just scribbling orders on the back of a business card. I would only go back if I could be seen by one of the other optometrists.

Love this place! Warren is a true artist at what he does; great eye for not only which frames look great for your face shape, but also considers which frames work best with your personality, and how you are wanting to express yourself. Also we found a frame that worked in record time, so we had a chance to just visit for a bit. Wonderful experience overall. Everyone from the desk staff, assistants, docs etc were pleasant and welcoming. I know I could get less expensive frames online or whatever, but at least these guys do it right; $ well spent.

My last couple of times I went in for an exam and frames, it felt like a tedious errand. This time I found the experience pleasant and almost fun! I was recommended by a friend and was definitely not disappointed.
I had an exam to get contacts for the first time, since my vision has gotten a little worse over the last few years. I felt pretty anxious about the whole process, but Dr. Nakatsu was helpful and patient. Anna totally cheered me on while I put my contacts in– she was awesome.
When I came back for my followup appointment, I met with Warren to pick out my frames. He had my patient profile and insurance information ready to go, and within 30 seconds of me sitting down he excitedly brought over 10 different pairs of frames for me to try. Warren is incredibly enthusiastic and was born to sell frames. This was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve had in a LONG time. He picked frames to flatter my face shape, hair, eye color… it felt very personalized and he has such a lovely way of making you feel attractive in a very genuine way! He is tuned in to trends without letting you fall victim to them, and asked all the right questions about how I wanted to feel in my glasses. The whole process took only 10 – 15 minutes and I can’t wait for my frames to get in. That was the easiest $ 400 I’ve spent in a while! I already can’t wait for my next date with Warren.

Dr. Matsunami is the best!

I have been coming to Broadway Vision Source for years now. Dr. Nakatsu is a joy! He is warm, compassionate and quick to laugh and smile. Of all my healthcare providers, I find he is the most open, accessible and respectful to me as a patient and a person. Dr. Nakatsu is a gem. Additionally, their opticians are THE BEST! They are the most helpful, patient and stylish. If I am looking for a specific «look», immediately, they all know what frames to bring to me for that look. Their knowledge of frames, lenses and even insurance are the best that I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been wearing glasses for over 30 years. I’ve worked with John the past few times I’ve picked out frames. He is always supportive, honest and patient with me, as I try on multiple frames. He gives his complete, 100% attention to me and makes me feel as though I’m the most important person he’s seen that day. John, and everyone else in this office, are amazing.

I used to work at an Optometrists office so I would say I am a bit more particular but this team is great! Friendly staff, great selection of eye wear, and an easy online appointment system that sends you email reminders which I find helpful.
I saw Dr. Matsunami and found his eye exam to be very thorough and explanatory. I wear contact lens and glasses so have the needs for both.
Definitely recommend this place.

I needed some frames special-​ordered that weren’t in the showroom. This is a somewhat non-​standard request, and a couple other eyeglass places have been unable to help me order any brand of frames they don’t already carry. Warren was able to help me out without any problem at all, and he was a delight. In the past, I’ve also worked with John, who is equally awesome. Love this place, can’t say enough good things about them.

Great experience with this Business and Merry Jo Gonzales — L.D.O.
My opthamologist in Redmond was a terrible experience. I Couldn’t figure out the prescription he wrote for me. His receptionist [Over the Phone] — couldn’t either.
So then, I dropped by Broadway Vision Source. When the receptionist heard my story she said she would check and see if someone couldn’t help me understand my glasses prescription.
I was given to M. Gonzales who was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer my question — even though I wasn’t a customer of theirs. She was polite and helpful and treated me considerately. So I didn’t have to leave the place feeling like I was some sort of «mooch» — who was just a bother to that business.
Go there if you need an optometrist in the Capitol Hill area. Ask for Merry Jo.

I have been going to Dr Matsunami for years. Yesterday I dropped my glasses at work and the lens flew out. By coincidence I was having dinner at Mamnoon next door. I dropped off the glasses since Warren was with a customer and I was going to return before they closed at 7pm. To my surprise 20 minutes later in walks Warren, who delivers them to me with a big smile. That’s what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE. Going above and beyond! Being a manager, I really appreciate employees who provide excellent service.

I wear CRT lenses, and Dr. Matsunami here fits for them. I have had the same pair for the past 5 years (gross, I know), so when I moved to Seattle and accidentally lost one down the drain, I basically had to be refitted all over again.
Dr. Matsunami was friendly, and not at all judgmental about the fact that I wore my old pair of contacts for way too long — though he did strongly suggest that I change them out every other year from now on. You know, like a responsible adult who cares about her eyeballs should.
I also did a regular eye exam with Dr. LeClaire, since I needed a pair of backup glasses as well. She was incredibly patient with me, even though I kept blinking when the technician was trying to photograph the back of my eyes.
Finally, I worked with one of the opticians here to pick out a new pair of frames. I forgot her name, unfortunately, but she was an absolute peach. I have never worked with an optician before (I’m used to just trying on millions of frames randomly and just picking the one that makes me look the least terrible), but if opticians are all as incredible as this lady was, then PEOPLE, never pick glasses without an optician again! She looked at my face shape and immediately proceeded to pull pair after pair of glasses that I loved on me, even ones I would have never thought to try on myself. She was super clear about how much my insurance would cover (they take VSP here) so I could factor that into my final decision for frames too. When I came back about 2 weeks later to pick up my frames, another great optician fitted them juuust right and mentioned that I could go back in any time to get them adjusted if needed.
All in all, every person I interacted with here was wonderful. The selection of frames is huge, too, so there are plenty of options.

Very very slow whether you have an appointment or not. You do get personal attention at the end of it. Bit pricey than other places but they have a good selection.

Had my eye’s checked by Dr Kim (as well as ordered contactacs) and bought new lenses for my frames with Warren.
Dr Kim was very professional and attentive. She corrected my prescription because the contacts I was currently wearing were for astigmatism… she found I don’t in fact have astigmatism and I was wearing wrong contacts for a while! She also introduced me to a newer brand of contact which are lighter, breathe better and overall feel great.
Warren is extremely personable and you can tell he know’s his stuff. I already had a nice pair of frames and he helped me find a pair of new lenses that don’t strain my eyes. The old lenses I had also were also from the same place (wrong perscription) and really put strain on my eyes. In the end, all the corrections were made, I got my new lenses and I even got to order some sweet new sunglasses!
I’d definitely recommend Broadway Vision source to anyone looking to get their eyes check, or even to just order contacts/​glasses. Everyone is super friendly and they really make you feel important.