Ophthalmologist Bellevue | Eye Doctor Bellevue | Specialty Eyecare

Get Your Vision Back!
Discover Why Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) May be Right For You!

Learn More About Refractive Lens Exchange

The First in the Region to Offer ORA - Optiwave Refractive Analysis for Cataract Surgery

Learn More About Our Advanced Cataract Surgery Options

Seattle's Leader in Glaucoma Management and Treatment

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Clear Vision After Cataract Surgery – No More Glasses
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Innovators in Eye Care Research
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Glaucoma
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Glaucoma
Learn about the latest advancements in Glaucoma Technology! Dr. Howard Barnebey is among the nations top Glaucoma specialists offering the most modern and effective treatments for Glaucoma. This advanced specialty care is available right here in the Seattle / Bellevue region!
Learn more about Glaucoma
Ocular Surface Disorder / Dry Eye
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Ocular Surface Disorder / Dry Eye
In the Seattle / Bellevue regions itchy feeling dry eyes are very common. Many times over the counter eye drops are just not enough. Find out the underlying issue and get relief from ocular surface disorder and dry eye syndrome!
Learn more about Ocular Surface Disorder / Dry Eye
Cataract
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Cataract
Now, more than ever before, you have an important decision to make when it comes to selecting a cataract surgeon and the type of cataract surgery you will have. Did you know that you can have clear vision after cataract surgery with the use of advanced technology lenses? We encourage you to learn more about about your options!
Learn more about Cataracts
Refractive Lens Exchange
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Refractive Lens Exchange
Are you seeking clear vision at all distances? Laser vision correction is a good option for many, but is not for everyone. Understanding your vision correction options and learn if refractive lens exchange is a better option for you, at any age!
Learn more about Refractive Lens Exchange

Reputation, Experience, Research & Results

Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that generally progresses slowly.  In fact, One-half of glaucoma patients are not aware they have the disease. It is estimated that two million Americans may have Glaucoma.  In order to maintain healthy vision, annual eye exams are recommended.  Below are risk factors for Glaucoma:

  • Age, over 65

  • Age, over 75*

  • African-American descent (or any other dark skinned race) *

  • Family with glaucoma - A parent

  • Family with Glaucoma- Brother or sister*

  • Myopia (near-sightedness) of a significant degree

  • History of previous eye injury or surgery

  • Use of steroids (pills, nose spray inhalants, or eye drops) for more than a month

  • Complete eye examination - More than 2 years ago

  • Complete eye examination - More than 5 years ago*

* If you have more than two of these risk factors, or any of the risk factors with an asterisk, consider yourself at moderate or high risk for glaucoma.

Schedule your exam today!

Our Research

One of the unique features Specialty Eyecare Centrè is especially proud of is our commitment to being involved with the development of innovative and cutting edge medical advances. This has not been a new phase in the growth of Specialty Eyecare Centré, but rather, a core part of the mission of the practice for over 25 years.

We encourage you to learn more about our ongoing research and studies.

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Advanced Cataract Surgery

Nearly everyone will develop cataracts at some point in life. Typically, the symptoms will begin after one turns 55. Fortunately, cataract surgery has progressed to be not only the most performed surgery in the US, but one of the safest. Now those with cataracts have the option to have clear vision after cataract surgery with the use of premium lenses! We encourage you to take our interactive cataract self-test to see if premium lenses suite your lifestyle needs. We are proud to be the first in the region to offer ORA - Optiwave Refractive Analysis during cataract surgery, providing the most accurate cataract surgery results possible!

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Is it Ocular Surface Disorder or Dry Eye?

At Specialty Eyecarè Centre it is relatively common for us see patients who have been suffering for several years with dry eye symptoms but like many adults, they have attributed these symptoms to environmental factors, medications, extended computer use, etc. and have never sought any formal or structured treatment plan. In the case of our patients who suffer from glaucoma, treatment of dry eye is extremely important not only for the comfort of the patient, but for the long term health of the surface of the eye. And so we have to manage both conditions, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes one at a time.

While you may not think you suffer from dry eye or ocular surface disorder, it is very possible that it is affecting your everyday activities. The exact cause  is still being researched; however it can be caused by a number of factors. Dry eye can result from a decrease in tear production and/or an increase in tear film evaporation.

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In The News

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Exercise and Your Eye Health

There are many reasons that people exercise – increased energy, weight loss, and several additional benefits. But have you ever heard how regular exercise can keep your eyes on their A game? Here is how regular exercise is helping your vision! Living a sedentary lifestyle can put you at risk of developing conditions like cataracts,… Read More

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Everything You Need To Know About Cataracts

By the age of 80, you have a 50 percent chance of developing cataracts. If you are unaware of how cataracts can affect your vision, it is when your lens that is normally clear becomes clouded. When you are dealing with cataracts it will cause your vision to blur, making it difficult to complete your… Read More

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Everything You Need To Know About Pink Eye

Chances are you or someone you know has dealt with an irritating, common eye condition known as pink eye or conjunctivitis. If you have never had any first-hand experience with the side effects of pink eye, it is when your eye becomes infected and can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergy. Pink… Read More

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These 4 Habits Are Damaging Your Eyes

We all have a couple bad habits that we can’t seem to kick – whether it is biting your fingernails or skipping flossing we are all guilty of something. But what if you found out your bad habits were affecting your eye health? We are here to help! Here are 4 bad habits that could… Read More

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Testimonials

"Lipiflow treatment has successfully resolved a chronic dry eye condition I have been suffering from for several years. The procedure was painless, and the eye-care education I received, both before and after, has been extremely helpful. For example, based on the counseling session, I realized that I was a “partial or poor blinker.” I also learned about the benefits of using warm eye compresses to allow my eyelid oils to flow more easily.

As a Registered Dietitian and health counselor, I was already aware of the importance of including omega-3 fatty acids in my diet from flax seed oil, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon.

As a result of the treatment as well as my new-found knowledge, I now do blinking exercises several times a day, especially after spending long hours reading or working on a computer. I use warm eyelid compresses − cotton pads soaked in warm water − every morning.

Practicing what I preach and to benefit both my vision and overall good health, I include one tablespoon of flax seed oil at breakfast, add walnuts to salads and other complimenting dishes, and include fish (mostly salmon) in my dinner menu at least twice a week."

Timi Gustafson, RD, LDN, FAND

"After searching the internet for specific information on Cataracts, Surgery, and Lens Implants, your name appeared with a long list of qualifications. After carefully reading all the qualifications | made the initial phone call to set an appointment to meet with you, and your qualified assistant KD. With a boat load l of new information to study and make a qualified decision, I decided to make the appointment to begin all the necessary examinations. We had discussed and agreed, to use the Toric IOL for my astigmatism and continue with my monovision which I had become accustomed to for many years. At each step progressing to the first date of surgery, I met specialized staff members who were all knowledgeable in their particular field, very friendly, courteous, and easy to discuss their findings. l had elected to remain awake during the surgeries and Dr. Barnebey gave compliments for my patience and following directions. Pain was never an issue. A little discomfort immediately after surgery was quickly eliminated after an afternoon of rest.

Now that l have had both eye's done, my vision is better than I had expected. I'm able to read magazines, papers, and extremely fine print stamped into tools. Not only the ability to read Without glasses, but the clarity, and distance is terrific. The ability to have such great vision is important not only for the normal day to day needs, but especially when riding my motorcycle.

Would I recommend this procedure? Absolutely, especially when the surgeries are done by Dr. Barnebey, and his entire staff. I can honestly say, they worked with me, to accommodate what I needed to do to meet their requirements."

Ron W.

"I was very impressed with my treatment from Dr. Barnebey and his staff.  His state of the art diagnostic equipment, the use of this equipment by his highly trained staff, the efficiency of his office help amazed me as a physician.  The surgery I received (state of the art bilateral lens implants) was superior to anything I might have imagined...On a personal level, I enjoy seeing Dr. Barnebey-he actually listens to patients, has a no-nonsense approach to care and I enjoy his wry sense of humor.

I refer all my patients to him and tell them not to go anywhere else for eye care.  I am very thankful to no longer be blind, since reading is one of my greatest pleasures.  My vision is better then it has ever been since-well, I guess my whole life-even as a child (I am now 65 years old).

If I could I would put up big neon signs everywhere saying "Only go to Dr. Barnebey if you have eye problems."  He is a credit to our medical profession."

Peggy E., M.D.

"By the time I went to Dr. Barnebey for my cataracts, I was having a great deal of trouble with my bifocal glasses.  I couldn't get a prescription that worked more than a month or two.  I could no longer read with my glasses on.  I couldn't see distances well, especially at night; and working on my computer had become a nightmare.  I was delighted when he told me I was ready for cataract surgery and especially intrigued when he suggested I consider getting a Restor lens with variable focus that permit me, without glasses, both to see distances and to read.  The $5,000 price tag took me back a bit, but I agreed to think about it.  As I continued to struggle with my glasses, I became more intrigued with the idea of a life without them.  I'm in my mid-sixties and I calculated that if I live for another 20 years, or 7,300 days, the cost of the Restor would be less than 70 cents a day or $4.80/week.  I asked myself if it would be worth it to me to give up a fancy latte a week to see without glasses--and the answer was a resounding yes!  In fact, the cost per day is even less if you subtract the future cost of reading glasses, etc.

So I agreed to have the Restor implanted and I've been grateful I made the decision every day since then.  I see effortlessly and normally in my daily activities.  I've been able to buy fun sunglasses again.  As Dr. Barnebey predicted, the only time I even think of using a magnifying glass or reading glasses is when I'm in a dark restaurant trying to read the small print on a menu!"

Karen L.

"When Doctor McIntyre retired, and the McIntyre Eye Clinic became Specialty Eyecarè Centre, I became a patient of Dr. Barnebey.  I believed the successor Dr. McIntyre would have to be a physician of exceptionally high caliber and that has proven very true. 

In 2009, Dr. Barnebey performed cataract surgery implanting multifocal lenses in both of my eyes during two operations separated by about two weeks.  After completing the second operation, which was on the right eye, I was sent home to recuperate in a sedentary manor.  The following day I chose to ignore these instructions and retreated to my wood shop to play.  Not long after, a one inch cube of scrap wood became trapped between the rip fence and saw blade and thus was propelled directly into the right eye.  At first, I thought that I had blinded myself but after regaining my composure, opened the eye and could see light but no objects.  A quick 911 call had me back in Dr. Barnebey's office where he confirmed the lens was no longer where he had placed it.  It had been torn away, folded over and displaced from center. 

Before the day was out, Dr. Barnebey had ensured there was no retina damage, recalled his operating staff and in an after hours surgery, attempted to correct the damage.  Upon completion, I could barely see shapes in bright light, but that was because of the hemorrhaging within the eye.  Little by little as the days and weeks passed, the eye cleared and I began to see images more clearly.  Today, my vision is 20/20 in both eyes and the pressures are normal, thanks to Dr. Barnebey and the skilled professional staff of the Specialty Eyecarè Centre."

Charles M.

" I had my first cataract surgery on my right eye in December of 2005.  I opted to have a Restor lens implanted.  The results of having a Restor lens was so dramatic and incredible, that I was most anxious to have the second one done, which I did in July, 2006.  Up until the time of my surgery I had worn contact lenses for about 20 years, and reading glasses prior to that.  Most of my correction was for reading as my vision for distance was quite good.

The surgery went very well.  I experienced no real pain.  The pre-surgery and post-surgery procedures went very well.  I felt there was much effort to make the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible.  I felt Dr. Barnebey and his staff were competent, efficient, and compassionate.

Restor lens has enabled me to have no need for contacts or glasses.  I have not used glasses of any kind since my surgery even though I do quite a bit of reading, e.g., books, newspapers, and piano sheet music.  This has been so freeing, as I see so many people much younger than I reaching for their reading glasses constantly.  I could not be more pleased with the results of Restor lens. "

Judith E.

"I was referred to Dr. Barnebey for complex eye care by my very capable optometrist that had kept my eyes 20/20 for many years. The glowing referral proved to be quite accurate.  Dr. Barnebey and his professional staff at Specialty Eyecarè Centre more than satisfied the renovation of my eyes affected by glaucoma and cataracts. The course of treatment was explained with patience, the tests were done with dispatch, the results a success. Thank you, Doctor Barnebey."

Richard W.
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Location

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1920 116th Avenue North East
Bellevue, WA 98004
Fax: (425) 453-6646

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Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.Section 1557 Affordable Care Act (ACA)

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