Dr. Philip Peihai Chen, MD

I was looking for a good surgeon for the cataract surgery on both eyes. I selected Dr. Chen as one of a few Ophthalmologists for initial consultations to get to know the surgeons better. I thought his Yale background was great. but I was very wrong. Really, Yale isn't everything! I was very disappointed with the visit. First of all, for the most time I was there his eyes were fixed on the computer that facing the wall. It was like I was talking to a wall. Even when I asked questions, he did not turn his body around. His attitude sent out very unfriendly and rude gesture. When getting into the IOLs, he NEVER asked me if I prefer glasses or not. Never tried to understand what quality of life I want to have after cataract surgery. He only told me you will continue to wear glasses for the near vision (monofocal). It was when I made it clear to him that I do not want glasses at all then he said he does not recommend multifocal IOLs, and his would not even order them! His harsh… remarks toward multifocal IOLs were not toward a particular brand(s) but all multifocal are bad in his book. When I mentioned the new "Panoptix PRO" if he is aware of it, needless to say he was very detached from the IOLs world. If you want multifocal, there are many clinics here offer them, you should go there, he said. (Wow). When I asked if he had experience at all implanting Premium IOLs, and this is what he said, "If I can implant monofocal IOL, I can implant premium IOL, they are technically the same". I was like "What?!" For those who are seeking multifocal replacement, this doctor is not the one. Maybe he should correct his "expertise" so no one would waste their valuable half day with him.

From a glaucoma patient of a number of ophthalmologists over the years, you're in very good hands with this guy. He's the expert in the NW. But he's also human.

Dr. Chen is an excellent physician. He has been my ophthalmologist for about 9 years, and I have received wonderful care for my glaucoma. He gives detailed explanations of medical problems, answers all questions very accurately, and has a balanced perspective in terms of weighing the various medical vs. surgical approaches to glaucoma care. I am a physician and scientist myself, and coming from that background I would recommend Dr. Chen to anyone looking for a Seattle glaucoma specialist.