Black optometrist in the Seattle area?

May 17, 2021 9:10 PM

I need new glasses. I would prefer that my optometrist be Black. I haven’t been able to find anyone in the area. Thanks in advance!
posted by FallibleHuman to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

Best answer: If you don't mind traveling to Federal Way, Beti Belachew is an ophthamologist at the Virginia Mason Clinic. I believe it was her I saw in 2019 in place of my regular optometrist (I can't find my medical records to be sure). She was very nice, thorough, and new to the Seattle area. Note that you can't get glasses at Virginia Mason; they do exams/prescriptions only, as well as more in-depth medical treatment of the eyes, but you'll have to get your glasses elsewhere.
posted by lhauser at 9:35 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]

Best answer: The National Optometric Association (NOA) was founded in 1969 in Richmond, Virginia, as a not-for-profit corporation. The NOA is comprised primarily of minority optometrists from throughout the United States. NOA member Dr. E. Larry Jones practices at Eyes Rite Optical in Kent, Washington.
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:59 PM on May 17, 2021 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: These answers are both incredibly helpful - thank you so much!
posted by FallibleHuman at 8:50 AM on May 18, 2021 [2 favorites]