We are excited to welcome Dr. Harshani Amaraweera or Dr. Amara to Ballard Optical. She has been treating and managing patients on the Eastside of Lake Washington for the past 5 years. She is excited for this new chapter and is looking forward to enjoying all that Ballard has to offer. Dr. Amaraweera looks forward to meeting each and every one of you and helping you to achieve your vision goals!
Our team of experts is here to make your experience high-quality so that you receive the best service in Seattle. Our staff is trained in the most up-to-date techniques and procedures to care for our patients. We pride ourselves on being friendly with our patients, whether you've been with us for years or are brand new.
Our team of experts is here to make your experience high-quality so that you receive the best service in Seattle. Our staff is trained in the most up-to-date techniques and procedures to care for our patients. We pride ourselves on being friendly with our patients, whether you've been with us for years or are brand new.
Services
Founded in the late 1970s, Ballard Optical has been a neighborhood fixture on Market Street for over 40 years. Our commitment to offering world-class eye care in a small, intimate setting continues stronger than ever before. Ballard Optical is owned by Dr. Harshani Amaraweera, she purchased the practice in 2021 and is excited and honored to serve the community together with her experienced team of opticians and administrators.
Ballard Optical has one of the largest collections of frames in the area. Each frame has its own unique story and has been hand- selected by our team of buyers for it's personality, quality, and durability. We are pleased to offer frames from top design houses including Tom Ford, Etnia Barcelona, Silhouette, Lilly Pulitzer, Flexon, Masunaga, Zero G, Easy Clip, Nine West, Penguin, Vera Wang and many others.
Contact lens options available to patients today provide visual clarity and comfort like never before. From hybrid lenses and multifocals to colored lenses, corneal disease, and lenses for children, we do it all. Having received advanced training in all types of contact lenses, Dr. Amaraweera brings her passion and expertise for contacts to an intimate and personal setting in Ballard.
Reviews (20)
NimiCharles M.
Jan 04, 2022
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I definitely wanted to give this review because of the professionalism and the quality of service we received here, at Ballard Optical. Our whole family needed an eye appointment and we called Ballard Optical to see if they can schedule the four of us on the same day. The staff was very helpful to accommodate us. Dr. Amaraweera was extremely thorough and took time to explain the tests she conducted and the test results. She was very professional and ensured that all our questions were answered, which is really a testament that she is very genuine in her care. The staff was very professional, and
Lucky W.
Jan 04, 2022
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I needed an immediate appointment to utilize my vision insurance before the end of the year and Ballard Optical was able to fit me in right away. Dr. Amaraweera was so patient and informative and the office staff was very pleasant as well. I don't usually leave reviews but Ballard Optical made such a great impression on me that I had to share my experience. I can't say enough good things about Ballard Optical.
Lauren B.
Dec 23, 2021
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Ty H.
Aug 19, 2021
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With a recent change in my insurance plan, I needed to look for a new optometrist. Straight to Yelp I go to read optometrist reviews to balance customer feedback vs. ease of location. Ballard Optical seemed to be the best candidate although I was slightly apprehensive given the star rating. I decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did!
The staff was extremely personable in welcoming me as a new patient and Dr. Amara was friendly, attentive and empathetic regarding my history of vision problems and current vision needs. Over the past year I had been having vision problems from heavy computer
The staff was extremely personable in welcoming me as a new patient and Dr. Amara was friendly, attentive and empathetic regarding my history of vision problems and current vision needs. Over the past year I had been having vision problems from heavy computer
Anj R.
Jul 13, 2021
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I hadn't been to an optometrist in years and so I was looking for a professional and easy to book place to get my eyes checked out. I am so glad I picked Ballard optical. Not only was the staff super friendly and helpful, but Dr. Amaraweera was so efficient and good at what she does! She quickly was able to diagnose my astigmatism and was super patient in answering all my questions. Best part is that I was able to quickly get an appointment and they handled everything efficiently with my insurance. Highly recommend!
Leah K.
Jun 24, 2021
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I love these guys. My ferry was late and I showed up an hour after my appointment. They squeezed me in to a booked schedule, I was so appreciative. They bill my insurance correctly, have a great selection of frames and Dr Harshani is incredibly kind and professional. The front staff are delightful, Justin is fabulous. They have my business forever, the ferry ride is worth it.
Michael L.
Jun 04, 2021
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This was my first time visiting this office, and it was such a pleasant experience. Dr. Harshani took great care in making me feel comfortable and at ease when going through my appointment. I sincerely appreciated their attention to detail and the great customer service provided throughout.
I will absolutely be making this my permanent optometrist and will spread the good word to all my friends and family.
Thank you again, Dr. Harshani!
I will absolutely be making this my permanent optometrist and will spread the good word to all my friends and family.
Thank you again, Dr. Harshani!
Shamina F.
Jun 04, 2021
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Dr. Amara is someone I've gone to for years with any concerns I have about my vision. She has always explained everything clearly and in a way I could understand. I've had a wonderful experience every time I've seen her. I highly recommend seeing Dr. Amara for any of your vision needs. You won't be disappointed!!
Yanshu G.
Jun 03, 2021
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If there is 0 star option, I'll definitely choose that one.
I don't want to judge Dr's profession, but the store is not responsible at all.
1. My husband did eye exam and ordered a pair of glasses to replace his old one. We had a travel plan to Hawaii after three weeks. They were aware of that and promised that there should be no problem at all to get the new one. To make the new one with same frame, they took my husband's old one. Then we never heard any active follow up from their side. We had to call them every 2-3 days to track the status. Their response was always "
I don't want to judge Dr's profession, but the store is not responsible at all.
1. My husband did eye exam and ordered a pair of glasses to replace his old one. We had a travel plan to Hawaii after three weeks. They were aware of that and promised that there should be no problem at all to get the new one. To make the new one with same frame, they took my husband's old one. Then we never heard any active follow up from their side. We had to call them every 2-3 days to track the status. Their response was always "
Ianthie J.
Jun 01, 2021
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Amanda E.
Apr 22, 2021
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Sophia B.
Apr 20, 2021
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Kayti B.
Sep 02, 2020
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Generally my appointments here have been fine and the doctor is approachable. However, for my first appointment during the pandemic I confirmed over the phone that masks were required (this was earlier in the summer when we were still getting used to masks) and was told "yes, if you like." After I got off the phone I thought this was odd as it seemed that she was saying masks were optional but assumed I was just misunderstanding. I arrived to find that no, both people working in the front were not wearing masks and there were no clear precautions being taken ie barriers, sanitizer, clean
Shane V.
Jan 06, 2020
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Liz S.
Oct 04, 2018
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A medium-sized irritating bump had formed on my lower inner lid, so I stopped in Ballard Optical for a quick checkup... I've never had any eye issues before and had no idea what was going on.
Dr. Schneider examined my eyes and was quickly able to explain what was going on (pretty much an eyelid pimple, whew) so I understood exactly what we were dealing with, and that there was nothing to worry about. He gave me a couple options as far as what to do moving forward in order clear up the bump, as well as an idea about how to relive some of the irritation in the meantime (a very warm hardboiled
Dr. Schneider examined my eyes and was quickly able to explain what was going on (pretty much an eyelid pimple, whew) so I understood exactly what we were dealing with, and that there was nothing to worry about. He gave me a couple options as far as what to do moving forward in order clear up the bump, as well as an idea about how to relive some of the irritation in the meantime (a very warm hardboiled
Seana Sakai
Dec 18, 2017
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Annette Mentzer
Jul 16, 2017
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Vera Pera
Nov 18, 2016
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Every staff member I have come into contact with has been incredibly understanding and helpful. Given that I have latent-hyperopia, figuring my prescription takes extra time and patience--which have both been granted to me, thankfully. Will remain a customer, as long as this quality service continues.
Sarah LaCombe
Oct 21, 2011
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The doctor seemed rather rushed and annoyed the last time I went in for an exam. His staff does tend to hash out a lot of overly personal info amongst themselves while customers are around. They can't wait for a more discrete moment to talk about their or the doctors drunk exploit? I was also told upon bringing my own frames (as my insurance allowed me to get only lenses at that time) that they would not be held responsible for a broken frame, and that I would not be offered any sort of compensation if that occurred (I would have to buy one of theirs). Some customer service. I call that a fail
Pony Carl
May 15, 2010
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I like the doctor. he's good, he's quick and seems like a generally good guy. the optical tech who helps you pick out glasses is also very helpful and polite. but front office leaves quite a bit to be desired. they are mildly rude and condescending and generally act disinterested and annoyed. i go because i like the doctor but i can only tolerate his staff.
