Northwest Eye Surgeons is the first to bring SMILE LASIK to the Pacific Northwest. This cutting-edge laser vision correction procedure offers clear vision, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications. Dr. Michael Banitt, a board-certified ophthalmologist is dedicated to providing the most advanced laser vision correction procedures. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Banitt can help you achieve your goal of clear vision.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a gentle, minimally invasive option for laser vision correction that brings the best of both worlds: improvement of vision and quick healing. It’s an evolution in laser vision correction that could be just what you need to see your best!
It corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser to create a lenticule extracted through an incision of fewer than 4 millimeters.
The lenticule is then removed through the incision, correcting your vision. SMILE means a faster recovery for patients, meaning you can get back to the things you love in the blink of an eye.
SMILE is often referred to as a flapless-LASIK but is a technically distinct procedure that provides many benefits over LASIK. During LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), a flap is created in the cornea, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing tissue underneath the flap. On the contrary, SMILE surgery does not involve flap creation, as the femtosecond laser creates the lenticule through an intact cornea. Dr. Michael Banitt then removes this thin layer of corneal tissue through a tiny side incision, thus reshaping the cornea and correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism.
If you are not a candidate for SMILE or LASIK, we also offer PRK and EVO ICL.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we are committed to providing exceptional eye care. As part of our commitment, we have partnered with Alphaeon Credit to provide a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to manage your healthcare expenses. Our goal is to improve the quality of people’s lives, and now, with Alphaeon Credit, we are making it more achievable than ever before. Alphaeon Credit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance, including SMILE, LASIK, Cataract Surgery with Vision Correction, and more. Alphaeon Credit offers special financing options that you may not be able to get with other cards.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we honor your trust to take care of your eyes and help you see. Our friendly and caring team of eye doctors, surgeons, and staff want to improve the quality of your life. We do this by offering the latest advancements in eye care and eye surgery to meet your needs.
Our staff includes a nationally recognized team of specialized ophthalmic surgeons and optometric physicians with vast clinical experience in various eye surgical services, including laser vision correction. We have earned a reputation for personal attention and successful outcomes, as well as the trust of our patients, referring doctors, their families, and friends.
Dr. Banitt, joined Northwest Eye Surgeons in 2019. Previously, he worked for the University of Washington and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami Florida. He has practiced refractive surgery for over 15 years. He was one of the first physicians to perform the SMILE operation in Washington and has performed the most SMILE surgery in Washington. He has completed two specialties (Cornea, external disease and refractive surgery as well as glaucoma) and has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles. He has traveled nationally and internationally to give lectures and teach surgery. Running is his past time and has completed 9 marathons.
Dr. Yadav, joined the Northwest Eye Surgeons team in 2022. She provides pre- and postoperative care, as well as medical care, at the Seattle clinic. Dr. Yadav completed her residency in Ocular Disease at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Hospital. During her residency, she completed clinical rotations at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, in addition to working with several private practices in the areas of retina, glaucoma, and refractive surgery management.
332 NE Northgate Way
Seattle WA 98125
12400 SE 38th St., Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98006