Why is it important to see an ophthalmologist for your eye care?

Ophthalmologists are medically trained physicians who can provide comprehensive medical and surgical eye care. We differ from optometrists and opticians, who may provide vision care services, in the levels of training we must acquire to be doctors and in what we are licensed to diagnose and treat.

Only ophthalmologists are trained, certified and regulated in the field of medicine to diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. We are the ones to come to for disease prevention; refractive and optical services; diagnosis and management of eye diseases; plus, medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services.

This is especially important as you age and face greater possibility of aging eye challenges, including floaters, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, pain and more. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, require regular professional eye care monitoring and care to prevent blindness.

As an experienced ophthalmic practitioner, I am proud to be an internationally known ophthalmic surgeon equipped with the latest advanced technologies to treat complex eye problems and diseases. As a retinal specialist, I successfully treat such potentially blinding diseases as retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. I also manage general eye disorders, including complex cataracts needing special treatment for astigmatism. For patients unable to see far and near clearly but no longer wanting to wear glasses, I offer state-of-the art femto laser cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses. I will treat patients affected with wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and vein occlusions in my office with laser surgery and intraocular injections to visually rehabilitate their eyes.

I believe strongly that good eyesight means good quality of life. I recently began a twice-a-year community ophthalmic assistance program free for the uninsured and the indigent. For those unable to afford advanced eye care, my staff and I donate our time at my two clinics to examine, diagnose and treat eye diseases as well as dispense eye medications free of charge (much of it generously donated by several drug companies). Free refurbished glasses are also dispensed to those in need. The glasses are graciously donated by my very satisfied femto laser cataract surgery patients who no longer need them. By improving their eyesight, I have received many expressions of gratitude from these uninsured and indigent patients for improving their quality of life.

As a faculty member of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, I have published numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious ophthalmology journals, lectured at many regional, state and international eye meetings, and have been awarded the distinguished Rhett Buckler’s Award for the best surgical video by the American Society of Retinal Specialists. As an internationally renowned eye surgeon, I have pioneered innovative techniques to manage dislocated intraocular lenses, ophthalmic anesthesia, and techniques in the management of complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Always attentive to patients’ needs, I take pride in my courteous and polite staff who respond to patients’ questions and ensure they fully understand their conditions and available treatment options. I care deeply for my patients’ well-being and go the extra mile in making certain that their eyes receive the best care possible.