Cataract surgery

Anyone have local recommendation's for cataract surgery that is not Ullman? Takes too long to get into to see him. I know he's the best.

ppaca wrote:Anyone have local recommendation's for cataract surgery that is not Ullman? Takes too long to get into to see him. I know he's the best.

He is the one I know enough about to recommend.

Thanks Joanie, just got back from my retinal doc and he said I could go anywhere I wanted but he recommended Dr Mills, he has a good rating. Most of my clients used Ullman or McKnight, but I am going to go to Mills. Hell if he's good enough to teach residents a couple times a month at Shands I guess he's good enough to do my cataracts.

ppaca wrote:Thanks Joanie, just got back from my retinal doc and he said I could go anywhere I wanted but he recommended Dr Mills, he has a good rating. Most of my clients used Ullman or McKnight, but I am going to go to Mills. Hell if he's good enough to teach residents a couple times a month at Shands I guess he's good enough to do my cataracts.

Keep us posted.

Good luck..!!

Probably too late to add my 2 cents but I'd go to Dr. McKnight.

Nope not too late shewrites. Haven't gone to see Mills yet and won't know until next week when he can see for a consult, their computer's were down today.

Thanks pkr and joanie.

Both my husband and myself HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mills, and we've both also seen McKnight in the past. Mills is far more patient oriented. Combination of skill, good 'bedside' manner (he takes time to LISTEN and answer fully; can't always say that of rush-rush McKnight), and up-to-date, state-of-the-art knowledge -- Mills can't be beat.

We've both had cataract surgery with him -- myself in 2016, hubby in 2015, both with very good results. Hubby also recently trusted him with tear duct surgery and all went well.

Another person you will love in the practice is Tammy, who schedules all surgeries. She's patient and friendly - makes everyone feel they're the most important person -- and really knows her stuff.

Just a great group all around. Don't hesitate to go with Mills!!!

Thanks everyone.

Linda I was told today they dope you up? Sure hope so I can't even handle eye drops.

The day after did you see him for follow up or the doctor who referred you?

Yes when my retinal doc left center for sight I believe it was McKnight or could have been Mason they assigned me to two years ago and I did not care for him, did not answer my questions and acted as though I didn't matter.

Did you get the regular lenses or spring for the more expensive ones?

Sal wrote:Good luck, ppaca!

That, too, ppaca! Cataract surgery is nothing but great -- a piece of cake to go through, other than a bit of annoyance with drops for a time before and after, and phenomenal in terms of instant vision improvement. You'll be amazed.

Drops? lol

ppaca wrote:Thanks everyone.

Linda I was told today they dope you up? Sure hope so I can't even handle eye drops.

The day after did you see him for follow up or the doctor who referred you?

Yes when my retinal doc left center for sight I believe it was McKnight or could have been Mason they assigned me to two years ago and I did not care for him, did not answer my questions and acted as though I didn't matter.

Did you get the regular lenses or spring for the more expensive ones?

Ppaca, you get a "twilight" sedative very similar to what's given with colonoscopies.   Great stuff -- you won't remember a thing and you won't  be groggy for long.

As for drops - you're going to have to man up as there is a rather lengthy course of drops of several kinds before and after the surgery date that you'll have to administer yourself.  BELIEVE me, I understand, as I was terrified of having to do that, being a total KLUTZ when it comes to drops.  But I just googled around for the best instructions, and read somewhere that all you have to do is pull your lower lid down to create a "pouch," then place the drops in that pouch, close your eye and press your finger at the corner of your eye to keep it from dripping out.  EASY.  I was so proud of myself!!  LOL.   I promise, if I can do it, so can you.

I can't recall if I saw him or his optometrist, Suzanne Day, for first follow up.  Most likely it was Day (and I know it was for subsequent appointments), because the doc's only in the Gulf Breeze office one day a week and I didn't want to go all the way into Pensacola nor certainly up to Crestview.  Worked out fine.

Hubby got the standard lenses as he's worn glasses all his life and would feel naked without them, he said, so there was no need for him to buy the premium variety, though he mostly needs glasses for reading now.

I sprang for top of the line Crystalens "accommodating" lenses (except used the Crystalens "Trulign Toric" in the eye that had heavy astigmatism) and have not  regretted it.  I don't need glasses for ANYTHING now except the most tiny of fine print; when that happens I pull out a magnifying glass.  I'm free!!   Killed the budget that year but, again worth every penny. Crystalens is the best premium lens for correcting night glare, too.

I have seen Mason also for a retinal problem but will be switching to Mills' recommended docs (Gupta et al) for that issue next time.

Hope this helps but feel free to ask more if need be and I'll check back from time to time.   BBL,    LL

Oh, and as for the "doctor that referred you," there wasn't one; I chose Mills based on my husband's experience. But I do recall their telling me I didn't need to see Dr. Day or even Mills; I could see my own optometrist if I wanted to for the follow ups.

RealLindaL wrote:Oh, and as for the "doctor that referred you," there wasn't one; I chose Mills based on my husband's experience.  But I do recall their telling me I didn't need to see Dr. Day or even Mills; I could see my own optometrist if I wanted to for the follow ups.

I think my retina doctor and Mills has some kind of a deal. I asked him about McKnight and Ullman today and he said I could choose anyone but 95% of his patients end up seeing Mills and then for the next day follow up to be with my retinal doctor because Mills is a traveling doctor and normally too busy for follow ups. Doesn't matter though I have to get something done soon. I am using a magnifying glass most of the time to read the computer and cannot read printed materials at all.

ppaca wrote:

RealLindaL wrote:Oh, and as for the "doctor that referred you," there wasn't one; I chose Mills based on my husband's experience.  But I do recall their telling me I didn't need to see Dr. Day or even Mills; I could see my own optometrist if I wanted to for the follow ups.

I think my retina doctor and Mills has some kind of a deal. I asked him about McKnight and Ullman today and he said I could choose anyone but 95% of his patients end up seeing Mills and then for the next day follow up to be with my retinal doctor because Mills is a traveling doctor and normally too busy for follow ups.  Doesn't matter though I have to get something done soon. I am using a magnifying glass most of the time to read the computer and cannot read printed materials at all.

Is your retina guy in the Gupta group (Retina Specialty Institute on N. Davis)? Mills has told me before that's who he works with. I need to call them tomorrow and set up an appointment as I have a long-standing little macular problem (not degeneration, thank goodness).

I don't know how convenient it is for you, ppaca, but of the several locations where Mills does surgery, we picked Andrews Institute and have found their service to be awesome. SO much easier to deal with than the larger hospitals.

Also meant to tell you that when you go for your initial evaluation with Dr. Mills, the staff will give you a complete informational packet that goes into great detail about all the various types of lenses available. I found it very helpful, along with talking with Tammy, in deciding which lens to go with. Plus of course you should ask the doc what he recommends in your case.

All I can say is, if you're having that much trouble with vision, and if your retina guy judges cataracts to be the main problem, you are going to kick yourself after surgery for not having done this sooner. I'm excited for you, ppaca!! It's like getting new baby eyes all over again! And you won't believe how WHITE whites will be, and all colors bright and crisp. It's just wonderful.

Thanks Linda.

Dr Rifai is my retina doctor.

I've had cataracts for about 8 years in the past 2-3 months have just gotten bad.

I have worn glasses for 63 years so will go with standard. I also have a stigmatism but have lived with it for this long.

I will go to Andrews I am only 5 minutes from it.

I will learn to do the eye drops with the help of my wife tying me down lol.

I can live with being put out lie a colonoscopy.

Thanks again.

Linda how long ago did you have your's done?

ppaca wrote:Linda how long ago did you have your's done?

Second eye (they do them at least two weeks apart) was early June '16. Why do you ask (curious)?

LOL re your wife tying you down for drops. Just do the little "pouch" thing with your lower lid and it'll be a piece of cake.

RealLindaL wrote:

ppaca wrote:Linda how long ago did you have your's done?

Second eye (they do them at least two weeks apart) was early June '16.   Why do you ask (curious)?

LOL re your wife tying you down for drops.  Just do the little "pouch" thing with your lower lid and it'll be a piece of cake.  

I asked about your timing because it was considered out patient, recently called know before you go ask (but not about Andrews) and they told me N Florida surgery center my payment would be around $287.00 and nothing to the doc. I imagine it has gone up some since it is now 2017.

One of my poker buddies had great results after the surgery. Improved his golf game by a couple strokes, and surprisingly his putting really improved. This is a silly question, but what causes this, and is it hereditary?

Normally aging causes it, but I have known two people in their 40's they had them. The older you get the more chance you have of getting them.

Worst thing about it is the early am next day follow up appointment.