Changed Eye Insurance

[Polar Bear]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.

[retiredguy123]

Are you looking for an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? There is a huge difference.

[JohnN]

I didn't like Lange Eye, but many do. I had asked for the basic "no upcharge" free via insurance eye exam, and at the end of it all, I was being scheduled for a second exam. When I asked if 1) is it covered by insurance (answer: no) and 2) what's the purpose of this exam (didn't really get an answer that I believed), I decided to try elsewhere.

I'm still searching, I'm going to try St.Luke's over in the Lake Sumter square area.
And maybe Ocala Eye if somehow St.Luke's doesn't work out
If you have a good experience somewhere, pass it along.

[Bjeanj]

If you are looking for an Optometrist, does your insurance cover the one at WalMart? I’ve gone there twice, just needing a eye tests and adjustments to my prescription. The doctor there does an adequate job, which is all I was looking for.

[Polar Bear]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

[retiredguy123]

I go to Dr. Kumar at the Florida Retina Institute on Route 441. Excellent place, but they don't do vision exams or cataract surgery. However, they will evaluate you for cataracts and refer you to a surgeon. They took more photos of my eyes than I ever had taken in my life.

[Bogie Shooter]

Ocala Eye. 14 years. 2 Surgeries.
Professional. Pleased with their care.

[Bjeanj]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Oh. Nevermind

[N44125]

I’ve been using St. Luke’s for years. Exams plus cataract surgery...Dr. Ireland is the best.

[banjobob]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

We have been with Ocala Eye for years , they do it all surgery, exams, glasses, macular tests ,etc.very professional and insurance accepted.

[pcacace]

St Luke is well known for it cataract surgery.

[Stanajudy]

I have been going to Dr Holman at Lake Eye and he is the best!

[msilagy]

Of course pick a new ophthalmologist not an optometrist for eye care. They are more educated and at our age we need that education and experience. Retina specialists are recommended for severe eye issues when you need a step up. Good luck!

[Dawn H]

Hands down St. Luke’s. ( I went to the new Brownwood office). Nothing but a thorough exam. No selling of products or glasses.

[hansel]

I used St Luke's in Sumter Landing for cataract surgery was very happy with the entire experience.

[matandch]

Dr Craig Fishman at Fishman & Sheridan Eyecare Specialists has an office across from The Leesburg Hospital. Dr Fishman has a great bedside manner and is easy to talk to.

[Rzepecki]

I have been going to Dr Holman at Lake Eye and he is the best!

Double Ditto!!!

[jbrown132]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Had a friend that had cataract surgery at St Luke’s. Said it was one of the best medical experiences he had since moving to The Villages 10 years ago. Very professional, friendly and caring.

[Rsenholzi]

I would be hesitant with Ocala eye. I went to the retina specialist and They tried to force me to sign a paper that I would not sue if something occurred and go to arbitration instead with a person chosen by them, a person chosen by me and one chosen by the 2 arbitrators. Didn’t want me to have my follow up appointment on a procedure that they did if I didn’t sign the paper. I have never sued anyone but it seemed underhanded to me especially when they added a clause that stated that none of my heirs could ever sue either.

[bocaabend]

Lake Eye

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

St Lukes either at Lake Sumter or Brownwood. Have recommended many people and all came back to thank.me. so try them

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.
Highly recommend Mid Florida Eye, Dr. Panzo he found out a birth defect that I have had in my eye all along and no other Dr. discovered before, on 441 on front of StoneCrest after you pass WalMart, they do it all there. I went to Ocala eye last year, they wanted to do a lot of “testing” I asked why is this necessary, the answer was “the dr, ordered” I tried to ask the dr, she would not give me what I thought was a good answer. So I left!!!!!

[jrieker68]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Most (if not all) insurances do not cover cataract surgery. A small portion is paid by Medicare. You may be looking at $3,000 per eye for the total correction type. You might want to check prices on that before you choose. We like Mid-Florida Eye, Dr. Panzo.

[jjp2532]

My husband had cataract surgery and was extremely impressed with Dr Ireland and St. Luke’s.

[NotGolfer]

We went to Ocala Eye when we 1st moved here....then insurance changed so briefly went to Mid-Florida where I wasn't impressed. Insurance changed again, so back to Ocala Eye. The thing with them was earlier on...the waits there were very long and the place jammed. A couple of years ago I decided to change to St. Lukes and was extremely pleased. I will continue with them.

[Villages Kahuna]

After a bad experience caused me to leave Lange, I moved to St. Luke’s. Dr. Ireland is terrific, but concentrates on cataract surgery patients. Their new opthamologist at their new Brownwood office has impressive credentials. Their optometrists are also terrific. Couldn’t recommend them higher!

[yankygrl]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.
I have used Lake Eye Assoc for the 10 years I’ve lived here. Dr. Terpstra is fantastic. Also had cataract surgery with multifocal lenses. Bit more expensive but didn’t want to wear cheaters after. I had LASIK surgery in 2004 and had to go back to wearing glasses. That is what determined the type of cataract surgery I had.

[retiredguy123]

I would be hesitant with Ocala eye. I went to the retina specialist and They tried to force me to sign a paper that I would not sue if something occurred and go to arbitration instead with a person chosen by them, a person chosen by me and one chosen by the 2 arbitrators. Didn’t want me to have my follow up appointment on a procedure that they did if I didn’t sign the paper. I have never sued anyone but it seemed underhanded to me especially when they added a clause that stated that none of my heirs could ever sue either.
I think it is underhanded, but it is also unenforceable. Florida law requires medical malpractice issues to go through an arbitration process, which is "non-binding" on the patient. If the patient doesn't agree with the arbitration decision, then the patient can sue the doctor. Contracts, like the one you mentioned, have been taken to court, and several courts have ruled that a patient's right to sue for malpractice cannot be waived with a contract.

[drrichard]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.
My wife and I have been using Ocala Eye (Dr. El Mullah) for 15 years and couldn't be happier. She has had two glaucoma surgeries, two cataracts, and one strabismus surgery-- and today wears NO GLASSES and has perfect 20/20 vision!

[Aloha way]

Definitely consider St Luke’s. Dr Ireland.

[OhioBuckeye]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.

I’m in the same boat but not exactly like yours. My new Eye Dr. did an eye examination just like other eye Drs. My new lens are worse than my old lens. When I asked him about it he insisted that lens are exactly like the test showed. The only problem is most of the time I take my glasses off to see most things. Test may be right but not one time did he say they might not of ground them wrong. Of course that could of never happened! He could of took my glasses & had them checked but he didn’t, why do you suppose he didn’t, was he afraid they weren’t right?

[chrissy2231]

Lake Eye or St. Luke's

[Sailohio]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Hello Polar Bear. My son is a Polar Bear too. I have used Dr. David Pollack at Ocala Eye. David is very talented. He performed cataract surgery on me three or four years ago. Sometimes he seems a little abrupt but I am OK with that because of the superior care he provides. If your new insurance covers Ocala Eye you will not be sorry with Dr. Pollack.

[Yjacket74]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.
Two weeks ago had cataract surgery at St Luke's with Dr. Ireland and was a candidate for the multifocal lens (no more glasses!) which she did also. Before my surgery I asked 4 people who had cataract surgery how their cataract surgery went. They had all gone to St. Luke's with Dr. Ireland as the surgeon. They all raved about Dr. Ireland and the office itself.

I couldn't be more pleased with the results. They do a thorough test of your eyes before scheduling any surgery to see if you are a candidate for insurance to cover the cost of the cataract surgery. They also tested to see if I was a candidate for the multifocal lens (which Medicare does not pay) which they will ONLY do if you had not had any prior eye injury or Lasix surgery. Luckily I was a candidate for both.

I highly recommend Dr. Ireland and St. Luke's.

[drcar41@aol.com]

I have been with Lange Eye for the past 15 years and have been very pleased. I have pre-glaucoma, which was diagnosed before I moved from Illinois to Florida. They have done a great job of treating it, I still have pre-glaucoma.

[Barborv]

I keep lists of recommendations from this site, and although have not used yet myself, these are the names that multiple people recommended......Dr. Shelby Terpstra @Lake eye, Dr. Kim @Ocala eye and Dr. Ireland @ St. Lukes
Good luck

[talleyjm]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Highly recommend Dr. Panzo, of Mid Florida Eye on 441 near Walmart in Marion county. He was rated one of the best ophthalmologists in Central Florida by Style magazine. He was rated #2 out of the top 3. He just completed cataract operations on my husband and we were very happy with the results and the entire experience. A super nice guy who has 10 children❗️:a040:

[rogerk]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.
If you are looking for an excellent and caring Ophthalmologist you should consider this long time practice. They have an office in Spanish Springs by WinDixie and in Southern Trace. (352) 753-9888.

This is very professional small practice but highly skilled and very detailed oriented. Dr. Zeini is the Doctor’s name. His staff has been with him for as long as I’ve been going there, almost 20 years. They are loyal for a reason.

I’m not sure about insurance but Medicare and my supplement covers most if not all the cost. They have done my cataract surgery, my late wife’s surgery and my current wife’s cataract surgery. All very successful. Not like an assembly line. Meticulous attention to detail with clear explanation of the cataract options.

[Sunflower33]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.

My husband and I left Lange and now go to mid Florida eye on 44. Great place. We all get our eyes examined by great doctors. Learned j was wearing wrong contacts given to me by Lange I see great now. My husband had cateract surgery and can see again. Live is good and so are the doctors at mid Florida Of course my experience my opinion

[condomom22]

My husband left Ocala Eye because he got fed up spending hours there waiting. We're both now using Lake Eye and I just had cataract surgery on both eyes with Dr Wehrly. Very happy with the result (actually, jumping for joy). I understand Dr. Holman at Lake Eye is also very good for cataract surgery.

[wiltma]

I go to Dr. Kumar at the Florida Retina Institute on Route 441. Excellent place, but they don't do vision exams or cataract surgery. However, they will evaluate you for cataracts and refer you to a surgeon. They took more photos of my eyes than I ever had taken in my life.

Dr Kumar is a retina specialist. Not for routine eye exam

[mjpuleo]

Polar Bear--Dr. Wehrly at Lake Eye; he is an ophthalmologist and my husband and I have been going to him for a long time; he did our cataract surgery; he is excellent but has a long waiting list so if you are not in a great hurry get your name on the list now; he has several offices; I usually go to the one in the Sharon Morse building phone: 352-365-2020

[cjeast24]

St Luke’s at Sumter landing. Dr Ireland. Had my cataract surgery last year. excellent A+ highly recommend

[thevillagernie]

always used Ocala eye,never been surprised except for waiting time !!!

[Sherrilee]

Love at Luke’s !! Dr Gooch is wonderful

[kdolence]

St. Luke's at Lake Sumter Landing is the best. I never had a more thorough eye exam in my life until I went there. Had my cataracts off there as well and it was amazing.

[retiredguy123]

Dr Kumar is a retina specialist. Not for routine eye exam
She gives me a routine eye exam every year. Their office is more thorough than any office that I have ever been to. But, they don't prescribe glasses or contacts. For that, I see an optometrist. Before going to Dr. Kumar, I went to another opthalmologist, who would prescribe eyeglasses and contacts, but the opthalmologist didn't do the vision exam. It was done by a non-professional technician, who was not a doctor at all.

[Polar Bear]

I hear basic (not multi-focal) cataract surgery is covered by Medicare. Correct?

[Lindaws]

We really like Mid Fl.Eye. They have specialist (all MD). who can address all
problems. There is also an optometrist for getting script for glasses. My
husband goes to the retina specialist and I see the cataract MD,

[SoZo Kids]

Dr Ireland-St. Luke’s near Barnes & Noble

[anbhale@embarqmail.com]

I Highly recommend Dr Ireland at St Lukes Eye for Cataract surgery. The entire Practice is very Professional and caring.

[sallybowron]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.

I recommend Dr. Scott Hola]man of Lake Eye. Dr. Guiti in his practice is also good and a little easier to get in to.

[Ralpha]

If you don’t need an Opthomologist, I can’t say enough good things about Hindsight Eye Care at Burnsed. I like their optometrist and you can usually get your glasses in one day.

[rmd2]

I've been here 10 years and have gone to Ocala Eye and Lake Eye but I like St. Luke's best.

[DAVES]

I need to change eye doctors. This is not a major problem. My wife and I have both been okay with our old doctor, but not all that thrilled. So we're ready to try somebody new. I'm leaning towards Lange Eye, who is covered by my new insurance.

Opinions and experiences please.

In another post you mention you are due for cataract surgery. I will cover both with the same doctor. We've been in the villages for eight years. On a recommendation, we met with Dr Wehrlly of Lake eye Associates so we already had a trusting relationship with him and the practice. You state ok with the old doctor but not thrilled. My opinion as far as a doctor it is often a personality. In many cases your experience, your opinion is colored by the marginally trained people they have in the front office. Again my opinion.
Few patients tell the doctor how they have been treated. Many doctors may not think this is important. For me, if the doctor hires a drill Sargent to answer HIS office phone
when you visit the doctor, you may not be in your best mood either.

To my experience with cataract surgery. Mine was far along and in both eyes. As I said we were already patients with Dr. Wehrlly so he was well aware of my other eye issues.
You have choices to make. Have a plane lens installed which is covered by medicare a prescription lens installed for which you pay if, I recall 4-500 per eye. I've heard there are bi focals ans I've heard of people having one eye with a close up lens and the other with a distance prescription. Your choice? As I said to Dr Wehrlly you are the expert. What do you suggest? I've spoken to several other people including some out of state. It seems the prescription is most used. Profit may be a factor.

I can only say I am THRILLED with the results Dr Wehrilly got for me. Since cataracts is a long term progression I was shocked at how much I was not seeing and that everything was not as yellow as I had gotten used to.

[asiebel]

We have had excellent experiences with Dr Ireland for cataract surgery at St Lukes Lake Sumter and the man at Brownwood
St Lukes for regular exams. Sorry I dont remember his name. It is different and he is young. I think he does surgery too!

[DAVES]

I hear basic (not multi-focal) cataract surgery is covered by Medicare. Correct?

I didn't see this question.
See my post 53 in which I answered several of the questions you asked including this one.

My post 53. I did not address, Not sure if anyone asked. You should have someone drive you to and from the surgery. Not sure but if I recall Lake Eye helped us with that. They had a cab service they worked with. This is not like pulling a hangnail. You will be on feel good drugs, dilated etc. YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT DRIVING. There is a follow up visit hours after the surgery. In my case, I assume all, you first see a lesser person than the surgeon. You've probably had others ask how many fingers you see.
I'm not sure if that is check for your vision or your honesty. My reply was, I would be lying if I told you I see your hand-I'm taking your word for it that you have one and it is up.
It took days before I could see well enough to watch TV about a week till I could read a typical book sized type..

[Linnberg]

I didn't like Lange Eye, but many do. I had asked for the basic "no upcharge" free via insurance eye exam, and at the end of it all, I was being scheduled for a second exam. When I asked if 1) is it covered by insurance (answer: no) and 2) what's the purpose of this exam (didn't really get an answer that I believed), I decided to try elsewhere.

I'm still searching, I'm going to try St.Luke's over in the Lake Sumter square area.
And maybe Ocala Eye if somehow St.Luke's doesn't work out
If you have a good experience somewhere, pass it along.

Very happy with the original St Lukes and have been going there since it opened years ago. Had cataract surgery in both eyes from Dr. Ireland and regular visits with Dr. Gooch. Very high reviews.

[DAVES]

I’m in the same boat but not exactly like yours. My new Eye Dr. did an eye examination just like other eye Drs. My new lens are worse than my old lens. When I asked him about it he insisted that lens are exactly like the test showed. The only problem is most of the time I take my glasses off to see most things. Test may be right but not one time did he say they might not of ground them wrong. Of course that could of never happened! He could of took my glasses & had them checked but he didn’t, why do you suppose he didn’t, was he afraid they weren’t right?


I've left several posts on this thread. I'm not sure I understand what you are saying.
"My new lenses are worse than my old lens." Clearly something is not good.
"When, I asked him about it he insisted that the lens are exactly like the test showed."
Eye doctors and typical inexpensive places use a machine that looks kind of like when you go to a vacation spot and they have metal binoculars that you put change into to use. Due to my eyes that device does not work on me. It is sort of amusing. They insist on trying and then give up in frustration. Only thing that works for me is the flip lens option. It takes far more time.

You use the term,"My new lenses." Did you order lenses to fit into you old, perhaps expensive frame? It is not just the prescription. The lenses need to be centered on your eye. Many ???? doctors ????? do not put that on the prescription. Perhaps because while they do or should measure that, you need that information to order the glasses
from another seller or mail order. Your new lenses can be the correct prescription but not properly ground to fit the frames. .

My OPINION, I do not always follow my own advice. I would get a second opinion. It, could be a medical issue or just poorly prescribed and or made glasses.

[retiredguy123]

I've left several posts on this thread. I'm not sure I understand what you are saying.
"My new lenses are worse than my old lens." Clearly something is not good.
"When, I asked him about it he insisted that the lens are exactly like the test showed."
Eye doctors and typical inexpensive places use a machine that looks kind of like when you go to a vacation spot and they have metal binoculars that you put change into to use. Due to my eyes that device does not work on me. It is sort of amusing. They insist on trying and then give up in frustration. Only thing that works for me is the flip lens option. It takes far more time.

You use the term,"My new lenses." Did you order lenses to fit into you old, perhaps expensive frame? It is not just the prescription. The lenses need to be centered on your eye. Many ???? doctors ????? do not put that on the prescription. Perhaps because while they do or should measure that, you need that information to order the glasses
from another seller or mail order. Your new lenses can be the correct prescription but not properly ground to fit the frames. .

My OPINION, I do not always follow my own advice. I would get a second opinion. It, could be a medical issue or just poorly prescribed and or made glasses.
Are you saying that the devices most opticians use to measure pupil distance are not accurate? Or, are you saying that a company that grinds lenses for a frame would do it without knowing the patient's pupil distance? Just asking.

[obesurgeon@aol.com]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Dr Dan Montgomery, ophthalmologist, in Inverness is well worth the trip.

[Linnberg]

I’ve been using St. Luke’s for years. Exams plus cataract surgery...Dr. Ireland is the best.

I 100 percent agree. Even with St Luke’s since they opened. Both eyes cataract surgery. Totally recommend and I don’t say that about most of the medical profession.

[jjombrello]

Highly recommend Ocala Eye. We have been with them for 22 years and would never change. Excellent doctors, efficient, quick service, and friendly staff. We currently see Dr. Jodie Armstrong.

[Polar Bear]

I 100 percent agree. Even with St Luke’s since they opened. Both eyes cataract surgery. Totally recommend and I don’t say that about most of the medical profession.
Does St. Luke's offer routine eye exams and such in addition to cataract surgery and other specialties?

[Dan9871]

Does St. Luke's offer routine eye exams and such in addition to cataract surgery and other specialties?

Yes, I've been going there for the last three years for routine eye examines.

[PugMom]

By the way, I am looking for an ophthalmologist. I’ll probably be looking at cataract surgery pretty soon.

Ocala Eye