Ocala Eye or Lange Eye?
 

Any opinions or information on these places to go for eye exams?
Would like to hear from those that have been.
We are trying to decide since my insurance is accepted by both.

I have been going to Lange for over 2 years for Glaucoma and I really like them. I can't compare because I have never been to Ocala eye.

I go to Ocala Eye in The Villages - I see Dr Jodi Armstrong. She and the staff are wonderful. Also, I barely have a chance to sit down before I am called in - very prompt. No long waits here!

I went to Ocala Eye and had my yearly exam. I found it a litlle odd, the doctor said I would have cataracs in two years and recommended eye implants so my vision would be 20/20 forever. It might be me, but I think I would get another opinion, as I don't take surgery lightly.

They also recommended progressive type glasses so I can see near and far without having to change glasses. I opted not to, as my vision at a distance would be improved only marginally and I don't want to wear glasses all the time, but just when I need to. I hope your plan covers glasses, as the one's they suggested would have been $400 to $500 and I couldn't justify the expenditure.

I found the staff to be helpful and overall the experience, was pleasant.

Maybe it's me, but I find all services seem to push unneccessary test or recommendations that are expensive. :ohdear:

i like mid Florida Eye.
Www.midfloridaeye.com

Ask a question like this...you'll get upteen opinions. I've had experience with Ocala Eye and later with the eye place in network with Preferred Care Partners (name escapes me now). I much preferred Ocala Eye (Dr. Elmallah)...very thorough. You may have a wait but bring a book, it's worth it (we're retired after all).

Ocala eye for us....

Ocala Eye fixed both me and my wife's cataracts. They did a great job. Dr. Schwank was the physician.

Z

I disagree with your statement about "finding all services seem to push unnecessary test or recommendations that are expensive". Perhaps it's your doctor at Ocala Eye but it certainly is not my doctor there.

I've been going to Ocala Eye for a few years with Dr. Morris as my opthamologist. Although my prescription has slightly changed, he said not enough to get new glasses unless I really wanted them. (No expensive recommendations)

As you, I don't take surgery lightly and Dr. Morris doesn't either. He would LOVE for my cataracts to be ready for removal because he would LOVE for me NOT to have to ever wear glasses again. Yet, to his dismay, my cataracts are not ready for surgery and he just patiently waits. (No expensive recommendations that are unnecessary)

As for progressive lenses, I've had them for 15 years and would never go back. The difference between you and me is I've been wearing glasses since I was 6 years old. Progressive lenses provide a full spectrum of sight for me...close up, mid range, and distance. Yet, Dr. Morris did not push that I get new lenses or frames although it's been 10 years since I last did. (No expensive recommendations)

I have closed angle glaucoma with very high eye pressure. Dr. Morris performed laser surgery to reduce my pressure. It didn't work. He prescribed drops. They didn't work. My pressure is not normal yet it does not effect my peripheral vision and my eyes are otherwise healthy. Dr. Morris could have suggested I have another laser surgery, but he did not. He could have continued to prescribe eye drops. He did not. I am an anomaly and he opted to watch my eyes closely with yearly intensive testing and 6 month checkups. (No extraordinary expensive recommendations)

As for the cost for new frames and lenses. First, it depends on the frames you choose. Second, it depends on your prescription. Third, it depends whether you add progressive lenses (additional cost), UV protection (additional cost), scratch guard (additional cost), etc. Yes, it can become expensive. When I get new frames and lenses, even with the insurance I have, I still have to pay about $500 - $600 out of pocket, no matter where I go to fill my prescription.

Sorry I'm so long winded, but my recommendation for Dr. Morris at Ocala Eye is worth every word I just typed.

I agree with BrightSpot - I have never gotten any expensive recommendations or unnecessary recommendations. My vision had changed a little - was told I didn't really need new glasses, it was entirely up to me. Gave me the prescription and never pushed getting the glasses there. Progressive lenses are great - wouldn't have any others. I'm not afraid to ask questions for fear of opening up a can of worms because I know Dr. Armstrong has never tried pushing anything - she is very honest about my needs. Ocala Eye definitely deserves recommendations.

Respectfully, I agree we disagree in this matter. In general, I was not directly referring to Ocala Eye except that I found it odd that someone can predict the future, with an exact date, of a future problem.

Here is my point of view. I went to the dentist to just have a cleaning performed. I was told I needed a thorough examination first. Being new to Florida medical care, I assumed this is the way some doctors run their business. I had the examination and was informed I needed several teeth exacted and a new upper denture, as well as replacing my lower denture that has worked for thirty years or so. Total cost was three thousand. Two thousand was my out of pocket cost. I was then told that I needed to go to a periodontists, to have my teeth cleaned. I don't see why I need a specialists to do a routine cleaning of my teeth. :rolleyes:

I also went to urgent care, for have wax taken out of my ears. The person informed me, that I needed a thorough examination before I could get wax taken out of my ears. Again, I guess I don't understand Florida medical practices. I then went to another Urgent Care Center and had the wax removed from my ears without a problem. In the northeast, you go to the doctor and tell hiim what is bothering you, and he/she treats you for that problem.

Ocala Eye was not pushy and overall, my experience was pleasant.

Hopefully, this explanation will make it clearer why I have this opinion. Again, I agree we disagree.

Ocala Eye for us. The exam is extraordinary and you walk out of there with a prescription that can be used anywhere. I chose to get mine in-house, but I had the choice.

We went into a pre-op meeting for a cataract removal fully expecting to pay for the middle option which was originally recommended. They did some additional testing at our meeting and we walked out with a bill for the basic option at $295. They felt that the middle option was not the right one in this case. To me, they are ultimately professional and trustworthy.

Xavier

I check here (TOTV) and with individuals I know and trust for recommendations. Doing that, I go into the doctors office with a certain degree of trust. I usually take their recommendations because they are the professionals. If you don't bring your medical and/or dental history with you it seems reasonable to me that the attending physician or dentist would want to get the whole picture so that can treat you properly. I bring all of my medical records with me on my Smartphone with a program called MYCHART. The participating doctor or medical lab put the results of all tests, medications, etc. in MYCHART as soon as they get them, I carry my most recent MRIs and CTs on Disc. I had dental work done on vacation out west and brought the x-ray to my dentist at my next appointment. I feel that you select an appropriately trained professional for the job. Otherwise you might select a journeyman plumber to check out your prostrate!

Xavier

Your eyes are precious. Why try to scrimp on eye care?

My vote is for Ocala Eye also. I had iridotomies on both eyes (laser) for narrow angle glaucoma (preventive) prior and didn't say a word to the dr. (his name escapes me too) and he was able to tell when doing exam. Also, I described this condition I have - little blinking diamonds flickering on the periphery of both eyes, but usually the left - that lasts for 15-20 min. then goes away - just to see if he diagnosed it the same as my doc in NJ. He did, they are ocular migraines; no pain, just flickering crystal-like diamonds that are annoying. I was impressed. My prescription for my glasses was the best I ever got. My vote -Ocala Eye.

Has anyone had any dealings with Dr. Mamdouh Zeini? He has offices in Southern Trace and Spanish Springs.

There are many clinics and specialists who focus on cataract surgery and glaucoma. I am looking for a competent eye surgeon who does general eye surgery.

I go to Ocala Eye, Dr. Michael Morris. All the employers are so nice and helpful. The other doctor also is a wonderful doctor. I have friends who use him. I had cataract surgery and had no problems, nor did any of my friends who have had eye surgery. Very clean and efficient.

I went to Dr. Zeini for two years and I really liked him. Unfortunately he is not on my new insurance plan, so I am going to try Mid-Florida Eye. I hope they are as good as he was and the staff was excellent.

and why mess them up with unnecessary surgeries and procedures?

My husband goes to Dr Zeini .... has for almost 10 yrs. Very happy with his practice.

Dr Lang
 

We use Dr Lang at Lang Eye. He is prompt and professional. No up sell on anything. I have my yearly exams and have gotten a pair of eye glasses as well. They were helpful in helping me find the right frames for my face and helped me save as much as I could through my insurance. In fact I have an appointment there tomorrow!

Thanks so much for the feedback on Dr. Zeini. Much appreciated since I have an appointment scheduled with him on Wednesday morning. I am hoping he can do some minor surgery so I won't have to fly back to Canada to have it.

Been to both and liked them both.

Had an issue this week with floaters that could have been serious and called the new St Lukes at Lake Sumter and they couldn't see me until March. Called Lange and they got me in 4 hours later. Fortunately, everything was OK.

First of all, this isn't about cost. As far as I'm concerned, cost isn't a factor when eyesight is concerned. And this isn't really criticism of either Ocala Eye or Mid Florida Eye, because they are big institutions and have established procedures which must be followed. But I did need immediate attention to a eye problem I was having which has been causing a lot of discomfort and inflammation.

I was having a lot of difficulty booking an immediate appointment with Ocala Eye or Mid Florida Eye, since I was not an established patient. Although I had a full eye exam by an Opthamologist two months ago, both places insisted I would need a full eye exam at a cost of $245 before they could even look at my current problem. The price wasn't the problem, it's just that both places said a full eye exam couldn't be quickly scheduled. And they said an appointment for the corrective procedure would have to be booked after my initial visit at an additional cost.

I was able to quickly book an appointment with Dr. Zeini, after I explained the situation to his office staff. I was very impressed with the staff, the promptness, and the whole handling of the problem I was having. Dr. Z performed the corrective procedure and all is well. It wasn't surgery, but they had to put numbing drops in my eyes to prevent pain, and I was apprehensive. Dr. Z was terrific. The fee was $120 for exam and procedure.

Dr. Zeini has offices in Southern Trace Plaza and in Spanish Springs. I highly recommend him.