After years of reading Yelp reviews this is the first one I've actually taken the time to write and it is Dr. Orr that inspired it! I've had dry eye issues for a long time likely due to two LASIK surgeries including a corrective touch up done two years ago that really exacerbated the situation. Recently my eyes had become so dry that they were literally red where they should be white, despite frequently using moisturizing eye drops. At about 2 pm on a Friday I realized they were SO bad that there as no way I could go to the wedding id planned to attend the following day...it seemed like I had an infection. I started searching for eye doctors on Yelp and Lamorinda Optometrics came up with some good reviews.
I quickly researched Dr. Orr and saw that he went to Cal and was the number one student in his graduating class. Impressive. I was familiar with his office, having bought prescription sunglasses there a few yrs ago. I immediately called to plead for an emergency/squeeze-in appointment. Stella took my call and was amazing. She listened carefully, asked questions and made it clear she wanted to fully understood the situation, taking notes that she would share with the doctor to see what they could do on a busy Friday afternoon. She called back as promised in five minutes and said to come right down and they would somehow make it happen. I couldn't believe it ... I honestly cannot recall a medical office ever being so intent upon helping out in a desperate situation like this, especially when I hadn't been there in a few years.
I was seen almost immediately upon arrival. First a work up by the excellent staff who were kind enough to spare me the air-puff test when I couldn't relax enough to get my eyes to stop watering. (Dr. Orr personally did it at end of my appt). Dr. Orr then thoroughly examined my eyes, concluding that while they were as dry as eyes could be, he didn't see signs of an infection. My eyes were simply reacting to the ongoing dryness, worsened by recent eyelid surgery. He determined that one eye didn't fully close every time I blinked, leaving it particularly irritated.
Dr. Orr knew exactly what to do...he provided me the most useful eye drops I have ever used, a medicated drop that was both a strong anti inflammatory and contained a mild antibiotic. He gave careful instructions on their use, and directed me to call him immediately if I had any sort of painful or blurred vision type of reaction. He also introduced me to a type of single use eye drops which are exponentially more viscous than the OTC Refresh plus drops I'd been using, and therefore much longer lasting. They're called "Oasis."
At the start of my appointment, I had asked Dr. Orr about tear duct plugs I recently read about as a possible long term solution to chronically dry eyes. He was knowledgeable on the topic. By the end of the appointment he agreed I would be a good candidate for these. We made a follow up appointment for Tuesday to check on my eyes and evaluate me for the duct plugs.
My eyes were noticeably better by bedtime that night. Dr. Orr called me twice the next morning to see how my eyes were doing -- I didn't hear my phone so missed his first call and voicemail...but he tried again before I noticed the message. He was genuinely concerned and asked a lot of questions, then reminded me that the drops were powerful and shouldn't be used any longer than necessary. I happily reported that my eyes were nearly clear and felt a lot better with the Oasis drops he'd recommended. Off to the wedding I went, thanks to Dr. Orr.
At my follow up appointment, Dr. Orr determined that the smallest duct plugs he had on hand were too small for my eyes. He had spent considerable time with me trying to see if they would work before reaching this conclusion. He even agreed to try to insert the plug into the other eye even though he likely knew it wouldn't work. He was patient and extremely knowledgeable; we discussed other treatments to be used in conjunction or in lieu of, if the duct plugs didn't completely resolve the issue. I wasn't charged for the visit and was told his staff would contact me when the smaller size came in. I can't wait to try these and have complete confidence that if they do not work as hoped Dr. Orr will find what does work. Highly recommend this office and Dr. Orr in particular. read more
