I was having some problems with the vision in my right eye, so you'd think it simple enough to go…read moresee an ophthalmologist, right? Well, not that easy if you are held captive by an HMO insurance carrier. They first sent me to three different but approved on their list ophthalmologists. All three gave me exams but ended up saying that, though there is something definitely going wrong in my eye, weren't really able to diagnose it. So at that point I was finally sent to Fort Lauderdale Retina Institute, an institute consisting of about 8 doctors specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology with particular attention problems of the retina.
In short, I couldn't have asked for a more friendly, helpful or professional clerical staff than I found here. When I arrived for my appointment I found that the necessary insurance company paper work referral had not yet arrived. That usually represents a big problem, but not here. Though I offered to drive over to my primary care physician to get one, they told me I didn't have to do that. That they would handle it for me, which they did. This is something most won't do for you.
Then, better yet, the medical assistant staff turned out top notch. The whole exam moved right along without those horrid prolonged periods of sitting around waiting for your eyes to dilate. They put dye in my veins, took pictures of the back of my eye, etc., all done with professionalism plus a friendly smile and comforting approach.
When I saw my particular doctor, Tirso Mark Lara, an impressive professional, all the diagnostic tests were ready for him. Then, based upon the tests plus his further personal examination was able to, where the other couldn't, diagnose my situation and advise me what was going on in my eye. Though medical science hasn't advanced far enough that much can be done about it, I finally got my answers. Just knowing was, to me, most comforting regardless of whether or not anything can be done about it.
In summary everyone I met at Fort Lauderdale Retina Institute, from the clerical staff, to the medical assistants and the doctors were not only top notch on top of their game professionals but also people with a comforting, caring human approach.
