If you are searching for a doctor to treat your macula, retina or other types of eye conditions you may have fears and concerns. For instance you may realize that not all eye doctors are the same. Hi, my name is Dr Patel and I specialize in treating eye conditions relating to the macula and retina. I would like to help explain some of these differences and how they affect you. One example is the advice two different eye doctors may give you on the same condition. For instance recently I was approached by a patient who had been told here eye condition was untreatable and she would just have to live with it. This should have shocked me, but it didn't. There are many good doctors out there who will give good advice based on what is best for you, the patient. However, there are also doctors out there who will give you advice based on what is best for them. In this instance, my intuition told me that the doctor had weighed the benefit to himself (What he could charge for the surgery) versus the potential loss to himself (Potential lawsuit if the surgery failed) and decided while it might be in the patients benefit to do the surgery it was not in his. So he never even mentioned surgery as an option and just told her she would have to "Live with it". Fortunately for her, as an attorney she had come to realize not all doctors were the same and so she came to me. I explained the benefits and risks to her (Her risks, not mine), she allowed me to perform the surgery and she is thrilled to have her vision 100% back to normal. She thanked me for changing her life. The story, as I explained above, is something I have experienced so many times I have lost count. In fact, I had seen cases where I felt doctors had not recommended treatments that might have improved someone's benefit simply because there was not enough potential benefit to the doctor. Perhaps, you may feel I have been a bit too forthcoming on the shortages of some doctors. So I would like to suggest two things. The first is that every good doctor will agree with what I just said. IF they read this they are probably smiling and nodding in agreement. The second is that nothing I ever do is based on what is based on what is best for me. I care about my patients, as well as those in my community. If what I have written opens your eyes and helps you seek a second opinion, whether from myself, or from another good doctor then that's all that matters. My promise... I will always give you what I feel is the best advice for you and that advice will be based on your quality of life (not mine). I will also take the time to explain to you about your condition, the treatment options and make sure to answer each and every question you have. In other words, I will treat you exactly as I would a member of my own family or best friend. I will also be that friendly doctor who helps you feel safe and comfortable and never rushes you. If I can help you or a member of your family please call and set up an appointment to meet with me in person. Thank You! Dr Saurabh Patel (239)390-3339
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