Tag Archives: Best Optometrist

We don’t have to dilate you…..

Aside

…well, maybe.

A dilated fundus examination (DFE) remains the standard of care for the detection, management and treatment of retinal disease.  Although this can often times be inconvenient, uncomfortable and laborious it still remains as one of the most traditional methods for the examination of the back of the eye.  Things have changed but it took a number of years to get there.  I remember my first encounter with an instrument that claimed to be able to negate the need for a dilation, I was an intern in my final year of optometry school.  I don’t want to date or age myself but that was in 2001 and that instrumentation has improved (17 years later) but it still produces an image like the one below:

This image has always bothered me because it is not how the back of the eye appears.  There is no green whatsoever in the physical examination of the retina.  Even the diagrams/cartoons we study in textbooks and are easily searched on the internet to show no green and those lashes at the bottom could sometimes hide a valuable finding:

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So, the question has always lingered, what is that prior image representing?  Is it a true representation of the retina or simply a shortcut to see more patients by not having to wait to dilate the patients?  While charging patients for an image that may not be truly representative of how the eye appears for the sake of convienence?

I am not here to judge what others do.  I am here to justify why Gee Eye Care has finally now decided to employ the use of ultra wide-field (UWF) imaging and what I have decided to do.  First off, an undilated view of the retina with traditional methods (ie. direct ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp with an auxiliary lens like a superfield or digital wide field lens) usually only yields, at maximum, a field of view of 30-60 degrees.  A dilated view or a traditional image with dilation may yield a view at 100 degrees or more (depending on skill level).  An image very similar to the one below:

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The time has come where we can now produce an image to at least 200 degrees in true color!  I have been waiting on this day since 2001.  Some have questioned why I still dilated eyes at Gee Eye Care.  Truth be told, I was not comfortable with any other technology that would properly be able to replace a dilated view with my own eyes and I was not going to compromise your eye health for a shortcut.  Now I finally can show you why because we didn’t have the technology to show you before and you just had to take my word for it!  I now feel confident in the image I am able to obtain in order to reliably depict the actual retina. It took some time and yes, further investment but I am so excited to present to you the following images taken by me on an undilated patient:

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Starting on October 8th we will be presenting patients with the opportunity to defer dilation and choose this imaging.  However, some patients will be required to be dilated:

  • all new patients
  • children (in order to best determine refractive error changes)
  • certain patients with known or suspected disease that may affect the retina (to name a few):
    • diabetes
    • hypertension
    • acute peripheral retinal degeneration
  • certain patients at Dr. Gee’s discretion

This imaging is available to all, even if dilated, for documentation purposes.  When appropriate, it may be billed to your insurance but the cost will be $30 out of pocket for both eyes.  This option will be presented to you before the examination and you will be given the choice to choose prior to beginning your examination (note, Dr. Gee may need to still dilate your pupils if something is noticed upon obtaining the image).  These images will be reviewed by Dr. Gee and shared with you during the examination.  If you would like them digitally sent to you, please ask and they will be emailed immediately.

Welcome to the new age of eye care.  Dr. Gee and Gee Eye Care has always been proud of being on the forefront of eye care technology and this is no different!

Click here to set up your appointment for the “no puff,” “non-dilated,” “no 1’s or 2’s” eye and health examination!

#SiennaEyeDoc

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/expert-answers/eye-dilation/faq-20057882

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/pointcounterpoint-ultrawidefield-imaging-vs-dilated-funduscopy

Notes:

  • Image #1: reference and link to OptoMap Daytona, taken directly from their website
  • Image #2: diagram taken from Cirrus OCT poster
  • Image #3: photo captured by Dr. Gee
  • Images #4 & #5: photo captured by Dr. Gee on an undilated patient

The office is Closed! Why???

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In life there are experiences that can’t be replaced, replicated or overlooked. That being said, the office has been closed a few days the past two weeks as a result of the World Series. I wanted to write an open letter explaining why and apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused.

Imagine a young boy growing up playing baseball, fond memories with his dad playing catch & trying to improve his game. Some memories that many would tell about him throwing a ball before he even remembered and shortly after learning to walk at a young age. Life, career choices took him a different direction but the love of the “game” has always been there. Now grown and making a living that same boy, a young professional, vowed he would purchase season tickets at the first chance he had to afford them, starting with only one in the outfield on a mini-season and then two behind the dugout a few years later—so that that father of his could experience the “game” with him. At one time attending every home game played, all 81.

Privileged to go to Spring Training with his father and mother, this tradition continues to this day, every year in March for 1 week. Privileged to visit every ballpark in all of Major League Baseball—31 (+1 new Yankee Stadium also). Privileged to see a miracle World Series run in 2005 only to be swept by the other team. Privileged to attend two Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies again all with his mother and father. Privileged to be associated with and serve the team he grew up cheering for as a member of the Astros’ Buddies.

That’s me. Your doctor by day but son, and now father, by night. I don’t get too personal about stuff in the public but I felt compelled to make a statement because I’m not just closing the doors for a few days of leisure (frankly it’s a lot of work) but I’m closing for the experience to do this with my mother and father, wife and son. I want my son to have these memories recited to him when he grows up.

This World Series run is emotional and much like the “game” it has its ups and downs. I wish I could have predicted that we would be where we are now (actually not really because it wouldn’t be the same) as to not have to reschedule and inconvenience patients but an opportunity like this doesn’t come around very often. Thank you for understanding and Go Astros!

We will be closed Tuesday, October 31st through Thursday, November 2nd as we travel to Los Angeles and reopen on Friday to regular business hours. You can reach Dr. Gee anytime via email or text.  DrGee@GeeEyeCare.com or 281.778.9912 (feel free to text)

I was wrong, I’m sorry…

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…I don’t ‘sponsor,’ I ‘support’

If I was ever wrong, then I stand corrected especially now. If I ever said that I ‘sponsored’ an event—I was wrong, evidently. My efforts in the community are to ‘support,’ events, organizations, individuals, in anything I put pen to check.

I want to make it very clear that the efforts that I contribute to are because I believe in them and what they stand for, NOT for marketing/advertising. As a matter of fact we have a hashtag (#CommunityMatters) in the office and that’s what it is all about.

As a business person it’s a fine line on how this is viewed, both by myself and by the public. Those that are out there working hard to get sponsorship money from other establishments may take heed of this, for me it is not about ROI (return on investment) but merely just giving back. You know it’s not always about business. I have to make the right decisions based on financials but I budget for the major schools in our community and it’s usually flexible but the thought, “what am I going to get out of this?” rarely ever crosses my mind.  Rather, whether it fits in the budget, who is asking (whether a patient or just a cold call) and of course value (how is the money going to be used) all are considered more heavily.

I opened the office in 2007 and also dropped a stake in the ground in Waters Lake of Sienna Plantation to build a home. I wanted a place to call home, not just a house. I wanted to be a part of the community. As a result, I’ve been around to see two elementary schools develop, a high school and soon to be another middle school. I’ve supported all of them and intend to do the same for the up and coming. I remember when Ridge Point, in its infancy came to ask for assistance with their band and athletics programs. I’m honored that I was asked and even more honored to be able to participate. I am honored that many have remembered that and continue to give me the opportunity. Fast forward to 2017, 10 years later, we were fortunate enough to be able to move the office to an updated and larger location. One thing for sure, #CommunityMatters is even more important and I will not back down from supporting community efforts.

So, while I’ve probably been using the incorrect word all these years, I stand corrected, the intent has ALWAYS been to support the community that I live and am a part of.

 

#SiennaEyeDoc

Why I do what I do….

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This is an early entry to the blog, as far as mornings go, but fresh on my mind and near to my heart I thought I would share a quick note/experience from last night’s patient care.  This is why I do what I do, who could ever orchestrate the events that I detail following?

A mother set out to seek my opinion (as a second one based off a prior visit with another eye doctor) regarding her son’s vision.  He plays sports and recently noticed that the vision in one of his eyes was compromised.  He was evaluated by another doctor previously and we started our visit with the customary preparation of the patient, taking his vision, asking how long the vision had been like that, if he had noticed worsening with time, etc.  It was during this conversation that it was revealed to me that the young man’s father was affected with a condition called keratoconus.  This is a chronic, progressive deformity of the cornea that is usually passed down through generations and has some very strong hereditary connections.  It is not a terribly common but also not something I would see even on a monthly basis.  Upon preliminary evaluation of his visual acuities, it certainly appeared that he was not seeing well in his right eye, and with our technology the initial scan of his prescription surely pointed toward a diagnosis of keratoconus.  I immediately ordered a scan of his corneal curvature, called a topography, to verify my initial suspicion.  Yes, the scan came back as a classic presentation of keratoconus.

screen-shot-2017-01-10-at-8-21-48-am

Here’s where things get very interesting.  I just happened to have just finished seeing an adult patient who traveled all the way from out of state for me to evaluate his condition a few weeks back.  I diagnosed him with keratoconus and suggested a treatment option for him which he accepted and we were finalizing his treatment 10 minutes before I saw the younger patient in the room next door.  How does this happen?  An existing patient that travels from out of state for me to take care of his condition hanging out after the visit whilst I am examining a new patient (about to deliver the news of a lifelong, progressive, chronic condition) and they happen to have the vision issues–again, how does this happen?  Divine intervention? Chance?  We were able to get them to connect in the office, have a conversation about the condition and bring a sense of comfort about the new diagnosis.  After reflecting on it, doing what I do with passion, integrity and what I was called to do, I believe….

I am forever grateful for the opportunities that this profession has provided me.  Not just to take care and spare vision for patients to but to invest and take care of people.  I look forward to experiences to touch lives daily, thank you for everyone who has trusted me with their eyes and my clinical judgement.

#SiennaEyeDoc

Dr. Gee took the time to explain everything to me and listen to me. He is an amazing optometrist — Joanna T.

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Class Act Doctor & Practice — Paul E.

Dr Gee is a class act. He possesses all the attributes of a great doctor. He combines a friendly easy to talk to demeanor with the highest level of technical competencies. Perhaps his most impressive quality is the true dedication he provides his patients. He demands nothing less from his staff, who are all a true pleasure to deal with. The staff truly complements this fine practice. I challenge anyone to find a better eye care provider.

Jul 6, 2015

Gee Eye Care is Awesome-Sauce — Brionne R.

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I moved to another city but traveled back to Gee Eye Care so that Dr. Gee could take care of me. He is very personable and professional. And it ALWAYS smells good in his facility!

Dec 1, 2014

Always transparent….

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Here’s a recent comment we received from a patient.  A long time patient.  Although it was not pushed to a public site, we decided to share it with you.  We share everything, the good, the bad, we are not perfect but we try.  In the end, we were able to learn as a team with this comment.  I thanked the patient for the feedback that will ultimately help us improve!

These lenses were actually warrantied because we were able to get them extended through our lab…

“I have always been very happy there but was disappointed that I was told that our lenses package was still covered under warranty and that they would be ordering new lenses since our sons were scratched. When I did not hear back after the appointment a couple of weeks later, I called and the office staff said sorry but I had just missed the warranty and if I would have come in a week earlier it would have applied. It was frustrating that it was previously verified that it was still under warranty and that I was told the lenses were ordered when they were not. I had to call to find out what had happened.I would have gladly come in a week earlier if I wasn’t told that they were still covered. The lack of communication and the wrong information given was very frustrating. I am not accustomed to this problem at this office, normally is is very well run which is the only reason for my complaint.”