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QUESTION: I don’t want to give up my options for being in the water Can you recommend a local Doctor in Fresno that can perform the Canaloplasty?
Hello, I was referred to your office by a past client, ******. ****** speaks very highly of you. I have recently been diagnosed w/Glaucoma. Actually, I have experienced higher eye pressure for many years, but recently it shot up to 35-L & 36 rgt. I was referred to a local Dr. in Fresno who tried drops (I really didn’t like the drops). I was very sensitive to the drops. The drops did reduce the pressure to 24-l & 26 r. I do have some damage to the r., and I have been told I should have SLT. I understand SLT is a short term surgery lasting 5-10 yrs and can cause scarring which may eliminate or reduce any future options for me such as Canaloplasty. I am not an avid surfer like [undisclosed], yet, I don’t want to give up my options for being in the water (something the local Dr. didn’t mention). Can you recommend a local Dr. that can perform the Canaloplasty? My Dr. said he wouldn’t refer me for this procedure. I am not opposed to traveling down So., an d understand the payment is cash-(no ins billing). However, I was hoping there might be someone you feel is equally trained that is closer to home. Thank you for your time,
******
ANSWER:
Dear ******,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent elevation in eye pressure. SLT is temporary in its effect, but if it can buy you a few years of reduced drops or the potential to delay incisional glaucoma surgery then it is worth considering. In general SLT does not impact the ability to go on to have canaloplasty (so long as the SLT treatment is not too aggressive).
With regard to adept canaloplasty surgeons in your area, I’m afraid I’m not aware of any. Dr. George Tanaka in San Francisco is the closest canaloplasty surgeon I can recommend. He’s quite good.
If you do wish to travel to see me in consultation and you have PPO insurance you may also have out of network benefits. We have found that many PPO insurances reimburse well enough that the final cost to see me is in the range of many in-network co-pays. My billing specialist, Helah, should be able to find out what your insurance may reimburse you.
Additionally, if you have copies of recent eye tests I may be able to use those reports saving you the cost of in-office testing.
Please give ****** my best. Hope he is catching some great waves!
Warm regards,
David Richardson, MD
Patient-Focused Ophthalmologist
San Marino Eye
2020 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
626.289.7856
Patient-Focused Websites:
New-Glaucoma-Treatments.com
About-Eyes.com
Date: Nov 2, 2014
Posted in: Canaloplasty Surgeons
