Archives

Yes. Adding a family member to your account is easy and the patient portal allows you to access multiple patients’ information using one Patient Portal account. If you are a patient at the practice, you can also view your own information using the same account. Please note you must have the the family member’s required… Read More

If you are more than 30 minutes late to your appointment OR arrive past 11:15am or 4:15pm, you may be required to reschedule your appointment.

MyPatient Visit (MPV) is the patient portal program we use. Our Patient Portal is an online service that allows our patients access 24/7 to their health and appointment information. You can use this Portal to: Access Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) and your demographic information. See your upcoming appointments. Communicate with our office staff via secure… Read More

Our Call Center is closed daily from 12pm – 1pm EST. If you have an emergency, we have limited staff available to assist you by. Select 1 from your phone when promoted to speak to a representative. You can also reach these departments directly by dialing their extension: Billing: Ext 3502 Medications: Ext 3514 Medical… Read More

Pricing for cataract surgery can range depending on your vision goals. Your cataract surgeon will discuss your lifestyle and desires. Based upon that discussion, your cataract specialist will recommend a package that makes sense for your unique situation. Your insurance and/or Medicare will cover basic cataract surgery where one of our cataract specialists will remove… Read More

Yes! We proudly offer Maui Jim, Costa, Oakley, RayBan and many other sunglass frames. All of our sunglasses come with high quality polarized sun lenses with a non-glare coating to provide optimum clarity and UV protection.

Yes! If you have a current contact lens prescription, contact lenses orders can be ordered in person, or over the phone by calling 727-584-5748. One of our professional opticians will be happy to assist you.

Most eyeglasses orders can be processed and ready within 7-10 business days. Call our Optical Department at 727-584-5748 so we can assist you.

We offer a wide variety of high quality, name brand frames including Coach, Tiffany, Oakley, RayBan, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors and many more. Please call 727-584-5748 to schedule an appointment to view our complete collection.

The Optical Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm at our Largo office off West Bay Drive.

Our Optical Department accepts the following Vision Insurance plans: VSP, EyeMed and Staywell.

To reach our Optical Department directly, please call 727-584-5748. We have also instituted a phone tree to connect patients with different departments quickly. Just call our main line at (727) 581-8706 and select the option 5 to connect to the Optical Department.

To make a secure, online payment with your credit card follow these easy steps: Visit the online payment portal by clicking this link: https://www.mypatientvisit.com/#/expresspay?practiceID=QGXBNT Fill in your following information to authenticate your account: Practice ID: this should be prepopulate but if not, it is QGXBNT Your last Name Patient Account #: this is a unique,… Read More

It’s quick and easy to use your Care Credit account to pay your balance. To make a secure payment online, follow these steps: Visit The Eye Institute of West Florida’s Care Credit page by clicking this link: https://www.carecredit.com/Pay/525TMP/ Click the green “Pay Now” button on the main page or the “Pay” link in the top… Read More

When the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy (less transparent), it is called a cataract. Light can’t pass through it as well, so vision becomes dull and blurred. Cataracts can develop at any age, but are typically a normal part of the aging process. Symptoms can be very subtle at first, but as a cataract… Read More

The cataract incision is usually self-sealing without stitches and, since there is generally no pain and no patch, you can return home 15 minutes after your procedure. You may experience a slight scratchy sensation, which will subside within a day or so. Your eye will be checked the day after surgery and then it’s back… Read More

The short answer is, as soon as you notice that they begin to interfere with your daily living. This usually means you think your glasses aren’t working well and you need a new prescription. In the past, older, outdated surgical methods required cataracts to be “ripe” in order to be removed (a term we no… Read More

For most people, cataracts begin to develop in your 40s and really start to impair vision in your 60s. Symptoms of cataracts affecting your vision include: The need for brighter light when reading (especially menus at restaurants) Gradual fading or yellowing of colors Difficult with seeing well at night Light sensitivity and glare Seeing bright… Read More

Recovery from eyelid surgery is minimal; in fact you’ll likely return to your job and daily activities in less than 10 days. This recovery period will vary, however, if you combine eyelid surgery with other facial sculpting procedures like a brow lift procedure. Bruising around the eyes should fade after about 2 weeks to a… Read More

Although eyelid surgery is associated with a short recovery period and minimal discomfort, most patients experience some swelling and bruising for at least a few days after the procedure. Following post-operative instructions by our doctors will prove very beneficial in reducing the extent of the swelling and bruising.

Most patients enjoy the youthful, refreshed look from eyelid surgery for several years. Keep in mind that any cosmetic surgery procedure will not stop the aging process. Also, you can retain your improvements longer by continuing your healthy diet and lifestyle, not smoking, and avoiding sun exposure without proper protection and sunscreen.

Our approach to cosmetic surgery comes with the understanding that your general well-being is closely linked to the way you feel about your appearance. Her philosophy – along with her surgical technique – helps patients seeking eyelid surgery to achieve the physical health and emotional happiness they want. You may be a candidate for eyelid… Read More

Many people who choose eyelid surgery want a subtle, smoothing effect around their eyes. The rejuvenating effect of eyelid surgery is long lasting, and can give your eyes a more youthful, well rested and alert appearance. When considering eyelid surgery, ask yourself these questions: Do you appear tired? Is the skin of your upper eyelids… Read More

There are two answers to this question. If you have only received the first vaccine of Moderna or Pfizer and have recently traveled or been in an ALF facility, nursing home, or hospital in the last 10 days, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test. If you have received your second vaccine (booster)… Read More

The short answer is now. We understand the importance of ocular emergencies. As it stands, hospitals are better equipped to care for those with COVID-19. If you fall under a classification below, you will be directed to a nearby hospital for care: Ocular Emergency: If you have an ocular emergency and travelled outside of Florida in… Read More

Yes. If you have been in an Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home or a Hospital within the last 10 days, you will need to reschedule your appointment a quarantine for 10 days.

To better understand what each part of your bill means, we have created an example below for your convenience. Click on the image to open a larger version for better viewing. Example Bill: Glossary of Items: The address to remit payment to via check or credit card information. Credit card information details you can provide… Read More

When establishing yourself as a new patient, there are various standard forms that need to be filled out completely before your appointment. These forms include the following: Patient Demographics: includes important details about you including your address, contact information, date of birth, employer information, etc. Medical History: includes your current medications, allergies, past eye medical… Read More

You have two options: You can come to your appointment 15 minutes early and fill out the necessary paperwork. You can print out the new patient paperwork off our website and fill it out beforehand to bring to your appointment. New patient paperwork links: Patient History and Registration Form – English Patient History and Registration… Read More

MyPatient Visit, also known as the Patient Portal, allows patient’s to access and update a variety of information regarding their health care. Each section allows for different features and are broken down as follows: myInfo Section: Patient Information: Fill out your Patient Demographic information Insurance Information: Fill out your insurance information MyDocuments Section: Document Summary:… Read More

If you forgot your username for MPV (MyPatient Visit), please follow these steps to recover it: From the Login Page, Click the link “Need help with Login?” From the “FORGOT LOGIN CREDENTIALS” Page, select the “Forgot Password” option. Follow prompts and verification process to complete. If you are still having issues please contact us at… Read More

If you forgot your username for MPV (MyPatient Visit), please follow these steps to recover it: From the Login Page, Click the link “Need help with Login? From the “FORGOT LOGIN CREDENTIALS” Page, select the “Forgot Username” option. Follow prompts and verification process to complete. If you are still having issues please contact us at… Read More

After creating an account (registering), every time you are accessing the Patient Portal you would need to login. You will need your username and password information to access the patient portal. You can click here to log in.

Upon scheduling your appointment, you should have received an email and/or text message with a link to create your MyPatient Visit (MPV) account. If you did not receive a message to create your account, please call (727) 581-8706 or email appointments@eyespecialist.com with your name and date of brith to request a new account creation link.

The Eye Institute of West Florida takes our responsibility to our patients very seriously. Part of that responsibility is scheduling appointments at the earliest possible convenient time for every patient. When a patient misses an appointment, not only did we not render care to that patient, we were denied the opportunity to render care to… Read More

Below is a current full list of accepted insurances. Updated 1/1/2021. Accepted Vision Plans for Routine Eye Care: VCP (Vision Care Plan through Humana; routine service only) VISION SERVICE PLAN (VSP) (vision plan) EYEMED (ECPA) (vision plan) NVA – National Vision Administrators Accepted Medical Insurances: AETNA (Commercial and Medicare plans) ALLWELL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE HMO AMBETTER… Read More

It is very common to have redness, irritation, and blurry vision after your laser procedure. Artificial tears are recommended to help alleviate your discomfort. Use as directed by your physician.

After your laser procedure, you will have no down time or restrictions. You can resume your normal daily activities.

We have 2 offices located in Tampa. One in the Hyde Park area and the other in the Westchase area. Our Hyde Park (Tampa) office is located at 501 North Howard Avenue, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33606. The phone number is (813) 253-2727 and the fax number is (813) 253-2729. Direct link to Google Maps… Read More

Our St. Petersburg office is located at 6133 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. The phone number is (727) 344-3008 and the fax number is (727) 347-2806. Direct link to Google Maps for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/xPUchRWz97pGpYZZ9  

We have instituted a phone tree to connect patients with different departments quickly. Just call our main line at (727) 581-8706 and select the option that pertains to your question(s): Press 1 for Scheduling Press 2 for Medications Press 3 for Billing Press 4 for Medical Records Press 5 for Optical Press 6 for Address… Read More

Depending on the information you have provided us, you will either receive an automated phone call or an email and text message with your appointment information. The best way to ensure proper delivery of your appointment details, would be for you to provide us with your mobile phone number. You will receive an appointment confirmation… Read More

You can call our main line at (727) 581-8706 for any scheduling requests. Additionally, you may submit rescheduling requests by texting (727) 581-8706 or emailing appointments@eyespecialist.com.

We are in this together. Our staff and administration are taking extra precautions throughout our offices to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition to the screening and mask protocols instituted for our patients, we are doing the following: Staff are taking their temperatures and screened for any COVID-19 symptoms prior to starting their shift. Staff are… Read More

To keep everyone safe, guests will not be allowed in our facility unless needed for translating or assisting you with movement. We apologize for the inconvenience

Upon walking into our facility, you will be asked screener questions. If you answer yes to any of the following, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment in 10 days: Have tested positive or come into contact with COVID-19 Traveled by car, air, train or ship in the last month inside or outside the… Read More

Yes. If you are experience any any respiratory issues including cough, fever or flu-like symptoms, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment in 10 days.

Yes. If you or someone you have come into contact with tested positive for COVID-19, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment in 10 days.

If you have traveled by car, air, train or ship in the last 10 days inside or outside the USA, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment in 10 days. If returning multiple times within a short time frame (i.e. consult followed by surgery) and have traveled in between these visits, you will need… Read More

Yes. You must bring a mask covering your nose and mouth at all times. This can be a bandana, scarf, or some type of medical mask.

Many people experience the phenomenon known as “Second Eye Syndrome” after cataract surgery. Second Eye Syndrome is an occurrence that is seen with most patients. The patient feels their second eye surgery is completely different than the first eye. Patients will often state, “I don’t remember any of this from last time”, “you didn’t do… Read More

You will be given a topical anesthesia and intravenous (IV) anesthesia during your cataract surgery. Topical Anesthesia: You will be given a series of eye drops to both numb the surface of the eye and dilate the pupil. Only the surface of the eye needs to be anesthetized, as that is where the procedure will… Read More

No. Anesthesia has advance greatly to keep patient comfortable without causing unwanted side effects. You will feel slight pressure during the procedure but no pain.

Depending on the type of Oculoplastics Surgery, you should stay home from work anywhere between 3-7 days.

No.  You will need a driver on the day of your surgery.

Plan to be there approximately 3-4 hours.

Typically patients should stop using blood thinning medication prior to eyelid surgery.  The amount of time the medication is stopped is determined by your surgeon at The Eye Institute of West Florida and the prescribing physician.

Yes.  Our Surgery Center requires all patients to provide pre-operative clearance within 30 days of surgery.  The pre-operative physical/clearance appointment can be done at your primary care doctor’s office, or can be done with us by Tina Crevello, PA or Cori Brodsky, ARNP

Have your pharmacy call us. There is usually a more economical alternative we can change it to.

You will begin using those drops after your surgery. You will be given written instructions after surgery on how to use all of your drops.

You will be given precise instructions after surgery. This will be discussed with you at one of your post-surgery appointments. DO NOT stop any drops until told to do so by your doctor.

You will receive a phone call from our schedulers the last business day before your surgery date with the exact arrival time. However, expect an early morning arrival time.

This depends on the laser procedure you received. The Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) do not affect vision. There will be no need for glasses prescription changes. If you received a YAG laser procedure, then that depends on what intra-ocular lens (IOL) you received during your cataract surgery. If you had… Read More

This depends on the laser procedure you received. If it is a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), there will be no improvement of vision. If you received a YAG laser procedure, your vision should improve. The laser will clear up the haze that developed after your cataract surgery.

No. Your eye may be irritated, a little blurry, and in the case of a YAG laser procedure, dilated,

Yes. Continue any medication as usual. The only exception is for blood thinners if you are having a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) procedure.

This depends on the laser procedure you are having. If it is a Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or YAG laser procedure, no preparations are required. If you are having a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), you must stop blood thinners 1 (one) week prior. You may need to check with the prescribing doctor if it is… Read More

This depends on the laser procedure you received. If it is a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) there are no driving restrictions after the procedure. However, keep in mind your eye may be irritated. If you received a YAG laser procedure, your eyes will be dilated so it depends on how… Read More

Yes. If you have not filled out your new patient paperwork prior to your appointment, we request you come in 15 minutes early to fill it out. If you complete your new patient paperwork digitally or filled out the paper copies that were mailed to you, you can arrive just a few minutes before your… Read More

After your cataract surgery, the prescription in your glasses is no longer the correct prescription for you. We recommend you pop out the lens in your eyeglasses on the side of your operative eye after each surgery. After your second surgery, you will have a POMR (Post-Operative Manifest Refraction) visit where you will receive an… Read More

Photo Refractive Keratectomy, or PRK, treats the surface of the cornea with the excimer laser while LASIK treats the inner tissue of the cornea. For this reason with LASIK, there is less area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative pain, less postoperative need for medications and vision returns… Read More

Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after LASIK. However, it can take several weeks for the eyes to adjust to the final level of correction. Vision may fluctuate for a week or so. There may be some watering of the eyes and a slight feeling of a foreign body sensation. After having… Read More

Most patients see better immediately upon sitting up. However, the vision is somewhat hazy due to all the drops and medication placed on the eye. This mild haziness usually clears after a short nap or the next morning.

LASIK correction is permanent. The eye may continue to change as a result of aging but these are only minor changes.

A lid speculum keeps your eyelids from blinking and our doctors control your eye movements with an instrument they designed specifically for this purpose. This keeps your eye centered on the target but if you sneeze or cough, the doctor removes his foot from the laser pedal and continues the treatment after he re-centers your… Read More

LASIK is often referred to as a “painless” procedure. There is virtually no discomfort because the patient receives numbing drops prior to the procedure. Once the drops’ effect wears off, a patient’s eyes may feel a bit irritated for a few hours. Some patients feel no irritation whatsoever.

LASIK is a very safe procedure in the right hands. To our knowledge, there have not been any reported cases of blindness. The most significant risk is an infection which is reported in 1 in 5,000 cases, whereas 1 in 500 contact lens wearers suffer from infections and corneal scarring.

Patients are checked the day following their procedure and may return to work and resume most normal activities.

Correcting vision with the laser takes only seconds. The procedure itself takes about 7 minutes for both eyes. You will be at our office for about 1-1 1/2 hours on the day of the procedure to ensure that you are relaxed, that all of your questions have been answered and to allow you the opportunity… Read More

Usually, both eyes are done on the same day. Since the patient can resume most of their normal activities within 24 hours, most elect to have both eyes done the same day for convenience.

Our Clearwater office is located at 3220 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33761. Our phone number is (727) 823-8706 and fax number is (727) 451-0756. Direct link to Google Maps for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/iUfK3YRCBQ63qtWh8

Our Largo office is located at 1225 West Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770. The phone number is (727) 581-8706 and the fax number is (727) 586-3743. Direct link to Google Maps for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/bpDKRgbY1nSpZoDs8  

Upon scheduling your appointment with us, you will be asked how you want to receive your new patient paperwork. If you opted to receive it digitally (online), you will either have it emailed or texted to you. This process typically occurs within 1 (one) hour. You will receive a message with a link to create… Read More

If you are a new patient to our practice (or have not been seen in 3 years) you will be asked how you want to receive your new patient paperwork. Your choices are mailed or sent digitally (via text message or email). If you requested your patient paperwork be sent digitally, please create an account… Read More

In real world terms we have 3 ranges of vision – Distance, middle, and near. We look at objects in these ranges all day long without thinking about it. After cataract surgery we generally correct one range of vision, usually distance, and have to use special technologies to get more. Examples: Near Vision – Books,… Read More

We have a team approach here at the Eye Institute and the surgeons have personally trained their staff to care for their patients when they cannot personally see each and every patient for their follow ups. You will meet most of us along the way and we are here for you at every stop of… Read More

Our cataract specialists Dr. Desai or Dr. Weinstock; depending on who you saw for your visit will be performing your surgery. You may not see them… but they are there providing you with the best surgery possible.

Yes and no depending on the technology used. Basic or standard cataract surgery is covered by your insurance unless you have a co-pay or deductible that you are responsible for. There are technologies that we can use that are not covered by insurance like astigmatism corrections, lasers, or advanced lens choices. Our staff and surgical… Read More

Our goal is to get each patient the best vision that they can possibly have. No surgery is guaranteed 100% successful. Success with cataract surgery is providing you a safe surgery with no complications while completely removing the cataract and placing a lens implant. 20/20 is a goal, not a guarantee, regardless of money spent… Read More

This depends on the technology that we use during your surgery and the package choice that you make. Our surgical counselors and team will help guide you with choosing what’s best for you regardless of price point. Our focus is to help you see as best as you can and match the lens choice and… Read More

Yes, unfortunately, this is for your safety and to ensure the best outcome. You will have around 4-6 weeks of drops that you will need to do. The brands and frequencies can vary depending on insurance coverage and cost. We will help you along the way with what drops to use and how to use… Read More

When you get home after the procedure your eye may feel irritated, itchy or scratchy, sore, and the vision will more than likely be blurry (could be mild or majorly blurry) – this is all normal. Over the course of the next 3-5 days each day will be better and better. Most often, patients are… Read More

No, cataract surgery is typically not painful. Your eye is numbed and there is some mild sedation that we use to keep you comfortable. You may feel some pressure, cold or wetness from the drops, or be aware that things are happening but most people do not feel pain. If you are in pain you… Read More

Yes, we give you a mild sedative to keep you comfortable. You are “sleepy” but not fully out. We do not use general anesthesia for this type of procedure.

Cataract surgery typically takes between 8-10 minutes; sometimes faster. You can expect to be with us on the day of surgery around 1-3 hours. It is an outpatient procedure so you will be going home after.