Cataract patients now have an option to see at both near and far distances after cataract surgery! Individuals suffering from cataracts previously had only a mono-focal lens implant option after surgery. NEW multi-focal, accommodating and astigmatic correction IOL technology can now decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. These include the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, TECNIS® Multifocal IOL, and the AcrySof® Toric IOL. If you are seeking one of these options, please feel free to consult our staff.
We are proud to provide excellence in pediatric eye care services with recognized
leaders in Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Gold, Dr. Blumenfeld, Dr.
Ikeda, Dr. Adams, and Dr. Hered also treat adult eye muscle disorders. If you
are seeking child vision care in Florida, please make sure to contact
us. Our
practice
has placed a unique emphasis on this type of eye care. Our pediatric
eye care services in Florida include crossed eye correction, blocked
tear ducts, lazy eye or amblyopia, retinopathy and children's eye
exams.
Pediatric Testimonials
The results described below are unique to each particular patient. Based on our physicians’ experience, most patients undergoing these procedures/treatments are able to resume typical activities of daily living and a level of physical activity comparable to that level which they engaged in before the procedures/treatments. Specific results, however, can vary depending on a patient’s age, health, overall medical condition, healing ability, compliance with treatment and previous activity level. For more information, please consult with one of our physicians or other licensed health care professionals before making a decision on whether to undergo a procedure.“Dr. Gold takes care of both the child and the parent, and he treats not just the physical problem, but the mind and soul as well."
– Sandy Buffomante, mother of 21-year-old Megan Buffomante
Soon after Megan Buffomante was born, her mom, Sandy, noticed that Megan’s eyes were crossed. As a young mom, Susan was worried, and her pediatrician referred them to Dr. Gold at Eye Physicians of Central Florida, who quickly put her at ease. Dr. Gold first performed surgery on Megan’s eyes when she was just 9 months old and has performed several additional surgeries since. Megan is now 21 years old, and both she and her mom are grateful for the care provided by Dr. Gold over the years.
“There is absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for us,” said Sandy. “Dr. Gold takes care of both the child and the parent, and he treats not just the physical problem, but the mind and soul as well. He has formed an incredible bond with Megan or ‘Little Miss Megan’ as he calls her. He has always been there for her whether it is calling us at home after a surgery or answering her many questions with patience and honesty.”
Megan wholeheartedly agrees. “Dr. Gold is my favorite doctor, and I always look forward to seeing him,” she said. “He is just amazing.”
“Dr. Blumenfeld saved Jules’ eyesight. He was diligent, conscientious, listened and took absolutely nothing for granted.”
When her son was just 3 months old, Jules Lower’s mom, Jackie, noticed that his right eye looked cloudy at times. She thought perhaps it was just from a cold. However, when it continued, she talked to her pediatrician and later two ophthalmologists. Yet, no one could find anything wrong. As Jules grew older, however, his eyes became extremely sensitive to sunlight. He would walk with his head down. She noticed that Jules’ eye began growing larger. Jackie searched online and suspected that Jules suffered from glaucoma, a rare condition in children, and she sought the care of pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Blumenfeld at Eye Physicians of Central Florida.
Dr. Blumenfeld, who completed his pediatric ophthalmology training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, confirmed the diagnosis and eventually referred Jules for surgery to a colleague at Bascom who specialized in children’s glaucoma. Then, Jules returned to Dr. Blumenfeld for follow-up treatments and remains under his care today.
“My son suffered from a rare condition that went undiagnosed for months,” explained Jackie. “Dr. Blumenfeld saved Jules’ eyesight. He was diligent, conscientious, listened and took absolutely nothing for granted. Jules just turned 3 and is doing great. He now has no vision problems at all.”
* The glaucoma procedure mentioned above has about a 70% success rate overall.
“Dr. Gold is just the best, and everyone in the community I have spoken to agrees. As a parent, you are nervous and worried and afraid, and he is simply a rock. ”
– Marne Mclaughlin, mother of 4 1/2–year-old Ainsley Mclaughlin
Ainsley Mclaughlin was just a couple months shy of one and standing in her play yard across the room from her mom Marne. Marne was waving and talking to her but quickly realized that although Ainsley appeared to be looking right at her, the baby couldn’t see her.
After many tests to rule out neurological problems, their pediatrician referred them to Dr Gold at Eye Physicians of Central Florida. Dr. Gold discovered that Ainsely had strabismus and immediately began patching to strengthen her eye. He later performed surgery to correct the problem. Now four and a half years old, Ainsley sees perfectly.
“Dr. Gold is just the best, and everyone in the community I have spoken to agrees” said Marne. “As a parent, you are nervous and worried and afraid, and he is simply a rock. Dr. Gold doesn’t scare you – he reassures you, talks to you and answers your questions. And he has such a presence – he is confident, encouraging, and never seems to have a bad day. He is always so upbeat and positive. Ainsley’s vision is now perfect, and I know it is because of him.”
“Cataract surgery changed Gabriel’s life. He is already so much happier. Gabriel was always a good, determined student despite his poor vision. Now, he can live life more fully. He even wants to try out for football this spring.”
Gabriel Vazquez, an active, 13-year-old, 8th grader in Winter Haven suffered from dense, central, congenital cataracts and was one of the first children in the country to receive the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens.
During two separate procedures in February 2006, Eye Physicians of Central Florida ophthalmologist David B. Auerbach, D.O. implanted the new lenses Gabriel’s eyes. Prior to surgery, Gabriel was always squinting and struggled to see the board in school. His parents reported that he was frustrated by his inability to see well enough to participate in sports and had to sit immediately in front of the television at home just to see the picture. The day after surgery in Gabriel’s first eye, he could see 20/25 and read tiny newsprint without glasses.
His father Jose says the surgery has changed Gabriel’s life. “He is already so much happier,” said Jose. “He says, ‘Poppy, I can see so many new things.’ Gabriel was always a good, determined student despite his poor vision. Now, he can live life more fully. He even wants to try out for football this spring.”
* Very few pediatric patients receive the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR Multifocal IOL. In fact, Dr. Auerbach was one of the first in the country and the first in
