Ophthalmology Services

SLUCare Physician Group ophthalmologists are committed to total eye care for children and adults. We offer routine services, such as regular eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions and contact lens fittings for all needs: basic lenses, toric lenses, bifocal lenses and therapeutic lenses for prosthetic purposes. In addition, our doctors offer a complete range of specialty surgical procedures and vision support.

A Clearer Outlook

A car accident left one patient with 20/500 vision. Learn how our Sight & Sound Center restored her vision.

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The Science of Healing

Watch The Science of Healing Follow along as SLUCare providers restore vision and hope.

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What We Offer

Cataract surgery is the most common medical procedure performed on people over 65 years of age. Our experienced SLUCare surgeons use the most advanced technologies to individualize your care and precisely plan your surgery. Our techniques offer rapid restoration of clear vision in a comfortable outpatient procedure. Plus, our doctors provide full support following surgery to help assure the best possible outcome.

SLUCare ophthalmologists have pioneered the development of treatments for vision-threatening diseases. These innovative techniques have led to improved successes in corneal transplantation surgery. Our experienced surgeons offer transplantation of the whole cornea, known as penetrating keratoplasty, as well as transplantation of a layer of the cornea, called lamellar keratoplasty.

As the regional eye trauma center for St. Louis and the surrounding 150-mile radius, SLUCare is part of the National Eye Trauma System, offering advanced treatments and round-the-clock emergency care, as needed. Our multi-specialty team includes experts in extraocular, cornea and vitreoretinal repair. In addition to caring for acute eye injuries, our team also treats late-stage complications related to eye trauma.

Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can minimize or stop vision loss. SLUCare ophthalmologists have the latest technology to detect, track and treat this disease — even in cases of  severe or uncontrolled glaucoma. Our surgeons offer a full range of procedures, including shunts, valves, plugs and filtration surgery.

SLUCare has one of the nation's largest — and the St. Louis region's only — full-time low-vision rehabilitation programs. We assist patients with irreversible vision loss caused by macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma or other diseases, allowing individuals to regain lost visual skill and re-establish independence. In addition to providing specialty low-vision examinations and vision rehabilitation training, SLUCare offers low-vision aids — from simple magnifiers to the latest high-tech devices.

Though generally considered to be a form of skin cancer, melanoma may also appear in the eye. It often begins as a freckle in the back of the eye, which may grow over time. Catching melanoma early can help prevent its spread to other areas of the body, such as the liver, so it's important to see an optometrist for annual eye exams. If you are diagnosed with melanoma of the eye, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment. SLUCare ophthalmologists offer specialized care, including laser treatment, for melanoma of the eye.

SLUCare neuro-ophthalmologists serve people with optic nerve disease, double vision, eye movement disorders and peripheral vision disorders. These specialists use technology such as tomography to evaluate and manage patients with neuro-ophthalmologic disorders. In addition, our neuro-ophthalmologists collaborate with SLUCare neurologists to offer the best possible care and support for patients with neurologic diseases affecting vision. 

SLUCare Physician Group performs eyelid, orbital and lacrimal procedures as part of our offerings in the area of reconstructive and state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery on the eye. We place an emphasis on collaboration with related surgical specialties during complex reconstructive procedures.

SLUCare ophthalmologists treat retinal and vitreous disorders using state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical techniques. We offer diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration in all its forms: wet, dry, age-related and non-age related. Treatments range from dietary changes and vitamin supplements to injections that may slow progression of the disease.

Our retina specialists also treat diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of blindness in the U.S. We work with primary care physicians to coordinate a preventive care plan and regular screenings for patients with diabetes. We offer the latest treatments, including injections that can help preserve patients' sight, and surgical treatment for advanced cases, complicated by hemorrhage or retinal detachment.

In addition, our specialists offer care for retinal detachments and vein occlusions.

Uveitis is inflammation in the middle layer of the eye, which may cause redness, pain and swelling, along with decreased vision. Uveitis can cause significant damage, including permanent vision loss, if not treated. 

SLUCare ophthalmologists diagnose, evaluate and treat uveitis, using the latest techniques to help ease symptoms and preserve sight. Our highly trained specialists look for the source of the uveitis. This may include an eye injury or an underlying condition such as infection or autoimmune disease. As part of an academic medical practice, our uveitis specialists work collaboratively with infectious disease specialists and rheumatologists to help determine the root cause of the problem and next steps for treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include caring for the affected eye, as well as the underlying disease. There are several options for treating inflammation of the uvea, based on location in the eye and severity. Treatment methods may include corticosteroid eye drops, injection of corticosteroids or oral corticosteroid pills. In some cases, patients may need immunotherapy with the assistance of a rheumatologist. Occasionally, uveitis may require corrective surgery.

Eye Care Recommendations

  • Be sure to have your child's vision tested when beginning kindergarten and again in the second grade or any time you suspect there may be a problem. Have your child's vision tested if you or your pediatrician have concerns regarding their vision.
  • Semi-annual exams are recommended even for healthy individuals.
  • Be sure to monitor your vision daily if diagnosed with macular degeneration. If you notice visual distortion in either eye, you should make an appointment with a specialist immediately.
  • Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. Regular eye examinations can help prevent permanent vision loss. Diabetic patients should have annual eye exams.
  • People diagnosed with glaucoma should be tested every six months.

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