We have four office locations. Each is equipped with state of the art diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities. Our group is active in clinical research, community education and participates in various clinical studies evaluating new treatments. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care, and can provide patient access to the most current treatment options.

• What is a Retina Specialist?
• Your First Appointment
• Surgery and Laser Treatment
• Insurance and Billing
• Directions and Parking
• Emergencies

What is a Retina Specialist?

A retina specialist is a medical doctor trained as an ophthalmologist, who has received additional fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina. The vitreous is the jelly like substance that fills the eye. The retina is the part of the eye responsible for creating an image that is processed by the brain (see diagram). Retinal damage can cause permanent vision loss. Our retina specialists commonly treat diabetic eye disease, vitreous hemorrhage, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, uveitis, and ocular tumors.

Your First Appointment

Your first appointment with us will involve a comprehensive eye evaluation, including a detailed examination of your vitreous and retina. Your eyes will be dilated and your vision may become blurred for a brief period of time. Please set aside at least two hours for your initial consultation. If additional tests are required, your visit could be prolonged. You may wish to have someone with you to help drive you home.

Surgery and Laser Treatment

Should you need surgery, our physicians are on staff at many hospitals in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. A complete list is found in our home page under "Hospital Affiliations". Major locations include: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Huntington Hospital, Little Company of Mary, Midway Hospital, San Gabriel Valley Medical center, St. Joseph's Medical Center, St. Vincent's Medical Center, and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Most surgeries are performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, and may not require an overnight stay in the hospital. We are fully equipped to perform in-office laser procedures at all our offices.

Insurance and Billing

We accept most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal. Please be sure you bring insurance cards and referral forms for your first visit. If you are a member of an HMO, you must have an authorization number and/or your physician referral with you. Otherwise, your examination could be cancelled or delayed. Also expect to pay your co-payment and any deductible amounts at the time of your appointment. If special payment arrangements are necessary, please contact our office staff prior to your appointment.

Directions and Parking

Detailed maps and directions to our four office locations can be downloaded off our website from the "All About US" section. The maps can be customized to give you street-by-street directions from your home to our office. Your referring physician may have copies of maps to our locations. A detailed map can be provided at any of our offices. We validate parking in our North Hollywood location. The Torrance office has free patient parking. Street parking and pay parking are available in our downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills locations.

Emergencies

Our routine office hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. In case of an eye emergency, our doctors are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.