surgeon selection

I found out today from my eye Dr that he recommends corneal replacement (and cataract surgery at the same time).  While I do trust my Dr, as you can imagine I would like to get at least one other opinion.  I am in Arizona.  Traveling is not a concern.  How do I go about finding the best possible Dr for this procedure?  I have searched the web, however, there does not really seem to be a good directory of the best in this field.  Thank you

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

That type of surgery requires lots of post operative visits over a long period of time (years). SO you want to find someone near home that you can get to easily and often.

There are many outstanding corneal surgeons in Arizona.

I would suggest you contact Dr.Warren Hill MD in Mesa AZ. Dr. Hill is one of the worlds leading experts on IOL power determnation and a leading cataract surgeon. I do not know if he does corneal surgery but he can certainly tell you if you need one or not and will know the finest surgeons for the surgery you need in the state.

Dr. Hill and I did several scientific studies together on injectable anesthesia for cataract surgery.

Here's the link

http://www.doctor-hill.com/patients/hill-bio.htm

JCH III MD

[JodieJ]

For a nominal fee, you can access Castle-Connolly's data base (www.castleconnolly.com).  Their doctors have been nominated by other doctors as someone that they'd want to see themselves or send a family member to see.  I tried doing a search for you (it took less than 2 minutes) of ophthalmologists nationwide who specialize in corneal transplants and pulled up 8 names.  The closest to you is Dr. Ronald Smith at USC Hospital in Los Angeles (listed as one of the best doctors in America).  Unless you have a trusted corneal specialist who can provide referrals, I think that this is an excellent way to find a specialist.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[ginmill01]

Thank you SOOO much for the valuable input!!  Words cannot express my appreciation!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are welcome, Happy Thanksgiving.
JCH III MD

[ginmill01]

I tried calling Dr Hill's office today.  He does not do corneal surery.  He has suggested Jonathan Bryan Kao MD.  They are calling me when their computers come up and scheduling an appointment.  Do you know anything about this Dr?  Thank you.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I do not know Dr. Kao but I do know that Dr. Hill would only recommend the finest of surgeons.

JCH III MD