WHO GIVES THE BEST EYE CARE IN THE WORLD

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

There are many questions posted here by people with very complex eye problems or things that are very difficult to diagnose. I'm often asked WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD FOR THESE EYE PROBLEMS.

Each year academic eye surgeons are polled about their opinion of the best programs in the USA (which put them on a par with anywhere in the world). Here is the 2008 list as published in the October 15, 2008 Ophthalmology Times>

BEST OVERALL OPHTHALMOLOGY PROGRAMS:
1. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of U of Miami
2. Wilmer Eye Institute of John Hopkins University
3. Wills Eye Hospital/Thomas Jefferson University
4. Duke University
5. Jules Stein Eye Institute/UCLA
6. (tie) Beckman Vision Center/U Cal San Francisco  AND WK Kellogg Eye Center U of Michigan
8. U of Iowa and Emory Eye Center/ Emory University
10. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard

This does not mean that every complex or difficult problem needs to trek to these centers as there are literally hundreds of other fine centers, hospitals, clinics and outstanding ophthalmologists in private practice.

Nevertheless because this comes up so much I wanted to post this list. I'm pleased that the program that I trained in (Emory Eye Center) is listed in the top ten in all lists: Best overall Program, Best Research Programs, Best Ophthalmology Residency and Best Clinical-Patient Care Programs.

JCH MD

[AnnaE]

BTW, if I am shook up by my severe eye problems, I have no advocate. I could bring my lawyer, but I do not think that is the idea.

[AnnaE]

I tend not to be at my professional best when  I have lost most of the vision in one of my eyes. I live in a casual university town, and when I am not working I wear perfectly coordinated expensive casual clothes. Take me or leave me. My doc used this to look down at me. My eye doc was intimidated by my typed list.He was also intimidated however, when I dressed up and wore good jewelry (because I had an appointment elsewhere, also.)

I agree with you. Not all of them are nuts like the doc I had.

I started to agree with you, but what are you saying? I am always excellently prepared and charming, too. Maybe that is my fault.I do not feel I have to dress up, because I know how capable and accomplished I am. I see.

What if we were indigent persons who had not facilities to type our notes? Are you saying that this is like a meeting with a lawyer or a banker? I think you are and that is what I have perceived. So sad.

I run educational programs for disadvantaged adults. I see no excuse for judging people by their clothes, etc. It is your perception, not your belief. Again, so sad.

[AnnaE]

I have had terrible luck both with 3 doctors in private practice and I at a teaching hospital.
Some of them had skills, maybe all of them. But many had poor judgement and ethics. One had severe mental problems. The 1 at the teaching hospital was overworked and told me so--county hospital. He was too busy to help me, and told me so. So I don't blame him.

The doctors in private practice often seem to be guided by money and politics. They believe patients are not smart enough to complain, so they are really responsible to no one. I saw 3 doctors in private practice who are maybe OK or good.

[berrywoo]

I concur w/the general sentiment that the quality of care given at the "best" hospitals in no way diminishes that of the care given at other institutions. :)

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

-

[walkietalkie]

Not surprisingly the above list are ALL teaching hospitals. Afterall they have better facilities, resources and funding. But I would think the better doctors are the ones with their own private practices (generally apply to other professions as well). And many private doctors serve as expert consultants at the teaching hospitals.