You should book an appointment with an ophthalmologist when you notice changes in your eyesight. Warning signs include decreased vision, and seeing flashing lights and shadows. Other signs include discharge, redness, and swelling.
Below, we look at the role of an ophthalmologist. We also provide a list of specialists in Pennsylvania who accept Medicaid patients.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist specializing in the study and treatment of all eye disorders and vision care. Unlike optometrists and opticians, ophthalmologists are subject to advanced medical and surgical training. They can also diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions.
Typical training comprises a four-year degree in college. It’s then accompanied by at least eight years of added medical training. This adds up to 12 or 13 years of education and training. Afterwards, you receive certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Some ophthalmologists focus specifically on one area of surgical or medical eye care. They are referred to as subspecialists. To become a subspecialist, you have to complete a year or two of supplementary, comprehensive training known as a fellowship.
The main subspecialty areas in eye care that you can specialize in include:
· Retina
· Glaucoma
· Pediatrics
· Cornea
· Neurology
· Oculo-Plastic surgery
In Pennsylvania, millions of residents get healthcare coverage courtesy of Medicaid. Looking for an ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania who accepts Medicaid? Below is a list of options for your perusal.
10 Ophthalmologists Who Accept Medicaid in PA
1. Thomas S. Boland, MD
200 Mifflin Avenue
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503
(570) 342-3145
Dr. Boland earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine respectively. He then went to Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. This is where he completed his ophthalmology residency training. Dr. Boland is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
He was previously the Chief of Ophthalmology at Keesler Air Force Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. Currently, he practices at Northeastern Eye Institute. He can be found at the institute’s offices at Forty Fort, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton.
His fellowship training at University Ophthalmic Consultants of Washington DC focused on Corneal and Refractive Surgery. Since then, Dr. Boland has performed numerous corneal transplant surgeries, LASIK, and other refractive surgical treatments.
2. Mary Jennifer Frattali, MD
200 Mifflin Avenue
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503
(570) 342-3145
Dr. Frattali currently practices at Northern Eye Institute. You can find her at any of the institute’s Hamlin, Clarks Summit, and Scranton offices. She earned her bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Scranton and Jefferson Medical College, respectively.
She did her ophthalmology residency training at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. She is licensed by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
While Dr. Frattali is a comprehensive ophthalmologist, her specialty areas include:
· Cataract surgery
· Glaucoma
· Pediatric ophthalmology
3. Dr. John J. DeStafeno
740 W. Lincoln Highway,
Exton, Pennsylvania 19341
(610) 696-1230
Dr. John DeStafeno is a vastly experienced all-laser LASIK surgeon in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. The doctor did his 2-year fellowship training at Duke University. There, he focused on clinical research and the treatment of anterior segment disease.
His specialties include:
· Refractive cataract surgery
· Laser surgery
· Complex corneal disorders
Dr. DeStafeno has been the recipient of numerous Top Doctor and Surgeon honors. Ocular Surgery News for example, named him among the top 300 refractive cataract surgeons. He has also been listed as Top Doctor by both Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today Magazine.
4. Dr. Cristan M. Arena
740 W. Lincoln Highway
Exton, Pennsylvania 19341
(610) 696-1230
Dr. Cristan M. Arena is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is affiliated with Reading Hospital and Chester County Hospital.
She completed her fellowship training at the University of South Florida. This is where she learned numerous glaucoma surgeries and treatments. These include trabeculectomies and lasers. Today, she has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of:
· Cataracts
· Glaucoma
Dr. Arena is a recipient of the George Flick award for excellence in the field of ophthalmology.
5. Anita Nevyas-Wallace
333 E. City Avenue Two Bala Plaza PL-33,
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
(610) 668-2777
Dr. Anita Nevyas-Wallace earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She later did her ophthalmology residency training at the Scheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania. After completing residency training, she pursued her surgical fellowship at Medical College of Pennsylvania.
She later did fellowship training with key focus on anterior segment disease. Her specialty now includes:
· Cataracts
· LASIK
· Refractive surgery
She holds several patents for instruments that allow for safer and more precise refractive procedures. The American Academy of Ophthalmology bestowed her with their renowned Achievement Award in 2012. This was following her significant contributions to ophthalmology and clinical practice.
6. Dr. Richard Jahnle
2010 West Chester Pike, Suite 310
Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083
(610) 446-2260
Dr. Jahnle is a certified ophthalmologist. He diagnoses and treats patients with numerous eye conditions. These include glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and age-related eye disorders.
He specializes in lens implant surgery and cataract and has overseen more than 25,000 successful eye surgeries.
7. Dr. Marc S. Cohen
50 Monument Road, Suite 220
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
(888) 402-7458
Dr. Cohen is a medical graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He did his ophthalmology residency training at Wills Eye Hospital. Moreover, Dr. Cohen is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
His main areas of specialty include:
· Comprehensive ophthalmology
· Oculoplastic surgery
8. Dr. Hugo M. Linares
2010 West Chester Pike, Suite 310
Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083
(610) 446-2260
Dr. Hugo Linares is a board-certified Ophthalmologist based in Philadelphia, PA. He is a medical graduate from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency training at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Linares currently boasts 16 years of experience in the field. He is currently affiliated with Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Nazareth Hospital.
9. Dr. Michael A. Negrey
56 W Eagle Rd,
Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083
(610) 446-1735
Dr. Negrey is a board-certified Ophthalmologist. He specializes in the management of cataracts, corneal diseases, and refractive surgery. He also offers comprehensive eye tests to all patients.
Dr. Nagrey went to medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. He then did his ophthalmology residency training at Wills Eye Hospital. Later on, he completed his fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
10. Dr. Gregory Warren Oldham
455 Woodview Road, Suite 125
West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390
(610) 696-1230
Dr. Gregory Warren Oldham graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 2009. He then completed his residency in ophthalmology at Albert Einstein Medical Center.
Dr. Oldham is board-certified and he specializes in ophthalmology. He is affiliated with a number of hospitals in the area including:
· Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia
· Wilkes Barre General Hospital
· Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital
· Jennersville Regional Hospital
He is currently accepting new patients with Medicaid coverage.
The Bottom Line
When choosing an ophthalmologist, always pick one who is board-certified. This guarantees they have the skills, training, and tools to provide you with exceptional eye care. It’s also a bonus if they accept Medicaid coverage.
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