Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 14

How an Ophthalmologist
Chose a Cataract Surgeon
Courtesy Key-Whitman
Eye Center
W
  ith his golf game in jeopardy, retired ophthalmologist Frank How-
ell knew it was time to schedule cataract surgery for himself. Six
years later, we caught up with Dr. Howell to learn how he’s doing
now and why Key-Whitman President and Chief Surgeon Jeffrey Whitman,
M.D., was his first and only choice to perform his cataract procedure.
A year before Dr. Frank Howell’s cataract surgery in 2011,
he realized his cataract symptoms were beginning to interfere
with his golf game. He explains, “I’m a golfer and play every
chance I get. Eventually, I noticed I couldn’t see the ball after
it got out in the distance. The problem kept getting worse, so I
knew I was going to need cataract surgery soon.”
Dr. Howell did plenty of research before deciding where
to schedule his cataract surgery,. As an eye doctor himself
who is well-versed in cataract surgery techniques and the
high-technology lens options available to him, he didn’t like
how many intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during cata-
ract surgery performed. A lot of patients could see satisfac-
torily for distance, but Dr. Howell believed the near vision
correction was not acceptable.
To get ready for his needed surgery, Dr. Howell started
researching other cataract surgery lens options. What he
didn’t realize at the time was, while he was determined to
find the best available technology to meet his personal vi-
sion goals, he would also meet the eye surgeon he would
select to perform his cataract surgery.
So why did Dr. Howell drive 350 miles to have
Dr. Whitman perform his cataract surgery in Dallas?
“At a 2006 American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting
in Atlanta, I explained my dilemma about IOLs to a friend
I knew from our days training in ophthalmology at Henry
Ford Hospital. That colleague recommended I speak with
Dr. Jeffrey Whitman, because he was experienced with im-
planting accommodative intraocular lenses (IOLs) in cata-
ract patients. We spoke at length and he ended up becom-
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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
ing a mentor to me, even though he was much younger,”
Dr. Howell says.
Unlike traditional IOLs used in cataract surgery, that only
correct distance vision, or IOLs with two focal lengths (one
for near vision, one for distance), high-technology accom-
modative lenses help individuals see better near, far and in
the intermediate range.
After Dr. Whitman explained the great outcomes and satis-
faction his patients were experiencing in Dallas, Dr. Howell
began recommending accommodative lenses to his cata-
ract patients. When Dr. Howell wasn’t satisfied with the ini-
tial results some of his patients had experienced with their
new IOLs, he contacted Dr. Whitman for advice. With this
insight in hand, patient outcomes with the new IOL were
very good. Dr. Howell began using this lens technology ex-
clusively, and his patients were very happy with the results.
When Dr. Howell’s own need for cataract treatment be-
came imminent, he was aware that an accommodative lens
would be the right choice for his needs. He also was happy
to travel the long distance from his home in Amarillo to Dal-
las so Dr. Whitman could perform his surgery.
Some factors that influenced Dr. Howell to choose Dr. Whitman:
Dr. Whitman’s esteemed national reputation in ophthalmology.
• His strong track record in performing successful cataract
procedures.
• His in-depth knowledge of high-technology lenses.
The Key-Whitman state-of-the-art surgery center and leading
edge laser technology.