How an Ophthalmologist Chose a Cataract Surgeon
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
W ith his golf game in jeopardy , retired ophthalmologist Frank Howell 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 cataract surgery performed . A lot of patients could see satisfactorily 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 vision 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 implanting accommodative intraocular lenses ( IOLs ) in cataract patients . We spoke at length and he ended up becoming 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 accommodative lenses help individuals see better near , far and in the intermediate range .
After Dr . Whitman explained the great outcomes and satisfaction his patients were experiencing in Dallas , Dr . Howell began recommending accommodative lenses to his cataract patients . When Dr . Howell wasn ’ t satisfied with the initial 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 exclusively , and his patients were very happy with the results .
When Dr . Howell ’ s own need for cataract treatment became 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 Dallas 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 .
20 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017