SLYOU Magazine issue 4 | Page 37

In 2013, Dr. Rodriguez relocated to Saint Lucia where she worked as an Ophthalmologist at Vision Express from 2014 to 2019, performing general eye examinations and different surgeries before opening her own office at Gablewoods Mall in Sunny Acres in December 2019. Among her priorities is sharing educational information with people on how to care for their eyes. “There are many people in Saint Lucia who have glaucoma,” the veteran Ophthalmologist said. “However, in many cases, they are diagnosed too late. Some people often go to get eyeglasses without even knowing the importance of having a full examination.” Dr. Rodriguez suggests that you have a full examination at least once a year. However, if there’s a history of glaucoma in your family, she suggests at least twice yearly because if the doctor finds those signs early enough, there’s a better chance of treating the condition successfully. She believes it’s better to prevent a problem than to treat it. According to her, about 80% of patients in Saint Lucia believe they will lose their sight if they have glaucoma. However, that’s not the case, she argues, because if you have early diagnosis and proper treatment, blindness can be prevented. Another ocular problem is diabetic retinopathy, one of the many complications of diabetes and the second cause of blindness in the world, for which prevention is good control of the blood sugar and regular eye exams. Common eye diseases include diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma and can lead to blurry or defective vision. However, depending on the disease, early and correct treatment may help restore vision, halt vision loss, and preserve remaining eyesight. The most common problems with vision are errors of refraction -- the way light rays are focused inside the eye so images can be sent to the brain. Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are examples of refractive disorders that can be corrected with glasses. Dr. Rodriguez conducts minor and major surgeries and eye care clinic services, offering individual care and excellent after-care services. In fact, the word is already making the rounds about the congenial ophthalmologist with the gift of putting patients at ease. Prisca, one of the clinic’s many patients, says she feels very comfortable with the service she receives from Dr. Rodriguez, noting that she gets a homely feel visiting the clinic. “The very first time I met her, she performed an eye surgery on me,” Prisca said. “From that moment, I knew she would always be my doctor. So far, I’m alright with her. She’s a very pleasant person and makes you feel like you’re at home. If you come to the clinic www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020 feeling nervous, the nervousness goes away.” Patients can make appointments by calling the clinic. But, whatever you do, don’t delay for too long. The faster you act on the information you have about your eyes, the better off you are to clearer vision. “I’m happy when the patients understand the problem so they are better informed how to treat it,” Dr. Rodriguez said SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 35