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
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