What is the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

Dr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.

Dr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017

Talk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!

I love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.

I first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.

I’ve worn thick glasses since I can remember and glasses since I was five. On entering Dr. Patel’s office, I was a little worried, and tried not to get my hopes up, although I wanted to see like everyone else almost more than anything. Dr. Patel & her staff were kind, courteous, and patient throughout the whole process. They answered every question, so I knew exactly what to expect. They told me the risks, and were extremely knowledgeable. I learned more about my eyes in a single visit than I had known my whole life! Post-surgery, I sing Dr. Patel & staff’s praises to anyone who is considering LASIK, and can confidently say that it’s the best money I’ve spent my entire life!! It’s still a bit surreal, but amazing to open my eyes & see clearly for the first time in my life. Thanks!

My experience with cataract surgery could not have had a better outcome! I experienced no pain before, during or after surgery. The results were outstanding with instant great sight without glasses! Checkups of depth perception and sight remains great! After visiting many other optometrists, ophthalmologists, I find Dr. Patel’s office to be very efficient, always on top of the latest technology available, and always looking out for my eye health care.

I had an overall pleasant experience with the office staff and Dr. Patel. They were all quite personable and informative. I feel that Dr. Reena Patel is very competent in her profession and would recommend her highly. After surgery for removal of cataracts I can see much better now to read and for distance. I was connected to a heart monitor during surgery and this enabled the staff to recognize that I have an atrial fibrillation heartbeat. I’m grateful that they saw this-I’m taking medication for this, which hopefully will prevent a stroke; so thank you again.

Dr. Patel has done wonders for my eyesight, and continues to do so with my routine checkups. She does a great job explaining to me what she’s going to do, and why. I trust her care completely. I feel privileged to also call her a very good friend. Before Dr. Patel, I was seeing Dr. Jennifer Simmonds who had cared for me six years until she moved away. When she left she said she wanted me to see Dr. Patel, which I did, and have only the best respect for her. My doctor prior to Jennifer was Dr. Brothers in Dallas, TX. I have been fortunate in having the best caring for me.

Being an avid reader, arts/craft person & recently, a great grandmother, having my eyesight restored has meant more than words can say! Everything was clearly explained to me before my cataracts surgeries. All my questions were answered. Post-op med instructions were easy to follow. I feel blessed to have an updated surgeon so near! Difference: Appointments were always timely. My information was always kept personal. The staff was very thoughtful and courteous.

Dr. Reena Patel is the perfect eye doctor for our family. She has treated me for many years but is also great with young people. What I enjoy most about Dr. Patel is her thorough exams and the way she explains things in a way I can understand. I enjoy visiting with Dr. Patel because she really cares about her patients. I am happy to recommend Dr. Patel to my friends and family.

I had radial keratotomy surgery on both of my eyes approximately 21 years ago. At the time it was the latest and greatest thing going. Years later my vision changed and I needed glasses for reading. Then I needed cataract surgery in my left eye. I was very nervous and anxious about my upcoming surgery. Dr. Patel explained to me in depth what the surgery would entail and helped put my mind at ease. In the future I will need to have surgery on my right eye. In my opinion Dr. Patel is the best eye doctor in the city. She is absolutely the only doctor I will let work on my eyes. When I have an appointment I never wait more than 15 minutes to be seen. No matter how busy Dr. Patel is she always takes time to ask about my wife, daughters and our four year old granddaughter. My wife and daughter are also patients and they think she is a wonderful doctor as well. Dr. Patel always tells me to call her if I have any questions or concerns and I have done this.

My personal eye surgery with Dr. Patel was so successful and rewarding, words cannot describe how happy I am to have 20/15 sight in my eyes. Let me tell you about myself. I trained birddogs for over 45 years never wore glasses. I have always had 20/20 and could read a phone book without glasses. Then when I retired I started playing golf. My eyes started to be cloudy and I went to my eye Dr and he sent me to an eye specialist downtown. He looked at both eyes and said I had floaters and no surgery would help. He only spent no more than 5 minutes with me. I guess he had other patients to see. Well I went back to playing golf and could not even pick out the correct iron in my bag. I would ask my buddies if I had a seven iron in my hand or what one was it. I could not see where my golf ball went when I hit and would have to ask where it went. When I played tennis I could not see the ball until it was on top of me. When I was fishing, glasses did not help for me to tie a knot when I changed lures. Enough was enough so I went back to my Dr and asked him to recommend another ophthalmologist and he recommended Dr. Reena Patel. When I went in to see her, her staff put me through all the regular tests and were very thorough. When Dr. Patel examined my eyes she said I had cataracts in both eyes and needed surgery. We scheduled a time and first eye was so successful I had trouble believing that I could see so well after several months of not being able to see well. I scheduled my next eye surgery and that too was very successful. I was so happy I took the office staff a bouquet of flowers. Now when I play golf I can tell the other golfers where their ball went and they like me to be on their team. I tell everyone I know about “The company” and Dr. Patel!! I highly recommend that anyone needing an ophthalmologist see my favorite Dr.

Reena Patel, M.D. possesses all the qualities a patient hopes to find in a physician. She is a very caring, compassionate physician. As her patient, she explains my eye problems and her plan of treatment in a simple concise way that I can understand. Dr. Patel has an impeccable work ethic. She is very thorough when you “read” the eye charts for her, and takes the extra time to make sure she knows your visual acuity. I would vote her the Ophthalmologist of the Year in the state of Kansas.

For some time my eyesight had been deteriorating due to cataracts. Corrective lens can only do so much and it had gotten to the point of becoming dangerous for me to drive at night, and it was increasing difficulty to perform day-to-day tasks. As my overall health was still good at the age of sixty-three, I felt that I would still have many active years ahead if I was only able to see again. Dr. Reena Patel, and her capable staff at Wichita Vision Institute performed a very thorough exam, and I knew from the beginning that they completely understood by problem and knew how to correct it. I felt entirely at ease through every phase of the exam, diagnosis, and confident that the proposed treatment, which was initially to be corrected in my right eye by an intraocular lens implant, would be fully successful. Everything went very well. The facility chosen by Dr. Patel where the procedure was to be was conveniently located and the staff assisting Dr. Patel with the procedure provided a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. The procedure was performed in a very short time and with very little discomfort to me. In my opinion, Dr. Patel exhibits exceptional skill as a surgeon, and at all times I felt she put my best interests and well-being at the forefront of all decisions. The follow up examination to the surgery was performed by Dr. Patel at the Wichita Vision Institute a matter of hours later. There I received instructions as to physical limitations I should observe, and the correct use of the various eye drops that were used in the follow up treatment was explained. The same surgery was performed on my other eye (left) about two weeks later. The end result was that I COULD SEE BETTER WITH NO GLASSES AFTER THE SURGERY, THAN I COULD SEE WITH GLASSES BEFORE!! I could not be happier with the result. I just received an exam on the anniversary of the first surgery. Everything is fine with my eyesight and even though I still wear corrective lenses, I can see fairly well without them. All my life, I have had to have a very strong prescription in my lenses, which resulted in either thick heavy lenses, or very expensive ones. No more. I cannot adequately express my gratitude and debt to Dr. Patel for the difference she has made in my quality of life. Dr. Patel and her staff at Wichita Vision Institute put the interests and well-being of the patient first at all times. Other doctors and offices I visited were more concerned with the interests of the insurance companies and how quickly, and how much, they would be paid. It is obvious that Dr. Patel loves what she does, and even more, genuinely cares about her patients.

I met Dr. Patel in a business capacity long before I contacted her about being a potential patient – about 3 years ago. My experience with her office has always been courteous, timely, efficient and a very pleasant atmosphere. I have found that the testing, the diagnosis and the suggestions both by Dr. Patel and her staff have been very helpful and clear. Dr. Patel has a very warm personality but she is very professional in her appearance and demeanor. Overall, it has been a very positive experience.

I was nervous to have surgery on my eyes, but I weighed out the pros and cons and decided to get it done. I went in for my first appointment and realized I was far from having eye surgery. Dr. Patel worked with me for weeks to make sure my eyes were in good enough condition to safely have the procedure. The surgery went great, and no I have AMAZING vision! I’m seeing better than 20-15! I’ve had continuous check-ups on my eyes to make sure they are in tip top shape. I’m very thankful to have gotten recommended to Dr. Patel, her continuous checkups showed one that she really was concerned with the condition of my eyes. It has also showed me that she cared about me personally, and she is not in it for a paycheck. I highly recommend Dr. Patel to anyone looking to improve their vision! She gives 110%, 100% of the time to every patient, she really cares about you!! This office really cares about their patients. They call ahead of time to confirm your appointment, and if you happen to forget they still call you on your appointment day to reschedule you at a later time or a different day. This showed me that they really care about me and aren’t going to forget about me like most other offices.

It’s been 2 months since my surgery & I am ecstatic with my results. Everything prior to and after surgery was well explained to me. I’ve done very well taking care of my eyes and followed all rules and doing so has made everything fall into place as the Dr. said they would. I don’t know that this surgery is for everyone but I’m glad I took the opportunity to go through with it. There is definitely team work. Everyone makes you feel as if they’re happy to take care of you. There’s good flow in the office atmosphere (like a well-oiled machine). It’s a pleasant and friendly atmosphere and the whole staff is very knowledgeable. Keep up the good work!

I had slow growing cataracts that my eye doctor had been monitoring for many years. Finally at 63 years old, Dr. Patel did surgery on both eyes and developed a wrinkle in both eyes. Dr. Patel did laser on both eyes and my vision is so sharp and clear. Perfect! Dr. Reena Patel is so personable and professional, and I was always comfortable with her knowledge and help with my eye treatments. She helped me with dry eye, blepharitis, and my personal eye health for the rest of my life. Her office staff is amazing and makes it so easy to understand all that is going on with my eye appointments. Her staff is also very interested and personable. It has been such a good experience having my surgery and regaining my vision. I am forever appreciative. In the past, I had to wait a very long time in the waiting room for my appointment and also in the exam room before I was seen. Scheduling was a problem at Grene Vision Group and I have never had that experience in Dr. Patel’s office.

I have found Dr. Patel to be a very concerned, thorough, and caring professional. Her expertise in eye care is evident in all areas. Her handling of my eye surgeries was exceptional. I had been fearing cataract surgeries but all of that vanished under her care. The surgeries and follow ups were all treated and performed exceedingly excellent! Along with her professionalism her personal demeanor very pleasant and warm. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. In fact I have already done that. I leave every appointment with the feeling I have had the best care I could find anywhere. Previous to being a patient of Dr. Patel, I had an ophthalmologist I liked very much and was saddened tremendously when he left the practice. He recommended Dr. Patel and I am so grateful for that!! I find her to be a few steps ahead in all ways.

On my first appointment with Dr. Patel, she did more tests and different tests than I had ever had. She was very friendly and put me at ease. My pressures were running in the twenties. She immediately changed and added to my medications. Not happy with my response to treatment, she sent me to Oklahoma City for surgery for stents in each eye. My pressures now run about 10-11 in each eye. She also performed cataract surgery on each eye and improved my eyesight. I am firmly convinced that if I had not gone to Dr. Patel, I would have lost my eyesight. She is a very caring person and puts the welfare of her patients first. I was on 4 different eye drops three times daily. I now use 1 eye drop in the right eye only twice a day. Her staff are very friendly and capable. After 1 or 2 visits you are greeted by name.

About 1 year ago I was experiencing very dry eyes that were often red and painful. I also was experiencing a halo vision problems that started after a recent sauna experience. I later discovered that the halo vision was not a problem with my eyes but was because of erosion of the protective coating on my corrective lenses due to the recent sauna experience. Dr. Patel did a very thorough eye exam and work-up and immediately started me on a regime of lubricating eye drops, prescription Restasis drops, warm compress with lid scrubs and ointment at nighttime. Tear duct plugs were also implemented later. My eye felt and looked better after several months of this daily and nightly routine. Eventually the LipiFlow treatment was done which helped with better lubrication to my eyes. Dr. Patel was very patient with me and answered all my questions every step of the way. She confidently guided me and encouraged me to consistently adopt the nightly routine. She gave me hope and support throughout and I am greatly thankful for her very good care of me! Difference: I appreciated the very friendly staff and Dr. Patel’s competency and thoroughness related to my diagnosis and treatment. Very good care!!

Amazing! Absolutely no pain! No downtime!! And the staff is very attentive! Love this place! Would highly recommend this treatment for dry eye patients.

Dr. Patel is a phenomenal professional caregiver. You have to meet her, and when you do, you will be overwhelmed with her high level of expertise; balanced with a resounding sense of consistent care that never wanes. She loves what she does, and what she does is create miracles where possible in her office. I truly wish I had her LASIK surgery performed years early, but Dr. Patel would not have been able to be my doctor back then…everything happens for a reason, and even though my husband’s career will be relocating us at the end of the school year, I will still be Dr. Patel’s patient. Her care and the continuing excellent health of my eyes are that important. Pretty sure there are other wonderful docs out there, but if you are seeking one who deserves your doctor-patient relationship, then Dr. Patel is the professional; warm-hearted doctor for you! Promise.

I have worn contacts for over ten years prior to my LASIK surgery, and I had absolutely hated them. I was constantly losing them, tearing them and suffered from headaches because of the discomfort related to my contacts. I was so excited to meet Dr. Patel. She is a fellowship trained cornea specialist, so she has more extensive training and education than a lot of people performing LASIK in town. She and her staff were very friendly and helpful throughout the entire process. The evening of my surgery I was already able to read the clock in my bedroom from the door which I hadn’t done I since I was a child! The experience was life-changing and I am so thankful to her for the gift of perfect vision.

I was undecided at first if the surgery was right for me. After speaking with Dr. Patel and her explaining the surgery, expectations and her education, I had the confidence to know she was the right surgeon. The time that was spent pre-op was very impressive. During the surgery Dr. Patel as well as the staff made me feel comfortable and at ease start to finish. Post-op I never felt rushed when asking questions. I cannot describe how happy I am with the outcome. It has been a long time since I have been able to wake up in the middle of the night and see the alarm clock, or go swimming without worrying about losing a contact. I would highly recommend Dr. Patel and the surgery to anyone. And in the long run the surgery paid for itself. My eyes were misshapen from wearing contacts all day every day. Dr. Patel recommended I wait a month for my eyes to return to normal shape before proceeding. I was consulted by 2 other surgeons. The first was going to do the surgery the next day and in a MOBILE unit. The other informed me I could schedule the surgery and could come in 30 minutes early for consult.

Dr. Patel and her staff helped ease the tension about having Lasik done. From the evaluation process through post-op care, my questions were welcomed and addressed. I have plenty of time to consider my options and felt like an individual versus just another patient. I have continued with Dr. Patel as my ophthalmologist and have been pleased with her care.

Dr. Patel is so friendly and so good natured, it made a potentially stressful procedure very easy. The quality of work and bedside manner make her the only choice for me and my family!

I was told by my previous eye doctor that I could not have Lasik surgery done because of my astigmatism. They also explained how the surgery would be done and what to expect. However, when I started to see Dr. Patel, I made her aware of my desire to have Lasik and she began the prep process to get my eyes ready for the surgery. After 5 years, she felt my eyes were ready and scheduled the surgery. She explained the procedure in its entirety, step by step. She explained each sound and what was occurring at that time. She made the experience comfortable and easy. There were no scary black out periods during the surgery as my previous doctor said. And the recovery time was painless and easy. Now, my vision is GREAT! I can see well! No glasses in the morning when I get up, or during the day which I cannot ever remember not having to deal with. It’s GREAT! The office staff and Dr. Patel are very courteous and patient. Their office is up to date with technology and knowledge of their field. They are willing to help you.

Having surgery meant regaining freedom. Results were immediate. I remember waking up the next day and seeing the clock across the room. It was a wonderful feeling to know that every morning as soon as I wake up I can see! My contacts used to make my allergic conjunctivitis so much worse too. I have not needed any allergy drops since surgery. Traveling has been a big change too. I don’t have to worry about taking enough contacts and cleaning solution wherever I go. I am extremely satisfied with my eye surgery, would do it all over again…but sooner! The staff is knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. Dr. Patel is very skilled and has great bedside manners. She listens and addresses your concerns. She is just great!