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Eide to offer cataract surgeries in Madison
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 08/23/2012 |
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Cataract surgery will once again be available in Madison. Dr. Michael Eide from Ophthalmology Ltd. in Sioux Falls is opening satellite clinic and surgical services beginning in September.
Madison hasn't had a local surgical option for cataract surgery for three years, since a Watertown doctor discontinued his local clinic.
Eide plans to be in Madison on the second Thursday and the fourth Tuesday of each month. His first clinic is set for Sept. 13.
Eide is one of eight ophthalmologists with Ophthalmology Ltd. He said each of the ophthalmologists on staff has satellite clinics. This will be his second clinic and the 13th for Ophthalmology Ltd.
"We are not meant to compete with the local eye doctors," said Stan Gebhart, administrator for Ophthalmology Ltd.
Gebhart said his office has spent the past year working with the local eye doctors and the Madison Community Hospital to make arrangements for the clinic.
"The local eyecare community has said there's a big need for this service," Gebhart said.
The clinic will be set up to take referral appointments from The Eyecare Center or Madison Vision Clinic. Appointments and surgeries will take place at Madison Community Hospital.
Cataract surgery involves the removal of an aged lens and the insertion of a new acrylic lens.
"Cataracts are not a disease," Eide said. "They're a normal part of aging where the normal lens inside the eye becomes cloudy."
While this usually happens as a person ages, Eide said, there have been cases where people have developed cataracts at a younger age.
"Cataracts often don't cause problems," he said. "Usually glasses are enough at first. Eventually, glasses aren't enough help to clear up the vision."
By offering the clinic in Madison, Eide said, someone here can avoid multiple trips out of town for the initial consultation, as well as two separate visits for surgery and follow-up appointments.
"It's a very rewarding surgery to do," Eide said.
Patients typically see improvements within days of the surgery, and the need for glasses following surgery varies depending on the patient.
Gebhart said the clinic dates in Madison may expand depending on patient volume.
"We have a feel for the number of people who are referred," he said. "From what we're hearing, Madison is well beyond that. It makes sense for us to make this business decision."
Eide, who has practiced for two years, said he is excited to bring this service back to Madison.
"It's very exciting for us," he said. "Madison hasn't had an ophthalmologist come for several years. To fill that void is very rewarding for me."
Eide said he plans to set up the clinics so he can complete surgeries in the morning and have follow-up consultation with the patients in the afternoon. His first surgery here is scheduled for Sept. 26.
Tammy Miller, CEO for Madison Community Hospital, said it's exciting to be able to have this service offered locally.
"It's very important for the patients of our area to have a service in Madison," she said.
Miller estimates as many as 200 to 300 cataract surgeries will take place annually.
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