Top Ophthalmologists in Fort Myers
If you are looking for one of the top ophthalmologists in Fort Myers, Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist is an excellent choice. He and the highly skilled Elmquist Eye Group team take a personal interest in every patient, diagnosing and treating a full spectrum of eye conditions.
Dr. Elmquist is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery. His partner, Dr. Kate Wagner, and associate, Dr. Nina Burt, are board certified optometrists, and the newest addition to the team is Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown, a board certified ophthalmologist. We are committed to helping patients achieve better vision and superior eye health.
Top Doctors
Dr. Elmquist has been selected year after year as one of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd’s America’s Top Doctors in Ophthalmology. This respected guide identifies the best doctors in every part of the country and in every medical specialty.
Every year, Castle Connolly surveys thousands of physicians and asks them to nominate exceptional doctors in every specialty in their region and throughout the nation. The nominees are screened by a physician-led research team that evaluates each doctor’s education, training, board certification, fellowships; professional reputation, achievements, disciplinary histories and more.
Only those doctors who are among the best in their specialties and in their communities are included. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled. The exceptional doctors like Dr. Elmquist who have been selected as Top Doctors represent the top 1% of all doctors in the United States.
How Do Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Differ?
Ophthalmologists like Dr. Elmquist and Dr. Eccles-Brown are medical doctors and have earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD) degree. This requires at least four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three to six years of residency training.
As ophthalmologists, they are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat complex eye conditions, perform surgery, such as LASIK laser vision correction, cataract removal, retinal detachment surgery, and surgery related to eye trauma, and can prescribe a broader range of prescription medications than optometrists.
Optometrists, like Dr. Wagner and Dr. Burt, have earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. This requires four years of college plus another four years of optometry school. During the last two years of optometry school, they examine patients in eye clinics and hospitals, work with eye surgeons and specialists, and do ophthalmic research.
Optometrists can prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, prescribe some medications, and perform minor surgical procedures. They perform vision tests, diagnose and treat many eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, and are trained to detect systemic diseases that may manifest in the eyes, such as diabetes. Optometrists also perform the majority of comprehensive eye exams in the U.S.
If you live or work in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, make an appointment with the top ophthalmologists and optometrists at Elmquist Eye Group. Call us at (239) 936-2020 to discuss your eye health and to schedule an appointment for an eye exam.