Best Ophthalmologists in Newport News
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Ophthalmology in Newport News
Overview of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the eye and visual system. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care, providing a wide range of services from routine eye exams to complex surgical procedures.
Common conditions treated by ophthalmologists include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia. They also handle eye injuries, infections, and other disorders affecting the eyes and surrounding structures.
Importance of Choosing the Right Ophthalmologist
Selecting the right ophthalmologist is essential for maintaining optimal eye health and vision. A skilled and experienced ophthalmologist can provide accurate diagnoses, recommend appropriate treatments, and perform necessary procedures with precision.
Regular visits to a qualified ophthalmologist can lead to early detection of eye diseases, many of which are asymptomatic in their initial stages. Early intervention can often prevent or slow the progression of these conditions, potentially saving a patient's vision.
Newport News Ophthalmology Landscape
Based on the provided data, Newport News has at least 16 practicing ophthalmologists, offering residents a range of options for their eye care needs.
Several notable medical facilities in Newport News provide ophthalmology services, including Riverside Regional Medical Center, which is affiliated with many of the top-rated ophthalmologists in the area. Other facilities mentioned include Riverside Walter Reed Hospital and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.
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List of Ophthalmologists in Newport News
American Board of Ophthalmology
Med University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)
Bowman Gray School of Medicine|Medical University of South Carolina (Residency Hospital, 1989)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Medical School, 1986)
English
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ophthalmology
Emergency Medicine
American Board of Ophthalmology
Wills Eye Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1993)
Naval Medical Center San Diego (Internship Hospital, 1988)
USN Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1988)
Vanderbilt University (Medical School, 1987)
University of Maryland (Undergraduate School, 1983)
English
Spanish
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery
Cornea & Refractive Surgery
Ophthalmic Surgery
American Board of Ophthalmology
National Children's Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)
University of Oklahoma (Residency Hospital, 1992)
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER (Internship Hospital, 1989)
University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio Long School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)
University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School, 1984)
English
Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Leigh Hospital
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
Bronx Lebanon Hospital Ctr-Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 1993)
New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia Presbyterian Center (Internship Hospital, 1990)
Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)
English
Spanish
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Leigh Hospital
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
1983 (Undergraduate School)
Emory University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1991)
Presbytarian/Univ of Penn Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1988)
University Of Pennsyl (Internship Hospital, 1988)
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)
University of Pennsylvania, PA (Undergraduate School, 1983)
English
Ukrainian
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
Los Angeles County Harbor - UCLA Medical Center|Los Angeles County Olive View - UCLA Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2013)
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2010)
University of Texas at Dallas (Medical School, 2009)
English
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences (Medical School, 1989)
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)
Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1982)
Indiana University / Bloomington / School of Optometry (Undergraduate School, 1981)
English
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Ophthalmology
Selecting an Ophthalmologist in Newport News
Factors to Consider
Board Certification and Credentials
- Verify American Board of Ophthalmology certification
- Review educational background and specializations
Experience and Patient Reviews
- Examine years of practice and areas of expertise
- Analyze patient ratings and review content
Hospital Affiliations
- Consider associations with reputable medical centers
- Note affiliations with Riverside Regional Medical Center and other local hospitals
Language Capabilities
- Assess communication needs (e.g., English, Spanish)
- Identify multilingual practitioners for diverse patient needs
Utilizing Available Resources
Online Platforms
- Explore healthgrades.com for comprehensive doctor profiles
- Use search filters to narrow down options based on preferences
Professional Referrals
- Consult primary care physicians for recommendations
- Seek advice from optometrists for specialized care
Local Medical Community
- Investigate Newport News eye care centers and clinics
- Attend community health events for face-to-face interactions
Top-Rated Ophthalmologists in Newport News
Dr. Robert Elgin
Education and Certifications
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine (1989)
- American Board of Ophthalmology certified
Hospital Affiliations
- Riverside Regional Medical Center
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0-star rating
- 3 patient reviews
Dr. Jeanne Brooks
Education and Certifications
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (1987)
- American Board of Ophthalmology certified
Hospital Affiliations
- Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0-star rating
- 7 patient reviews
Dr. Patrick Burke
Education and Certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology certified
Hospital Affiliations
- Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
- Phoenix Children's Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0-star rating
- 1 patient review
Dr. Brian Keel
Education and Certifications
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (1986)
- American Board of Ophthalmology certified
Hospital Affiliations
- Riverside Regional Medical Center
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.3-star rating
- 6 patient reviews
Dr. Robert Cullom Jr
Education and Certifications
- Vanderbilt University (1987)
- American Board of Ophthalmology certified
Hospital Affiliations
- Riverside Regional Medical Center
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.3-star rating
- 20 patient reviews
Additional Considerations for Choosing an Ophthalmologist in Newport News
Insurance and Payment Options
Verifying insurance coverage
- Check if the ophthalmologist accepts your insurance plan
- Inquire about out-of-pocket costs for various procedures
Discussing payment plans and options
- Ask about available payment plans for non-covered services
- Inquire about potential discounts for cash payments
Location and Accessibility
Proximity to home or work
- Consider ophthalmologists with offices near Newport News
- Look for convenient office hours that fit your schedule
Hospital affiliations
- Note that many top-rated ophthalmologists are affiliated with Riverside Regional Medical Center
- Consider proximity to affiliated hospitals for potential procedures
Language and Communication
Language capabilities
- English is spoken by all listed ophthalmologists
- Some doctors, like Dr. Robert Cullom Jr and Dr. Hugh Berckmueller, also speak Spanish
- Dr. Nadia Shockley speaks Ukrainian in addition to English
Clear communication of treatment plans
- Importance of choosing a doctor who explains procedures clearly
- Consider reading patient reviews that mention communication skills