Enjoy The
Bright Colors
of Nature
Again
Once you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and the life-changing benefits cataract surgery can bring, you'll likely wish you'd had the procedure sooner.
Suncoast Eye Center
Florida cataract, glaucoma, and eyelid surgery center.
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Patient Testimonials
When eye surgical expertise, and compassion come together, amazing things happen. Almost every day, we receive wonderful letters of thanks from eye surgery patients. It is testimonials like the ones you read here that validate what we do and keeps us focused on being "Dedicated to the Work of Healing."
Optical Center Right Inside Our Lobby
Our doctors correct your vision, our goal is to preserve your vision. Our
optical boutique provides premium lenses to fit everyone's lifestyle. There is
no need to drive all over town. Our professionally staffed boutique caters to each and every patient
individually. The licensed optician has over 26 years experience and will give
you honest opinions. No need to go elsewhere.
Board Certified Ophthalmologists
The Suncoast Eye Center provides its patients with outstanding vision care. Our professional and friendly medical staff uses the latest technology to meet the needs of our patients. Clinic surgeons are board-certified
ophthalmologists with years of experience performing surgical and laser procedures.
- Lawrence A. Seigel
- Alan M. Freedman
- Christine L. Burns
- Magda Barsoum-Homsy
- Steven A. Gross
- Marquerite M. Kohlhepp
- Jason M. Handza
Licensed Optometrists
Optometrists are specifically educated, trained and licensed to examine the eye and surrounding structures for the purpose of prescribing eyewear or contact lenses.
All doctors are board certified optometrists and
Dr. Kaplan specializes in comprehensive eye exams, as well as Sports Vision.
Locations & Contacts
Hudson, Florida
14003 Lakeshore Blvd
Hudson, FL 34667
Phone: (727) 868-9442
Toll Free: (800) 282-6341
Crystal River, Florida
221 N.E. Hwy 19
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 795-2526
Debrha Marlin (
additional information
© 2010 Suncoast Eye Center
Contact & copyright info
Enjoy The
Understanding Cataract symptoms is your first step to improving your vision
Persons with cataracts often compare their vision to looking through a windshield of a car in the fog. Cataracts cause a variety of complaints and visual changes, including blurred vision, difficulty with glare (often with bright sun or automobile headlights while driving at night), dulled color vision, increased nearsightedness accompanied by frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, and occasionally double vision in one eye. Some people notice a phenomenon called "second sight" in which one's reading vision improves as a result of their increased nearsightedness from swelling of the cataract. A change in glasses may help initially once vision begins to change from cataracts; however, as cataracts continue to progress and opacify, vision becomes cloudy and stronger glasses or contact lenses will no longer improve sight.
- Helping you treat and take care of your sight. -
"At Suncoast Eye Center there are specialists from the Department of Ophthalmology who provide the full range of clinical services to adults and children. This includes the cataract, eyelid and glaucoma surgery, as well as muscle surgery."
"We have provided outstanding eye care for Florida Since 1982. Our reputation is unsurpassed in both regular eye care services and surgical procedures."
"Suncoast Eye Center provides comprehensive services to help you treat and take care of your sight. Whether you need highly specialized surgery or simply your first pair of glasses, you can get the very best ophthalmic care."
"We are committed to providing all of our services in a compassionate, supportive environment. Suncoast Eye Center offers a variety of patient support services, including educational materials and programs. "
More on cataracts & your options
Cataract Surgery Lens Options
When a patient has cataract surgery the cloudy lens is taken out and a new lens is put in its place. Most patients aren't aware that there are different types of lenses that could be used. Premium IOLs - Restor, Tecnis Multifocal Lens, and Toric lenses. To help our patients make the most informed decision I have organized this simple article that should not be passed up.
Top reasons to have your outpatient eye surgery at Suncoast Eye Center
- Experience
- Quality of care
- Latest techniques
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Board Certified Ophthalmologists
- (AAAHC) Ambulatory Healthcare Accreditation
- Members of Better Business Bureau
- State of the art technology
- Accepts most insurance plans
- Offer transportation for surgery patients
Good Articles & Letters of Thanks
Contributions & Donations
++Suncoast Eye Center donations to the Lightning Foundation help make it possible for children to attend a Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Game
++Hudson Elementary Expresses thanks and appreciation for Dr. Seigels support and generosity during the holiday season.
++The Angelus Inc. sends thanks to the Suncoast Eye Center for a very generous donation.
Computer Eyeglasses (What are they?
One
would never imagine that such a useful and innovative tool could cause
so much physical discomfort! As a result of CVS, science professionals
seized the opportunity to create computer eyeglasses to alleviate these
common conditions and make computer usage less painful and more
comfortable
Polarized Sunglasses – Useful Information About Polarized Sunglasses
Introduced several decades ago the use of polarization was once limited
to a few brands of eyewear. Fortunately today many consumers can enjoy
the benefits of this eye protection without sacrificing the style that
they prefer.
Take Care of your Eyes
Often, we take our eyes for granted and do not take proper care of them
as we do our teeth or our skin. Taking care of our eyes is important
especially since we use our eyes a lot.
Surgery With a Double Shot
What do cataract surgery and coffee have in common? Both now require that you choose among a confusing variety of options. Read this article and in less time than it would take your barista to serve up your favorite coffee drink you will have the knowledge to discuss this choice with your eye surgeon.
Freedom From Glasses
After forty years of wearing glasses, routine cataract surgery
frees one patient of the need for prescription eyewear.
**Dear Dr. Seigel**
Please make sure that Doctor Seigel sees this and let him know that he
is one of the nicest Doctor's I have ever met.
Suncoast Eyecenter Introduces CareCredit
As a service to our patients, we are pleased to offer the CareCredit card, North America's leading patient payment plan. CareCredit offers a full range of payment plans to meet every financing need. With the popular No Interest Payment Plans* there are no interest charges if the balance is paid in full within the specified time period. Or, if you prefer an even lower monthly payment, you can choose the low interest, Extended Payment Plan* for procedure fees from $1,000 to over $25,000. Plus, there are no upfront costs, no annual fees, and no pre-payment penalties. It’s easy to apply and you may receive an online decision in seconds. Follow the link below for more details.
*view details of this program »
Suncoast Eye Center welcomes Board Certified Ophthalmologist Vitreoretinal Surgeon Dr. Jason M. Handza
The new year begins at the Suncoast Eye Center with a new doctor
partnering with our team of expert surgeons.
Being twice awarded the prestigious Patrick Murray Award and recipient of the coveted Galen S. Young, Sr. Award, Dr. Handza has trained with many highly respected physicians considered to be an expert in the
field of ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery.
Cataract removal video using the "phacoemulsification" technique
The formation of cataracts is a normal part of the aging process. Fortunately, cataract surgery is extremely safe and effective. Modern cataract surgery is usually performed using a microsurgical technique called, "phacoemulsification".
The video you are about to watch
shows a cataract being removed and a new lens being implanted using the
phacoemulsification procedure.
The procedure starts with the eye being frozen/numb. The initial incision is made into the clear dome shaped cornea. Viscoelastic is instilled into the anterior chamber. The outer membrane of the lens is pinched. Fluid is then used to separate the lens from the outer membrane, which is rotated and freed. (A circular capsulorhexis is performed). The lens and any excess material are removed. Viscoelastic is instilled to maintain the outer shape of the membrane. The intraocular lens is inserted into the natural lens space. Any remaining gel and lens material is removed at this point. The edges of the clear corneal wound are then hydrated to prevent leaking and the anterior chamber is filled with balanced salt solution and Miostat. The wound is then visualized and tested to make sure there are no leaks.
Today we are able to offer patients astigmatism correcting Toric lens Implants, as well as near vision and presbyopia correcting lens implants such as the Tecnis® Multifocal and ReStor® lens implants (IOL) to help patients minimize or possibly even eliminate the need for glasses.
A message from the optical center
by Ethel Squillace
Living in sunny Florida, we need to realize the dangers of ultra violet rays to our eyes. Transitions is one way to protect them against UVA and UVB rays. Their clear indoors and get darker outdoors.
For the person who likes dark sunglasses, polarized the way to go. They provide clear visual acuity, colors have definition and very comforting to the eyes as it eliminates glare.
AR Coating or Anti-reflective Coating - removes reflections and starbursts from oncoming headlights at night. AR coating can be added to any lens.
If you would like any additional information or have questions you may contact Ethel directly at our office by calling (727) 868-9442 Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm
Suncoast Eye Center receives accreditation by the AAAHC
The Suncoast Eye Center/Eye Surgery Institute is pleased to announce that we
have recently been accredited for 3 years by the Accreditation Association for
Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
Our patients privacy is important.
The Suncoast Eye Center has a long-standing commitment to the rights and privacy of our patients and clients. We have always protected the confidentiality of health information of the people who rely on us for care. State and federal laws also protect the confidentiality of this sensitive information.
Saving Sight Together
Dr. Lawrence A. Seigel,
in an continuing effort to formally reach out into the community to help others,
successfully established the Suncoast Eye Center Foundation in 1985. These non-profit Foundations goals are to provide or obtain, necessary eye care and treatment for the needy in our
community and educate the communities served by the Suncoast Eye Center about eye health care.
Follow the link below to learn more about the foundation, its activities, or how you can help our continued growth.
learn more »
Eye Surgery Institute
The Suncoast Eye Surgery Institute first opened January 1989. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with two operating rooms, two laser suites and comfortable pre and post-operative areas. Your surgical experience and comfort should be as pleasant as possible.
Providing that personal attention and care is our main goal.
The Surgery Institute is Medicare-certified and fully licensed by the State of Florida.
learn more »
Free Speakers Bureau
Need a speaker for your group? The Suncoast Eye Center provides an informative seminar on the aging eye. Covering topics including cataracts, glaucoma, droopy eyelid problems, macular degeneration and several others. The seminar can be tailored to work with your existing program..
learn more »
"The Suncoast Eye Center, Eye Surgery Institute, is dedicated to providing the highest level of ophthalmological care, in a professional, caring, pleasant atmosphere, and is committed to providing their team members a secure, caring, and safe work environment."
"The goal at the Suncoast Eye Center, Eye Surgery Institute, is to continuously strive for improvement in providing quality car to patients, and a pleasant work place for team members."