JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, August 22, 2022-Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons recently welcomed Glaucoma Specialist, Yasmin Islam, M.D. to their practice. Dr. Islam received her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL.  She completed her internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA and her ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida. She furthered her training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, FL completing her Glaucoma fellowship. 

Dr. David Hayes, Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons states,   

 “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Islam join our team. As a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon, her knowledge and expertise in glaucoma will be invaluable. We have a significant population of glaucoma patients and with the addition of Dr. Islam, we have now expanded our resources to care for them.  She’s a welcome addition and we’re excited about her contribution to the future of Clay Eye.” 

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Laser floater lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is now a sixteen physician group.  They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Riverside and Middleburg.  If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, August 4, 2022-Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons recently welcomed
Cornea Specialist, Christopher Barron, M.D. to their practice. Dr. Barron received his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL. He also completed his Internship and Residency at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, as well. Dr. Barron recently joined Clay Eye after completing his Cornea & External Disease Fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Donald Downer, Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons states, “Dr. Barron is a welcomed addition to our team. He will provide a full complement to the existing care of patients with Corneal Disease. Dr. Barron has tremendous skills and fits our Clay Eye culture, which is very important to us as a group. As we’ve grown, communication and collaboration with our colleagues are important in establishing the best treatment options for our patients. We’re fortunate to have fellowship-trained sub-specialists within our group, allowing patients the benefit of remaining in one place and establishing relationships and confidence with their physicians. Putting patients first has been the very foundation on which we’ve built a successful practice and sustained our reputation for over 45 years. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Barron contribute to the future success of Clay Eye.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offer comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Cornea Surgery, Glaucoma Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease, and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Laser floater lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams. In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is now a fifteen-physician group. They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Riverside, and Middleburg. If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

Jericho Sayoc, O.D. has recently joined Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons as an associate of their clinical staff.  Dr. Sayoc earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a doctorate degree in optometry from Midwestern Arizona College of Optometry. He completed his Optometry Residency at the VA Hospital in Jacksonville with an emphasis on Primary Care and Ocular Disease with additional training on low vision and specialty contact lens fitting. 

 “Over the past 5 years, our practice has grown significantly. We now have 5 locations in North Florida. We’ve welcomed many new patients who are looking to establish a relationship with a doctor that they can see each and every year. We’re happy to have Dr. Sayoc to help welcome those patients with us,” said Melanie Javier, O.D. Optometrist with Clay Eye. 

“The most fulfilling part of my optometric career is getting the opportunity to know my patients and problem solve ways to improve their vision in their daily lives. I am honored to play a role in how they see and experience the world. When patients share their vision limitations, I do my best to figure out ways to allow them to continue to enjoy the activities they love. 

He continued “I chose to work at Clay Eye because I was impressed by the team-based approach that focused on patient-first care. It’s truly impressive to work and continue to grow clinically amongst so many specialists. With such a wide spectrum of doctors, we are able to provide efficient and patient oriented care all in one place.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Medical/Surgical Retina, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons recently welcomed John R. Bullock, M.D. to their practice. Dr. Bullock joined Clay Eye after completing his Oculofacial Plastic Surgery and Orbital Disease Fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“I grew up in North Florida and received my Medical Degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Believe it or not, I had my very first eye exam as a child at Clay Eye 20+ years ago by Dr. Harris.  My education and training have really brought me full circle, and I am excited to be back home in Jacksonville.  I knew that Clay Eye was the perfect fit for me, as their approach to patient care is exactly the model I was looking for.  I welcome the opportunity to continue Clay Eye’s mission of providing high quality and compassionate eye care to the people of Northeast Florida”, said Dr. Bullock.  

Dr. C. M. Harris, Founder and Ophthalmologist at Clay Eye says, “It’s true, I was the doctor that gave Dr. Bullock his first eye exam. His dad and I were in the Navy together and we’ve kept in touch over the years. When Dr. Bullock decided on pursuing Ophthalmology as his specialty, I continued planting the seed for him to join our practice once he completed his training–and here we are. His training and Fellowship in Oculoplastics is a great addition to our team. He brings a full complement to the existing care of patients who need eyelid surgery, lesions and reconstruction; Tearing Disorders/Tear Duct Surgery and Blepharoplasty.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Laser floater lysis, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

If you are a patient that year after year dreads having their eyes dilated-then Optomap might be your answer!

We’ve heard it all…. “it’s such a weird feeling”, “makes me feel off-balance”, “it takes forever to wear off”, “I don’t mind the eye exam, it’s the dilation part that I hate!”. 

Most patients feel they should only be examined when they either have an eye issue/emergency or need a change in prescription. When in reality, one of the most important parts of the examination is determining the health of the retina.

The optomap is a simple, non-invasive procedure that generates a high-resolution 200° digital, color image of your retina in less than half of a second.  This image is used to ascertain the health of your retina and check for harmful conditions and possible disease. It is fast, painless and comfortable for patients of all ages, and does not require dilation. 

This image becomes a part of your permanent medical record and enables us to see more of your retina, measure aspects of your eye, and magnify some of the finer details. We can also track changes in your eye over time by comparing each year’s optomap. 

While our team does recommend comprehensive, dilated eye exams, we are happy to provide optomap as an alternative option for those who may be uncomfortable with dilation.

Many eye problems can develop without you knowing, in fact, you may not even notice any change in your sight – fortunately, diseases or damage such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, and other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be seen with a thorough exam of the retina. 

The key to having and maintaining healthy eyes is in the early detection of potential problems. 

As with any disease, early detection of any retinal abnormality may lead to earlier and safer treatments and in many cases prevent vision loss.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons recently welcomed J. Parker DuPree, M.D. to their practice. Dr. DuPree joined Clay Eye after completing his Vitreoretinal  Fellowship at The University of Kentucky. He recently returned to Jacksonville to begin his tenure with Clay Eye. 

 “Jacksonville is my hometown and I’m really happy for the opportunity to be back. I have always loved the city, the culture, and this community. Clay Eye has an amazing reputation and a longevity that I knew I wanted to be part of. Clay Eye offers comprehensive eye care with subspecialists to support any and all patients.”

“Clay Eye was established over 40 years ago with the ultimate mission to put the needs of our patients first. We believe that still holds true today. We hire new associates not solely based on skillset, but also the ability to fit into our culture…as a team and as a family. Dr. DuPree will provide a full complement to the existing care of patients with macular degeneration, retinal disease, and diabetes-related eye problems.  In addition, he will bring an entirely new skill set to the Clay Eye family, to include the surgical correction of retinal-related problems, which will expand our reach to the community even further.  We are very excited about Dr. DuPree joining Clay Eye.” said Dr. Russell Pecoraro, Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist for Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons.  

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Laser Cataract Surgery, Laser floater lysis, Cornea Surgery, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery, Cosmetic Eye Procedures, Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Pediatric Eye Exams.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Most people just know the term “eye doctor”, but in reality, there are several different kinds of “eye doctors”.

What’s the difference between an MD and DO?

For patients, there is virtually no difference between the treatment by an MD or DO. They are both similarly educated and certified, attending 4 years of medical school, plus an additional residency program ranging from 3-7 years.

While they are similarly educated, there are differences in their training and philosophy of patient care. Both an MD and DO learn in medical school the scientific foundations needed to be licensed physicians, but they take different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

MD stands for Medical Doctor or Doctor of Medicine (Allopathic doctor)

• MD’s are the most common type of physician currently practicing in the United States.
• MD’s focus on the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
• MD’s use treatments that affect someone who’s ill differently than someone who’s healthy.

DO stands for or Doctor of Osteopathy or Osteopathic Doctor

• A DO is a physician whose medical school training included a focus on the muscular and skeletal systems to treat problems throughout the body.
• DO’s are trained to consider a patient’s environment, nutrition, and body system as a whole when diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
• DO’s take on a more holistic approach and focus heavily on prevention. DO’s are known for seeing the patient as a “whole person” to reach a diagnosis, rather than treating the symptoms alone.

To sum it up, both MD’s and DO’s are highly educated, qualified doctors with the ability to take care of your healthcare needs. Choosing an eye doctor is a personal choice and you need to decipher what style and qualities are important to you with regard to your care. You should focus on experience, bedside manner, reputation, communication skills, and most importantly, their ability to relate to you and perform procedures that you need.

Do you block your eyes from bright light…do you turn off bright lights…do you squint…do you turn down the brightness of your screen/monitor? If you answered YES to any of these questions, Acuvue Oasys with Transitions contact lenses might be the solution for you.

Did you know…

• 64% of consumers are bothered by bright light daily.
• 94% of consumers bothered by light used compensating behaviors (squinting, blocking the sun, etc.)

How will the lenses look on my eyes?

Acuvue Oasys with Transitions is specially designed to provide benefits to patients while minimizing the change to the eye’s appearance.

Can I wear these lenses while I’m driving?

Yes, they can be worn while driving, during the day or at night.

Do I still need to wear sunglasses when I wear Acuvue Oasys with Transitions?

Yes. While these lenses do provide UV protection to the areas they cover, other parts of the eye and surrounding areas are still exposed to UV light. These lenses are not intended as a replacement for sunglasses. The lenses can be worn with non-prescription sunglasses.

Do the lenses work indoors?

Yes. Acuvue Oasys with Transitions is always on, whether indoors or outdoors. The lenses are designed to adapt automatically—becoming lighter or darker in response to changing light.

How long does it take the lenses to activate, and then deactivate?

Acuvue Oasys Transition Lenses activate in less than a minute, and quickly fades from dark to clear, within 90 seconds when transitioning back from outdoors to indoors.

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“Light sensitivity can be a problem for many of my patients. These transition contact lenses are not only very comfortable, but they provide 100% UV protection, and the added benefit of relief from bright lights & glare. Patients love them!”
– Dr. Melanie Javier

If you are interested in finding out more information regarding these new, first-of-its-kind light-adaptive contact lenses, contact Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons at 904-272-2020 to set up an appointment.

March is Workplace Eye Safety month, and while we typically assume professions such as healthcare, mechanic, landscaping, welding, etc. are the most prone to eye injuries, the most common is actually computer vision syndrome.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?

Wikipedia defines CVS as a “condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer or other display device for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time”. The muscles in the eye are then unable to adequately recover from the strain due to inadequate sleep.

While computer screens do not cause permanent vision damage, they can cause temporary headaches, eye fatigue, redness, sensitivity, and difficulty focusing.

What causes this eye strain?

Humans blink an average of 15 times per minute, but studies show we blink far less when using computers and other digital screen devices – about a third of the amount.

Tips to minimizing eye strain:

• Sit about 25 inches, or arm’s length, from the computer screen. Position the screen so your eye gaze is slightly downward.

• Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
• Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry.
• If a screen is much brighter than the surrounding light, you should adjust your room lighting so you have less of a contrast.

If you experience red, watery or irritated eyes from consistent computer usage, contact our office to discuss your options for relief. 904-272-2020

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, but new treatments have dramatically changed the course of this disease over the last 10 years, making AMD more manageable than ever before.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe, irreversible vision loss in people over age 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. 

What are some risk factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

• Age
• Smoking. Smoking increases a person’s chances of developing AMD
• Family History of AMD
• Gender
• Race
• Prolonged Sun Exposure
• Diet
• Obesity

Is there a cure for Macular Degeneration?

Currently, there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), however,  there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the disease and experiencing AMD-related vision loss.

Here are a few simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes:

Family Eye Health History:

Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with AMD.

Stop Smoking:

Many studies have determined that smoking significantly increases the risk of AMD, and some research has shown that the risk is at least double that of non-smokers.

Eat Right:

Eat right to protect your sight. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.

Have Regular Eye Exams:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a dilated eye exam at least every two to three years if you’re between 45 and 60 and every year after the age of 60.

Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor detect AMD and monitor it so that you can receive proper AMD treatment, if appropriate, beyond these preventive measures.