Guest Column

Barnhorst Eye Associates, Florida Eye Specialists partner to improve specialty eye care

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As an ophthalmologist, I’ve served Northeast Florida for nearly 25 years. My goal has always been to help patients maintain high-quality vision through the latest advanced treatments and specialty eye care they need. That’s why Barnhorst Eye Associates recently partnered with Florida Eye Specialists, the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in the region. The partnership will increase access to fellowship-trained surgeons in premium cataract surgery, refractive (LASIK), glaucoma and cornea treatments across St. Johns County.

Now that our specialized eye care services are more accessible than ever, we look forward to serving all our patients across Northeast Florida, from Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine and beyond.

Addressing a Growing Patient Base

As Barnhorst Eye Associates, we opened our Nocatee office in the spring of 2019. It is the first and only specialty ophthalmology practice in Nocatee. But much has changed over the last four years. The St. Johns County population has boomed since the COVID-19 pandemic as more people from across the region have moved to this beautiful area. Now that we serve an even broader patient base, it’s more important than ever to provide patients access to the specialty eye care they need.

Since joining with Florida Eye Specialists, not only do I have fellow corneal specialists I can work with on cases, I can refer patients to my colleagues for complicated glaucoma problems, eyelid problems, retinal issues and more. I have a whole team of super specialists to partner with to help patients with a broader range of eye care needs than ever.

Specialty Eye Care Services in St. Johns County

Our Nocatee office is joining a network of 13 Florida Eye Specialists locations across Northeast Florida, including Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine. Now patients have the choice to visit the clinic that’s closest to them and receive the latest technology and advanced treatments. At the Nocatee office specifically, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic machines, custom treatment for laser-assisted cataract surgery and laser glaucoma treatment. To me, it’s exciting that there are so many options available for patient treatments.

A Personal Approach to Patient Eye Care

While I’m grateful for access to remarkable advances in eye care technology, the best part about my practice is still getting to know my patients. It’s that personal approach I believe makes all the difference. I take the time with my patients to learn their symptoms, what past treatments they’ve tried, and really get to the bottom of their eye issues. For me and my colleagues at Florida Eye Specialists, eye care isn’t about checking a box. I want my patients to know I’m focused on them and assure them we’ll find the right personalized treatment plan that works.

Prioritize Your Eye Health in 2023

The best part about working in ophthalmology is making such a difference in patients’ lives. It’s one area of medicine where you can see tremendous results with just a short procedure. People with eye issues often don’t realize how much better their sight can be. We have so many advanced treatment options now, and it’s rewarding to help patients improve and protect their vision.

We are fortunate in North Florida to have access to some of the premier eye specialists in the state. This year, prioritize your eye health and make an appointment today.

Donald A. Barnhorst, Jr., M.D., is a Ponte Vedra resident and board-certified ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists. For more information on Dr. Barnhorst, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com or call 904-564-2020.