Specialty Eye Institute Physician Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence

The subspecialty of retina is unique in the sense that patients with retina problems are in danger of losing their precious gift of sight, if left untreated. By possessing the ability to recognize and treat these patients, Dr. Gordon feels she is making a difference in the lives of her patients. It is important that patients receive the best possible care to correct or restore their vision, along with a doctor who understands their concerns and who always puts their needs first.  This is the kind of care you can expect from Dr. Gordon and her staff.

Specialty Eye Institute would like to congratulate Dr. Carmelina Gordon on 10 years of excellence.   Dr. Gordon, a Vitreoretinal Specialist, has been proudly serving patients at the Lansing and Jackson SEI offices.

Because retinal care is vital to a patient’s health and quality of life, Dr. Gordon maintains a strong focus on the latest technology, to assure that her patients are given the best treatment options to preserve their vision.  Her dedication to research and clinical studies for Macular Degeneration has earned her a prestigious reputation in the medical field.     


When asked why she became an Ophthalmologist, Gordon replied, “I chose ophthalmology as I think the gift of sight is one of the most precious gifts that we have.”  SEI’s Vice President adds, “Dr. Gordon is a great asset to our team.  We are grateful to her for providing such excellent care to our patients.”    

Specialty Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye care services in Michigan and Ohio. Treatments include diseases of the eye, cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care and laser vision correction. For more information about Specialty Eye Institute, or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-852-8463 or visit www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.

Michigan locations: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing. Ohio locations: Bryan and Toledo.

Winner of Free Lasik Has New Outlook on Life

Sara Ward, Western Michigan University student and Portage resident, has a new outlook on life since visiting Specialty Eye Institute’s Open House in Portage. Ward’s name was drawn at the event, and she was the lucky recipient of a Free Lasik procedure. Ward attended the Open House to learn more about SEI and their eye care services, never thinking she would actually walk away a winner.


The actual patient experience was a collaborative effort between Ward’s Optometrist, Dr. Patrick Holser, and SEI’s Ophthalmologist, Dr. Paul Ernest, to provide seamless care. Dr. Holser determined Ward’s candidacy for the surgery, while the actual procedure was performed by Dr. Ernest. Post-surgical follow-ups were provided by both physicians.

Just one day after surgery, Ward was ecstatic about her results, posting on SEI’s Facebook page, “Thank you SEI for showing me a whole new world! When I woke up the day after my LASIK and was actually able to read the numbers on the clock instead of seeing a big red blur it made me cry! Everyone at the Portage location was great and I will be recommending you to all of my friends!” After her one-week follow-up, Ward reported that her eyes were healing well and she was thrilled to realize her dream of 20/20 vision without glasses.

Specialty Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye care services in Michigan and Ohio. Treatments include diseases of the eye, cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care and laser vision correction. Michigan locations: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Saline, Southfield & West Bloomfield. Ohio locations: Bellevue, Bryan, Sandusky and Toledo.

View more patient testimonials on Specialty Eye Institute’s Facebook page. To learn more about SEI, please call 1-877-852-8463 or visit www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.

February is AMD Awareness Month (age-related macular degeneration) - Facts you should know about AMD

Macular degeneration occurs when the center of the retina, known as the macula, is damaged. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 55. The cause of macular degeneration is unknown.

Although the macula is very small, it is responsible for acute vision. Normal everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, recognizing faces, and detailed work such as needlepoint or drawing are dependent upon a healthy macula.

Macular degeneration affects central vision only. Peripheral vision and color vision usually remain normal. This loss of central vision usually occurs gradually. Macular degeneration typically affects both eyes, although not necessarily at the same time. Additionally, each eye’s vision may decline at different rates.

     Video simulation of what someone with macular degeneration sees

How is Macular Degeneration Detected?

Although the cause of macular degeneration is unknown, there are signs that the disease is present in the eye.


Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should see an ophthalmologist immediately: 

• Straight lines appear wavy
• The center of vision appears distorted but the other areas of vision remain clear
• The center of vision appears dark, white or blurry
• The ability to perceive colors changes or diminishes 

A qualified ophthalmologist can detect signs of macular degeneration during a routine eye examination. Declining vision or a change in the eye’s blood vessels are often indications that macular degeneration is occurring.

Common eye ailments that are not thought to be linked to macular degeneration include cataracts and cataract surgery, dry eye syndrome, and floaters (moving spots in the field of vision).

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection is important. Once the disease is identified, treatments are available. Further, there is extensive research being done in this field and advanced treatments are being developed. The sooner patients with macular degeneration are diagnosed, the earlier they can receive these advanced treatments.

Specialty Eye Institute offers sophisticated eye exams that are capable of detecting macular degeneration early, before you develop noticeable symptoms. We offer the most advanced macular degeneration treatment options available.

Preserving and protecting your vision from macular degeneration depends upon routine eye exams. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Video Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health