Dr. Robert M. Stern, M.D. has built a substantial ophthalmology practice in Westlake that has set a new standard for excellence in optical health care. After training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from early 1983 through mid 1986 and completing his residency, Dr. Stern, a Board Certified ophthalmologist, decided to open his own practice. He realized that Westlake didn't have any practicing ophthalmologists at the time, and, together with the administrators of St. John West Shore Hospital, came to the conclusion that it would be a good idea for the hospital to have an eye care professional on the premises. He opened his practice in 1986 adjacent to St. John West Shore Hospital, and for the past eighteen years has focused on building a reputation for excellence in the field of ophthalmology. We toured the facility last week while Dr. Stern provided this overview of their services;
Dr. Stern specializes in treating eye disease and performing ocular surgery. We treat patients who have anything from simple pink eye to cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal problems. We've become more involved with refractive surgery, performing Lasik and variations on Lasik surgery for our younger patients. To provide our patients with the convenience of having all their eye needs met at a single location, we provide routine eye care and also carry a full line of eyeglasses.
Over the years, I've seen my practice mature as patients who started out with me when they were in their early 50s, are now into their late 60s. Their ocular problems have changed over the years from those that can be corrected by eyeglasses, to cataract and macular changes. We've consistently provided them with comprehensive evaluations of their eye health in a professional and caring manner, explaining our findings and outlining our recommended treatment methods. In terms of availability and caring, our patients realize our high standards of service.
As a medical doctor, I evaluate each patient while taking into consideration the ways their systemic problems may affect their ocular health, and the ways their ocular conditions might influence their overall systemic health. By looking at a patient's eyes, we have the ability to detect signs of diabetes, thyroid disease, or even tumors occasionally. Likewise when a patient has ocular problems, they can affect the patient's systemic outlook, as well. A person may become depressed due to their inability to view the world because of macular degeneration, that can lead to problems with their general health. The eyes are truly windows through which a physician can gain valuable insight into patients' overall state of health.
Dr. Sara Schoeck, trained in optometry at Ohio State, has been with us for over seven years. Dr. Schoeck attended The Ohio State University College of Optometry, performed an externship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and is certified in the use of Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA's) for the treatment and diagnosis of eye diseases. Dr. Schoeck specializes in contact lenses and low-vision care. Low-vision is the result of macular degeneration, and its treatment requires more than conventional eyeglasses. Magnifiers and other devices must be employed to make it easier for the patient to read and enjoy a higher quality of life, even though they may be legally blind. Dr. Shoeck also provides treatment options utilizing mono-vision and bi-focal contact lenses.
Over the last number of years, I've been Chief of Surgery at St. John West Shore and, most recently, been elected President of the Medical Staff at the hospital. I've worked on the Community Board and have assisted community leaders in developing productive interaction between the hospital and the City of Westlake. Stern Optical and St. John West Shore have become integral parts of the Westlake healthcare community, and we plan to continue providing the local community with readily available, high quality eye care for years to come.
Dr. Stern has definitely set a new benchmark for top quality eye care in the local community. Call Dr. Stern today and don't forget to tell him that The Advocate sent you!
