Looking for a specialist...

I’m looking for a solid recommendation for an orthopedic surgeon who actually knows what they’re doing—someone who takes insurance/referrals, obviously. It's a sports injury involving my shoulder. Specifically, I need to know which hospital is even worth stepping foot in; I’ve heard the orthopedic department at New Hospital is absolute garbage. I also really don't want to be stuck on a three-month waiting list just for a consultation. I was pointed toward Aritheru over on Petrov, but it turns out they don't see patients under standard insurance coverage. Someone else suggested I check out Božidarevićev, but I can't find a single thing about that facility online.

Ronald Cox96 said:I need a solid orthopedic surgeon recommendation—someone who actually knows what they're doing—and I need them to take insurance. It’s a sports injury in my shoulder. Honestly, just tell me which hospital is worth my time... I’ve heard the ortho department at the New Hospital is a total disaster. And I really don't have three months to waste sitting in a waiting room. Someone suggested Aritheru over on Petrov, but they don't see patients with standard insurance. I also heard a tip about checking out Božidarevićev, but I can't find a single thing about them online.

Heard some good things about the ortho department over at Hilltop, but haven't been there myself...

crimsongull20 said:I’ve been digging a bit—someone mentioned doing IGF-1 tests at the Endocrinology Lab over by the Vineyard area (). For IGF-1 and 17 OH, there's a private lab in Belgrade that handles them; maybe that's worth considering if things get urgent. http://www.dr-ristic.com/download/ce...kih_usluga.pdf

Thanks for the link—I’ll give them a call on Monday. Belgrade is way too far, and I just found out they perform this specific test in Tuzla (for an absolutely ridiculous price 🙄, but hey, at least they do it)

When I called Mayo Clinic, they told me these tests are outdated—but good luck trying to convince our doctors of that reality.

Thanks again, truly. 😘

I sent an email to the orthopedic department over at Hilltop this past Monday, but I still haven't heard back regarding an appointment time. Is it pretty standard to wait a few days for a response, or should I just head down there in person?

Requesting advice

I am considering vision correction surgery.
I am 43 years old. My prescription is -6.00 left, -4.50 right, plus some astigmatism in my right eye. I have worn soft contact lenses for over 20 years.
I am an athlete and physically active.

I have read several posts on this forum, but given the sheer amount of misinformation and constant advertising in the media and online, I cannot reach a logical conclusion on my own.

Therefore, I am asking those with actual expertise or firsthand experience:
Which clinic in Washington, D.C. should I choose, and why?
Which procedure is best, and why?

Thanks in advance.

James Doyle24 I actually went to the Mayo Clinic recently and I was honestly blown away. I’ve never seen that level of expertise or genuine professionalism combined with such kindness toward patients. The whole facility feels incredibly high-tech, almost futuristic. I can't say enough good things about them, and I’d definitely suggest you check them out 👍 Regarding which vision correction method to go with, you really need to sit down and have a real talk with the doctor. They’re the ones who can look at your specific prescription and corneal thickness to figure out what actually makes sense for you. Seriously, don't hold back—ask every single question that pops into your head. At the end of the day, we're talking about your eyes! Honestly though, if you want top-tier care where you can actually feel relaxed and comfortable, they are the gold standard. Best of luck 🙂

James Doyle24 said:I could really use some advice

I’m thinking about getting surgery to fix my nearsightedness.
I’m 43, with a prescription of L -6.00 D -4.50 and a little bit of astigmatism in my right eye. I’ve been wearing soft contact lenses for over 20 years now.
I’m pretty active and into sports, too.

I’ve read through some posts here, but honestly, with all the misinformation and constant ads flooding the media, the internet, and even this forum, I’m having a hard time figuring out what's actually true.

So, I wanted to ask those of you who actually know their stuff or have gone through it yourselves:
Which clinic should I pick (in Washington, D.C.) and why?
Which method is best and why?

Thanks so much in advance.

The biggest thing is how thick your cornea is, because that determines how much they can actually correct your vision.
Your pupil size matters too, along with how the doctor adjusts things and which laser they use—all of that is crucial for your night vision so you don't end up dealing with glare or double vision later on.
It’s pretty normal for a tiny bit of your prescription to come back right after the procedure; if it stays under -1, most people can still function totally fine without glasses, and doctors usually count that as a huge success.
I’d say be careful with promises about free follow-up procedures if you need them; everyone makes those claims, but once you're facing an actual issue, nobody wants to take responsibility. I'm just speaking from my own experience!

From what I’ve seen, and what a lot of folks on here have said (if you check the last 10-15 pages of this thread), I might steer clear of certain big-name places during peak hours. Some places look okay, but they use specific lasers that seem a bit questionable to me, and frankly, when a place advertises way too much, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Then you have smaller clinics that feel more personal; they have a steady flow of patients, the doctors are great, they play it safe rather than rushing surgeries through like they're on a factory assembly line, and you aren't just being checked out by some intern straight out of med school, but by the actual surgeon performing the procedure.
Then there's the newer options, which are still relatively fresh; I haven't run into any of their patients here yet, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't good.
The major players often use essentially the same laser technology.
At the end of the day, the surgeon's experience matters way more than just the machine they use.
If I were you, I’d probably visit a few different clinics and just take your time to decide.
Some places offer free consultations, and others might waive the fee if you book the surgery right then and there, but it varies.

As for the method, I’d probably suggest PRK since your prescription is under 7 diopters, especially if your cornea is a bit thinner.
You'll recover faster with LASIK, but PRK tends to be better in the long run because it preserves more of your corneal thickness, which you'll definitely want to have as you get older!

Good luck!

I’m also thinking about finally scheduling my first appointment with an orthopedist, but does anyone happen to know which clinic doesn't have a massive waiting list right now?

Ryan Carter52 said:The most important factor is your corneal thickness; that dictates how much correction they can actually achieve.
Pupil size matters too. How the doctor adjusts for it and which laser they use determines your night vision and helps prevent glare or double vision later.
It is normal for some prescription to return immediately after surgery. If it stays under -1.00, you can still function without glasses, which doctors consider a success.
Don't fall for promises of free touch-up procedures if needed. Everyone promises it, but once the job is done, nobody wants to take responsibility for the complications. I am speaking from experience.

Based on my own experience and what many people here have said over the last dozen pages, stay away from the big corporate clinics. Some places look okay, but their heavy advertising makes me suspicious. Then there is the smaller clinic downtown—a boutique practice with a steady patient base. The doctor is competent, they play it safe rather than rushing surgeries through like an assembly line, and you aren't just examined by a recent med school grad, but by the actual surgeon performing the procedure.
There is also that newer center; I haven't met any of their patients yet, but that doesn't mean they are bad.
Most of these major clinics use the exact same laser technology.
The surgeon's experience matters more than the machine.
My advice: visit all the clinics and decide without rushing.
The downtown clinic offers free consultations, and the new center does as well if you commit to the surgery immediately. For the others, I am not sure.

Regarding methods, I recommend PRK since your prescription is under 7 diopters, especially if your cornea is thin.
Recovery is faster with LASIK, but PRK is better long-term because it preserves more corneal thickness, which you will definitely need as you age.

Good luck.

Thanks for the message.
I have read enough negative reviews on this forum that my enthusiasm has faded significantly.
I was planning to go to the big retail chain for a consultation, but clearly, I should check out the local clinic too.
Actually, I might just skip the whole thing. I refuse to compromise my night vision, especially for driving and watching TV at night.
It is good that places like this exist where we can get straight facts and real experiences.

I hope I didn't scare you too much talking about night vision issues.
It’s not like you’re going to lose it or anything, but I guess it’s pretty important that they get a really precise measurement of your pupils in low light so they can calibrate the laser accordingly.
You made a smart move looking into those two clinics, because over the last six months, I've heard from a few people who had their procedures done at Optocentar, and it seems like most of them are actually doing quite well with their night vision.
The doctors over at Optical Express seem pretty solid too, though I’m not personally a huge fan of how their laser works with such a small optical zone, but then again, there are plenty of patients there who are happy with their results, and I suppose you can never really know how it'll turn out for you specifically. You should definitely just go in for the consultation and ask the doctor every single question on your mind before deciding if you want to go through with the surgery or not.

If you don't mind the extra travel—you know, dealing with the costs and finding a place to stay—there is also an excellent doctor in New York City at the LaserFocus clinic, Dr. Mirko Jankov.
He actually has an interview on YouTube if you want to check it out.

I think I might head over there for a consultation myself after the New Year just to see what his take is.

Best,

Sandra Morris47 said:I really need to book my first orthopedic consultation soon too. Does anyone know a clinic where you don't have to wait months just to get seen?

St. Jude Medical Center.

Hey everyone. I’m dealing with some serious periodontal disease right now and it’s getting ugly. Can anyone point me toward a solid periodontist in Washington, D.C.? Also, for those who have been through this nightmare, what does a full treatment plan actually run you... roughly? Just being honest here—most of my teeth are loose and the whole situation looks pretty grim.

Thanks, they’re pretty quick 🙂

Ryan Carter52 said:I hope I didn't scare you too much with that night vision stuff.
It doesn't mean you're going to lose it, but it's pretty vital that they measure your pupils accurately in low light and calibrate the laser accordingly.
You made a smart move looking at those two clinics; over the last six months, I've seen a few people who had surgery in Silicon Valley, and their night vision turned out pretty solid.
The doctor at FedEx seems decent too. I'm not a huge fan of their laser because of that tiny optical zone, but some patients there have been happy with the results. You can never know how it'll play out for you specifically, so just go in for the exam, ask the doctor every single question you have, and then decide if you want to pull the trigger.

There's also an excellent doctor in New York City if you don't mind the trip (costs, hotel, etc.)—it's the LaserFocus clinic, Dr. John Doe.
He has an interview on YouTube, so check that out.

I'm heading there for a consultation after the New Year to see what he thinks.

Best,

If you're willing to travel to NYC, besides LaserFocus, you've got the Mayo Clinic up there. I had my surgery done there and I'm satisfied; no games or shady business. Just call them up and book an appointment. Hit me up in DMs for more details. peace

So, I was sent over to the Mayo Clinic by an orthopedist back on February 15, 2012. ☕ What a complete disaster. I’m going to have to keep looking elsewhere.

Seriously, does anyone have any fresh leads on a good GP? Please—and I mean PLEASE—tell me someone has a recommendation. I absolutely cannot end up with a female doctor this time, and it’s kind of an emergency!!!! 🙂

What's the deal with the LightWorks clinic????? Is Joe Biden actually any good at diagnostics???? Like, how's their equipment quality?

I've been coming to the Mayo Clinic for over a decade now. I don't actually see Dr. Smith, though—it's always Taylor Swift. Honestly, she’s incredible, and the whole clinic is top-notch.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a solid physiatrist? I’m looking for someone who won't just dismiss me with a handful of basic exercises because of my age. I need a doctor who actually orders the necessary tests and diagnostic imaging to get to the bottom of things. Thanks!