The San Diego Eye Institute is one of Southern California’s premier eye clinics. Our goal is to provide the superior medical and surgical eye care that you deserve. All of our services are performed in a pleasant and calm atmosphere to deliver the most relaxing and rewarding eye care experience possible.
As a new patient, you will receive a complete eye examination that will help determine the best treatment options available for your particular eye needs. We place tremendous value on communicating with our patients. By learning about your needs and expectations, we can share our findings and recommendations in order to help serve you best. If you have questions or concerns at any time, our professional eye care professionals are here for you. You may call us at 1-619-298-1000 or click here.
On your first visit, we ask that you bring your old glasses with you, even if they are broken or you no longer use them. This will help us determine your specific eye care needs.
Your initial eye care exam will be performed in several stages. First, a skilled technician will perform preliminary specialized testing in an exam room. Then, the doctor will give you a thorough eye examination to identify your condition, and determine the best way to meet your eye care needs and goals. To learn more about what to expect during your first eye exam, please contact us.
The San Diego Eye Institute is proud to offer surgical care on an “outpatient” basis. By undergoing eye surgery on an outpatient basis, you are able to return home shortly after your procedure is complete. All of our refractive surgeries (such as Conductive Keratoplasty and Astigmatism surgery) are performed in our office. Our renowned surgeons perform cataract and other surgical procedures as outpatient services at local hospitals or surgery centers. Please contact us to learn more about our outstanding surgical services.
Our doctors participate in Medicare and many private Preferred Provider plans. To serve you best, we ask you to provide information about your insurance during an initial visit. If you have questions about your insurance coverage at any time, we are happy to assist you. You can call us at 619-298-1000 or click here to contact us. All expenses not covered by insurance are to be paid as services are rendered. These payments include deductibles, co-payments, or other fees that may not be covered in your plan. We accept most forms of payment including cash, checks, and Visa or MasterCard.
If you have any questions regarding your payments or any billing concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us during regular office hours at 619-298-1000 or click here to use our online contact system.
Robert M. Thomas Jr., MD
Due to his high level of expertise in ophthalmology, Dr. Robert Thomas is a regular speaker at major eye surgery conferences. Dr. Thomas received his medical degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, interned in St. Louis University Hospitals and completed a three-year residency in Ophthalmology at the Metropolitan General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Thomas was one of the first 75 ophthalmologists in the United States to be certified by the American Board of Eye Surgeons. He is also board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Thomas, who has been performing refractive surgery since 1984, is a pioneer of small incision cataract surgery.
As an active member of most major professional societies and a founding member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Thomas has spoken at and published articles for the American Intro-Ocular Implant Society Journal and Ophthalmology Management. He is also a member of the California Medical Association, San Diego County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is the former president of the San Diego Eye Bank.
Suzanne Handler, MD
Dr. Handler earned her medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, interned at St. John's Mercy Medical Center of St. Louis, and completed her residency at the Anheuser Busch Eye Institute in St. Louis. She is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Dr. Handler has presented new technologies in refractive surgery at annual meetings of the American Academy of Ophthalmology AND The Academy for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. She has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed ophthalmic journals. Dr. Handler is on the staff of many San Diego area hospitals.
Our entire staff is well educated in the field of eye care and can assist you with your eye care questions and concerns at any time. With our unique blend of patient care and unparalleled medical services, we believe you will find the most valuable eye care at the San Diego Eye Institute.
We look forward to seeing you!