Affordable Corneal Transplant surgery in San Diego, CA with skilled surgeons?

Leah

I need Corneal Transplant surgery to replace the cornea. Can anyone recommend affordable hospitals in San Diego with skilled surgeons?

Mamali

Thank you for reaching out, and I understand that undergoing corneal transplant surgery is an important decision for your vision and overall eye health. A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, can greatly improve vision for those suffering from corneal damage or disease. It is essential to choose a hospital with skilled surgeons and a reliable track record in performing successful transplants.

San Diego is home to several highly reputable hospitals that offer corneal transplant surgery. Here are a few hospitals in San Diego known for their excellent ophthalmology departments and skilled surgeons:

UC San Diego Health – Shiley Eye Institute
Location: 9400 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA
Specialty: The Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health is one of the leading centers for ophthalmic care in the region. They offer comprehensive services for corneal diseases, including corneal transplant surgery. The institute has a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists who specialize in corneal transplantation and other advanced eye surgeries.
Why Choose UC San Diego Health?: UC San Diego Health is known for its expertise in complex eye surgeries and its use of cutting-edge technology in treating corneal conditions. The institute is affiliated with a top-tier academic medical center, ensuring access to the latest treatments and techniques.
Affordability: UC San Diego Health accepts a wide range of insurance plans, and they offer financial assistance for patients who may need support with payment. It is recommended to contact their billing department for a detailed estimate based on your insurance coverage.
Rady Children's Hospital San Diego
Location: 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA
Specialty: Rady Children's Hospital is recognized for its expertise in pediatric care, including pediatric corneal transplant surgery. While their focus is on children, they also offer comprehensive eye care services for adults with corneal conditions.
Why Choose Rady Children's Hospital?: Known for its specialized pediatric ophthalmology department, Rady offers corneal transplants with the highest standard of care. Their surgeons are skilled in handling both common and complex cases, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Affordability: Rady Children's works with many insurance providers and offers financial assistance for those in need. It’s worth contacting their billing department for a personalized quote based on your insurance plan.
Sharp Coronado Hospital – Eye Care Center
Location: 250 Prospect Pl, Coronado, CA
Specialty: Sharp Coronado Hospital offers a comprehensive ophthalmology department, including services for corneal transplants. Their team of skilled eye surgeons performs corneal transplant surgeries with a focus on providing personalized care and achieving the best possible visual outcomes.
Why Choose Sharp Coronado Hospital?: Sharp is well-known for its focus on patient care and its use of the latest surgical techniques. Their ophthalmology team is committed to delivering high-quality treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.
Affordability: Sharp HealthCare accepts a variety of insurance plans and provides assistance with financing options. Contact their financial department to inquire about specific costs and payment plans.
Scripps Mercy Hospital
Location: 4077 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
Specialty: Scripps Mercy Hospital is one of San Diego’s premier medical centers, offering advanced eye care services, including corneal transplants. They have experienced ophthalmologists specializing in corneal conditions and transplantation procedures.
Why Choose Scripps Mercy?: Scripps Mercy is part of the well-regarded Scripps Health system, which offers comprehensive and compassionate care. Their surgeons are experts in corneal transplants and work closely with patients throughout the surgical process and recovery.
Affordability: Scripps Health accepts a broad range of insurance plans, and their financial team can help you explore payment options or assistance programs to make care more affordable.
Naval Medical Center San Diego
Location: 34800 Bob Wilson Dr, San Diego, CA
Specialty: The Naval Medical Center San Diego offers high-quality care for military personnel and their families, including advanced ophthalmologic surgeries such as corneal transplants. Their ophthalmology department provides state-of-the-art care with a focus on restoring vision.
Why Choose Naval Medical Center?: This hospital is renowned for its comprehensive services and commitment to the health and well-being of its patients. The ophthalmology team is highly skilled in performing corneal transplants with the latest surgical techniques.
Affordability: As a military hospital, treatment is available to active-duty service members and their families, and insurance plans are generally accepted. For non-military patients, it’s best to check with their financial department about options for payment and coverage.

Next Steps:
Consultation: I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with an ophthalmologist at one of these hospitals to discuss your specific needs for corneal transplant surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eye health, discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, and create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Cost Inquiries: It is essential to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital's financial services department. Be sure to ask about any additional fees for post-surgical care, follow-up visits, or medications.

Insurance: If you have insurance, confirm with the hospital that they accept your plan and ask if the procedure is covered. In case you are paying out of pocket, inquire about financing options or assistance programs that may be available to you.

I hope this helps guide you in your search for the right hospital. Please don't hesitate to reach out for further questions or assistance.

Amit

For corneal transplant surgery in San Diego, you have several excellent and affordable options with highly skilled surgeons and modern technology:

Eye Care of San Diego
Lead Surgeon: Dr. John Bokosky, a corneal specialist with over two decades of experience, is recognized for his expertise in both full-thickness (penetrating keratoplasty) and partial-thickness (DALK, DSEK, DMEK) corneal transplants. He is also the Medical Director of the San Diego Eye Bank, ensuring access to high-quality donor tissue and strict safety standards.

Technology: Offers full and partial thickness corneal transplants, as well as Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) for complex cases. The practice uses the latest surgical techniques to maximize safety and visual outcomes.

Patient Care: Dr. Bokosky is consistently recognized as a “Top Doctor” in San Diego and is known for his patient-focused approach and excellent surgical results.

Gordon-Weiss-Schanzlin Vision Institute
Lead Surgeon: Dr. David J. Schanzlin, a pioneer in corneal surgery and president of the San Diego Eye Bank.

Technology: Specializes in endothelial keratoplasty (EK) for conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy, using innovative, FDA-approved devices for safer and more efficient surgery.

Patient Care: The institute is known for advanced technology, efficient procedures, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute
Surgeons: Dr. Natalie Afshari (rated 4.9/5), a leading corneal transplant specialist, and a team of board-certified ophthalmologists with expertise in all types of corneal transplantation.

Reputation: Highly rated for patient satisfaction, advanced surgical techniques, and comprehensive care.

Additional Highly Rated Surgeons
Dr. Erika Saucedo-Sanchez (Colton, CA, 86 miles from San Diego, rated 5.0/5)

Dr. Samuel Kim (Temecula, CA, 47 miles from San Diego, rated 5.0/5)

Dr. Sanjeev Grewal (Palm Springs, CA, 78 miles from San Diego, rated 5.0/5)
These surgeons are recognized for excellent patient communication, trustworthiness, and surgical skill.

Cost Overview
Median cost in San Diego: Approximately $9,550 per eye.

Typical range: Varies by hospital, surgeon, and case complexity, but shopping around can help you find the best rates.

Insurance: Many hospitals accept major insurance plans, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Summary Table
Hospital/Clinic Lead Surgeon(s) Notable Features Median Cost ($)
Eye Care of San Diego Dr. John Bokosky 20+ yrs exp., Eye Bank director, full/partial transplants 9,550
Gordon-Weiss-Schanzlin Vision Inst. Dr. David J. Schanzlin EK specialist, innovative tech 9,550
UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute Dr. Natalie Afshari Highly rated, advanced care 9,550
Next Steps:

Schedule a consultation at your preferred center to discuss your specific needs and get a personalized cost estimate.

Bring your insurance details to check for coverage.

Ask about the most suitable transplant technique for your condition and post-surgical care.

In summary:
Eye Care of San Diego (Dr. John Bokosky), Gordon-Weiss-Schanzlin Vision Institute (Dr. David J. Schanzlin), and UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute (Dr. Natalie Afshari) are top choices in San Diego for affordable corneal transplant surgery, offering skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and a strong reputation for patient care. Median costs are around $9,550 per eye, with options for both full and partial thickness transplants.

DrJenny

Thank you for reaching out with your question regarding corneal transplant surgery in San Diego. Corneal transplant surgery is a highly effective solution for those with significant corneal damage or disease, and finding the right surgeon and facility is crucial to ensuring the best outcomes.

There are several hospitals and eye care centers in San Diego that specialize in corneal transplants and have skilled surgeons. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Eye Care of San Diego

Specialty: Comprehensive eye care with expertise in corneal diseases and surgeries.
Surgeons: The center has a team of highly qualified ophthalmologists specializing in corneal transplant surgeries.
Services: They offer a range of corneal transplant procedures, including full-thickness and partial-thickness transplants.

2. UC San Diego Health – Shiley Eye Institute

Specialty: A leading academic medical center offering specialized corneal care.
Surgeons: They have a team of renowned surgeons with expertise in corneal transplantation and complex eye surgeries.
Services: UC San Diego Health is known for advanced procedures, such as endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK).

3. Morris Eye Group

Specialty: Focused on comprehensive care for corneal diseases, including specialized surgeries.
Surgeons: The surgeons at Morris Eye Group are experienced in both traditional and modern corneal transplant techniques, including DSEK and PKP (penetrating keratoplasty).
Services: They offer thorough pre-operative evaluations and post-surgical care to ensure optimal results.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of corneal transplant surgery can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, surgeon expertise, and hospital or clinic fees. On average, the cost ranges from \$5,000 to \$15,000 or more, depending on the institution and whether the procedure involves additional treatments, such as cataract surgery or post-surgery medications. Be sure to discuss pricing and payment options directly with the hospital or clinic.

Next Steps:

I recommend scheduling consultations with one of these facilities to discuss your condition and specific treatment options. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your needs, answer any questions you may have, and provide an estimate of the costs involved.

Please remember that it’s essential to choose a facility and surgeon who specialize in corneal transplant surgery, as this is a delicate and highly specialized procedure. Most hospitals and clinics in San Diego accept various insurance plans and may also offer payment plans to make the procedure more affordable.

If you need further assistance or have additional questions, feel free to reach out.