General Practitioners

• Primary Care
  Determine whether or not your individual insurance policy covers eye examinations, and whether or not a referral or authorization for the examination is required. Many primary care physician offices require 24 to 48 hours in advance to generate an insurance referral, and in most cases referrals will not be generated retroactively.
• Emergency Care
  These sections are not intended to replace the professional examination and diagnosis by a physician, and they are presented here purely for informational purposes. All possible diagnoses and treatment options are not covered, and the information discussed should not be taken as a recommendation to self-diagnose and self-treat a condition. A misdiagnosed or improperly treated eye condition can result in a permanent loss of vision, or a permanent loss of function of the eye or visual system. In the case of any eye problem, seek medical attention promptly. This can include emergency room treatment, as well as treatment by a medical physician or eyecare provider.

Ophthalmologists

• Glaucoma
  The mission of the doctors and staff of Richmond Eye Associates is to provide you with professional, state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for your eyes. From performing routine eye examinations to complex new Laser Vision Correction procedures and advanced glaucoma procedures, we strive to maximize and preserve your vision.
• Ophthalmology
  Dr. Holley is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as well as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Holley operates at the Stony Point Surgery Center and is a winner of the MEDARVA Patient Choice Award.
• Macular Degeneration
  Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible severe visual loss in Caucasians age 50 or older in the United States. It has been estimated that this 2.2% of those older than age 65 have worse than 20/200 vision (legally blind) due to this condition. This page discusses the condition known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.
• Laser Eye Surgery
  Lasik and PRK are offered at Richmond Eye Associates by Dr. Bryan Brooks. He is fully trained to use the latest technology available to give you freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Using state-of-the-art laser technology, which includes CustomVue™ Lasik to improve vision, many patients may see better than they ever could before surgery, even with their glasses or contact lenses.
• Cataracts
  Cataract is a common but treatable cause of visual loss, where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and discolored. This can lead to glare symptoms and impairment in visual sharpness that can significantly affect quality of life.
• Cataract Surgery
  Cataract is a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes progressively cloudy, causing visual symptoms. These can include blurred reading or distance vision, glare symptoms, and night vision problems. While cataract surgery is performed by most ophthalmologists, the Cataract / Implant Specialists at Richmond Eye Associates use state-of-the-art techniques and surgical facilities to perform cataract surgery.
• Eye Exam
  A Laser Vision Correction Screening is not a comprehensive eye examination, but rather a brief examination and discussion to determine if you are a possible candidate for Laser Vision Correction.

Gynecologists

• Pregnancy

Internists

• Internal Medicine
  Dr. Holley completed his ophthalmology residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he served as chief resident, and was awarded resident of the year. He completed his internal medicine transitional year at Osceola Regional Hospital. He received his medical degree from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr Holley is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he studied computer engineering. After working for a year in the engineering field, he realized he’d missed his true calling, and began working towards a life of serving his community through medicine.
• Lung Cancer
  Please note that many vitamins, especially Vitamins A and E can be stored by the body, and dangerous side effects can occur when high dosages of these are consumed. In many people, supplementation with high amounts of zinc may lead to anemia. One study was terminated because high levels of B-carotene consumption were found to increase the risk of lung cancer in male and female smokers. Thus, vitamin supplementation is not without risk, and one's general physician should be consulted prior to taking vitamin supplements. Finally, the body regulates the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. If the body does not need a particular one of these, it may leave the body undigested.

Endocrinologist

• Diabetes Care
• Diabetic Retinopathy
  The earliest or mildest diabetic effect on the retina is called "background diabetic retinopathy". This condition can occur in one or both eyes in people with diabetes. When the ophthalmologist examines the retina (usually after dilation), small hemorrhages can be seen scattered within the retina. Irregularity of blood vessels, and mild blockage of blood vessels also can occur. Small dilated blood vessels called "microaneurysms" commonly occur, and appear as tiny red dots in the retina. Clear fluid can leak from these microaneurysms and from abnormal damaged blood vessels into the retina. When this occurs, the retina will swell in thickness like a sponge, and white deposits, or exudates, can form. This swelling can damage the vision, if present for a long enough time.

Radiologist

• Ultrasound
  The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform. The cloudy portion of the lens (the cataract) is removed from the eye using a technique known as phacoemulsification. This uses ultrasound to break apart the lens, which is then aspirated using fluid suction. Lasers are not commonly used to remove a cataract at this point. There are a few laser cataract systems available which automate some parts of the cataract procedure. Ultrasound still needs to be used even when laser is used. A lens implant is then placed back into the eye into the lens capsule, which supports and helps to center the implant. This implant is a plastic lens of a particular power to help to minimize the need for glasses after the operation. The implant does not need to be exchanged or removed, except in extremely rare circumstances. The opening through which the surgery is done (millimeters in size) may or may not need to be closed with fine absorbable sutures.

Surgeons

• General Surgery
  Richmond Eye Associates accepts assignment to Medicare, which means that we accept the payments for services that Medicare allows. Medicare pays 80% of this allowed amount for a service, and the patient is then responsible for the additional 20%. This may be paid by a secondary insurance. By accepting assignment, we agree to NOT bill the patient for more than the allowed amount defined by Medicare for the service. We have no control over what payment values Medicare places on office and surgical services. Refraction (the determination of a glasses prescription) and non-covered services are exceptions of where Medicare allows billing of the patient for a service that they do not cover.

Dermatologists

• Ulcer
  The use of rewetting drops may help prevent this cycle of lens tightening onto the eye, and may help to prevent complications. The fit of the lens may need to be checked as well, and sometimes a new lens is needed. Once the lens has tightened onto the eye enough to cause symptoms, the lens should be carefully removed. Lubricating drops should be placed several times to help loosen the lens before removal. Sometimes removal of a tight lens can lead to a painful corneal abrasion, which would require further treatment by an ophthalmologist. Another risk of the tight contact lens syndrome is of infection (corneal ulcer).
• Fungus
  The development of a corneal ulcer (an infection of the cornea) unfortunately is a common complication of contact lens use. Soft contact lenses have a higher risk of corneal ulcer than rigid lenses, but all lenses have some risk. Disposable contact lenses worn extended wear were found to have a much higher risk of corneal ulcer than any other type of lens, for reasons that are not fully understood. A corneal ulcer starts when a bacteria (or rarely a fungus or parasite) infects an area of breakdown in the corneal surface. The surface may break down, forming a small corneal abrasion, due to routine lens use. Overwear of lenses, improper cleaning of lenses, extended wear use of lenses, and overly tight lenses may increase the risk of developing this surface breakdown. Normally, a corneal abrasion, even if tiny, is uncomfortable. However, a contact lens can act as a bandage on the eye masking symptoms, and some contact users develop a lack of sensitivity of the cornea.

Allergists

• Allergies