Business Details
47 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Retina Specialists in Florida & Georgia
Founded in 1979, Florida Retina Institute has established itself as a leader in vitreoretinal care across Florida and Georgia. Our team of 15 fellowship-trained specialists delivers personalized treatment plans using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and surgical techniques. With 20 locations and over 45 years of collective experience, we focus on retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and complex retinal conditions. Our physicians, recognized as Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctors, combine clinical expertise with compassionate care.We maintain affiliations with top hospitals and prioritize patient education through resources like clinical trials and multilingual educational videos. Our research division, led by Matthew A. Cunningham, MD, advances treatments through participation in national and global studies. We operate Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM with after-hours emergency coverage across our service areas. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 2025 expansion plans and ongoing community partnerships with organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Services
Retinal Detachment Treatment
Diabetic Retinopathy Care
Macular Degeneration Management
Vitreous Surgery
Laser Procedures
Pediatric Retina Services
Clinical Trials Participation
Diagnostic Imaging
Telemedicine Consultations
Patient Education Programs
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have 45+ years of experience in vitreoretinal care
- Our team includes 15 fellowship-trained specialists
- We use state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment
- Our physicians are Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctors
- We offer 24/7 emergency coverage across service areas
What people say
Compassionate care
Expert specialists
Successful outcomes
Knowledgeable staff
Comprehensive treatment
Services
Retinal Detachment Treatment
Our specialists diagnose and treat retinal detachments using advanced surgical techniques. We offer scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, and vitrectomy procedures to restore retinal function. Patients receive personalized care plans with pre- and post-operative support across our 20 locations.
Diabetic Retinopathy Care
We manage diabetic eye complications through comprehensive evaluations and targeted treatments. Our services include laser therapy, medication injections, and vitrectomy procedures. Patients benefit from specialized monitoring programs to prevent vision loss associated with diabetes.
Macular Degeneration Management
Our institute offers cutting-edge treatments for age-related macular degeneration. We provide anti-VEGF injections, photodynamic therapy, and low-vision rehabilitation. Clinical trial participation gives patients access to emerging therapies for wet and dry AMD.
Vitreous Surgery
We perform minimally invasive vitrectomy procedures for vitreous disorders. Our surgeons treat floaters, macular holes, and vitreous hemorrhages using 27-gauge instrumentation. Outpatient procedures are available at all major treatment centers.
Clinical Trials Participation
Our research division conducts studies on new retinal therapies, including gene therapy and novel pharmaceuticals. Patients can access investigational treatments through our Orlando and Jacksonville research clinics. We currently enroll participants in 12 active clinical trials.
People
James A. Staman, MD
Founder
Board-certified vitreoretinal surgeon with 45+ years experience. Founded Florida Retina Institute in 1979. Recognized as Top Doctor by peers. Specializes in complex retinal surgeries and medical research advancement.
Matthew A. Cunningham, MD, FASRS
Clinical Research Director
Internationally recognized retina specialist with 15+ years experience. Leads clinical trials program. Frequent speaker at ophthalmology conferences. Specializes in gene therapy and innovative injection techniques.
Madeleine Yehia, MD
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Newly appointed specialist with global experience in retinal diseases. Completed advanced fellowship training. Focuses on personalized treatment plans and compassionate patient care across multiple service locations.
Gabrielle Turski, MD, PhD
Research Physician
Dual-trained physician-scientist with expertise in clinical research. Brings advanced fellowship training and academic research experience. Committed to translating laboratory discoveries into patient treatments.
Ahmed Alkaliby, MD, PhD
Retina Specialist
Specialist with international experience in retinal disorders. Combines clinical practice with ongoing research participation. Focuses on complex case management and patient education initiatives.
Questions
What retinal conditions do you treat?
We specialize in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreous disorders, and pediatric retina conditions using advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.
Do you offer emergency retina care?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency coverage with on-call physicians available for urgent retinal conditions across all service areas.
Are your doctors fellowship-trained?
All 15 physicians are fellowship-trained vitreoretinal specialists with recognition as Top Doctors by their professional peers.
Do you participate in clinical trials?
Yes, our research program offers access to 12 active clinical trials including gene therapy and novel pharmaceutical treatments for retinal diseases.
Where are your locations?
We have 20 locations across Central Florida, North Florida, and Southeast Georgia with specialized care available at each treatment center.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Contact our Central Florida office at 877-357-3846, Jacksonville/Georgia at 800-237-3846, or use our online scheduling system for appointment requests.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Amy Hinely
Feb 18, 2022
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I have been going here for almost a year and have had a great experience until today. The front desk lady was rude. She gave me attitude about not calling the office ahead of time about my change in insurance. She said my appointment would be delayed. I had not been told that was something that needed to be told ahead of time. I apologized and as I walked away she mumbled to her coworker loud enough for me to hear that she should have just canceled my appointment and she didn't have time for this.
That is poor customer service. No other medical facility I have gone to has had an issue with changes. My health insurance hasn't changed in years and just did a month ago. It was not on my mind to call and tell them especially when my appointment reminder didn't say anything about please let us know of any changes. To make someone feel so bad about a simple thing is terrible service. She made me cry. The rest of the staff and doctor were great but because of how I was treated by the front person I left feeling awful.
That is poor customer service. No other medical facility I have gone to has had an issue with changes. My health insurance hasn't changed in years and just did a month ago. It was not on my mind to call and tell them especially when my appointment reminder didn't say anything about please let us know of any changes. To make someone feel so bad about a simple thing is terrible service. She made me cry. The rest of the staff and doctor were great but because of how I was treated by the front person I left feeling awful.
Nyah Taylor
Aug 23, 2021
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Dr. Kumar was my doctor I was sent to after my surgery because my vision was only 35% - 40% back. She acted like she didn't care about what I was talking about when I contact her. She tried to over talk me on the phone. She was very rude telling me that her children don't have a babysitter and she has to get off the phone. I'm explaining that I only have partial vision and she's cutting me off say that I should be lucky to even had spoke with her because "doctors don't even talk directly to patients". She also explained how she has a hoarse voice and can't talk to me. I'm very disappointed in this doctor.
Tasha Dunn
Aug 07, 2021
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Omg! I was referred by Dr. Vo at Lencrafters in Sanford Mall, for an emergency eye visit for my 17 year old daughter. Even though they didn't have my daughter in the system for an appointment, they all attended to us quickly! I was overwhelmed and stressed but the staff and Dr. Barnard figured out the issue and reacted quickly! I am so so thankful to him and his team. I even had to drop off a thank you treat just to let them know how thankful we were! Thank you all again! It meant so much! Thank you to Dr. Vo for the awesome referral as well. Jade's mom
Steve Short
May 17, 2021
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I have been very impressed with Dr Barnes. I first saw him in February, 2021 with fluid buildup on my left retina. He carefully explained it could be one of two conditions. After consultation about treatment options he allowed me to make the final decision which was to begin a series of injections into the eye. He explained the procedure as well as risks. After 3 injections over the past three months my vision has almost returned to normal. He and the staff are always very attentive and fully answer all questions in a professional manner.
John Massie
May 08, 2021
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I was referred to FRI for the sudden onset of blurred vision in one eye. I was able to get in quickly and saw Dr. Kumar. I found her to be extremely professional, thorough and engaged in my care. She is also very personable and a definite asset to this practice. I've also found the entire staff to be outstanding in every way. I could not recommend them more highly! BUT, they do need more parking!
Kairy R.
Apr 09, 2021
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This location in lake Mary was very organized and clean. Parking lot was easy to locate and there were tons of parking spaces available. The staff seems friendly and genuine. They took me in quickly and I filled out all the required paper work and was in before my appointment time. The staff made me feel comfortable and relaxed when I had to get my eyes dilated. I get safe and well taken cared for. Overall experience with this office for the first time was very wonderful. I know that for my next upcoming visit I will be in good hands. Thank you guys!
E. D.
Feb 18, 2021
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Dr. Mav is the BEST eye Dr. around! I am T1D for 40 years now and my vision has recently changed, vision lost in my right eye about 4 years ago and now my left is having problems. Dr. Mav is amazing! He did surgery on my right eye, and got me the vision back and doing maintenance on the left eye. Thank you Dr. Mav for being the best eye Dr. and for being honest and very trusting! Beth
