Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Retina Care Specialists in South Carolina
Palmetto Retina Center is a specialized retina care practice dedicated to preserving vision through advanced therapies and surgical techniques. With decades of combined experience, our team of board-certified retina specialists provides compassionate care across seven locations in South Carolina. We prioritize education, research, and community engagement to elevate retinal care standards while maintaining a patient-first approach. Our services include diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal conditions, participation in over 100 clinical trials, and access to cutting-edge treatments.We collaborate closely with referring physicians to ensure seamless care for patients requiring urgent or specialized attention. Operating seven locations statewide, our practice accepts all major insurance plans and maintains affiliations with leading healthcare networks. Our physicians combine clinical expertise with research leadership, contributing to advancements in retinal science. Patient testimonials consistently highlight confidence in our treatment plans, appreciation for our staffs professionalism, and satisfaction with our accessible, high-quality care.
Services
Diabetic Retinopathy
Macular Degeneration
Vitrectomy
Retinal Detachment
Clinical Trials
Pediatric Retina Care
Epiretinal Membrane
Flashes and Floaters
Uveitis
Scleral Buckle
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 combined years of experience in retina care.
- Our team includes fellowship-trained retina specialists and researchers.
- We participate in over 100 clinical trials for advanced treatments.
- Seven accessible locations across South Carolina serve diverse communities.
- Our patient-first approach ensures personalized, compassionate care.
What people say
Exceptional care
Professional staff
Confidence in treatment
Compassionate team
Seven-year loyalty
Services
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy treatment focuses on preventing vision loss through advanced diagnostics and interventions like eye injections, laser therapy, and vitrectomy. Our specialists tailor care plans to disease severity, leveraging clinical expertise to manage complications such as retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth while coordinating with primary care providers for holistic diabetes management.
Macular Degeneration
Our age-related macular degeneration (AMD) services include early detection through retinal imaging and personalized treatment for wet and dry AMD. We administer anti-VEGF injections and recommend lifestyle modifications to slow progression. Clinical trials provide access to emerging therapies, ensuring patients benefit from innovations in preserving central vision for daily activities.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy procedures address vitreous hemorrhages, retinal detachments, and macular holes using microincisional techniques. Our surgeons employ state-of-the-art equipment to remove cloudy vitreous fluid and repair retinal damage, with postoperative care focused on maximizing visual recovery and preventing complications like infection or recurrent detachment.
Clinical Trials
As South Carolinas largest retina research center, we conduct over 100 clinical trials investigating novel therapies for retinal diseases. Patients gain exclusive access to investigational treatments for conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy, contributing to medical advancements while receiving expert oversight from our research team.
Pediatric Retina Care
Specialized pediatric services address retinopathy of prematurity, retinitis pigmentosa, and congenital retinal disorders. Our team employs child-friendly diagnostic techniques and collaborates with pediatricians to ensure safe, developmentally appropriate interventions. Treatment plans prioritize long-term visual outcomes and family education for managing chronic conditions.
People
Shail Patel
Retina Specialist
Dr. Shail Patel is a retina specialist with expertise in medical and surgical treatments for complex retinal diseases, contributing to advancing patient care through clinical research and education.
Manuel A. Pez Escamilla
Retina Specialist
Dr. Manuel A. Pez Escamilla focuses on retinal surgery and diagnostics, combining fellowship-level training with compassionate care to improve outcomes for patients with retinal conditions.
Barron C. Fishburne
Retina Specialist
Dr. Barron C. Fishburne specializes in retinal care, offering advanced treatments for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy while maintaining a commitment to patient education and community health.
Teresa E. Fowler
Retina Specialist
Dr. Teresa E. Fowler provides comprehensive retinal care, focusing on surgical interventions and personalized treatment plans to preserve vision for patients across South Carolina.
Stephen M. Hypes
Retina Specialist
Dr. Stephen M. Hypes delivers specialized care for retinal diseases, utilizing innovative techniques and research-driven approaches to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life.
Questions
What retinal conditions does Palmetto Retina Center treat?
We treat macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, uveitis, and pediatric retinal conditions.
Do you offer emergency retina care?
Yes, we provide urgent care for retinal emergencies with same-day consultations available for critical cases.
Are clinical trials available for patients?
Yes, we offer access to over 100 clinical trials for advanced retinal disease treatments.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Request an appointment online or call our main office at (803) 931-0077 during business hours.
Which insurance plans are accepted?
We accept all major insurance plans and verify coverage prior to your appointment.
What locations serve South Carolina patients?
Our seven locations include West Columbia, Columbia, Sumter, Florence, and Aiken for accessible statewide care.
Reviews (5)
Victoria Mack-Baccus
Mar 10, 2022
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Unfortunately I have not had a great experience here except one time and that's with Dr. Hype he is amazing! When I call he is there to answer and takes time. However there is a doctor there DR. FISHBOURNE I called late tonight because they told me to call anytime if something is wrong and I have noticed my blood pressure is really high than normal so I called and he immediately comes on the call very confrontational and keeps cutting me off and say well go to the ER ma'am because this has nothing to do with us and its 1am in the morning.
I find that very unprofessional and I'm not understanding why he was so upset I'm actually very worried and he never answered any of my questions smh it's really sad when the bad Doctors overshadow the good ones like this. Smh definitely my last time coming to this practice in Columbia. Beware of Dr. BARRON FISHBOURNE! HE REALLY DOES NOT CARE
I find that very unprofessional and I'm not understanding why he was so upset I'm actually very worried and he never answered any of my questions smh it's really sad when the bad Doctors overshadow the good ones like this. Smh definitely my last time coming to this practice in Columbia. Beware of Dr. BARRON FISHBOURNE! HE REALLY DOES NOT CARE
Russell Lipscomb
Aug 18, 2021
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Been going once a month for 6-8 months now. Like Dr. Payne and the staff. Never had to wait too long although they can be extremely busy at times. Treatment normally takes an hour. The earlier the appointment the better.
Nate Smith
Jun 02, 2021
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Dr. Wells and his staff are amazing! My wife has retinopathy in both eyes. He perform viretrectomy surgery and was able to restore her vision. He advocates for his patients and well do his absolute best to ensure your vision is at it's best. His staff is professional and compassionate. My wife would be blind without his help.
Legions Of Dimonds
May 03, 2021
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First let me state that the staff is amazing! even the office manager whom i spoke with earlier. but stay away from this doctor! my daughter was born premature and spent a month in the nicu. I was given an appointment to bring her here for a check up and i was extremely disappointed! the doctor literally walked into our room he did not say hi! he didn't even tell me his name! before all of that could register he had already began doing something to my daughters eyes which made her bust out screaming! i immediately confronted him and told him how disrespectful he was for not only forgetting to introduce himself but he didn't even explain to me what he was preparing to do to my child! i told them i would not be returning to their office again! 4 months later she still has a bruise on her eye! DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD HERE!
Mesha P.
Mar 16, 2021
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This was my first time going to this office for my daughter and they bruised her eye. She was in the NICU for 2 months and they've checked her eyes 3 times and never has her eye been bruised. She will not be coming back to this office.
