Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Comprehensive Retinal and Vitreous Care in South Bend
Established in 1967, Retina & Vitreous has served the greater Michiana area with specialized care for retinal and vitreous diseases. Our practice combines decades of expertise with a commitment to compassionate patient care, leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. Dr. Robert T. Lee, a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in retinal surgery, leads our team. With privileges at Memorial Hospital and Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, we offer in-office procedures like laser treatments and intravitreal injections alongside operating room surgeries.Our focus on clinical excellence is reflected in Dr. Lees academic contributions, teaching roles, and recognition as a top ophthalmologist. We prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs while maintaining transparency in financial policies and accessibility for referrals. Our team remains dedicated to advancing retinal health through ongoing education and community engagement.
Services
Diabetic Retinopathy
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular Hole
Epiretinal Membrane
Retinal Detachment
Cataract Surgery Complications
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We offer over 55 years of specialized experience in retinal diseases.
- Our team includes fellowship-trained specialists with hospital affiliations.
- We provide in-office treatments and advanced surgical options.
- Our lead doctor has academic, research, and teaching credentials.
- We prioritize personalized care with transparent financial policies.
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
- American College of Surgeons
Services
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy treatment focuses on preventing vision loss through laser therapy, injections, and surgical interventions. Our specialists monitor disease progression and tailor interventions to stabilize retinal health. Patients receive comprehensive care addressing both acute and chronic complications of diabetes-related eye damage.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
We provide diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration using advanced imaging and targeted therapies. Treatment options include anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy to slow disease progression. Our approach emphasizes early detection and customized treatment plans to preserve central vision.
Retinal Detachment
Emergency retinal detachment treatment involves surgical reattachment procedures performed in hospital settings. Our specialists use vitrectomy and scleral buckle techniques to restore retinal position. Timely intervention is prioritized to prevent permanent vision loss, with post-operative monitoring included.
Intravitreal Injections
Office-based intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous for conditions like macular edema and wet AMD. We use advanced sterile techniques and monitor patients post-treatment. This service provides targeted therapy for inflammatory and vascular retinal diseases.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography visualizes retinal blood flow to diagnose vascular abnormalities. This diagnostic tool helps identify leaks, blockages, or abnormal vessels. The non-invasive procedure guides treatment planning for complex retinal conditions requiring precise intervention.
People
Robert T. Lee
Medical Director
Board-certified ophthalmologist Robert T. Lee specializes in vitreoretinal surgery with 25+ years in private practice. He holds fellowships from the American College of Surgeons and memberships in multiple professional organizations. Dr. Lee earned his medical degree from UCSF School of Medicine and completed a vitreoretinal surgical fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute. His expertise includes academic research contributions and teaching roles in Northern Indiana.
Questions
What retinal conditions do you treat?
We treat age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments, and other vitreoretinal diseases.
Do you perform eye surgery?
Yes, we provide both in-office procedures and major surgeries. Surgical treatments are performed at Memorial Hospital and Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
Bring current medications, insurance cards, ID, and arrive with a driver. Expect 1.5–3 hours for your initial appointment due to dilation and testing.
Is retinal imaging included in consultations?
Yes, diagnostic imaging like fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography are available to visualize retinal structures and guide treatment.
Do you accept emergency cases?
While we manage urgent retinal issues during regular hours, acute emergencies require immediate hospital evaluation at affiliated medical centers.
Reviews (6)
Raymond Hodgson
Jun 02, 2022
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After Driving and Hour and a Half, I got to My Appointment 45 minutes Early just to Wait 45 minutes Past My Appointment time to Meet Rude Employees, I Didn't get to Keep My Appointment Because No One Told Me to Bring a Driver because My Eyes would be Dilated!. I was told to just go ahead and Drive Myself even though I have Bad Tunnel Vision when My Eyes are Dilated!
Mike Mulderink
May 12, 2022
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Dr Lee is a gifted surgeon. He is held in high regard by his contemporaries. I suffered a detached retina in my left eye. Later my right eye required surgery. In both instances the operations were very successful. The end justify the means. Were my office visits long, yes. So what. I knew I was getting the best doctor in the area. Whatever it takes. It's your EYES.
David Tokar
Apr 17, 2022
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I suffered a retinal detachment in June of 2021 and was referred to Dr Lee by my eye doctor. To my good fortune Dr Lee saw me the very next day, since time is of the essence to prevent permanent vision loss from this. Long story short I ended up having a vitrectomy and scleral buckle surgery performed by Dr Lee at Memorial Hospital South Bend. I can truly say I owe Dr Lee for not just restoring my sight, but returning it to 20/20. In closing I would like to thank Dr Lee and his staff for all they did to accomplish this result.
Kathleen Fox
Jan 19, 2022
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We've been here 2.5 hours and still have not seen Dr. this is our third visit and prior visits were the same. We may try being an hour late next time. It's frustrating AND exhausting.
Joe Clady
Dec 22, 2021
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Took my Aunt to an appointment at 11:20. I called at 1:30 to find out if she was done, was told she would see doctor in 20 to 25 minutes, at 2:15 she was finally done with appointment. This appointment was changed by them from her original appointment date. 3 hours to complete appointment, very poor service!
Suzanne Foster
Dec 19, 2021
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I had an appointment for 11:00 am that has been scheduled for more than 30 days. I have now been waiting 3 and a half hours for my procedure. This is ridiculous. Many times it is related to COVID, but this is just poor scheduling and the doctor doesn't care how long you wait as long as the bucks keep rolling in. Real compassion for his patients. NOT!
