Dr. Munazza Rafiq Sattar

I suspect everyone who has cataracts puts off cataract surgery because they are squeamish about the thought of someone operating on their eyes. But as their vision continues to diminish, they begin to seriously consider cataract surgery. Such was the case for me. Complications from cataract surgery are extremely rare. But a friend of ours had a bad experience. Of course, she warned us about the surgeon she chose. Then, she recommended Dr. Byrd based upon the things she heard from other people. This year (2020), another friend, Ed, chose Dr. Byrd for cataract surgery. He opted for the laser approach with the latest, most expensive lens implants. He brags that he now has 20/20 vision and does not even need to use reading glasses to read. Based upon the testimony of my friends and a little research on the internet, I decided to go with the Byrd clinic for my cataract surgery. I am very happy with the results. Since our only means of income is Social Security retirement, I chose to go… with the traditional surgery instead of the laser surgery. Our HAP Senior Plus Medicare plan covered all of the surgery except for a $ 425 copay at the hospital. Before my first visit, I envisioned a small building, a doctor (Thomas Byrd) and a small staff. To my pleasant surprise, this clinic is a well-tuned machine. Everyone working there is doing their particular job very efficiently, like players in a symphony. I don’t want to take anything away from all the other people, but one man in particular plays a crucial role. His name is Mike. After the surgeon (Dr. Byrd) makes his assessments, Mike uses a variety of sophisticated devices to precisely measure the eyes in a number of ways. As a result of all that analysis, precise specifications are then used to insure the implants will produce best results once implanted. While Mike plays a critical role, he does so in the most professional and caring way. I asked him if he learned how to be so professional and caring in college. He said that it was probably more his upbringing. He told me he enjoys interacting with people. I got the impression that everyone working at the clinic enjoys their job and they treat the patients with respect. All good! I was informed at the initial visit that the surgery is performed at the Beaumont Hospital in Trenton. The last time I had visited the facility was back in the 1970’s when it was called Seaway Hospital. It seemed old and run down back then so I did not expect a pristine hospital experience for my cataract surgery. But again, I was pleasantly surprised. Now it seems like a brand new hospital, well-staffed and very clean. The hospital experience was like the Byrd Clinic experience. All the employees seem to enjoy their work and everything was done in a very systematic, professional way. The focus was always on the needs of each individual patient. The end result for my surgery was actually better than I expected. Though I opted for the less expensive, conventional surgery, I now no longer need glasses to drive. I have 20/20 vision for distance but I do need reading glasses to read small print up close. That is par for the course unless you opt for those more expensive lenses. I am very happy with all the choices I made. My wife noticed the same things I observed because she accompanied me to the clinic and the hospital. She wears glasses and is now a bit envious of my new eyesight. Having some cataract symptoms, she made an appointment at the Byrd Eye Clinic to see what could be done to improve her eyesight. It turns out that she also has cataracts in both eyes but not as severe as mine. Dr. Byrd recommended that she put of cataract surgery until such time that her eyesight worsens. From things he said, I can tell that his goal is to have very satisfied customers. Those who tend to be most pleased are those who see the greatest change in their vision once the surgery is completed. I suppose that the reason the clinic’s business is so good is due to word of mouth testimonies like mine. Tom Bear, Dearborn, MI