After my Mom had an absolutely horrible experience with her previous retina specialist, we were emotionally exhausted, frustrated, and honestly losing hope. Her care had been delayed for over TWO MONTHS because of the constant run around from the previous office staff during an extremely serious eye situation. I spent weeks desperately searching for the right retina specialist, trying to find someone compassionate, competent, and trustworthy. Then somehow, at exactly the right moment, we found Dr. Sidney A. Schechet at the Elman Retina Group in Rosedale, MD. I truly believe it was a blessing in disguise.
From the very first phone call, we knew this place was different. Brenda, the secretary, was an absolute angel. Warm, patient, comforting, genuinely kind, and beyond helpful. She listened, cared, and got my Mom into the office THE VERY NEXT DAY. After everything we had been through, that alone meant the world to us. My Mom got off the phone feeling relieved, hopeful, and excited for… the first time in a really long time.
Then we arrived at the office and WOW. The office itself was beautiful, welcoming, and comforting, but the people are what truly make this place extraordinary. Brenda actually came and sat with us while we waited and checked on us multiple times throughout our time there, asking if we needed anything. That level of care is so rare nowadays.
Next we met Tasha, who was absolutely amazing. She has such a bubbly, warm personality which made my Mom feel comfortable immediately. We were laughing and talking while going over her medical history, which also helped ease so much anxiety.
Then something happened that completely shocked us. In walks Dr. Schechet himself BEFORE the appointment just to introduce himself and briefly discuss my Mom’s condition. We have NEVER experienced that level of personal care before. It immediately showed us what kind of doctor he is.
Peter, the photographer, was also wonderful. Gentle, patient, funny, and so kind throughout the process.
And then finally, Dr. Schechet himself…truly one of the coolest, most compassionate doctors we have ever met. He was humorous, friendly, informative, caring, gentle, thorough, and incredibly compassionate. He took his time. He listened. He explained things clearly. He made my Mom feel safe and cared for.
One thing that stood out to us more than anything was how much effort they made to keep my Mom comfortable during the injection process. They repeatedly numbed her eye to make absolutely sure she wouldn’t feel pain or discomfort. For the VERY FIRST TIME ever, my Mom said she did not feel the injection at all. In fact, she was so relieved and comfortable afterward that she was actually excited instead of fearful about coming back for the next one. That alone says everything about the level of care Dr. Schechet and his team provide.
Dallas, who assisted him, was just as incredible. She made sure we understood everything, explained emergency instructions thoroughly, and reassured us that someone is available even during emergencies after hours if needed. Hearing that honestly almost made us emotional because during previous eye emergencies, my Mom was basically on her own.
To go from such a traumatic experience with her previous retina specialist to THIS level of care felt unreal. Every person we interacted with treated my Mom with kindness, respect, compassion, and genuine concern. They made her feel important, valued, and truly cared for. It genuinely felt heaven sent.
Our only regret is not finding Dr. Schechet and his team sooner. But maybe the best truly was saved for last because we are NEVER going anywhere else.
Dr. Sidney A. Schechet, Brenda, Tasha, Peter, Dallas, and the Elman Retina Group staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have no idea how much your kindness and compassion meant to us during such a difficult time.
Read More