The Retina Eye Center is a referral-based practice that has provided world-class treatment of medical and surgical retinal disease for over twenty-five years. With fully-equipped offices in both Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina, The Retina Eye Center services patients from a large geographic area covering both states. Our physicians are board-certified ophthalmologists that have received additional fellowship training in medical and surgical treatments.When referred to the vitreoretinal specialists at The Retina Eye Center, at your initial visit you should expect an extensive and thorough process of dilation, retinal testing, examination, and discussion of your condition.
Services
At The Retina Eye Center, we provide services that range from retinal diagnostic and laser treatment to retinal microsurgery. Continuous professional care for each patient is assured through our team of physicians and technicians who will work closely with your referring doctor. We recognize that evaluation and treatment are only the first steps on the road to recovery.
Central serous chorioretinopathy is a condition in which "blisters" of fluid collect under the retina, or under the tissue that nourishes the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This condition typically occurs in younger adults between the ages of 30 and 50, although there have been many reported cases in older individuals.
Pattern dystrophies are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and they involve the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and the external macular retina. Pattern dystrophies represent a group of disorders that present in midlife with mild visual disturbances in one or both eyes. Since patients present later in life with this condition, they are often misdiagnosed as having Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
In the eye (as well as all other body tissues except the lungs), arteries deliver blood to tissue and veins remove blood from tissue. The arteries carry oxygen and nutrition to the tissue, while veins remove waste products. A tiny retinal vein can become blocked by a blood clot; this blockage creates a backup in the system, resulting in leakage of blood and plasma (fluid from the bloodstream) into the retinal tissue. The retinal bleeding (hemorrhage) and swelling (edema) can cause significant visual loss.
Reviews (14)
Cindy Strickland
Jun 09, 2022
Not wheelchair compliant for 22 chairs. Older building. If you scratch doctors doors trying to get in you get yelled at by doctor in front of entire office and then patient is asked to switch to smaller wheelchair (not an easy feat for a man that lost his foot a few days earlier). Not sure why office staff member that helped patient from car into building did not bring smaller wheelchair? Seems like HE should have been the person that got yelled at. Also we were there from 8.30am until 11.30am. Like other reviewers stated. be ready to stay awhile.
Lisa Yeboah
Jan 24, 2022
Make sure that you do not have anything to do to day of your appointment. You will spend your entire day at the office. After leaving his office I felt like I did before the appointment. He gave no suggestions or treatment other than, your condition is normal. I will see you next year 2022. He asked questions that didn't pertain to my eye condition. I got a second opinion and was very happy with the Doctor and treatment. He has no bedside manners. I do not recommend him at ALL!
Jacqueline Free
Jan 06, 2022
My PCP referred me to Dr. Dhaliwal and I am forever grateful to God. I was diagnosed and receiving injections for sickle cell from another doctor, it was awful. Misdiagnosis. He couldn't possibly see what he was doing for I had cataracts. I'm a diabetic, I was continuously having eye bleeds! After visiting Dr. Dhaliwal, he thoroughly explained EVERYTHING. HE did inform me that I had an unpleasant ride ahead, but to hang on. Yes, after several other injections, cataract surgery, driving fifty miles every appointment, sitting 2-3 hours at a time, it has been treacherous but I'm still here! Wonderful staff too. Whenever there was an issue between appointments, "one call that's all." An immediate response. Thanks Retina Eye Center!
Brenda Buxton
Aug 22, 2021
In 2019, I started having problems in my right eye and was referred to Dr Dilwahl. After numerous procedures, visits that took all day, I started losing vision. I would not recommend this doctor to anyone! I'm currently seeing a doctor at Eye guys. I have been diagnosed with glaucoma and is being treated to prevent total blindness in my right eye. I'm praying that my vision will be restored. Why would a doctor put a patient through all that I've been through only to see lose my sight at 56 years old.
Paul Vizvary
Aug 04, 2021
Doctor Dhaliwal corrected a retinal problem that I had in my left eye and did a fantastic job. He is very professional and most likely the best in the business. At my request, Dr Dhaliwal also worked with my brother who earlier suffered from a torn retina which other local doctors were not able to totally correct. Dr Dhaliwal was able to restore some of his vision back with only a minor operation and we both are very grateful that he was able to do this. I would recommend him to anyone with retinal issues. Paul Vizvary
Michelle Lee
Jul 21, 2021
Be prepared to spend hours upon hours here. They don't care how much they inconvenience you. If you MUST come here, eat quite a bit beforehand because you're going to be missing 1-2 meals MINIMUM. Ridiculously inefficient and unapologetic. Real story from the waiting room right now: woman has been here since 12pm and is leaving just now at 5pm. The other day, she spent 7 hours here. This isn't uncommon.
Patricia Vizvary
May 18, 2021
I highly recommend Dr. Dhaliwal at The Retina Eye Center. He is helping my husband get his sight back (we had no hope left until we met Dr. Dhaliwal). He is an amazing surgeon, he kept us well informed, and he cares. His staff are professional and nice. The office is clean with covid standards in place.
James Paschal
Jan 25, 2021
Sandra DuBose
Dec 29, 2020
I have been using the Retina Eye Center since April 2018. The staff and Dr. Demediuk have been professional and courteous. During this coronavirus pandemic, the office has maintained high standards of cleanliness. The treatment of my retinal bleed has been efficient and on point. I have been very pleased. I can still see.
Beverly Toto
Jan 29, 2020
I don't really understand what everyone is complaining about. Once I read these reviews, prior to my visit here, I made sure my phone was charged, and had myself a good book. I did not need either one much. You do have multiple waits.from the waiting room to another one within the offices.but none of the waits are overtly long. Of course the visit is lengthy, as your eyes are more than likely to be strongly dilated, and this takes time.
The staff took multiple pictures of my eyes, after they ran red dye in my veins (which took time!) They were thorough in their explanations for each step. The doctor took time to explain everything and answer my questions. I did not feel rushed. People, these are YOUR EYES. I would have waited twice as long in order to get an accurate diagnosis. I have waited just as long, if not longer, for some pompous guy with a degree to rush me in, half explain things, and be rushed out. This group specializes in retinas. I am happy to have them in the area. Would you rather have to drive to Atlanta, adding two hours just for the trip?
The staff took multiple pictures of my eyes, after they ran red dye in my veins (which took time!) They were thorough in their explanations for each step. The doctor took time to explain everything and answer my questions. I did not feel rushed. People, these are YOUR EYES. I would have waited twice as long in order to get an accurate diagnosis. I have waited just as long, if not longer, for some pompous guy with a degree to rush me in, half explain things, and be rushed out. This group specializes in retinas. I am happy to have them in the area. Would you rather have to drive to Atlanta, adding two hours just for the trip?
Carol H.
Oct 01, 2015
Will never go back! I wish I wouldn't have wasted my four hours and money to see Dr. Demediuk. I would expect that a retina specialist would have experience or knowledge of Retinitis Pigmentosa. She suggested that I go to my g.p. for treatment options. The office did a series of tests on my eyes and when I asked if my range of vision had gotten worse she would not give me a definitive answer.
I ended up looking up my own treatment for RP on Google. Last week I called over five times to discuss the option of a service dog and she didn't have the courtesy to call me back. After I continually called one of the staff told me that Dr. Demediuk didn't handle these situations (service dog for visually impaired) and that I should call another doctor, possible an Opthomologist. What a terrible and unprofessional way to treat a patient.
I ended up looking up my own treatment for RP on Google. Last week I called over five times to discuss the option of a service dog and she didn't have the courtesy to call me back. After I continually called one of the staff told me that Dr. Demediuk didn't handle these situations (service dog for visually impaired) and that I should call another doctor, possible an Opthomologist. What a terrible and unprofessional way to treat a patient.
Efrem N. Trina L.
May 15, 2015
Ok. I will start off by saying, I was told his bedside manner was lacking & I was ok with that & honestly my experience with Dr. Dhaliwal was good. However, I waited over 3 1/2 hours to see him & then he referred to Emory Eye Center. His office NEVER sent the paperwork to my primary care Dr & I ended up having to reschedule my appt & thankfully my primary took my word for why I needed a referral because still to this day his office hasn't sent over the info, but when I call they say "well we sent it already, but I guess we can send it again." Now I am scheduled to have surgery this coming Wed (5/20/15) & I am still working on an authorization for it, my insurance asked for further info numerous times with no response.
It is really inconsiderate of this business not to respond or do their job, especially when someone's vision is on the line or worse. I have a tumor in my eye, which they say is benign but there is always that possibility it's not, I also have fluid leaking from this tumor causing pressure on my eye so much it detached my retina & I have loss of vision, the fluid is also causing protein build up in that eye.
Not to mention, I have a constant headache that hurts all the way down the side of my face into my ear from the pressure, so waiting is not an option at this point. If him/his office truly cared about their patients they would do their job. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME GOING HERE, EXPLAIN TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY HOW AWFUL THEY ARE & GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
It is really inconsiderate of this business not to respond or do their job, especially when someone's vision is on the line or worse. I have a tumor in my eye, which they say is benign but there is always that possibility it's not, I also have fluid leaking from this tumor causing pressure on my eye so much it detached my retina & I have loss of vision, the fluid is also causing protein build up in that eye.
Not to mention, I have a constant headache that hurts all the way down the side of my face into my ear from the pressure, so waiting is not an option at this point. If him/his office truly cared about their patients they would do their job. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME GOING HERE, EXPLAIN TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY HOW AWFUL THEY ARE & GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
B. J.
Apr 18, 2015
3/18/15. Checking/ filling out paperwork/ eye check for pressures and vision deterioration, macular degeneration diagnosis. Was much quicker today. Dahliwal has a nice bedside humorous manner to work. Much better overall experience today. It was over 2 hrs before we saw the doctor. You're so tired by that point you forget what to ask. Write down your questions.
Some questions: Diagnosis. Worse? Better? Driving? Continue occuvite vitamin? Hereditary? Drinking? Will glasses help improve your distance? Seeing up close? The diagnosis in 10 mins - No bleeding in eye. Maculate degeneration. and vision is stable. Calcium in cornea. Remove calcium as it gets worse with vision. Risks. Ask doc smith, corneal specialist. next spring. Or late fall. Bring something to read or do. Finished within 2 hours. No bleeding.
Some questions: Diagnosis. Worse? Better? Driving? Continue occuvite vitamin? Hereditary? Drinking? Will glasses help improve your distance? Seeing up close? The diagnosis in 10 mins - No bleeding in eye. Maculate degeneration. and vision is stable. Calcium in cornea. Remove calcium as it gets worse with vision. Risks. Ask doc smith, corneal specialist. next spring. Or late fall. Bring something to read or do. Finished within 2 hours. No bleeding.
Laney W.
Mar 10, 2015
As far as care goes, I can't complain. The doctors were good and competent; and the office staff for the most part is friendly. If you have an appointment, though, don't plan anything else for your day. They tell you to allow two to three hours for each visit and you will need a driver. We have NEVER spent less than 4 hours in the office.
Today our appointment was at 9:15. We weren't called back until 10:45. Wait times in this office are completely uncalled for. It is an inconvenience to both the patient and the driver.
Today our appointment was at 9:15. We weren't called back until 10:45. Wait times in this office are completely uncalled for. It is an inconvenience to both the patient and the driver.
