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Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons Our team is dedicated to research and trials to bring the Jacksonville region the latest technology. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people 55 and older. As we age, the natural lenses in our eyes can become clouded. Though painless, cataracts can cause hazy vision, unusual glare, poor night vision, or reduced color perception.

People especially notice difficulty in low-light situations like night driving. Using state of the art surgical techniques and the newest innovations in lens implant technology, our surgeons will work with you to restore your vision and allow you to continue to enjoy your active lifestyle.
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For your convenience order your prescription contact lenses online. In case your contact lens prescription has expired please schedule a new contact lens eye examination. Clay Eye fits contact lenses for every lifestyle and everyone. The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
Donald Downer, MD serves as an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Florida and assists with the training of young surgeons. Dr. Downer is a cornea surgeon and his special interests include laser cataract surgery, lifestyle intraocular lenses, diseases of the cornea, corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, and ocular infectious disease.
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye's natural crystalline lens. The lens assists with focusing light rays onto the retina, which in turn translates the image to the brain. After the cataract starts to cloud, it is impossible to return the lens to its clear state with drugs or medications. Laser Cataract Surgery will be required.
Traditional cataract surgery has always involved the use of a diamond blade to create several small incisions during the procedure. With LenSx, these incisions are now made with a laser. This technology allows our surgeons to plan and perform cataract surgeries with laser precision. With this advanced technology, surgeons experience more control and precision; plus, LenSx features real-time diagnostic tools for an accurate visual of what's going on inside the eye during the procedure.When used in conjunction with one of our premium intraocular lenses, LenSx offers patients even more visual freedom from glasses after cataract surgery, helping maintain clear vision at all ranges of vision.
Reviews (17)
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Robert O.
May 22, 2022
I waited over an hour to be seen by the first person. it was an hour and 45 minutes before I saw the eye doctor. He was with me less than 3 minutes and then he left. Terrible scheduling. Terrible customer service. Terrible patient care.
Buildingalifetolove
Apr 15, 2022
First time visit to Clay Eye. A small wait but the staff was top notch. Very professional and friendly. Dr. Powell was easy to talk to and very thorough.
Kellie Ramos
Apr 11, 2022
Dr. downer is one of the best eye doctors I've seen in a long time The man works magic and he's an awesome awesome eye surgeon i've truly watched him with my blind veteran that I take care of and he can see now better than he did before so there should be no hesitation for anyone not to see Dr. downer the man works wondersSo if you're looking for a good eye doctor at Clay EYE. Ask for Dr. downer
Andre Hoover
Apr 05, 2022
I had a serious condition with my eyes and failing vision, and despite having seen more than four different eye doctors over several years, I've made a dramatic improvement within weeks of seeing Dr Downer. I really didn't think anything could be done at that point so I'm very relieved and obviously recommend his service.
Diane Blankenship
Mar 11, 2022
Dr Powell was unprofessional and would not answer my questions. I paid cash for eye and contact exam after paying my follow up visit for contacts was never completed. In 30 minutes I was moved by five different techs five times to five different rooms. So they gave me a hand mirror in the examining chair to put my contacts in. I asked if the doctor could put them in and because he did he never performed my follow-up contact eye exam. Just handed me a prescription.
Charlie Gill
Feb 24, 2022
Great experience! Dr. Pecorero is the absolute best. Cool, caring and thorough. The staff brings you from one station to the next. They are precise and totally professional. Shelly explains your options so you can understand them. She is very busy but manages to stay in touch if needed. She listens to her messages and responds! Just a truly great practice. 4 Bravos!
Hal Wilkening
Feb 09, 2022
Dr Donavon has been my eye doctor for 40 years, and has always provided excellant care. The entire staff are very professional and provide good medical care.
Maria Nixon
Dec 21, 2021
I recently moved to Jacksonville. I was experiencing pain in my eye, the staff immediately scheduled me to see the doctor. I was seen and treated by the doctor shortly after arrival. I would definitely recommend the "Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons". They don't take your time for granted, the staff and doctors are professional and courteous.
C. C.
Aug 12, 2021
I see Dr. Pecerro at Clay Eye, he is a very good retina specialist. I had a detached retina several years ago therefore, I see him annually. After my cataract surgery I no longer need to wear glasses except for reading which only require inexpensive drug store glasses. I would rate 5 stars but wait times to begin the exam process can be long even when you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Perhaps they need to schedule less patients per day or hire more Doc's.
Le Goyzueta
Jul 04, 2021
I would refer family and friends. The staff has been friendly and helpful, the cataract surgery went well and the hospital staff was just as good. Dr Levine is personable, explains things well and answers questions. He did a great job on my first surgery and I am going back, followed by my husband.
Charles T.
Apr 19, 2021
Had cataract surgery on both eyes done in 2018 by Dr. Downer and only the best recommendations for him and his staff. If not for having to wear readers for reading I wouldn't need glasses at all anymore.
Irene Roberson
Dec 23, 2020
Expert office. Well-staffed (very friendly!), clean office, and they move you through your appointment quickly. (Nothing worse than an office that drags your appointment out all morning!) I've been going to Clay Eye for years and have seen several different doctors; all of them have been kind and taken excellent care of me.
T. C.
Feb 18, 2020
Plan on arriving 30-45" after your "scheduled" appointment. They are always behind and make no effort to let their customers know ahead of time.
Paul S.
Dec 10, 2018
I had surgery done there a year ago by Dr. Downer - a total regret. He was arrogant and the surgery actually made my condition worse although he said it would cure the problem. I paid all my deductibles and co-pays, and now out of the blue they're sending me bills again. I'm not paying anymore for terrible service from them.
Roger H.
Jan 30, 2018
I had a sty in my eye and it turned into an mild infection. I called and spoke with the Mandarin office and the person was so nice, professional but also personable. After my description she asked if I would like to make an appointment, which I did. She transferred me to scheduling and they were very accommodating. The appointment wait time was minimal and they Mandarin office is very comfortable and clean.

I first spoke with a very nice technician, again professional but personable. The doctor, Dr. Levine was very kind and understanding, he listened to my issue and concerns and then examined my eyes. He proscribed medication, provided some sample items, and I asked to come back for follow-up in several days. He agreed and we'll go from there. I am very impressed with everyone in the Mandarin location, literally everyone I spoke to was very kind and most importantly, sincere.

They make you feel comfortable and were very accommodating in the areas they could be. From here on, they are my choice for eye care. My experience was a 20 on a scale of 10. If the other locations are like Mandarin and I would believe they are, make your next eye care need appointment with one of their closest locations to you. You will be glad you did. Sincerely, Roger
Kevin S.
Jul 29, 2017
Dr. Downer was extremely professional, informative and helpful. He performed a pterygium removal surgery on my left eye. The facility was clean and well run. The surgery went off without a hitch and the recovery was made much easier by Dr. Downer. I would recommend him to anyone with issues with their eyes and anyone needing eye surgery. Very satisfied with his work.
Chuck L.
Mar 20, 2015
The Staff and Physicians at Clay eye are incredible! Very attentive to my needs and questions. Having Glaucoma and dry eyes my vision and prescription is constantly changing! They offer suggestions and help any way possible. My 80 year old father went for Cataract surgery, and was amazed at how they cared and handled him. I highly recommend them for all your vision needs.