At St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute, we offer a full range of refractive surgery options to help you reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether you’re exploring LASIK, considering EVO ICL, or looking for a long-term solution as your vision changes, our expert team will guide you to the right choice.
Every patient and every pair of eyes is unique. That’s why we tailor options to your eye health, anatomy, and vision goals. Whether you’re searching for the best LASIK surgeon in Florida, exploring EVO ICL near you, or researching lens replacement surgery in Tampa Bay, we tailor every recommendation to your vision, lifestyle, and long-term eye health.
LASIK is a highly effective procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused, helping reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
If you’re searching for a LASIK screening near you or a trusted LASIK surgeon in Tampa Bay, our team delivers precise, personalized care using advanced technology.
Benefits:
Because Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the natural lens, it also serves as a preventative solution for cataracts. This means you will never need cataract surgery in the future.
Refractive Lens Exchange offers advanced lens options to match your lifestyle and vision goals. Your surgeon will help you choose the lens that best fits your needs and desired level of visual independence.
EVO ICL is an advanced form of corrective eye surgery that works inside the eye instead of reshaping the cornea. This makes it an excellent option for patients who may not be candidates for LASIK.
If you’re researching ICL eye surgery, EVO eye surgery, or options for eye surgery for astigmatism, EVO ICL provides sharp, high-definition vision with a removable lens.
Benefits:
Robert Howard, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK surgery, medical ophthalmology and glaucoma care. He is a highly experienced LASIK surgeon, having performed countless refractive surgeries since starting his career in ophthalmology.
Before joining St. Luke’s, Dr. Robert Howard was with the U.S. Army for eight years, most recently as Chief of Ophthalmology at Fort Meade in Maryland. Prior to that he served as Chief of Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Co-Chief Resident at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. He began his career as an intern at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Texas.
Dr. Howard completed his undergraduate studies in Economics at Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, and received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.
Brandon Rodriguez, MD, is a board certified, award-winning ophthalmologist specializing in advanced cataract and refractive surgery. He is also a cornea trained surgeon, who specializes in pterygium surgery and cutting edge treatments for dry eye syndrome. After obtaining his medical degree from Penn State University College of Medicine, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and volunteered to go with a U.S. Marine Corps infantry battalion overseas for 2 deployments, including Afghanistan, after 9/11. Upon returning home and finishing 5 years of active duty military service, he completed his residency in ophthalmology at State University of New York (SUNY) – Downstate Medical Center, eventually serving as a chief resident. Finally, he completed his fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at the world-renowned Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, in New York City.
Pit Gills, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Gills completed both his medical internship and residency in ophthalmology at the University of South Florida in Tampa followed by a cornea fellowship at St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute. Having already performed more than 65,000 cataract surgeries, Dr. Gills is one of the most accomplished surgeons in his field.
Robert M. Lee, MD is a highly experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in refractive cataract surgery. Having performed well over 50,000 cataract surgeries.
Dr. Lee strives to obtain a personalized visual outcome for each of his patients. His commitment to precision and patient satisfaction has earned him recognition as a leading expert in refractive cataract surgery.
Jeffrey Wipfli, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in advanced cataract surgery, and other refractive surgeries. As one of the most experienced eye surgeons in his field, Dr. Wipfli can advise patients on the full range of surgical and lens options available to best address their needs and accomplish their vision goals. Dr. Wipfli is consistently recognized by colleagues for his commitment to surgical excellence and praised by patients for his personal approach to their care. He earned his medical degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and was a Graduate with Honors and Special Distinction as well as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Schedule your consultation and find out which vision correction option is right for you.
The right option depends on your vision needs and eye health. LASIK is a popular choice for many adults, EVO ICL is ideal for patients who may not qualify for LASIK, and Refractive Lens Exchange is often recommended for those experiencing changes in near vision. A comprehensive screening will determine the best fit for you.
LASIK and EVO ICL can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive Lens Exchange can address those conditions as well, while also treating presbyopia and early cataracts by replacing the eye’s natural lens.
All three procedures are quick and performed on an outpatient basis, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Most patients return to normal activities, including work, within a day or two.
Many patients reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts after LASIK or EVO ICL. With Refractive Lens Exchange, patients often reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses, depending on the lens option selected.
Refractive Lens Exchange uses the same advanced techniques as modern cataract surgery but is performed before cataracts fully develop. Because the natural lens is replaced, it also prevents cataracts from forming in the future.
Schedule Your Free LASIK, EVO ICL, or Refractive Lens Exchange Consultation Today
