A Clear Vision
Since opening its doors more than five decades ago, Magruder Eye Institute has steadily built a stellar reputation as a provider of world-class eye care in Central Florida. In fact, the practice’s highly impressive team of physicians treats roughly 100,000 patients each year at its six state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located throughout the region.
Of course, that type of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. Instead, it’s part of the driving philosophy at Magruder Eye Institute, where patient wellness and satisfaction have always been the highest priority. The top-rated doctors on staff specialize in areas such as laser cataract surgery, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma management and treatment, corneal surgery, macular degeneration, dry eyes and eyelid surgery. Each of the providers comes from varying backgrounds and brings distinct experience to the job, allowing them to regularly collaborate to achieve optimum patient outcomes, not to mention an unparalleled level of individualized care.
“Because we have a team of 15 ophthalmologists and optometrists, we really have someone for everyone. We are a one-stop shop from general exams to intense surgeries for a patient’s care,” says Dr. John T. Lehr.
Like with other areas of medicine, the field of eye care is constantly evolving. That’s a big reason why the physicians at Magruder Eye Institute are committed to staying ahead of the curve and are constantly monitoring and assessing the most innovative treatment and technology solutions available. That level of enhanced care is clearly evident to patients, which is why more than 90% of them return to the practice for the lifetime of their vision care needs.
Currently, Magruder Eye Institute is using the newest, safest and most effective treatments for cataracts, like the PanOptix Lens, NGENUITY 3D Visualization System and the ORA System. Furthermore, the team is also well-versed in myopia control, or the innovative use of contact lenses or eye drops that completely correct near-sighted vision.
Dr. Lehr says all these advancements make right now a particularly exciting time to be involved with the profession, but admits that it all starts with the patient prioritizing time for eye care just as they would any other critically important medical needs. Too often, he’s unfortunately seen folks put off routine vision care exams only to wind up with bigger issues down the line.
With major diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma so prevalent in our population, early diagnosis and timely treatment is vital according to Dr. Lehr, who has also spent the past 23 years treating newborns for retinopathy of prematurity at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Children and Babies.
“Annual eye exams are a must for all children and adults,” he says. “For example, people living with diabetes need regular eye exams because the disease could terribly degrade eyesight if left undetected and untreated.”
As part of its continuous efforts to better serve the community, Magruder Eye Institute is in the midst of significantly renovating its 46,000-square-foot headquarters in Orlando, after previously considering a relocation to Winter Park. The multimillion-dollar upgrade of the facility will include several technological improvements and a new aesthetic look for the building. Another noticeable change will be several post-COVID health and safety measures—including smaller patient waiting rooms—being implemented to protect both patients and employees.
“After scouring every inch of this town for the optimal medical space, we realized that we were sitting on a diamond in the rough,” Chad Tomlinson, chief development officer for Magruder Eye, says. “We are sincerely thankful for all the people and partners who are working to make our vision for the future of eye care in Central Florida a reality.”
The eye care group will keep its five full-service, satellite vision centers in SoDo, Lake Nona, Wekiva, Kissimmee and Clearwater, with plans to announce the opening of more eye care centers across Florida later this year.
With such big things in store and a reputable team of knowledgeable doctors providing exceptional care at state-of-the-art facilities that integrate the latest technologies, it’s no wonder why Magruder Eye Institute has stood the test of time and achieved such a high standing.
But as the practice looks toward the future, Dr. Lehr says the foundation will always be a patient-first approach that prioritizes health and wellness.
“Eyesight is clearly the most important of our five senses. If the other senses like taste or smell stop working, it is the eyes that best protect us from danger. That’s why it’s critical to prioritize time for eye care.”
Magruder Eye Institue
Multiple locations
(407) 893-8200