Services
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty dealing with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems. The ANMC Ophthalmology Clinic offers comprehensive referral-only eye care services and outpatient and inpatient consultations by board certified ophthalmologists. Members of our team have authored many publications on ocular research as well as the medical and surgical treatment of eye disease and trauma.
Our team provides medical and/or surgical management of a wide variety of conditions including:
- Cataracts
- Strabismus
- Eyelid abnormalities
- Prematurity related eye problems
- Glaucoma
- Eye trauma
ANMC ophthalmologists have vast surgical experience and or subspecialty fellowship and training in:
- Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus
- Glaucoma
- Cornea
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to have three appointments for surgery?
The first appointment is for pre-operative measurements. A technician will obtain numerous eye measurements, which will be used in the surgery. Your eyes may also be dilated. The provider will discuss the procedure with you and give you pre-operative instructions. You will be given eye drops, which you will begin using the day before surgery.
The second appointment is for the surgery. Your eye will be dilated prior to being taken to the operating room. Dilation for surgery can take up to 1 1/2 hours. After your eye is dilated you will be taken to the operating room.
The third appointment is for a post-operative exam. At this time, the provider will check for infection and ensure it is safe for you to return home.
Why do I need an escort?
When you are having surgery, an escort is required to attend your pre-operative appointment as well as come with you to the hospital day of surgery and stay with you at all times through the post-operative appointment the day after your surgery. This is for many reasons. One is to ensure they are aware of and understand all of the eye drops that need to be administered to your operative eye. There is also a safety concern as your eye may be covered post-surgery, which can increase your risk of falling. This dressing is removed at the post-operative appointment. If you do not have an escort with you for surgical appointments your surgery will be rescheduled.
When can I go back to work/school?
A release for work/school depends on what type of eye surgery you have. If you have cataract surgery, you can expect to return to work two days after surgery.
Will I be able to see after surgery?
There is no guarantee of what your vision will be after eye surgery. There are many other factors that influence your vision. Your provider will discuss this with you at your pre-operative appointment.
When can I get glasses?
If you need glasses after cataract surgery, you can expect to wait four to six weeks for your eye to completely heal.
Will I be asleep?
Being awake or asleep for surgery will depend on what type of eye surgery you are having and whether or not it is safe for you to be awake. Typically, cataract surgery is done while you are awake.
What are the physical restrictions?
Physical restrictions will depend on what type of surgery you have. Your provider will go over any restrictions with you at the post-operative appointment.
Will I feel pain?
Although the provider makes every effort for you not to feel pain, you may. The provider will instruct you to inform him/her if you feel pain and will apply additional numbing medication. You will feel pressure throughout the surgery; however, this is not painful.
How long do I have to use the eye drops?
Use of eye drops will depend on the eye surgery you have. Your provider will discuss this with you at the pre-and post-operative appointments.
Patient Resources
Eye protection tip: Always use polycarbonate eye protection while fishing!
How do I make an appointment?
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, you must first receive a referral from your primary care provider or another specialty clinic.
Who is eligible for services?
All Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska.
Clinic Hours and Contact Info
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Phone: 907-729-1450
Location: 3976 University Lake Drive, second floor
Please call in advance if you are not able to make it to your appointment. Many patients live outside of Anchorage and need time to travel. By calling in advance to cancel your appointment, it gives our clinic time to schedule another patient in that time slot.
