“My eyes are a huge part of what I do as a professor. My teaching, research and patient-care responsibilities all depend on me having good vision,” Richard said. After he joined the faculty at UAMS and learning that UAMS doctors have a great reputation in the medical community, he became a patient at the Jones Eye Institute.

Following several years of routine eye exams to monitor his glaucoma, Richard had an urgent issue with his vision one day. Knowing that he needed urgent medical care, Richard was relieved to be referred by his Jones Eye Institute ophthalmologist, Michael Wiggins, M.D., to a retina specialist on the same day. After Richard’s detached retina was repaired at Jones Eye Institute, Richard was advised that the other retina would likely detach in the future, and a second detached retina was later repaired successfully.

In the years following his retina surgeries, Richard developed cataracts in both eyes that were surgically treated by Dr. Wiggins using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology. Dr. Wiggins, a comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery, says, “Not all cataracts are age related. Some are caused by medications, trauma or are present at birth. Having cataracts develop after a major retina surgery is a known occurrence.”

“I’ve never seen better in my entire life. My grandmother visited many of the top specialists in New York and Boston, and I believe her sight could have been saved if the science and technology at UAMS had been available to her.”

Since Jim had watched his father go blind and subsequently suffer deep depression as a result, he has a real understanding of the difference that good vision can make in a senior’s life.

When Jim was concerned that his vision was not sharp enough for him to drive, his need for personalized care was met by Richard Harper, M.D., of the UAMS Jones Eye Institute. After a thorough medical eye exam, Dr. Harper advised that with the right glasses, Jim could continue driving. After Jim’s glasses were ordered by the UAMS Optical Shop, his vision improved substantially, and he easily passed the eye driving test.

Later, when Jim developed cataracts, their growth was monitored by Dr. Harper for several years, but surgery was deferred until needed. When Jim was driving out of state with his wife to attend their granddaughter’s wedding last year, he realized that he was unable to see well enough to drive in the rain and knew the time had come to have cataract surgery. 

Jim had concerns about cataract surgery and notes that Dr. Harper was very patient and informative during his eye appointments. Jim was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to stop blinking during the surgery, but Dr. Harper’s answers to the questions and outstanding bedside manner alleviated Jim’s fears.

“Many people are understandably anxious about having their eyes operated on,” says Dr. Harper. ”I believe it is critical that anyone contemplating cataract surgery obtain all the information that they can about their specific situation before making that decision. This will allow them to proceed with confidence, as Mr. Bell did.”

Working hand in hand, Jim and Dr. Harper jointly set Jim’s post-operation vision goals to have vision distance in one eye and reading vision in the other eye. The goals were met, and Jim is very pleased with the high quality of his treatment and his vision. “Dr. Harper is the most thoughtful doctor I have come across. He gave me a booklet that completely explained my cataract surgery and went through the booklet with me.”

Independent and happily active with his improved vision, Jim recommends Jones Eye Institute to his friends and acquaintances. 

“Thanks to UAMS, the Jones Eye Institute and Dr. Harper, I am living a full life and have been appointed to a three-year term on Little Rock’s Midtown Redevelopment District #1 Advisory Board. Not bad for an 80-year-old.”

In his job for the Department of Workforce Education, Emil began working with UAMS to approve educational programs. After his ophthalmologist moved five years ago, Emil became a patient at the Jones Eye Institute.

Unable to fully enjoy views of the Arkansas River, parks and woodland he passed by, Emil had an eye exam and learned that he had cataracts. Michael Wiggins, M.D., a comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery, performed surgery so that Emil could see whites clearly and other colors more sharply. “I think Dr. Wiggins is tops. He is a fine doctor with a great bedside manner.”

A few years after his cataract surgeries, Emil was in the middle of a training run for his third marathon when he started having issues with one of his eyes. When he reviewed eye information on Web sites, Emil feared that he had a detached retina. Emil’s suspicions were confirmed when he visited the Jones Eye Institute the next day, and he was relieved to find that his urgent need for medical care was met very quickly. One year after surgery to repair his retina, he has 20/20 vision in that eye and is thrilled with the outcome.

“Symptoms of retinal detachment include the sudden appearance of multiple floaters, flashes of light or a curtain moving across your eye. Patients experiencing any of these symptoms or with any sudden loss of vision should seek immediate eye care,” said Sami Uwaydat, M.D., a retina specialist at Jones Eye Institute. “A patient with a detached retina has a better chance of regaining vision if retinal detachment surgery is done as soon as possible. Patients should also contact their eye doctor if they notice that straight lines appear wavy or if blank spots appear in their central vision, as these can be signs of age related macular degeneration.”

Having personal experience with the high quality of eye care provided at the Jones Eye Institute, Emil wants to spread the word to tell others in Arkansas and neighboring states. Emil believes it is important to establish a relationship with an ophthalmologist long before you need specialized services.

“I have a good ophthalmologist backed up by specialists and a state-of-the-art hospital. I’m confident that the Jones Eye Institute can provide whatever service I need now or at any time in the future.”
                                                                                                                                                                

Emil is especially pleased that the Cycle for Sight ride route this year will include the Medical Mile, which has been called the crown jewel of the Arkansas River Trail. Other ride highlights include the Big Dam Bridge and the Main Street Bridge.

Emil and our Jones Eye Institute staff members invite you to join us for this endurance ride. With three ride options designed to fit your level of cycling, this ride is for all levels of cyclists (even beginners). To register, please see Cycle for Sight.

Following his graduation, Palmalee wanted to join the military to serve during the Vietnam War. He failed the physical due to his poor eyesight and was rejected for military service.

After wearing glasses for 50 years, Palmalee was thrilled to be able to see clearly for the first time in his life following his cataract surgery at the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute. Doubting that the UAMS Eye Institute could help him because he had been treated by so many eye doctors during his lifetime, Palmalee was still willing to undergo cataract surgery by Dr. Romona Davis. Dr. Davis treated him like a family member and communicated her personal interest in his medical treatment, so he trusted that she would take care of him.

A day after his surgery, Palmalee was able to see clearly and even able to read license plates. Now he uses only over-the-counter reading glasses.

“I could not believe it could be done, but I was willing to try. And thank God I did.”

Relatives who had not seen him in years are astounded by the new Palmalee. Having worn glasses all his life, including a broken pair that had been taped together, his loved ones are very impressed by the improvement in Palmalee’s vision.

Due to his limited vision, Palmalee spent a lot of time in the house when he was young, and he developed a love for music. Able to play several musical instruments, Palmalee has performed with several musical groups during his professional career.

“I want to encourage people who have vision problems to come to UAMS for treatment. I’ve traveled around a lot, and people in Arkansas don’t realize that we have a world-class facility here in Arkansas.”

UAMS Eye Care
Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute

Before successful treatment at UAMS, Ann Kincl was misdiagnosed by three eye doctors. Her eyelid gland malfunction caused great discomfort and pain, and she was constantly blinking.

While she was embarrassed by her inability to maintain eye contact with others, her family and friends were trying to assist her in obtaining the correct medical treatment. Other doctors performed procedures and prescribed medication, but Ann’s eyes remained uncomfortable and her vision continued to deteriorate.

Dr. Nicola Kim of the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute finally identified her eyelid disorder, putting her on a simple regimen that eased her discomfort and frequent blinking. However, the previous use of steroid medication had led Ann to rapidly develop cataracts and glaucoma, so Dr. Kim offered a new, cutting-edge technology to treat Ann’s cataracts.

Ann had two surgeries, one on each eye approximately a week apart, to correct her vision with intraocular lenses. Designed to provide enhanced image quality and a full range of vision, these new lenses offered Ann the best opportunity for a life free of glasses and contacts, and Ann was a perfect candidate for this treatment.

“I have been truly blessed. In addition to Dr. Kim’s expertise in the field, she truly cares for you as an individual. Dr. Kim takes time with you, and that’s very important to me. She lets you know that she understands your personal needs and makes you feel at ease.”

Following her cataract surgery, Ann has near perfect vision and no longer uses glasses or contacts. And she does not require treatment for glaucoma because she does not require the steroid medications any more. Since she is also much more comfortable physically, her quality of life has increased, and she was able to return to her work tutoring students.

UAMS Eye Care
Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute

“I was finally able to see my great-grandbabies, shower without assistance, go fishing and do normal things I used to take for granted. They ended 10 years of blindness.”

“I was familiar with the Jones Eye Institute and their excellent reputation, so I turned to them.”

Arab was pleased with the results from the procedure. “After several tests and an easy and painless laser procedure, I am doing fine and taking no glaucoma medication,” he said.

At UAMS our goal is to provide the best care for every patient every day. All the awards and accolades can’t tell the UAMS story better than the words of our patients.

Mac Faulkner recommends the Retina Services at UAMS: ”After bumping into the kitchen door jamb one day, I noticed I could not see my right hand. I immediately called the Jones Eye Institute and got an appointment the same day. I had a detached retina. Surgery was scheduled for the very next day.”

“Thirteen days later I had my vision back. Three months later I was landing my little plane again. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”