News & Events

This year more than ever, a teacher’s job can be difficult, especially when glasses or contacts get in the way. That’s why we would like to show our support for our local teachers and make their jobs and lives a little bit easier. Teachers can take advantage of $500* OFF LASIK! Schedule your FREE LASIK… Read More »

Specialty Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Deborah Wu, M.D. to the practice. As a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Specialist, Dr. Wu will be performing the following services: cataract surgery, intravitreal injections, glaucoma procedures, medical and cosmetic eye lid procedures as well as medical and cosmetic Botox. Dr. Wu is accepting new patients at the Battle Creek… Read More »

Specialty Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Alexander Cherry, M.D. to the practice. Dr. Cherry is a Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist who is accepting new patients at the Adrian, Bryan and Toledo locations. “SEI is very fortunate to add Dr. Cherry to our practice.  As a fellowship trained glaucoma ophthalmologist, he is a highly skilled surgeon who will provide… Read More »

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) has named Specialty Eye Institute (SEI) as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for the second consecutive year in a row. SEI was recognized for demonstrating exceptional innovative human resource practices. An independent research firm evaluates companies based on compensation, benefits and employee solutions;… Read More »

JACKSON, Mich. – June 11, 2020 – Specialty Eye Institute announces that it is now offering the first and only cross-linking treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, two progressive and sight-threatening eye conditions that affect more than 160,000 Americans. Specialty Eye Institute… Read More »

Prevent Blindness has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. Cataract Awareness Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who are affected by cataracts, so it’s important to… Read More »

Specialty Eye Institute announces the appointment of Jonathan Jean-Pierre as CEO. Specialty Eye Institute headquartered in Jackson, Michigan is a multi-specialty ophthalmology practice with 10 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Jonathan Jean-Pierre joins SEI with an impressive background, where he spent the last 9 months leading strategy and marketing for Midwest Vision Partners. Prior to… Read More »

We are offering virtual exams via zoom video conferencing at Specialty Eye Institute. Your vision health is always our top priority and this enables us to be there for you in the safest way possible. This technology is not only user friendly, but also insurance recognized. For more information on scheduling a virtual exam, please… Read More »

As your ophthalmology healthcare provider our strongest commitment is to the health and safety of our patients, staff and communities. Specialty Eye Institute is closely monitoring developments related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are following state and federal guidelines to ensure best care for our patients. If you have any questions or concerns,… Read More »

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) has named Specialty Eye Institute (SEI) as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the nation. This national award follows Specialty Eye Institute’s regional nomination earlier this year as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies. SEI will be recognized as one of… Read More »

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people who are 60 years old and over. A fairly common condition, glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Our optic nerve is vital for healthy vision and damage caused by glaucoma is mostly irreversible. While it’s most common in older adults, glaucoma can… Read More »

Our eyesight is a precious function that many of us take for granted and while sitting in the doctor’s office may not be something you enjoy doing, a yearly visit with your ophthalmologist is a great way to protect your vision from degenerative eye disease. Supplements for Macular Degeneration can help make those visits go… Read More »

Many people experience occasional eye twitching. Consistent twitching, while annoying, can also impact your daily activities. The good news is that with some minor changes to your daily routine, you can easily relieve eye twitching. These changes will not only help alleviate your twitches but improve your overall eye health. What Causes Eye Twitching? According… Read More »

Instead of waiting for the New Year to improve your health, spend your end of the year HSA/FSA/deductible spending on correcting your gift of sight and improve your health now. The new resolutions we will make to improve our lives. While a lot of new year resolutions are healthy goals related to diet and exercise,… Read More »

The FDA recently released the PanOptixTM trifocal lens for cataract patients. What does this mean for Specialty Eye Institute patients? As a practice, we’re always working toward giving our patients the best possible visual outcomes and this lens provides patients with a full range of vision. PanOptix is already one of the leading presbyopia-correcting IOLs… Read More »

The leading cause of vision loss among Americans 60 years of age and older is macular degeneration. It affects 11 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to double by 2050. The disease affects the small central portion of your retina, known as the macula. This portion of your eye is… Read More »

The History of the Implantable Collamer Lens The first recorded uses of implantable lenses date back to World War II, where British air pilots would get plastic bits from airplane canopy stuck in their eyes. Doctors noticed that the body didn’t treat it as a foreign object, and eventually learned that you could place pieces… Read More »

May 17, 2019 – Jackson, MI Carmelina Gordon, M.D., a Vitreoretinal Surgeon, has been proudly serving patients at the Lansing and Jackson Specialty Eye Institute offices for over 15 years. Because retinal care is vital to a patient’s health and quality of life, Dr. Gordon maintains a strong focus on the latest technology, to assure… Read More »

NABR – West Michigan’s Best and Brightest The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) will honor Specialty Eye Institute as one of the organizations awarded West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for at their upcoming awards banquet in May. Companies are rated based on their commitment to excellence in their human resource practices… Read More »

You know how important your vision is. Imagine navigating the world without it. Did you know that certain foods are good for your eyes? These Vitamin-Rich Foods are Good for your Eye Health You probably already know that carrots are good for your eyes, but have you ever thought about what’s in them? Things like… Read More »

Here’s a question we get asked pretty frequently – and it’s something important to consider for any of our patients that use eye makeup and mascara products to be aware of. “Can my use of eye makeup or mascara products affect my vision?” In short, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience vision problems from using eye… Read More »

Reasons To Travel For Cataract Surgery An estimated 60 percent of Americans will eventually develop cataracts. Once a cataract has progressed to advanced stages, surgery will be needed to ease the symptoms and restore visual acuity. The cost of cataract surgery will be an important factor in deciding where and when to have the procedure… Read More »

Mahmoud El-Yassir Joins Specialty Eye Institute Specialty Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Mahmoud El-Yassir, M.D. to the practice. Dr. El-Yassir is a Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist who will be seeing patients in the Jackson and Kalamazoo locations. “Dr. El-Yassir brings a great blend of clinical experience and knowledge with a strong passion for providing… Read More »

Wondering when you should get a second medical opinion? The best way to get optimal healthcare is by exploring your options.This is especially true when it comes to a cataract surgery or any other kind of surgery for that matter. Why Second Opinions Are Important Only consulting one eye doctor for eye care will limit… Read More »

Most people are aware of how the sun can affect and damage their skin. Likewise, the majority of outdoor enthusiasts are well-versed in effective ways to protect their skin from the sun. Protecting Your Eyes from UV Damage However, many summer revelers are less aware of (or have a tendency to overlook) the effect the… Read More »

Celebrating 40 Years of Eye Care Specialty Eye Institute began in 1978 when Paul H. Ernest, M.D., the company’s founder opened Jackson Eye Center in Jackson, Michigan. Since then, the company has grown into a multi-specialty ophthalmology practice with 24 doctors in 10 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Enjoy a short video to learn more… Read More »

Safely Setting off Fireworks The 4th of July is almost here! For many, fireworks are set off in celebration of this holiday. While beautiful, they can be dangerous. Follow these safety tips while celebrating.   Wear Protective Eyewear An estimated 8,700 fireworks-related injuries (or 67 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2017) were… Read More »

Dr. Gordon’s deep passion and strong desire to improve treatment options for her patients with visually impairing retina conditions have inspired her to relentlessly pursue novel and innovative treatment options. To this end, she has brought numerous clinical trials to Specialty Eye Institute and has successfully established it as a premier retina clinical research center…. Read More »

Specialty Eye Institute has been contributing to the Jackson, MI community for the past 40 years since it’s humble beginnings in 1978. We now have 10 locations featuring nationally-recognized doctors with expertise in advanced ophthalmic techniques. To learn more, watch this episode of JTV’s Fast Forward Watch here

Do you have red, itchy eyes? If you’re suffering from eye allergies, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans deals with the annoyance of eye allergies, or ocular allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis. While the symptoms caused by eye allergies can be bothersome, they almost never present a permanent threat to eyesight…. Read More »

How Do I Maintain Healthy Vision? Maintaining healthy vision is more than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eye health. Here are 6 tips for maintaining good eyesight. Eat the Right Foods Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may… Read More »

With the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy for things to slip your mind. You may forget to take the trash out or to return that phone call from your mom. But one thing you never want to forget is to schedule a vision screening. It’s natural to have questions before making that appointment…. Read More »

April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month and we’re sharing tips on how to take good care of your eyes and lower your chances of developing these common vision problems that occur in women. Eye Health Risks for Women, Prevention and Care Eye Diseases Most women understand how crucial it is to visit the… Read More »

If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and are looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts, the Visian ICL may be a great choice for you as an alternative to LASIK surgery. What is Visian ICL? Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an alternative to LASIK. It’s a flexible lens… Read More »

When is the right time to get a cataract surgery? At the beginning of cataract formation, it may be easy to improve your vision through glasses, magnification, bifocals, visual aids, and appropriate lighting. When the cataract progresses to the point that it impairs vision and the way of life, laser cataract surgery should be the… Read More »

Trent Roark JTV Interview Trent Roark, CEO of Specialty Eye Institute joined Bart at JTV last week to share the large milestone SEI will be celebrating this year.

Driving Safely at Night Winter is here and that means shorter days with longer periods of darkness. For those who work normal business hours, it might mean driving to and from work in the dark. It can be difficult to see while driving at night so we created a list with some helpful tips to… Read More »

Residency at Specialty Eye Institute Dr. Angela Cumminng, Clinical Director and Dr. Joshua Halm, Resident appeared on The Bart Hawley Show to discuss the residency program offered at Specialty Eye Institute.

Fox 47 Interview on Retina Disease Dr. Carmelina Gordon, Vitreoretinal Specialist discusses the diseases of the retina on the Morning Blend.

Introducing SEI’s New Online Payment Portal Specialty Eye Institute is now able to provide our patients with more flexible payment options using PayMyDoctor.com. This site allows you two options – quick pay or to create an account using your paper statement. Specialty Eye Institute Online Bill Pay Account Features Once you create an account you… Read More »

Marcus Rhem LASIK Interview Cataract and Laser Specialist, Marcus Rhem, M.D. tells Bob and Mary about the LASIK procedure and who is a candidate.

It’s no secret that we live busy lives. Our days are filled with many activates that can fill our schedules to the brim. Sometimes, in all the hustle and bustle, we forget to take care of vision. Vision is one of our most important senses. It’s an important way we experience all those daily activities,… Read More »

Specialty Eye Institute is offering free cataract screenings. Schedule your screening today!

Will Diabetes Give Me Vision Problems? Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in the working age population in our country. The answer is true: the key thing to remember about Diabetic Eye Disease is the longer you’ve had Diabetes, the higher the chance of developing trouble in the back of the eyes…. Read More »

Are Vision and Eye Health Correlated? A common myth is that “My vision is great so my eyes must be healthy.” Unfortunately, there are many individuals who needlessly lose sight or even go blind because they did not have treatment for conditions such as glaucoma. Glaucoma’s referred to as the silent thief, because it’s like… Read More »

A chalazion is a benign bump inside the eyelid. These cyst like nodules form around the meibomian oil glands and lead to red swollen eyelids. Unlike a stye, it’s farther back on the eyelid, and is generally painless, though they may be unsightly. Treating Cysts Inside Eyelids While anyone can get a chalazion, they tend… Read More »

Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: It’s reported 1 in 4 children experience vision problems, and 1 in 20 are at risk of losing their eyesight permanently. Here’s a link to the American Optometric Academy’s important vision milestones and signs of eye and vision problems.

What is Refractive Lens Exchange? Refractive Lens Exchange also known as clear lens exchange, replaces your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct your refractive error, reducing your need for reading glasses. It allows those people who may not qualify for LASIK an option to consider. Refractive Lens Exchange is performed the… Read More »

Excellence has a new name! “Doctors and staff are excited to announce this week that TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers has officially changed the company name to Specialty Eye Institute. You can count on the same quality care provided by the same medical team here at Specialty Eye Institute,” says Trent Roark, C.E.O of Specialty… Read More »

Dr. Lavery visited the Bart Hawley Show to talk about the new Symfony lens for cataract patients.

Happy New Year! For many people, the new year means a fresh start. Maybe you have new years resolutions, maybe big goals. Here’s 4 ways you can take care of your vision in 2017. 1. Improve your Diet Improving your diet can improve your vision. Adding important vitamins and minerals, losing weight, and reducing your… Read More »

Have a happy and healthy Holiday Season! Holiday Hours Monday, December 26th – Closed Monday, January 2nd – Closed

Winter is finally here! The cold winter winds and dry heat inside can cause dry, irritated eyes. Here are some tips to keep your eyes healthy this winter.

A new option for cataract patients is now available at Specialty Eye Institute! The Tecnis Symfony Intraocular Lens provides an extended depth of focus for cataract patients. The extended depth of focus allows post-surgery patients to experience a wider range of vision, including near, intermediate, and far distances. During cataract surgery, the natural lens of… Read More »

The rate of diabetes amongst Americans is increasing and has become a leading cause of blindness and other health issues in American adults. Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes affecting the retina of the eye and can lead to blindness. Here’s an infographic for more information on Diabetic Retinopathy.

Thanksgiving is a day we enjoy delicious food and time spent with family and friends, but did you know that Thanksgiving can also benefit your eyesight? Many foods served on Thanksgiving contain vitamins that are vital to eye health, helping with eye functions and preventing ocular diseases.

Dr. Surendar Purohit visited JTV to discuss the advances in treatments of retina conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon cutting at our recently remodeled Jackson office. Check out these great photos and coverage of the event by JTV.

Dr. Kevin Lavery appeared on JTV’s Bart Hawley Show.

Our CEO, Trent Roark appeared on the Bart Hawley Show to talk about the exciting news at TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers.

Dr. Paul Ernest appeared on the Bart Hawley Show last week to discuss the new lens for cataract surgery that is changing the game. Dr. Paul Ernest on The Bart Hawley Show from JTV Studios on Vimeo.

Over 40,000 people undergo cornea transplants in the United States each year. A corneal transplant is recommended for people who have: Vision problems caused by thinning of the cornea, most often due to keratoconus. (A transplant may be considered when less invasive treatments are not an option.) Scarring of the cornea from severe infections or… Read More »

Our very own Paul H. Ernest, M.D. will receive the Honored Guest Award at the 2016 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Symposium in May. He will be given the prestigious award in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement in the field of ophthalmology.

It’s that time of year again. The air is colder, nights are longer, and the thermostat is higher. Winter has arrived, and for many people, this means dry eyes. Many people experience the irritation, scratchiness, and blurry vision of dry eyes during the winter months. Not only is this due to the relatively dry air… Read More »

We at TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Join us tonight to celebrate the grand opening of our new Adrian office.Wednesday, October 7, 2015TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers 1801 W. Maumee Street / US-223 Suite 100 Adrian, MI 49221 Join our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Tour our new office Meet the Doctors and Staff  

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers is pleased to announce the implementation of Clearwave Patient Registration Kiosks to their Michigan and Ohio locations. As the first physician group in Michigan to adopt the Clearwave technology, TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers again prove to be a leader of innovation in patient care. This new technology will be… Read More »

Keeping your eyes healthy is critical for your day-to-day safety as you maneuver around, interact with others, and communicate. Millions of Americans are living with visual impairment, and even more are susceptible for preventable eye diseases and injuries. Below are six things you should be doing now to maintain healthy vision as you age. Reduce… Read More »

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers announce Greg Seidel as Vice President of Finance. Greg is a Michigan native originally from the Lenawee County area. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he obtained his BA in Accounting & Business Administration; he continued his education at Walsh College of Business & Accountancy achieving his Masters of Science… Read More »

Glaucoma is an often unnoticed disease capable of ravaging your eyesight and potentially leading to permanent blindness. 1.5 million Americans are unaware they even have the disease since many experience no noticeable change in their vision when early in the disease process. While highly treatable through eye drops and/or eye surgery, an early diagnosis is… Read More »

It’s estimated that 60 percent of Americans will develop a cataract in their lifetime. As the most common cause of vision loss, untreated cataracts potentially could lead to blindness. There are varying treatment options for cataracts and revolutionary technology is making cataract surgery more precise and effective than ever. That technology is the femtosecond laser…. Read More »

Nearly 10% of the entire U.S. population has diabetes, including over 25% of all seniors. This is according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is at epidemic levels, with no sign of relief in sight. Diabetes can afflict anyone and creates many health issues, including causing or contributing to death. One common complication of diabetes… Read More »

Jackson, MI – TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers Board of Directors announce Trent Roark as CEO to oversee their 15 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Born in Jackson, Michigan, Trent grew up in the Detroit suburbs. He joins TLC with an impressive background, including being one of the founders of the former NovaMed a national… Read More »

Eye care is evolving with the development of new technology and treatments occurring at a rapid pace. With better ways to treat vision threatening eye diseases there still remains one issue… prevention. Early detection along with prevention are the best way to combat vision loss. Many eye diseases begin with little or no symptoms and… Read More »

The changing of the season is a great reminder to start thinking about how to use your flex spending money before the end of the year. LASIK surgery, eye lid lift (blepharoplasty), and cataract surgery are reimbursable expenses under most flex spending plans. What is a FSA (flexible spending account)? Taking advantage of the Flexible… Read More »

We are excited to announce the our New Retina Institute is now open. Drs. Carmelina Gordon and Surendar Purohit are now seeing patients at the new location. Details on our open house coming soon.

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers is proud to announce 35 Years of service to the Jackson community. In 1978, Dr. Paul Ernest began his own practice which over the years has grown into the company it is today with 14 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers offers patients the latest treatments… Read More »

The ORA System The surgeons at Specialty Eye Institute are able to provide patients with a new technology to customize cataract surgery. Specialty Eye Institute is the first in Northwest Ohio to offer this technology to its patients. The new procedure involves an intraoperative wavefront technology that allows the surgeon to take close to 40 measurements… Read More »

When asked about his experience as part of the trial study for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), Neil Ehnis, a patient of Dr. Surendar Purhoit, will tell you it was a huge success! As Neil explained, he woke up one morning to find that the vision in his right eye was only 50%. Concerned, he… Read More »

Have you recently been diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? You may qualify to take part in a clinical research study to evaluate an investigational eye medication. Talk with your retina doctor for more details. To participate you must be: At least 50 years of age Newly Diagnosed with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)… Read More »

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers Retina Institute will be opening its doors this summer! The retina is a vital component of your eyesight, and time is of the essence when it comes to saving your vision. The Retina Institute was developed to expand the latest technology and clinical treatment options available, while offering specialized care… Read More »

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers Corporate Office celebrates one year at its Jackson location at 850 West North Street. The Corporate Office relocated from Ann Arbor to Jackson in March, 2012. TLC purchased the building on West North Street, where it houses approximately 37 employees who handle billing, scheduling, accounting, and other business functions for… Read More »

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers is pleased to announce that Dr. Raphael Addiego is celebrating his 5 year anniversary with the company. Dr. Addiego, a specialist in retina and diabetic eye care, sees patients in TLC’s Lansing and Battle Creek offices. When asked why he became a physician, Addiego said, “My father was a traditional… Read More »

As a catcher, having clear, precise vision is of utmost importance. Aaron chose Dr. Ronald Brown as his eye surgeon because of his extensive experience and reputation as a leader in Laser Vision Correction. Dr. Brown, a Cataract and Refractive Specialist, has practiced ophthalmology in Toledo for over 15 years. He turned to ophthalmology as… Read More »

Eye surgeon Kevin Lavery, MD, of TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers, announced that he is now providing the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent as a treatment option to reduce eye pressure for patients with both cataracts and glaucoma. Dr. Lavery is the first surgeon in Michigan to perform surgery using the iStent® technology. This technology will… Read More »

A cataract can cause sharp images to become blurred and bright images to become dull. It can also contribute to difficulty with night driving. When sight is compromised – your quality of life is compromised. Each year, nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older are affected by cataracts and seek some form of treatment…. Read More »

TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers would like to congratulate Dr. Carmelina Gordon on 10 years of excellence. Dr. Gordon, a Vitreoretinal Specialist, has been proudly serving patients at the Lansing and Jackson TLC offices. Because retinal care is vital to a patient’s health and quality of life, Dr. Gordon maintains a strong focus on the… Read More »