Gitane Patel, MD - West Coast Eyecare Associates

The check-in was efficient and professional. However, my experience with Patel was disappointing. Despite arriving early, I waited 30 minutes past my scheduled appt time. Patel did not greet me upon entering the examination room, nor did he acknowledge me upon leaving. During my roughly 5-7 minute appt, I waited an hour to discuss the lack of improvement with my current Rx. Incredibly, he also took a call during my appt! When asked about potential alternatives, Patel said no action could be taken because I waited too long to address the issue. When I asked what could be done at this point, his response was dismissive, 'Nothing. It is what it is. See you in 6 months.' I was seeking guidance & potential solutions, but instead, I was met with a lack of empathy & a refusal to explore options. This experience has left me with significant concerns about the level of patient care provided by Patel, and as a result, I will not be returning to this practice.

Review for Dr. Gitane Patel - Acuity Eye Group Subject: Medical Negligence, Lack of Informed Consent, and Patient Abandonment I am writing this to warn others of the negligent care provided by Dr. Gitane Patel. My experience has resulted in severe, permanent vision deterioration due to the following: Lack of Informed Consent: There was a total language barrier. As a Spanish speaker with no English fluency, I was never provided a certified medical interpreter. Dr. Patel performed a laser procedure without explaining the risks in a language I understood. I could not legally consent to a procedure I did not comprehend. Improper Treatment: I sought help for a growth (Pterygium), which laser treatments do not remove. It appears an unnecessary or incorrect procedure was performed, leading to immediate complications. Medical Negligence & Dismissal: Immediately after the laser, I developed "floaters," black shadows (signs of retinal emergency), extreme light sensitivity, chronic pain, and bloodshot eyes. For seven months, Dr. Patel dismissed these symptoms as "normal" or due to "age," failing to investigate the sudden onset of these high-risk symptoms. Dr. Patel's failure to provide an interpreter and her dismissal of emergency vision symptoms is a gross violation of the standard of care. I am now suffering from constant pain and worsening vision. Proceed with extreme caution.