The Eye Institute: Ray M Balyeat, M.D.

Excellent Doctor My husband was recently referred to Dr. Balyeat for AMD. From the initial friendly greeting at the receptionist window, to the various technicians and Dr. Balyeat himself, we were consistently treated with genuine kindness & consideration. My husband received a comprehensive, unrushed exam from both Dr. Balyeat personally as well as through sophisticated optical imaging which produced incredible digital pictures of the eye. We are grateful Dr. Balyeat said the active leakage is treatable with injections and there is hope that it could also reverse some of the recent vision impairment. The staff emphasized these injections will be needed for the rest of his life. We still have much to learn about AMD but we are glad Dr. Balyeat told us that AMD is often hereditary so that we can alert our family to be mindful of vision changes. Dr. Balyeat was approachable and personable - addressing us by name. He clearly explained the test results, the diagnosis & recommended treatment. Dr. Balyeat asked if we had questions, listened & gave articulate answers. Not only was Dr. Balyeat respectful to us but he also spoke kindly & appreciatively to the staff. Based on our personal experience and Dr. Balyeat 40+ years in practice & advanced training in retinal care, we are not only confident but also grateful to be in such capable hands. The staff was knowledgeable, well trained, and amiable as well. These facts are a comfort as we process the recent diagnosis of a condition that threatens my husband's vision.

Dr. Balyeat is knowledgeable and informative. He has strong expertise in retinal issues. The only drawback is office management. It has not been unusual in my experience to be in the waiting room an hour to an hour and a half before being called back. Though this is understandable when emergencies arise during the day, the office staff does not notify patients to come in later or reschedule when this happens, which would demonstrate a stronger respect for patient's time.

I've seen Dr Balyeat for a few years now. He's a medical professional in the truest sense of the word. Very thorough, polite, compassionate and knowledgeable. He doesn't recommend treatments unless he absolutely believes it's to your visual benefit. The office is always super clean and comfortable. Highly recommended. I can't believe anyone would leave a negative review of this guy. If only all doctors I've been to over the years were this good.

I don't recommend this location. When I asked to be a new patient of Dr. Balyeat, due to a medical eye emergency, I was told, "[I] need a referral." When I asked for management to confirm this, I was put on the line with an arrogant female. When I asked her if she was the manager, she used a play of words to make me believe she was the manager (something along the lines of, "I work for Dr. Balyeat, yes, "'How may I help you?'"). Being that I am well-educated and very perceptive, I asked her again, "Are you the manager? Because I was specifically put on hold to speak with the manager..." She finally admitted, "no." Eventually, I spoke with the manager. When I asked the manager about needing a referral, she had many things to say. Not only was I LAUGHED at, but I was also told, "[My] eye condition [was] not an emergency." HOW WOULD SHE KNOW!? She claimed, "I trust Dr. Peters." I told her, "I don't. My eye is a medical emergency, and I would like to have a second opinion." The manager did everything she could to write me off, until I explained to her that what she was doing is against the law. It's one thing to require a referral, it's another thing to deny new patients based on one's own self-belief. In the end, I was told to contact Dr. Peters and have him send over a referral. EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY IN CASES LIKE MINE WHERE YOU COULD LOSE YOUR EYE AND POTENTIALLY DIE, HAS THE RIGHT TO A SECOND OPINION. Lastly, it's not about trust, it's about making sure I am treated correctly and treated well. Every great doctor I've had, will recommend a second opinion for absolute clarity, safety, and peace of mind, because it's not about the ego, again, it's about making sure the patient is treated well. For context, I have, at the very least, what's known in the medically community as preseptal cellulitis. This infection, if not treated promptly and correctly, can become orbital cellulitis, which will lead to blindness and even death (i.e., the infection could spread to the brain, the spinal cord, or even the heart). As a patient, I want to make sure I do all I can to fix this. I would hope my doctors would want the same.

Doctor Balyeat has treated my mother for 20 years. His initial surgery saved her eyesight. He is very direct and analytical when it comes to solving a problem. We appreciate the approach. He tries to develop a rapport with his patients so they do the necessary follow up care.

My wife came here with retinal detachment. After months of injections, laser, etc... it was getting worse, and the Dr said she could lose her eyesight without surgery. We, freaked out, asked what we should do, and he proceeds to tell us the surgery only has A 40% success rate st best. And, there's a chance that she could lose her eyeball... He didn't comfort her, or even be optimistic. Even said he wouldn't do recommend the surgery at all. When we asked about the aesthetic of the eye, he said that was the least of her worries. He is cold, callous, and and unsympathetic. So, we changed to Dr. Finley, and he immediately scheduled and performed the surgery. Within a couple of months, eyesight is improving every day. And we are optimistic that not only will she see better and not lose her eye, but are receiving great care with a proper bedside manner. Eyesight is very serious, so make sure you get a second opinion...

Everyone is super nice and friendly. The waiting room is comfy and clean. They play documentaries on the T.V.s, somethings I like them sometimes I don't but I always learn a little while I wait for the doctor.

Plan on waiting an hour -- this greedy doctor packs his schedule and has no respect for how long a patient has to wait.