Teresa Chae, MD

Professional Review - Eye Care Experience at Kelsey-Seybold Despite reporting serious eye symptoms over three years, my concerns were repeatedly dismissed until a retinal specialist and subsequent ocular specialist provided a correct diagnosis of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), drusen, a cataract, and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). I have been with Kelsey-Seybold for some years and have seen two eye care providers--ophthalmologist Teressa Chae and optometrist Ashley P. Huynh. I requested ophthalmology care due to underlying health conditions and concerning eye symptoms, including vision loss. During scheduling, I was informed that ophthalmologists focus primarily on surgeries, while routine eye care can be managed by optometry. During visits with both providers, the only findings reported were dry eyes, attributed to eye watering, and that individuals of Indian and African descent naturally have slightly protruding eyes. Despite my ongoing symptoms--including pressure behind the eyes, eyeball aches, progressive vision loss including peripheral vision, left eye protrusion, and a new spot in my eye--no further evaluation or referral was made. When I reported a new spot in my eye, I was told it was a freckle. I emphasized that it had never existed before, yet I was asked to provide a photograph to "prove" it, dismissing my concerns and delaying proper evaluation. After my last visit with optometry, I independently sought a retinal specialist, who diagnosed dry AMD, noted drusen, and identified a cataract, then referred me to an ocular specialist, who conducted comprehensive testing and diagnosed Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), finally clarifying the symptoms I had reported for years. Critical Issues: Medically significant symptoms, including vision loss, were dismissed over multiple visits Serious symptoms were attributed to ethnicity rather than investigated as potential pathology Retinal findings, including drusen, went unidentified and undiscussed Absence of timely specialist referrals delayed diagnosis of dry AMD, cataract, and TED Patient-reported changes, including the new spot/freckle, were not adequately investigated, and requests for verification were inappropriately placed on the patient I am now receiving appropriate treatment, but the delayed diagnosis has had lasting impacts. I share this experience to emphasize the importance of listening to patients, performing thorough evaluations, and making timely specialist referrals when symptoms warrant investigation, even when routine care can be handled by optometry. Patient-reported symptoms must be trusted and investigated without unnecessary dismissal.

Dr Chae explained the procedure clearly, asked if I had questions, gave clear instructions for after surgery care. My vision is much better. Also I never waited for office appointments.

She was friendly, efficient and professional. I felt comfortable the whole time with her. She answered my questions. I would go back to her if I needed to.

She's friendly, professional, organized, answers all my questions completely. Gives information that I don't even think to ask. Operations and laser beams in one's eyes produces anxiety. I'm completely comfortable with Dr Chae and my two procedures have proven I have good reason to feel that secure with her. So happy that my blurry vision up to yesterday morning is perfectly clear today! I can read as much as I want now.

Dr Chae is so personable. She is patient and take time to explain everything to calm any fears you may have. She take a personal interest in each of her patients and as many patients she has--she remember details about you that are not in the computer. She even made my daughter feel inclusive when she came for one of my visits. Dr. Chae is simply the best!! She gave me my sight back and i am now able to drive without glasses!! She is the Best!

Dr. Chae inspires my confidence in her skills and competence in the calm, self-assured manner in which she answered my questions. I was treated with respectful honesty. Also, her responses recognized that I'm an adult who has experiences that influence my decision making and that I think are important. I felt heard. Though the idea of cataract surgery feels scary, I have full confidence that when I elect to have the surgery, Dr. Chae will provide excellence.

Dr. Chae is very professional in her approach. She gave me and exam and explained how the surgery would be administered and the recovery time. Dr. Chae also gave me three options and then suggested which she thought would be better suited for my medical condition. Thank you for your kindness and attention to detail.

Dr. Chae is an awesome eye specialist. She has completed removing cataracts from both eyes. One last year and the other eye just two days ago. I only had eyes numbed from drops and Dr. Chae walked me through everything she was doing. She's the sweetest doctor