Tolia Eye Clinic: Partnering with patients to provide advanced vision care

Imagine going through life with no vision or reduced vision — unable to catch subtle facial expressions, to read a book or thread a needle. Nalin H. Tolia, M.D., F.A.C.S., understands the importance of eyesight and strives to be a partner with his patients in caring for their eyes.

“Next to dying, people say their biggest fear is losing their eyesight,” Dr. Tolia says. “It’s very fulfilling to help a patient regain his sight.”

The comfort and convenience of the patient are of primary importance to Dr. Tolia and his staff. His office at One Professional Plaza, 6005 Eastridge Rd., Ste. 100, Odessa, has ample parking and large, comfortable waiting rooms. Dr. Tolia makes a point of thoroughly explaining each step of the procedure to his patients, from initial examination through after care.

Dr. Tolia received his Master of Surgery of Ophthalmology at the University of Bombay. In 1974, he moved to Odessa where he trained with Dr. John H. Sheets, a pioneer in cataract surgery with lens implants. In 1986, Dr. Tolia opened Tolia Eye Clinic. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.

Recent advances in cataract surgery have enabled Dr. Tolia to restore vision to cataract patients by replacing the cataract with a lens implant, restoring clear vision quickly and effectively. NoStitch surgery requires making the incision at an angle, which allows the eye to self seal. The surgery literally requires no stitches, allowing for a shorter recovery time.

Tom Gesch, who underwent NoStitch surgery, had 20/50 vision going into the surgery — and 20/20 by the next morning. Tom reports that there was no pain during the surgery.

Dr. Tolia is a proponent of small incision surgery, which uses a procedure known as phacoemulsification, using ultrasound waves to break up the cataract. The procedure requires an incision about five times smaller than the size of a traditional cataract incision.

Dr. Tolia is much in demand as a lecturer across the U.S. and in foreign countries including India, Kenya, France, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Japan. He keeps informed concerning the latest surgical and medical techniques.

Among the services Tolia Eye Clinic offers are:

• Complete Medical Eye Care

• Industrial and Emergency Eye Care

• State-of-the-Art Cataract Implant Surgery

• Medical and Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma

• Second Opinions and Consultations

• Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Symptoms Such as Dry or Watery Eyes

• Pediatric Eye Care Including Strabismus Cross-Eye) Correction

• Digital Fluorescein Angiography and Laser Treatment for Diabetes

Dr. Tolia has active staff memberships at Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Hospital. He has served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at MCH and has been on the board of directors for ORH. He has also served as president of the Ector County Medical Society and as a delegate to the Texas Medical Association for more than 10 years.

“I’m especially honored that so many of my medical colleagues turn to me for their eye care and their children’s eye care,” he says.

Because Dr. Tolia believes that vision care is important for everyone, he was instrumental in organizing the Lions Eye Bank in Odessa. He is active in Mission Cataract Surgery, an organization that provides free cataract surgery for those who can’t afford it. He also participates in Eye Care America (1-800-222-EYES), an organization whose mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye disease and care.

“Eligible seniors who have not had an eye exam in three years may be eligible to receive a referral for eye care at no out-of-pocket cost for up to one year,” Dr. Tolia explains.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Tolia Eye Clinic at (432) 362-2020.