Dr. Murari Patodia can now perform cataract surgery in Sarnia with the opening of a new state-of-the-art surgical centre.
The longtime ophthalmologist took media and dignitaries on a tour of his new facility on Thursday at the former White Rose building at 1500 London Rd.
The over 8,000 square foot space will reduce wait times and allow for same day treatments upon diagnosis.
Dr. Patodia said his former location on Exmouth Street was becoming too small to serve his expanded patient roster.
He said he'll start seeing patients at the new site on Monday.
"We made sure that it didn't seem too vast, and the space has been set up as primarily a clinic and then the O.R. and the two are separated," said Patodia. "So, it's very easy for patients to navigate, it's not like they're having to go through the entire space."
Dr. Patodia can see urgent patients within 24 hours, and elective routine referrals within two to three weeks. He said that can take up to nine months with other ophthalmologists.
There are 15 employees at the new space, up from 10 at the 5,000 square foot Exmouth Street building.
When Dr. Patodia first started practicing in 1996, he had four employees at a 1,250 square foot space at 110 Water St.
He was the first doctor in the area to offer treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, diabetes and vein occlusions.
He also uses the Heidleburg Spectralisis and iDesign Custom LASIK machines. They're the only technology to be used and approved by NASA and Navy pilots respectively.
