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When patients walk into Dr. Skopis’s office at Retina Group of Florida (RGF), they’re often scared and unsure of what a diagnosis like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration really means. “My first goal is to help patients feel seen and supported,” he says. “Vision loss doesn’t just change how you see; it changes how you live.”
Fear is a natural response when something threatens your vision—but it’s also a signal to act quickly. Some retinal conditions can cause irreversible vision loss if not treated right away. That’s why RGF always has a retina specialist on call—to make sure you get the expert care you need when time matters most.
At the new RGF office in Lakewood Ranch, patients not only benefit from state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostics but also something just as vital: time.
“We get to sit down, examine the eyes, and explain what’s happening in the rest of the body, especially in diabetic patients,” says Dr. Skopis.
The eyes, he explains, are a window into a person’s overall health. “It’s the only place in the body where we can actually see blood vessels and nerves.” Changes in the eyes can reveal how a patient’s diabetes is also affecting other organs, such as the kidneys, heart, or brain. “It’s our job to explain that and help prevent further harm.”
Treatment may involve injections, laser therapies, or surgery, but education comes first. “Patients with diabetic retinopathy often think, ‘If I can still see, everything must be okay.’ But early changes don’t always cause symptoms. That’s why regular checkups and systemic control, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, are the foundation of ongoing care.”
For Dr. Skopis, no matter the eye problem, the work goes beyond procedures. “My ethos is about preserving not just vision, but quality of life. I want to help people stay independent and connected to the things and people they love.” It’s also a team effort. “We collaborate closely with primary care doctors and specialists. We don’t treat in isolation, because patients, and the biology of the body, don’t exist in isolation.”
At RGF Lakewood Ranch, patients find more than cutting-edge care. They find a partner in their journey, someone who listens, understands, educates, and then acts. “We go from diagnosis to treatment very quickly,” says Dr. Skopis. “But we start with trust.”
Visit RetinaGroupFlorida.com for Your Local Retina Specialists with Same Day Emergency Appts & 24/7 Support.
