Retina specialists can help you see for a lifetime
Retina specialists are highly skilled physicians and surgeons committed to helping people with eye diseases of the retina preserve and improve their vision so they can see for a lifetime.
These medical doctors have completed up to 10 years of advanced medical training to specialize in ophthalmology and sub-specialize in diseases and surgery of the retina. Among the most extensively trained and highly skilled eye care providers, retina specialists have a mastery of the newest and most sophisticated tools and surgical techniques available to diagnose and treat retinal diseases.
What does a retina specialist do?
Retina specialists diagnose retinal diseases using highly technical equipment and testing. They work in both hospitals and clinics treating a wide variety of eye conditions in both adults and children. Retina specialists treat conditions ranging from age-related macular degeneration and retinal detachment to cancers of the eye. They also treat patients who have experienced severe eye trauma as well as children and adults with hereditary diseases of the eye.
What conditions do retina specialists treat?
Common conditions and diseases that retina specialists treat include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
- Macular holes
- Macular puckers
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal tears
- Floaters
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Vascular occlusion
- Laser retina surgery
- Ocular angiography
- Intravitreal injections
- Macular surgery
- Vitrectomy
What is a retina specialist’s education and training like?
Retina specialists are highly trained. They must complete medical school and specialized training in ophthalmology, as well as vitreoretinal training. This includes:
Medical school for 4 years
Graduate-level education that trains individuals to become physicians including clinical training where students gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
Internship for 1 year
A supervised period of training after medical school that provides hands-on clinical experience and exposure to various medical specialties.
Ophthalmology residency for 3 years
Specialized training for doctors to become ophthalmologists, focusing on eye and visual system disorders and treatments.
Retina-vitreous fellowship for 1 or 2 years
Advanced subspecialty training for ophthalmologists focusing on diagnosing and treating disorders of the retina and vitreous within the eye.
What happens during a typical visit with a retina specialist
A visit with your retina specialist may last longer than a typical medical visit. Because a retina specialist’s office is equipped with highly specialized imaging equipment, all testing and imaging to track the progress of your retinal condition happen right in the office, without you having to travel to a different medical office or clinic.
To be safe, plan to be at the clinic for about two to three hours. In addition to testing and imaging to track the progress of any conditions you may have; you may also receive treatments including eye injections during this time. Because your pupils were dilated and stay that way for several hours, it’s a good idea to have a friend or loved one accompany you to your appointment and drive you home when it’s complete.
About Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina, Assil Gaur Eye Institute’s retina specialist
Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina, ophthalmologist and retinal specialist/surgeon Svetlana Pilyugina, M.D. is a Fellowship trained, board-certified Retina Specialist, who is fluent in English, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian.
Known to most as “Dr. P,” she has a well-earned reputation as a skilled clinician and surgeon specializing in the treatment of retinal diseases such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others using the most current medical, surgical, and injectable technologies.
In our state-of-the-art clinics, she utilizes highly advanced retinal imaging and innovative laser technology, offering patients the most comfortable and precise detection and treatment of retinal conditions.
Dr. P.’s vast experience and unique background are a great example of achieving the American dream. At age 16, Dr. P moved on her own from Ukraine to the United States. Here, she taught herself English, completed her undergraduate degree with the highest Summa Cum Laude honors, and earned her Medical Degree from Stanford University. She continued her training at Stanford Medical Center for Ophthalmology residency, followed by a specialized two-year retina-vitreous surgical fellowship at the University of California at San Diego.
As a member of an elite group of only 3,000 retina-vitreous specialists in the United States, Dr. Pilyugina brings to AGEI over a decade of clinical experience and a unique skill set in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal diseases. Dr. P. has a research interest and participates in multiple clinical trials and presents at national and international scientific meetings.
She is an active member of the American Society of Retinal Specialists and currently serves as Chief Editor of New Retinal Physician. She was also featured in Angeleno Magazine’s “Los Angeles Power Players” section.
Why trust your eyesight to Assil Gaur Eye Institute?
The Assil Gaur Eye Institute has assembled a team of top optometrists and ophthalmology specialists from around the country who continue AGEI’s tradition of offering patients the highest quality of specialist eye care in the United States. In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our doctors have managed to keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.
Today, the Assil Gaur Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care and commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, laser eye surgery, glaucoma, retina care, and many other aspects of eye care. Assil Gaur Eye Institute is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of its patients and community.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
As a member of an elite group of only 3000 retina-vitreous specialists in the United States, Stanford trained Dr. Pilyugina brings to AGEI a unique skill set in the treatment and surgery of retinal disease. Her academic credentials include numerous research papers, conference presentations, medical publications, and clinical trials.
In recognition of her expertise, Dr. Pilyugina was asked to serve as Chief Editor for New Retinal Physician, a supplement published by the Retinal Physician Journal.
