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Ophthalmologist & Laser Vision Specialist

Richard
Palmer, M.D.
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Richard Palmer, M.D Eye Physician & Surgeon Laser Vision Specialist
Richard Palmer, M.D., graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and an-M.D. degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. His internship was completed at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, and his residency in ophthalmology was at the Washington National Eye Center in Washington, D.C. His two-year fellowship in Advanced CustomVue Laser Vision Correction, Lasik, Corneal Physiology and Transplantation, Refractive Eye Surgery and External Ocular Disease was completed under the direction of Herbert Kaufman, M.D. and Marguerite McDonald, M.D., at the Louisiana State University Eye Center, a world leader in Laser Vision Correction, Refractive Corneal Surgery and Visual Research.
For his work during undergraduate and graduate studies Dr. Palmer received many national and local academic scholarships and research honors. He has published several articles in ophthalmic journals and remains committed to scientific research and teaching as an adjunct clinical associate professor for the Illinois College of Optometry.
Dr. Palmer is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He serves as a staff ophthalmologist and consultant for Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Capital Regional Medical Center and Doctors Memorial Hospital. He is president of Palmer Eye Center and Palmer Laser Center, and medical director for the North Florida and South Georgia Vision Center.
Dr. Palmer is a compassionate physician and the only two-year fellowship-trained corneal refractive surgeon and laser vision specialist in North Florida and South Georgia. He provides an expert’s specialized approach to eye care and surgery, utilizing the latest technological advancements for the best possible outcomes. Palmer Eye Center has a state-of-the-art surgical facility and a climate-controlled laser vision suite. Dr. Palmer remains Tallahassee’s choice for Advanced CustomVue Laser Vision Correction and Premium Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation since 1995.
Dr. Palmer, his wife Barbara, and their four children reside in Tallahassee. He is active with his faith, family and church community. He enjoys listening to music, watching football, gardening, playing golf and traveling.
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Questions: 1 - 54 of 54
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Dr. Palmer,
I wanted to know if you take on patients that were born with R.O.P. My son was born at 23wks and is blind as a result. We have been traveling to Detroit, MI. over the past nine years to his current retinal specialist; times are a little tougher now and we wanted to check to see if we could find a good doctor closer to home.
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Pam Young , Valdosta, Ga. 12/30/09
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Dear Ms Lance: I am sorry about the premature birth of your son and the consequential loss of his vision. John chapter 9 of the New Testament indicates that what we may perceive as a tragedy in the life of a child may sometimes occur so that the work of God might be displayed in the child's life. It would be our privilege to take on your son as a patient.
As alternative – there is a terrific retinal group based right here in Tallahassee. There is no need for you to travel to Detroit. They have a satellite office in Valdosta. Please call our office at 850-877-7337 and we would be happy to set up the appointment for you.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 1/05/10
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I have a detached Vitrous. It is about 2 years old now and have lots of floaters from time to time. I also have cataracts in both eyes. Will the detached Vitrous make it impossible to have the cataracts removed? I sometimes have double vision too. |
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Anonymous, Tallahassee, Fl 12/21/09
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Cataract surgery can be safely performed on patients with a detached vitreous as the detachment will not affect cataract surgery. In fact, cataract surgery can often be followed by a procedure to safely remove the floaters.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 1/05/10
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i have a a 10 yr old daugther suffering from lattice degeneration nad her vision is as high as 12.75 and the same with her right eye and her astigmatism is very high..can she go lasik operation?
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leticia duran, philippinesw 6/27/09
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Patients with very large amounts of nearsightedness are typically good candidates for LASIK. Several measurements must be taken prior to surgery. This testing can be done by a qualified refractive specialist. In general, LASIK is postponed in children until their prescription has stopped progressing – however, exceptions do exist.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 7/03/09
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 6/03/09
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I have worn contacts for 20 years, but I take them out every night and I replace them every 2 weeks. I wear Softlens 38 contact lenses. This week I had an eye examination with a new doctor and he seemed very concerned because I had blood vessels which had grown into my cornea due to my eyes getting a lack of oxygen from wearing contact lenses. The blood vessels were large enough to be viewed by the naked eye. The doctor called it Ischemic Keratitis. He said it could cause blindness. I am 33. My questions are 1) is this a common condition and what percentage of patients go blind from it 2) if I stop wearing contacts for several months, could I be a candidate for lasik 3) will gas-permeable contact lenses be an option for me 4) is there a surgery that will safely remove the blood vessels from my cornea if they do not retract on their own so that I do not go blind, and if so, what are the risks of the surgery
Thank you |
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need facts, tallahassee, fl 4/30/09
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Thank you for coming in to see us last week at Palmer Eye Center. I believed we answered all of your questions during your visit but I will summarize our discussion briefly for the benefit of our other readers. Complications are quiet common from contact lens over wear. Patients who remain out of their contacts for several weeks often show a resolution of symptoms and become excellent candidates for LASIK. In fact, many contact lens patients convert to a laser vision corrective procedure when their contact lenses become uncomfortable and cause problems. Most do very well and wonder why they did not have LASIK sooner. Gas-permeable contacts are much safer than soft lenses and would also be an option for your eyes. Surgery is rarely required for the removal of blood vessels from a vascular cornea. I am glad your eye doctor referred you to a corneal specialist before more serious damage incurred.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 5/06/09
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Can vigorous, daily cardio exercise cause retinal tears? |
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Annie, Barrington, il 2/27/09
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People with high risk characteristics for a retinal tear such as high myopia, a positive family history, peripheral retinal degeneration or a previous detachment in the fellow eye may potentially develop a retinal tear from sudden jarring motions incurred from head trauma or perhaps even from aggressive exercise. A detailed eye examination can help determine your level of risk.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 3/03/09
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Hello, I am a 37 year male, married with 3 children, who underwent Lasik surgery in Dec 2006. In January 2007, 3 weeks later I had several retinal tears occur in my left eye.
I was never told nor had any discussion with the doctor that I had lattice degeneration in both eyes. I was not referred to a retinal specialist prior to undergoing Lasik. While I was unaware of this condition, this was noted by my optometrist. The doctor performing the Lasik never consulted with my optometrist. I now understand that I was at a greater risk for retinal tearing and increased risk for loss of sight.
I've had multiple operations including a scleral buckle, macular reattachment surgeries, 2 IOL surgeries because they put the wrong implant in by mistake.
I am simply looking for a doctor who is willing to acknowledge that I should have been referred to a retinal specialist prior to Lasik and that I should have been informed that having lattice degeneration increased my risks to side effects |
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Tony, Winston Salem, NC 12/22/08
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Lattice degeneration is a hereditary vitreoretinal degeneration found in ~ 10% of the general population. Only a small number of people with lattice degeneration develop retinal detachment. On the other hand, in ~ 30% of all rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, lattice is an underlying cause. High myopia is also a risk factor for developing a retinal tear - even without surgery. Because the interior of the eye is not violated with refractive surgery, Lasik is typically not associated with retinal detachment. Patients with high risk characteristics for a retinal tear should be carefully educated for retinal warning signs and seek prompt evaluation and treatment should those symptoms occur.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 1/19/09
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can you fix double vision caused by a stroke with a interocular implant |
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Anonymous, crawfordville fl 12/17/08
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I am sorry, but double vision caused by a stroke is the result of an imbalance in the muscles which control eye movement. Although an intraocular implant will not restore single vision, frequently, a prism placed in your glasses will help tremendously. We would be happy to arrange for a “prism glasses check” for you. Please call our office @ 850-877-7337.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 1/15/09
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What is your opinion regarding IOL for severely myopic individuals? I am -10.50 in both eyes, and have trouble with the labs making the lens for my glasses. I would be happy even if I still had to wear glasses, but a lesser prescription. Is there a doctor near the Tallahassee area with experience in this? |
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Michelle, Tallahassee, FL 10/31/08
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Refractive lens exchange for highly myopic individuals can be an excellent option. The selection of an appropriate candidate is dependent upon multiple factors which are unique to each eye. As a Refractive Corneal Specialist and a Cataract Surgeon specializing in Premium Vision Technologies, I have many years of experience dealing with patients such as your self. I would be happy to discuss your particular situation and provide you with information on which procedure has the best potential to meet your expectations. Give us a call at 850-877-7337 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 11/03/08
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I was diagnosed with Pigment Dispersion Syndrome in my right eye about 6 months ago. My identical twin sister also has it in the same eye. I was wondering if I am a candidate for Lasik surgery. My eye doctor has seen so few cases of PDS and wasn't sure. He figured that because there is a vibration during the surgery that actually shakes the eye, more pigment may flake off and further enhance my risk of Glaucoma as the eye's drainage system may get blocked. I have horrible eye sight and have worn contacts for 17 years. Not having to deal with them anymore would be wonderful. Thank you for your advice. |
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Sarah, Tallahassee, FL 10/17/08
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As this is a recent diagnosis, you need to be thoroughly evaluated and properly treated for PDS. The good news is that pigmentary dispersion syndrome tends to “burn out” over time and become less prominent as you age. The pigment is liberated from the movement of the pupil opening and closing in response to different lighting situations and also from vigorous exercise. LASIK has not been shown to progress the natural course of glaucoma and does not “shake” the eye. LASIK may be an excellent option for you to finally be rid of the burden of contact lenses. You may contact our Laser Vision Correction staff at 850-877-7337 to schedule a complimentary evaluation or schedule directly online with us at palmereye.com
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Richard
Palmer, M.D. 10/22/08
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