Dr. Maria Castaños

Retina Specialist

Introducing Dr. Maria Castaños, a highly trained retina specialist at Shane Retina. Dr. Castaños brings exceptional expertise in diagnosing and managing complex retinal diseases, shaped by years of research and advanced clinical training at one of the nation’s top eye institutes.

Meet Dr. Castaños

We are proud to welcome Dr. Maria Castaños to our Shane Retina team as a medical retina specialist serving patients at our ophthalmology clinic on University Parkway in Sarasota.

Dr. Castaños completed her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She went on to earn ECFMG certification and began an intensive pathway of research and clinical training in the United States.

Her journey included a retinal imaging research fellowship, an internal medicine internship, and a full ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE), one of the most prestigious eye hospitals in the U.S. After residency, she completed a medical retina fellowship at NYEE, refining her skills in advanced retinal diagnostics and therapies.

During her training, Dr. Castaños gained extensive experience in the management of conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, uveitis, and other complex retinal diseases. She has also been deeply involved in clinical research, contributing to numerous publications and presentations in retinal imaging, OCT angiography, glaucoma imaging, and innovative therapies for retinal disorders.

What Patients Say About Dr. Castaños

Dr Castaños was very attentive to my emergency situation and explained what needed to be done. She was extremely professional and I appreciated her bedside manors.

More Patient Reivews of Dr. Maria Castaños

Jeanie Johnson

Dr Castanos has a great bedside manner. In this instance a chair side manner. She listens and explains what is happening with your eyes. The staff is very helpful.

Peggy D.

I had gone to the room office and was able to see Dr. Maria. She was great.

Maria Gonzalez

Excelente servicio. Todo el personal muy professional y amable. Lo recomiendo, y pienso quedarme en esta clínica.

Paul Hart

Dr Castaneda was very attentive to my emergency situation and explained what needed to be done. She was extremely professional and I appreciated her bedside manors.

Rhonda Harrison

I was able to be seen as a new patient Emergency visit and they were able to make it happen, I was very worried I had a serious problem. They ran me thru many tests and the outcome was the best news, no retina detachment. I fully recommend this office and Dr. Castanos was great.

Paula Barlow

Dr Castanos is on time and very personable..
She takes the time to discuss results and questions needed from patients after surgery.
Sincerely, Phillip Barlow

jayne laski

Very organized and detailed place!
Thanks for checking my eyes.

Linda Crosby

They were all fantastic in every way.. l had a great experience with all the people and all the doctors. So professional in every way. Highly. Recommend them. Thank. You, Linda. Crosby

William Flinn

Prompt, efficient, professional.

Alfred Paquin

Absolutely great! I recommend this doctor to anyone who has an eye injury.

Kathleen Mlotok

I have the utmost confidence in this practice.
I believe they are the best resource for continuing my eye care and vision.

Alecia Armor

All the staff is very attentive and friendly. Office is clean and neat. All of my questions were answered and I appreciate the care.

If you or a loved one are experiencing changes to your vision, it’s important that you speak with a professional like Dr. Castaños immediately so that it doesn’t get worse. Call us today at (941) 351-1200. We can help you!

Research and Publications

Dr. Castaños has published and presented widely on topics including retinal imaging, OCT angiography, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and emerging retinal treatments. Her work has been featured at major ophthalmology conferences such as ARVO and the Macula Society, and in peer‑reviewed journals including Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Clinical Ophthalmology, and BMC Ophthalmology.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Castaños sees patients at our University Parkway office, providing expert care for the communities of Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota. She has a particular interest in complex retinal diseases and uveitis, and offers Saturday clinic availability to accommodate patients and referring providers.