Thomas Shane M.D. Ophthalmologist & Retina Specialist in Sarasota

An optometrist (OD) is an eye doctor who provides routine vision care, including eye exams, glasses, and contact lens prescriptions. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in eyes and can diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform surgery, and manage complex conditions that an optometrist would refer out.

The main difference is training and scope. An optometrist completes optometry school and focuses on vision correction and primary eye care. An ophthalmologist completes medical school, a residency in ophthalmology, and in many cases additional fellowship training, which allows them to provide both medical and surgical treatment for eye disease.

Many patients see an optometrist for their annual eye exam and are referred to an ophthalmologist when something more serious is found, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or a retinal tear. Dr. Thomas Shane is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has further specialized in diseases of the retina.

Yes, a retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional training focused specifically on the retina. Every retina specialist first becomes a medical doctor and a board-certified ophthalmologist, then completes a fellowship in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous.

This extra training is what sets a retina specialist apart. While a general ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, a retina specialist concentrates on the back of the eye, managing complex problems like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular holes, including the medical injections and surgery these conditions often require.

Dr. Thomas Shane is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained retina specialist. He completed his vitreoretinal surgical fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, consistently ranked the top ophthalmology program in the country, and now provides advanced retina care to patients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.

In most cases you do not need a referral to see Dr. Shane, and you are welcome to call and schedule an appointment directly. Many patients come to Shane Retina on their own after noticing symptoms like new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in their vision.

That said, some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor or optometrist before they will cover a visit to a specialist. It is worth checking with your insurance provider so you understand your coverage before your appointment.

Many patients are referred by their optometrist or primary care physician after a problem is found during a routine exam. Whether you were referred or are reaching out on your own, our team can help you schedule and will work with your eye care provider when needed. To make an appointment, call (941) 351-1200.

At your first visit, Dr. Shane will review your symptoms and medical history, examine your eyes, and perform a dilated retinal exam to get a clear view of the back of the eye. Depending on your situation, he may also use advanced imaging such as OCT to look at the retina in detail.

Plan to be at the office for a couple of hours. The dilating drops take time to work and will leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for several hours afterward, so it is a good idea to bring sunglasses and arrange for someone to drive you home.

Once the exam and any imaging are complete, Dr. Shane will explain what he found in clear terms, answer your questions, and discuss a treatment plan if one is needed. You will leave understanding your diagnosis and the next steps for protecting your vision.

Yes, Dr. Shane is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon who performs both in-office procedures and surgical repair of the retina. His surgical training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute allows him to treat complex retinal conditions that require an operation, not just medication.

Surgical and in-office procedures Dr. Shane performs include vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, scleral buckle, macular surgery, eye injections, and laser treatment. The right approach depends on your specific condition, and many retinal problems can be managed with injections or laser in the office rather than in an operating room.

When surgery is the best option, Dr. Shane uses advanced, small-incision techniques designed to protect your vision and support a smoother recovery. He will walk you through what the procedure involves, what to expect afterward, and the goals of treatment before moving forward.

Dr. Shane sees patients at two Shane Retina offices in Sarasota, Florida: the University Parkway office in North Sarasota and the South Tamiami Trail (Bee Ridge) office in South Sarasota. Both offices provide full medical and surgical retina care.

The University Parkway office is located just west of I-75 in University Health Park, convenient for patients in North Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Parrish. The South Tamiami Trail office sits just south of Bee Ridge Road, serving South Sarasota, Siesta Key, and the surrounding communities.

You can be seen at either Sarasota location. To schedule an appointment at the office most convenient for you, call (941) 351-1200.

Yes, Shane Retina accepts Medicare and works with most major insurance plans. Because retinal conditions are medical conditions, care with Dr. Shane is typically billed to your medical insurance rather than a vision plan.

Coverage can vary from plan to plan, so it is a good idea to confirm your benefits before your visit. Our team is happy to help you understand what your plan covers and answer questions about referrals or authorizations if your insurer requires them.

If you have questions about insurance or want to confirm that your plan is accepted, call us at (941) 351-1200 and our staff will be glad to assist.

Dr. Thomas Shane completed his medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he graduated at the top of his class. He then trained at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, consistently ranked the number one ophthalmology program in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

At Bascom Palmer, Dr. Shane completed both his residency in ophthalmology and a two-year vitreoretinal surgical fellowship, training alongside some of the most respected retina surgeons in the field. During his fellowship he served as Chief Resident and Director of the Ocular Trauma Service.

Dr. Shane is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He earned his undergraduate degree at Emory University.

To make an appointment with Dr. Shane, call Shane Retina at (941) 351-1200. Our team will help you choose the Sarasota office that is most convenient for you and find a time that fits your schedule.

In most cases you can schedule directly without a referral, though some insurance plans may require one. If you are experiencing sudden symptoms such as a curtain or shadow over your vision, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or sudden vision loss, let us know when you call so we can arrange to see you as soon as possible.

You can also request an appointment through our contact page, and a member of our team will follow up with you. Dr. Shane sees patients at both the University Parkway and South Tamiami Trail offices in Sarasota.