Having done my undergraduate work in bioengineering with a focus on biomaterials, I’ve always had a fascination with implantable biomaterials. I’ve never practiced as an engineer (went to Harvard Medical School after undergrad), but my default is to be detail oriented with numbers so I will analyze the lens implant powers for my patients multiple ways as a default during lens selection. It’s ingrained because I want the most optimal result for each individual situation.
I want to serve people well as that is part of my calling. I’ve been a part of a practice that has had its roots in the Bellevue community for 40 years, started by Dr. Jon Bosland. I made a career shift nearly many years ago when joining the practice, captured by the colleague interviewing me who said, “We built this practice based on relationships”. I understand the value of exceptional processes, but I hope it will never be at the expense of relationship building, which is at the heart of who we are.
It takes time to get to know patients and their visual and life priorities and match those with our many lens implant technologies if they are having cataract surgery.
It’s also important to match the proper technology with each person’s ocular condition. What is perfect for one person may be not be right for someone with mild macular degeneration, or an irregular cornea, or previous LASIK.
Today lens implant choices have never been more vast. We have fixed lens implants that reduce astigmatism and give distance and near vision simultaneously, reducing dependence on glasses.
We now also offer light adjustable lens implants that allow you to customize your vision postoperatively. This to me is an engineering feat! I can remove your cataract, implant the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), and allow you to test drive it at home. If you want a refined focal length or power, I can perform a treatment with our Light Delivery Device in the office, causing the macromers in your lens implant to shift to your target power, yielding clearer vision. It’s a longer journey than cataract surgery with a fixed lens so it may not be the lens selection of choice for some. But it’s a strong addition to our options for many!
To get to know your vision needs and ocular issues properly takes time. To those families that have been loyal patients for more than three decades to our practice, thank you! To our new patients, we welcome you! Together with our team of administrators, ophthalmic technicians and optometrists Drs. Raju, Smith, and Chung, we work diligently every day to earn your trust! Visit us at our Bellevue and Kirkland locations. Thank you for joining us in our journey as we aim to serve you better!
-Mary P Coday, MD
