Sometime ago I was told that a person's eye could tell the health of the individual. Today I am a believer of this statement.
In June of 2015, during a routine visit to my ophthalmologist, Dr. Hetal Vaishnav, he suggested that I see my vasular physician for a check of my carotid arteries. Sure enough my right carotid artery had occlusion and required surgery.
In early September of 2018, again during a routine eye exam, Dr. Vaishnav took longer than usual examining my eyes, asking, if there was a history of cancer in my family. My answer was negative. Dr. Vaishnav suggested I have some testing done.
In October 2018, after experiencing severe abdominal pain, I was admitted to Cape Canaveral Emergency. Testing revealed a blockage in the ascending colon and the colonoscopy revealed a cancerous mass. After the colectomy was successful done, my pathology results – 2A Stage Cancer, with no further treatment needed.
I am grateful for Dr. Vaishnav's exam thoroughness, thus helping me catch and correct both illnesses in early stages.
F.K. Juranek
Physician & Surgeon: Dr. Hetal Vaishnav is a fellowship trained Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, specializing in treating complex diseases of the eye. He is a Diplomate and Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Vaishnav is a Member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, a by-invitation-only society whose members include 57 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Dr. Vaishnav holds professional memberships in the American Medical Association and the American Society of Retina Specialists, and is the only ophthalmologist in Brevard County to be a member of the American Society of Preventative Medicine. Dr. Vaishnav graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Science prior to attending and graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Vaishnav performed his General Surgery Internship, his Ophthalmology Residency and pursued Advanced Fellowship Training in Vitreoretinal Surgery at University of Florida-Gainesville.
Academician & Professor: Dr. Vaishnav is an adjunct lecturer and instructor at both the University of Florida and the Florida Institute of Technology. He has also been invited to speak at various meetings including the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Lions Club, Doctors Goodwill Foundation, Aging Matters Symposium, One Senior Place Symposium and BIMDA. He has also appeared on a popular radio show called Your Visual Health on AM1060, and on Helping Seniors Television.
Clinical Scientist, Author and Innovator: In addition to teaching, Dr. Vaishnav is a clinical scientist with research experiences and collaborations at world renowned institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the University of Florida and the Diabetes Clinical Research Center (DRCR.net). He has also been a scientific investigator for some of the latest medications used to prevent blindness. Dr. Vaishnav has created innovative patient centered programs such as Healthy Eye, Healthy I ™ Integrative Eye Care and Retain Independence of SEniors (RISE) ™ Fall Prevention Program to serve the patients of Brevard County. He is currently working on a series of educational books for patients.
Humanitarian: Through his involvement with Non-Profit Organizations like the Lions Club International, BIMDA, Doctor’s Goodwill Foundation, and the Brevard Health Alliance, Dr. Vaishnav works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his many patients and for the Brevard County Community, in general. His efforts include raising awareness of preventable diseases and encouraging patient participation in their health care. His contributions to the community include participating in health screenings, volunteer work, fund raisers, education, providing medical care on a pro bono basis, and other grass roots efforts. Dr. Vaishnav was recently awarded the Melvin B. Jones Humanitarian Fellowship Award by the Lions Club International for his many contributions towards the prevention and treatment of blindness.
Extracurricular Activities: Dr. Vaishnav enjoys spending time with his family, and writing books on medical and non-medical topics. Additionally, he enjoys traveling, sports and the great outdoors.
Diabetic Retinopathy, Flashes and Floaters, Macular Degeneration, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Retinal Detachment, Retinal Tear, Retinal Hole, Macular Edema, Retinal Edema, Uveitis, Central Serous Retinopathy, Macular Pucker, Macular Hole, Retinal Artery Occlusion, Endophthalmitis, Branch Retinal Vein Occulsion (BRVO), Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) and many more.
Comprehensive Examinations, Vitrectomy, Intravitreal Injections, Pan Retinal Photocoagulation Laser, Pneumatic Retinopexy, Cryotherapy, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Scleral Buckle Surgery, FA, Fundus Photos, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Visually Evoked Potential Testing, Visual Field Testing and many more.
This is a great community to live in and raise a family. I am proud to serve my friends and neighbors and contribute to the health and wellness of people throughout the Space Coast.
I feel passionate about helping people and about practicing medicine. I listen to my patients carefully. To me, optimal patient care means combining the latest advances in medicine with old-fashioned caring, concern, and respect.