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Effective communication with referring physicians improves patient care

UCI Health ophthalmologist emphasizes importance of a smooth handoff, follow-up

IN THE NEWS: Ophthalmologists play an important role in transitioning patients back to their referring physician after treatment, says  Dr. Sumit Garg, medical director of the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.

healio logo with green letters and blue star inside green and blue circleGarg wrote in Healio about his collaboration with referring doctors after performing a treatment for keratoconus called cross-linking.

“It is important to communicate effectively with the referring doctor. I send a letter explaining what was done, any future plans (for the fellow eye, for example) and necessary follow-up. I ask them to keep me informed about their findings and any concerns that arise after cross-linking.”

He also takes steps to educate referring physicians on what patients might experience following the procedure.

Garg is a nationally recognized expert in the most advanced techniques for cataract surgery, corneal, conjunctival and refractive surgery, and intraocular lens implants. He has repeatedly been named a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association. In 2024, he was one of just 15 ophthalmologists in the country recognized in the Healio Honors program.

Garg is currently the principal investigator on a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ophthalmic solution to treat persistent corneal epithelial defect, a condition in which the cornea fails to heal properly following injury or disease.

He is a professor and vice chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. His research focuses on cataract surgery, keratoconus, corneal transplantation, corneal infections and dry eye disease.

Garg is the author or co-author of dozens of publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as book chapters. Additionally, he is the co-editor of a principle textbook in cataract surgery.

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