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the eye institute of west florida

Our Ambulatory Surgery Center

Dr. Robert Weinstock ushers in new technology that optimizes OR efficiency through a greater field of surgical view using a stereoscopic high-definition visualization system.

Our physicians helped pioneer the modern cataract procedure – the bimanual microincision technique. Where other ophthalmologists are beginning to learn this new technique, our physicians have been successfully performing thousands of these types of surgeries for years. Using the microincision technique is safer and patients are able to see more clearly, sooner, with less pain and return to their normal activities much sooner. The incision is so small it does not require a suture, and has less risk for infection and other complications.

Many advances in the field of ophthalmology have occurred over the last five years. Newer intraocular lens implant options, equipment, and technology provide safer procedures with astonishingly clearer visual results. At The Eye Institute, we embrace these advances and take pride knowing that our patients will receive the best care possible. For example, bladeless laser cataract surgery offers predictable computer level accuracy for clearer vision outcomes. For years the femtosecond technology has been used in the LASIK procedures to sharpen the vision of more youthful eyes.

Now our experienced physicians use the same technology to safely remove cataracts and correct astigmatism for a vision that is clear and sharp. Also, the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) delivers real-time analysis of lens power, lens position, and astigmatism correction during cataract surgery that optimizes results and minimizes the need for further refinement. We are one of 5 institutions in the country with this technology. Furthermore, the new 3-D HD visualization system is a heads up digital flat panel display in 3-D that provides our surgeons with the most ergonomically, uncompromising operating room efficiencies, and is the only one available in the Tampa Bay area. Because our physicians helped in their development, we were first to use many of these newer innovations before they were made available in the general market. This means that patients have treatment available to them that they cannot get anywhere else.

If you have questions about our Tampa Bay surgery center, or if you would like to make an appointment at our office, give us a call!

Schedule your Cataract Evaluation today 
Call (727) 581-8706 to schedule your appointment

Meet Your Cataract Care Specialists

Stephen-M.-Weinstock,-MDStephen M Weinstock, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a cataract and LASIK specialist. He founded The Eye Institute of West Florida in 1974, pioneering sub-specialty eye care in Pinellas County. Today, as President and Medical Director, Dr. Weinstock is recognized as a world renowned cataract and LASIK surgeon. He teaches the latest techniques such as”no-stitch, no-patch” cataract extraction and implantation of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), here and abroad. Dr. Weinstock is also very proud of being the first ophthalmologist to introduce the excimer and YAG lasers to Pinellas County.

In 1999 for his outstanding performance as a refractive surgeon, Dr. Weinstock was honored with the”VISX Star Surgeon” award and placed in the top 5% of refractive surgeons nationwide. He is one of the only surgeons in the country who has been certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery in both Cataract and LASIK surgery.

Dr. Weinstock is also an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida.


Robert-J.-Weinstock,-MDRobert J. Weinstock, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cataract and refractive surgery. He became interested in ophthalmology at an early age – as he watched and assisted his father. Dr. Weinstock has joined the practice in 2001 after completing his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

He is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Services at the Eye Institute of West Florida and The Weinstock Laser Eye Center. He also is an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida, and serves as the Surgical Director of the Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. He was named one of 250 in Permier Surgeon’s List of Leading Innovators of 2010 for his contributions to cataract surgery and premium IOLs. In addition to performing thousands of vision correcting cataract and LASIK procedures each year, Dr. Weinstock speaks and teaches nationally and internationally on customized cataract surgery and surgical innovations. He is continuously engaged in clinical research and studies to evaluate new technology, many of which are sanctioned by the FDA. He is recognized internationally as an expert on new implant technology and microincisional surgical techniques. He has authored many book chapters on cataract surgery and continues to write journal articles on cataract and refractive surgery.


Neel-R.-Desai,-MDNeel R. Desai, M.D. is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist strictly specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal diseases of the eye. Dr. Desai is a top graduate of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his fellowship in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He is recognized throughout the country and internationally as one of only 100 surgeons able to perform advanced corneal transplants and other complex cataract, corneal and refractive procedures. He holds pending patents to new surgical products and advanced cornea surgical procedures of his own design. Additionally, Dr. Desai has authored many book chapters in his field of study and continues to write articles in peer review journals.

LASIK Self-Test Cataract Self-Test