Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, FACS
Robert J. Weinstock, MD
Neel R. Desai, MD

In association with The Eye Institute of West Florida

(727) 645-0772

Largo office
1225 West Bay Drive
Largo, FL 33770

St. Petersburg office
6133 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Clearwater office
3165 McMullen Booth Road
Building A, Suite 1
Clearwater, FL 33761

Tampa office
501 N. Howard Avenue
Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33606

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Serving patients seeking laser refractive cataract surgery in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL

The eye surgeons at The Eye Institute of West Florida are all board-certified (or board-eligible), fellowship-trained ophthalmologists who specialize in a specific field of ophthalmology. Stephen Weinstock, MD, Robert Weinstock, MD and Neel Desai, MD make up the cataract and refractive team at The Eye Institute of West Florida. They are specialists who offer laser cataract surgery, which is considered the most advanced and precise surgical procedure for the removal of cataracts. They perform this and other corneal and refractive surgeries at The Eye Institute of West Florida, a state-of-the-art, comprehensive eye care center that has been serving the local communities in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater for more than 40 years.

For patients who suffer from cloudy vision as a result of cataracts, relief can be found in the form of the laser cataract procedure — a quick and painless surgery that replaces the cloudy natural eye lens with an artificial lens implant. This surgery uses the latest in laser technology. The Eye Institute is proud to be one of the only facilities in the world with three laser platforms, which are used to customize the cataract procedure for each patient, ensuring the best visual outcome possible.

In addition to standard lens implants that restore clear vision at a fixed distance, The Eye Institute of West Florida also offers the option of premium IOLs (intraocular lens implants). These IOLs restore vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate and far) and correct presbyopia. Premium IOLs enable patients to see clearer than ever following their surgery, often times completely free of glasses or contacts.

Along with laser cataract surgery, the surgeons at The Eye Institute of West Florida also offer LASIK surgery, corneal and retinal treatments, glaucoma treatments and oculoplastic procedures, such as eyelid lifts. The Eye Institute offers everything from general eye exams to surgical procedures to correct diseases, all within one practice.

If you are in the St. Petersburg or Clearwater area and wish to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Stephen Weinstock, Dr. Robert Weinstock or Dr. Neel Desai, please contact The Eye Institute of West Florida by calling (727) 645-0772.

More about Laser Cataract Surgery at The Eye Institute of West Florida

The laser cataract procedure performed at The Eye Institute of West Florida is a simple and painless procedure, typically taking around 5 minutes to perform. To ensure that the patient is comfortable, anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eyes, and then a laser is used to create a tiny incision in the eye’s cornea, which is the thin top layer of the eye’s surface. A probe that emits ultrasonic waves is used to emulsify the cataract-diseased lens, and the pieces are gently removed from the eye. An artificial lens implant (standard or premium IOL) is then implanted as a replacement for the removed eye lens. The incision heals on its own, stitches are no longer required. There is little downtime following cataract surgery; patients are typically able to return to driving, work and normal daily life within a day of surgery. Most patients begin to notice their vision improving gradually, and achieve sharp-focus vision within a week or so of their surgery.

What The Eye Institute of West Florida Patients are Saying

“Dr. Rob changed my life last month. As a very active sports participant he gave me 20/20 vision at the age of 70 with a cataract/astigmatism surgery and implantation of Crystalens in both eyes. I can’t remember seeing this well as a 26-year old new hire airline pilot, and I had 20/10 vision! I took a three hour bicycle ride a couple of days after surgery and everything was so crystal clear that I could not stop smiling for the whole ride. By the way, I haven’t stopped smiling yet. Thank you Dr. Rob!” — Sandy Scott, Florida Champion Cyclist

“I was referred to Neel R. Desai, M.D. at The Eye Institute of West Florida by the eye surgeon at the United States Government’s Veterans Administration Medical Center at Bay Pines, Florida. My right eye had been examined by two eye surgeons, one in private practice in Sarasota, Florida and the surgeon at the Veterans Administration. I was told by both that I had a cataract but that it could not be removed due to a scar across my cornea from an injury received while on active duty with the United States Army. My vision was 20/400. I was told that a cornea transplant was probably necessary.

After Dr. Desai’s initial examination he told me that he could help me and that he did not believe a transplant would be necessary. He wanted to remove as much of the scar as possible and then remove the cataract. I agreed to the procedure and it was successful. My vision improved to 20/70. Dr. Desai then removed the cataract about 8 weeks later and my eyesight improved to 20/30. I was then examined by the eye doctor at the Veterans Administration who was absolutely astounded by the improvement to my vision and stated that she never would have believed it possible. My sight was actually better now then it would have been had I received a transplant. I give my sincere thanks and unending gratitude to Dr. Desai and the entire staff of The Eye Institute of West Florida whose extraordinary efforts and professionalism restored my vision.” — Thomas

“I can’t thank you enough for the gift you have given my mother. I haven’t seen her look so good and so excited in a long time. She is driving again, sewing without difficulty and noticing more dirt than ever! The contacts irritated her eyes and they were always bloodshot and watery. Now? Crystal clear! I know the Crystalens is an excellent lens, but it is a miracle in your hands.” — Ali

“I would like to say a special thank you to everyone at the Eye Institute. My experience was so positive. Everyone was so kind and caring. Especially I would like to thank Jackie, surgical coordinator. She is the best, personable, professional and a very caring individual. A special thank you to Dr. Weinstock for giving me “new eyes’ and, actually, a “new life.’ Thank you for your skill, a true blessing, and your expertise. As a health care professional, we take care of patients. Thanks for taking care of me.” — Satisfied Patient

More about the Doctors at The Eye Institute of West Florida

Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, FACS, is founder of The Eye Institute of West Florida. As a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive cataract and LASIK surgery, Dr. Weinstock is a world-renowned eye surgeon with the rare designation of being board-certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery in both cataract and LASIK surgery. He received his medical degree from The Chicago Medical School and completed an internship at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Weinstock continued his training by finishing his residency at the University of Kentucky’s Albert B. Chandler Medical Center and completing a fellowship program at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Weinstock shares his comprehensive training with future eye doctors in his roles as Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Weinstock has been honored with numerous awards during his career, including the “VISX Star Surgeon” award, which placed him among the nation’s top 5 percent of refractive surgeons.

Robert J. Weinstock, MD, is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Services at The Eye Institute of West Florida and The Weinstock Laser Eye Center. He received fellowship training in cataract and refractive surgery before going on to complete his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Weinstock is a board-certified ophthalmologist with certifications in both cataract and LASIK surgery. In addition to practicing eye surgery, he also holds a teaching position as Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Weinstock also serves as the Surgical Director of the Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. An experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Weinstock has performed thousands of laser eye surgeries, including cataract and LASIK procedures. He has received countless accolades throughout his career, including being named one of Premier Surgeon’s List of Leading Innovators and being listed as one of the “Best Doctors in Tampa Bay,” a designation given by both Tampa Bay Metro Magazine and Tampa Style Magazine. As a leader in his field, Dr. Weinstock has been asked to lecture both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed publications.

Neel R. Desai, MD, is an ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal disease treatment. He received his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine before completing a fellowship program in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Respected by peers in his field, Dr. Desai is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of only 100 surgeons in the world who has performed advanced corneal transplants and other complex cataract, corneal and refractive procedures. Dr. Desai is the Co-Medical Director of Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research and is on the editorial board of EyeWorld Magazine. He holds several pending patents on innovative surgical products and procedures for the advancement of corneal surgery, and received the Helma Award from the American Society of Corneal and Refractive Surgery for his research. Known as an expert in his field, Dr. Desai is the author of several book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed ophthalmological publications.

Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, FACS Robert J. Weinstock, MD Neel R. Desai, MD