Expert cataract surgeons serving west Bradenton, east Bradenton, Sarasota, Ellenton, Sun City Center, FL and the surrounding areas

The Eye Associates, founded by Dr. Harris Silverman, provides routine, medical, surgical and optical eyecare for people of all ages. Harris Silverman, MD, Robert Friedman, MD, Cathleen McCabe, MD, and Brian Foster, MD, are highly experienced ophthalmologists who perform a wide range of vision correction procedures, including cataract surgery with high-tech intraocular lens implants (IOLs), for those patients who want to be less dependent on eyeglasses after cataract surgery. This team of premier eye surgeons at The Eye Associates have helped tens of thousands of patients achieve clearer vision for a safer and happier life.

Dr. Harris Silverman, board-certified ophthalmologist, has performed well over 35,000 cataract surgeries and is a distinguished Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has been repeatedly selected by his peers as "One of the Best Doctors in America" and listed in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors," as well as chosen "Best Ophthalmologist" by his local community for eight consecutive years. Additionally, he was named on the Premier Surgeon 250 list of the leading innovators in premium IOL cataract surgery in the United States.

Dr. Robert Friedman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. He has a reputation for excellence and specializes in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, providing his patients with outstanding results using the latest technology and leading-edge equipment. He also enjoys teaching medical students and has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at both Florida State University College of Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Cathleen McCabe is a board-certified ophthalmologist who is highly skilled in cataract and LASIK surgery. She has performed over 26,000 cataract surgeries and more than 17,000 LASIK procedures. She also performs elective refractive procedures, such as clear lens extractions (CLE)/refractive lens exchange (RLE) and implantable collamer lenses (ICLs). She was named on the Premier Surgeon 250 List of the leading innovators in premium IOL cataract surgery and was selected as a LaserVision Top 100 surgeon for her vast experience and excellent outcomes in LASIK and refractive surgery. She shares her expertise by publishing articles and book chapters as well as lecturing at ophthalmological and optometric seminars throughout the country. In addition, she has participated in medical missions providing much needed care to individuals in Bolivia, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Paraguay.

Dr. Brian Foster is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and cataract surgeon. He brings the most up-to-date training and knowledge to his cataract and corneal practice. He is experienced in the latest innovations in corneal transplants, such as the sophisticated and precise microsurgical procedures DSAEK for Fuch's endothelial dystrophy, DALK for keratoconus, implantable collamer lenses (ICLs), clear lens extractions (CLE)/refractive lens exchange (RLE), and he also provides LASIK and dry eye treatment. Dr. Foster is the recipient of the prestigious Resident Excellence Award by the ASCRS and the Joseph B. Whitehead Surgery Scholarship. His passion for helping others has led him to make several medical mission trips to Honduras and its outlying islands to help the residents improve their vision and quality of life.

The Eye Associates: Going Beyond the Industry Standard to Excellence

For more than 30 years, The Eye Associates has served the Sarasota, Manatee and south Hillsborough area, providing local families access to the latest technology, state-of-the-art equipment and the most highly skilled eye physicians and surgeons in the area. While exciting advances in surgical techniques and advanced implants have revolutionized cataract and lens replacement surgery, it is the surgeon's experience and skill that guarantee an excellent result. Through listening to and thoroughly assessing the individual needs of each patient, The Eye Associates exceeds industry standards by providing unsurpassed treatment with those individual needs in mind.

The Eye Associates has six locations with eight medical ophthalmologists covering the specialties of cataracts, corneal, glaucoma, retina, LASIK and oculoplastics. Five board-certified optometrists are on staff for comprehensive primary eye care, contact lenses and eye health exams. A board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified hearing instrument specialist are also part of The Eye Associates team, who promise the community "Sight For Life and So Much More."

Believing that knowledge is power, The Eye Associates hosts FREE weekly seminars on Cataracts and High-Tech Lens Implant Options so that patients and their families can learn about their choices for treating cataracts. The Eye Associates hosts "Sight For Life," a TV show on ABC7 Sundays at 10 AM, addressing topics such as eye care, vision correction surgery, hearing, cosmetic services and dermatology. The doctors at The Eye Associates also appear on "Local Doctors on Call," a LIVE call-in television show on SNN6 Tuesdays at 7 PM, during which callers have their questions answered by The Eye Associates' experts. In addition, The Eye Associates offer FREE vision screenings at many office locations as well as on their 35-foot bus, called The SightMobile, which provides FREE distance vision and glaucoma screenings in the community. For available dates and times, please call Cindy Baxter at (941) 792-2020.

Email the Surgeon

More About Cataract Surgery at The Eye Associates

The Eye Associates offer the latest surgical techniques and utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat cataracts (the clouding of the eye's natural lens). The surgeons of The Eye Associates perform the advanced "no-stitch" cataract surgery technique. This method involves a small incision in the eye, which is naturally sealed by the eye's own pressure, eliminating the need for sutures. The incision is used to access the clouded lens, which is broken up and extracted through a process known as phacoemulsification, using the advanced technology of the Infiniti Vision System. Once removed, the natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). The Eye Associates offer a basic monofocal lens, as well as the high-tech lifestyle lens implants, such as the ReZoom, ReSTOR, Tecnis and Crystalens. High-tech IOLs allow patients to change focus from near to intermediate to distance vision, thereby allowing patients to be less dependent on glasses. In addition, The Eye Associates offer LASIK and other refractive surgery options.

The Eye Associates' Surgery Center is state licensed and Medicare approved. It also has an advanced accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), which is given only to those centers with superior patient care ratings. The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation demonstrates an organization's commitment to provide safe, high quality services to patients.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Silverman, Dr. Friedman, Dr. McCabe or Dr. Foster and learn more about your vision correction options, contact The Eye Associates at (800) 941-8114.

What Do Patients Say About the Eye Surgeons at The Eye Associates?

"Everything was perfect and wonderful. Dr. Silverman and the staff are the best and I am more than pleased. You made us feel like family and well cared for." —William M.

"I was so impressed with Dr. Foster's kindness, openness and expertise. Thank you so much for a very pleasant and informative visit." —Charlie C.

"The doctors and staff are always attentive and thorough. The Surgery Center was extremely efficient and everyone could not have been more professional. The best part was when Dr. Silverman himself called that night just to check up on me. The surgery went exactly like they said it would and I love my new vision." —Joann T.

"What I like most about The Eye Associates is the efficiency and attentiveness of the staff. I have been totally satisfied here for many years." —Russell S.

"What I like most is how professional and caring everyone is...from the doctor to the nurses and the technicians. Keep doing what you do; it made me feel very comfortable. I've told everyone that I know: if they have to have cataract surgery, go to Dr. Harris Silverman as he and his staff are wonderful." —Cecelia K.

"I liked the organization, cleanliness, efficiency and cooperation with each other. I can't imagine anything better. I am so happy and amazed. I can see again." —Mary G.

"When I go to The Eye Associates, I can expect professional and proficient service every time. They have the friendliest and most courteous staff I've ever seen. That's why they are my only choice for eye care." —Tom M.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how wonderful I think Dr. Friedman has been. He is caring, competent and efficient. It has been, if it can be said when you have a medical problem, a real pleasure dealing with him. I sing his praises to all I come in contact with." — James C.

"Thank you, Dr. McCabe, for the incredible, life-changing, miraculous gift you have given me! May your talents continue to bless others as I have been blessed." — Carol G.

More about the Eye Surgeons at The Eye Associates

Harris Silverman, MD, FACS, completed his undergraduate degree at the Franklin and Marshall College and his medical degree at Temple University Medical School. He served an internship at Mount Zion Hospital and Medical Center and completed his medical residency at the Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Silverman is well known as a technological innovator and has been serving the needs of vision correction patients for more than 30 years. He has traveled abroad to share his knowledge with eye doctors in underdeveloped countries and is a founding member of the Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., a school that enables visually challenged individuals to lead independent lives. Dr. Silverman is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Eye Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, the Manatee County Medical Association, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the American Board of Eye Surgery, the Society of Excellence in Eyecare and the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society.

Robert Friedman, MD, received his medical degree from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science/Chicago Medical School. Following medical school, Dr. Friedman completed an internship at the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, a residency at the Louisiana State University Eye Center, and finally, a glaucoma fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. He stays active within the medical community as a member of both the Sarasota County Medical Society and the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Friedman is also a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Glaucoma Society, the American College of Surgeons and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Cathleen McCabe, MD, received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and went on to her internship at St. Luke's Medical Center. Dr. McCabe then completed her ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami's School of Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and has memberships with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Society for Excellence in Eyecare and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Brian Foster, MD, received his medical degree in 2006 from the Emory University School of Medicine where he then completed his medical internship. Dr. Foster went on to an ophthalmology residency at Wake Forest University Eye Center and received his fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the Eye Consultants of Atlanta. Dr. Foster continues to be an active member of the community through medical volunteer work.

You Can Email The Eye Associates Here: