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I struggled with the idea of changing docs (my previous cornea and external eye guy was so sweet and has an excellent reputation - I wanted to believe he could help me). However, after many months, I still didn't really have a diagnosis, even the slightest explanation for my symptoms or plan of care. I really began to lose all hope. As I'm sure many of you know, it can become truly (clinically) depressing. And the last thing this dry-eye gal needs is an antidepressant to dry me out even more (that's a joke). Out of desperation, I decided to try a new doc. After reading your posts, I made an appointment to see Dr. Foulks here in town. I have only been there for ONE appointment, so it's hard to draw too many conclusions, but here are some observations:
- The office staff was very kind and professional.
- Dr. Foulks was prompt. He started clinic on time.
- Dr. Foulks' assistant (DeeDee) was great and so knowledgable. I can tell that she took an excellent history as Dr. Foulks seemed to know all of the pertinent information after he read my chart. I am an ARNP, so I know how difficult it can be to take a good history (especially of someone with a crazy medical history, lots of trials and failures, etc.). She was also very compassionate as I began to cry when talking about how terrible my life has been since the acute onset of this problem.
- Dr. Foulks was on a mission with his exam. He was quick, but was checking all kinds of stuff that I know have never been checked at ANY of my previous eye appointments. I got the feeling that he was taking my eye symptoms seriously and wasn't just going to chalk it all up to "dry eye." This was great.
- He was big on science and told me a lot about the studies he has been involved in. He told me about some emerging data. This was helpful to me and made more confident that he is aware of the best treatments.
- He gave me very detailed answers to my questions. A SUGGESTION: If you go to see Dr. Foulks, it might be a good idea to write down your questions and take them with you. He moved REALLY quickly. However, he really did sit there and answer every question I asked (even kind of obvious ones). So, although he moves quickly, I really don't think he was trying to shove me out the door or anything. He just wasn't a chit-chatter.
-I loved that Dr. Foulks gave me SPECIFIC instructions of what to do, what to use, when to follow-up with him, etc. In the past, the docs would be like, "Oh, just try all of the different artificial tears at the store (sure - after multiple $40 copays, I can't wait to try at least $100 worth of drops only to have none of them help) and just see what you like. No need to make a follow-up appointment. Just come back if you need anything."
-Dr. Foulks gave me hope by being forward-thinking and giving me what we nurses call "anticipatory guidance." He told me what to expect and gave me a gameplan for what we might need to do next, and after that, etc. It is refreshing to feel like someone - finally - has some sort of plan.
-Dr. Foulks asked me to find out what kind of plugs my old doc put in as it could change his plan of care. So, when I called back, I left a message with the secretary. To my surprise, Dr. Foulks personally returned my call (within like 15 minutes) and told me what to expect at my next visit.
In summary, I loved Dr. Foulks. :-)
- The office staff was very kind and professional.
- Dr. Foulks was prompt. He started clinic on time.
- Dr. Foulks' assistant (DeeDee) was great and so knowledgable. I can tell that she took an excellent history as Dr. Foulks seemed to know all of the pertinent information after he read my chart. I am an ARNP, so I know how difficult it can be to take a good history (especially of someone with a crazy medical history, lots of trials and failures, etc.). She was also very compassionate as I began to cry when talking about how terrible my life has been since the acute onset of this problem.
- Dr. Foulks was on a mission with his exam. He was quick, but was checking all kinds of stuff that I know have never been checked at ANY of my previous eye appointments. I got the feeling that he was taking my eye symptoms seriously and wasn't just going to chalk it all up to "dry eye." This was great.
- He was big on science and told me a lot about the studies he has been involved in. He told me about some emerging data. This was helpful to me and made more confident that he is aware of the best treatments.
- He gave me very detailed answers to my questions. A SUGGESTION: If you go to see Dr. Foulks, it might be a good idea to write down your questions and take them with you. He moved REALLY quickly. However, he really did sit there and answer every question I asked (even kind of obvious ones). So, although he moves quickly, I really don't think he was trying to shove me out the door or anything. He just wasn't a chit-chatter.
-I loved that Dr. Foulks gave me SPECIFIC instructions of what to do, what to use, when to follow-up with him, etc. In the past, the docs would be like, "Oh, just try all of the different artificial tears at the store (sure - after multiple $40 copays, I can't wait to try at least $100 worth of drops only to have none of them help) and just see what you like. No need to make a follow-up appointment. Just come back if you need anything."
-Dr. Foulks gave me hope by being forward-thinking and giving me what we nurses call "anticipatory guidance." He told me what to expect and gave me a gameplan for what we might need to do next, and after that, etc. It is refreshing to feel like someone - finally - has some sort of plan.
-Dr. Foulks asked me to find out what kind of plugs my old doc put in as it could change his plan of care. So, when I called back, I left a message with the secretary. To my surprise, Dr. Foulks personally returned my call (within like 15 minutes) and told me what to expect at my next visit.
In summary, I loved Dr. Foulks. :-)
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