Dawn N. Duss, MD – Ophthalmologist in Jacksonville, FL
Our world is a growing sphere of choices. As knowledge grows and technology advances, so do our options. Even a simple errand of running to the store to get laundry detergent can stop you dead in your tracks as you see a whole dedicated isle of detergent brands. The number of choices can be overwhelming and being that you already are a time-crunched parent, what do you do?
Choosing an eye doctor can feel like this. Where do you start? How do you know which option is the best? How can you make the best choice in the shortest amount of time and still feel confident your child is getting the best care possible?
For me, when faced with choices of any kind, I like to hear other people’s perspective. If someone else had a positive experience, then I am more likely to choose the same option. Today, I would like to be that person for you regarding choosing a pediatric ophthalmologist. My family’s positive experiences with Dr. Dawn Duss as an eye doctor and as a person will make choosing Pediatric Eye Consultants one of the easiest and quickest choices you make.
Referred To Dr. Duss By Our Pediatrician
When my oldest son was twenty months old, I had an inkling that he needed further evaluation for a possible lazy eye. His left eye turned in significantly and I asked my pediatrician to refer me to a pediatric ophthalmologist. At the time, my family lived outside of Milwaukee and the doctor we met with essentially told me that my son was legally blind, probably had a serious full-body genetic disorder affecting his connective tissue and to top it off, would need to go to a school for the blind. She said it as if she were reading news copy. As her bedside manner was shall we say ‘lacking’, my husband and I quickly began researching other, northern-state options. Our research landed us in the Chicago area where we encountered another pediatric ophthalmologist. She barely had time for us, didn’t explain things clearly, was easily frustrated by my rambunctious toddler and especially didn’t like to hear my feedback. After two years of this, I was relieved when my husband changed jobs and we relocated to Florida. My hope was that we would find great vision care for our boys and start with a clean slate.
I was blown away that not only did she treat me as an equal, she actually asked ME questions. She wanted to know my thoughts and opinions regarding my children and their functioning. She thoughtfully listened to my answers and quickly we became a team.
Our First Appointment
When we arrived in Florida, we kept an open mind and promised ourselves to find the best fit for our family, especially as our second son was also displaying unusual eye symptoms. When we first met Dr. Duss, she was like a breath of fresh air. I was so used to being treated as if I didn’t know anything, I was blown away that not only did she treat me as an equal, she actually asked ME questions. She wanted to know my thoughts and opinions regarding my children and their functioning. She thoughtfully listened to my answers and quickly we became a team. My boys and the origin of their vision difficulties still remained mysterious for several more months, but finally, I felt like we had found a doctor to partner with us and guide us along the way. Over time, my boys developed a close relationship with Dr. Duss. They actually would look forward to our appointments with her! And, for the first time since our crazy vision journey started, so did I.
You’ll Be In Excellent Hands
As a parent of two boys eventually diagnosed with a rare, genetic eye condition called ectopia lentis et pupillae, I know that life will throw you some pretty big curveballs. Our children’s temperament, health and abilities may be influenced by us, but ultimately, are out of our control. What we can control is who we choose to guide us on making good decisions for them health-wise. If you choose Dr. Dawn Duss for your child’s pediatric ophthalmologist, you can rest assured your child will be in excellent hands. And, so will you.
– Diana DeVaul, MSW, blogger and Parent