Welcome Retinal Specialists Dr. Saagar N. Patel & Dr. Rolake Alabi
Austin Retina Associates is pleased to announce the addition of two new physicians to our team of fellowship-trained retinal specialists. Dr. Saagar N. Patel and Dr. Rolake Alabi are now seeing patients at several of our locations in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
They bring with them exceptional experience in treating common and complex retinal conditions and unparalleled dedication to patient care and service, something we have been committed to for more than 40 years.
Expanding our Team of Retinal Specialists
Dr. Saagar N. Patel was born in Austin and is excited to return to take care of his fellow Texans. Dr. Patel graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Plan II Honors and Dean’s Scholars Biochemistry Honors at The University of Texas in Austin. He later attended Baylor College of Medicine followed by his ophthalmology residency at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Patel then completed his vitreoretinal diseases and surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado Sue-Anschutz Eye Center in Aurora, Colorado.
On joining Austin Retina, Dr. Patel says he is “excited to be part of a group of excellent and down-to-earth-professionals who have expertise with the full range of vitreoretinal diseases and enjoy teaching the next generation of vitreoretinal surgeons.”
We asked Dr. Patel the following questions to help us get to know him better.
● What are your areas of expertise? Surgical and medical retina, secondary lenses, complex diabetic care, and vascular diseases
● Do you speak any other languages? Intermediate Spanish
● Why are you passionate about what you do? It is a privilege to help patients with sight-threatening disease given the profound impact sight has in all of our lives. My patients' gratitude fuels my passion to try and provide the best care I can.
● What is your care philosophy? There is no one size fits all approach to patient care. I strive to listen and personalize care to each patient's needs and issues.
Outside of his work, Dr. Patel enjoys hiking, basketball, snowboarding, cheering on the Longhorns, visiting Barton Springs, and attending live music events with his wife who is a dermatologist.
Dr. Rolake Alabi grew up in England and New York after her family immigrated from Nigeria when she was a toddler. She attended Yale University where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees followed by MD and PhD training at the Cornell University and Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program in New York City. Dr. Alabi completed her residency in ophthalmology at the University of California San Francisco and later participated in the vitreoretinal surgery fellowship program at Duke University.
Dr. Alabi is passionate about translational research and community outreach initiatives and is excited about joining Austin Retina “because of the fantastic people and the great culture, which prioritizes compassionate and intentional patient care.”
Dr. Alabi shared the following information about herself.
● What are your areas of expertise? Medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases with a special interest in ocular inflammatory diseases and in translating new scientific discoveries into new treatments for retinal diseases.
● Do you speak any other languages? Conversational Spanish and a little bit of Yoruba (spoken in Nigeria and West Africa)
● Why are you passionate about what you do? In a lot of what we do, we have the opportunity to positively impact our patients’ lives and livelihoods. It is a huge privilege and honor.
● What is your care philosophy? I aim to treat, educate, and empower my patients just like I would want my family to be. I take a personalized and evidence-based approach to my patients.
In her spare time, Dr. Alabi enjoys traveling, photography, theater, and following Major League baseball. She and her husband are excited to explore Austin and learn more about the city’s culture, cuisine and vibrant music and arts scene.
Austin Retina is thrilled to have both Dr. Patel and Dr. Alabi as part of our physician family and care team.
Consult with a Retina Specialist Today
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
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