When Dr. Sarah Klein joined Dr. Earlene Siebold’s private ophthalmology practice, it wasn’t just a career move—it was a partnership built on shared purpose, preserving and restoring the “gift of eyesight.”
After a decade at the University of Rochester’s Flaum Eye Institute, Dr. Klein, an optometrist specializing in primary eye care and ocular disease, was drawn to Dr. Siebold’s unique expertise. Dr. Siebold is one of the most experienced glaucoma specialists in the region, and Klein explains, “I’ve always found glaucoma fascinating. It’s a problem-solving specialty. Diagnosing it can be complex, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help patients regain or maintain their sight.”
Dr. Siebold has been caring for patients in Rochester for more than 40 years, breaking barriers as one of the few women to run her own solo ophthalmology practice at a time when the field was overwhelmingly male. A board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and surgeon, she treats patients from across the region who are referred by other eye specialists for surgical management. Her office combines cutting-edge technology with a personal, compassionate approach.
Together, Dr. Siebold and Dr. Klein provide comprehensive eye care, including glaucoma treatment and surgery, cataract surgery, diabetic eye exams, and management of dry eye and macular degeneration. For Klein, joining Siebold’s practice has been “a perfect fit”—a place where she can continue to serve patients while deepening her expertise in a specialty that inspires her every day.
“Many eye diseases, including glaucoma, develop slowly and don’t show symptoms until significant damage has occurred,” Dr. Klein notes. “That’s why early detection is so important. Regular eye exams can save your sight.”
Tips to Maintain and Retain Healthy Eyesight
Both doctors emphasize that healthy vision begins with prevention. Their actionable suggestions include:
- Protect your eyes from UV exposure. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce eyestrain, ease dryness, and lower your risk for macular degeneration.
- Maintain overall health. Regular medical checkups, exercise, and good nutrition all contribute to eye health. Vitamins A, C, and E promote eye health, and Omega-3 fatty acids help relieve dry eye, an increasingly common issue linked to screen time.
- Take screen breaks. Every 20–30 minutes, look away from your device and blink regularly to prevent eye fatigue.
- Use blue light blocking lenses. These filters help prevent eye strain and may also improve sleep by reducing exposure to blue light that suppresses melatonin.
- Wear protective eyewear. Always use eye protection during sports, yard work, or any activity where debris could reach your eyes.
- Schedule comprehensive eye exams. This is the best way to note if any problems have started and establish a baseline for future changes. Regular checkups that include screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease give you the best chance of early detection and successful treatment.
As both doctors remind patients, eyesight is a precious gift, and one worth protecting every day.