At Florida Eye Specialists, we’re committed to providing quality care from diagnosis to treatment. That’s why we are proud to welcome fellowship-trained Dr. Samantha N. Habhab, M.D., to the team. She specializes in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.
Dr. Habhab is known for her dedication to patient care and close attention to detail. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, experience and what it means to join the team at Florida Eye Specialists.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area and attended residency there at a busy inner-city program at the Kresge Eye Institute. I later completed my fellowship in Cornea and External Diseases at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. I recently moved to Florida with my husband and our seven-month-old daughter. We are very happy here so far and enjoy the nice, warm weather.
What made you want to join the Florida Eye Specialists team?
I wanted to join a group of talented, highly-trained physicians who share my same outlook for patient care, and I found that with the doctors here. I was also interested in Florida Eye Specialists’ dedication to innovation and willingness to adopt new technologies. The team is well trained, supportive and committed to the same common goal of providing patients with the highest-quality care.
What drew you to the field of ophthalmology?
I love using my hands, which drew me to a procedural and surgical-based specialty. I also enjoy the intricacies of the eye, the ability to directly visualize pathology and the integration of technology in ophthalmology. The gratification of helping patients see clearly is what fuels my passion for this field.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job?
I can help patients who are struggling with their vision to feel reassured and offer the best possible treatments for correction. Restoring vision makes a huge difference in people’s lives. I love being my patients’ advocate and helping them with whatever visual challenges they may face.
What is your approach to patient care?
I dedicate the time to my patients to make sure they feel cared for, and give them a space where they can address their concerns. I like to make each and every patient feel important — because they are! I treat them like family members. I make sure that they leave understanding their underlying condition and how to move forward with treatment. No question goes unanswered!
What has been your proudest professional achievement?
One highlight was presenting my research at the American Academy of Ophthalmology. I conducted a study that showed the benefits of collaborative care. My publication was unique and added something to the ophthalmology world, and this was very important to me.
Looking to the future, what advancements are you most excited about in new technology or treatments?
I am always excited about new lens options for cataract surgery. We are constantly seeing new innovations as far as the range and quality of vision lenses can provide, and I look forward to offering them to patients. I’m also excited about the continuous advances in partial thickness corneal transplants that will expedite visual recovery and improve outcomes compared to traditional full thickness transplants.
What are some of your hobbies?
I’m very busy with work and being a new mom, but I enjoy traveling, cooking and baking when I have the time. I really love spending time with my husband and my daughter, as well as exercising and getting my “me time” on the Peloton. My husband and I also enjoy theater arts and attending live shows, musicals and plays together.