Sheila Garcia, MD, MPH
Providing expert retina and vitreous care to Charlotte, NC patients at Horizon Eye Care’s Cotswold & Mallard Creek locations.
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Dr. Santana’s Specialities
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Sheila Garcia a combines advanced fellowship training with compassionate, patient-centered care to deliver exceptional treatment for complex retinal conditions. With expertise in diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and vitreoretinal surgery, she offers leading-edge solutions that preserve and restore vision.
Dr. Garcia Santana is actively engaged in clinical research and mentorship, helping to shape the future of ophthalmology. Patients value her ability to clearly explain complex conditions and her dedication to guiding them through every step of their care journey.
Expertise & Specialities
Dr. Sheila Garcia Santana is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon whose practice focuses on the diagnosis and surgical management of complex retinal conditions. Her expertise spans medical and surgical retina, with a particular focus on diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.
Retinal conditions she treats include:
- Macular degeneration — advanced therapies for both wet and dry forms
- Diabetic retinopathy — comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for diabetic eye disease
- Retinal detachments — surgical repair for urgent and elective cases
- Epiretinal membranes (macular puckers) — precision treatments to improve vision clarity
- Macular holes — specialized microsurgical repair to restore central vision
- Retinal vein occlusion and posterior uveitis — targeted therapies for vascular and inflammatory conditions
Dr. Garcia Santana’s fellowship training at Yale and her ongoing clinical research ensure that patients benefit from the latest advances in retinal care.
Education & Training
Dr. Garcia Santana earned her Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Doctor of Medicine, Summa Cum Laude, on a full academic scholarship from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard University) and her ophthalmology residency at Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine.
She then completed a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Yale Eye Center, Yale University School of Medicine, advanced training that prepared her to deliver expert care for the most complex retinal conditions seen at Horizon Eye Care.
Memberships & Recognition
Dr. Garcia Santana is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. She has authored scientific publications and serves as an investigator for major clinical trials, including studies evaluating new treatments for diabetic macular edema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
An active participant in the global ophthalmology community, Dr. Garcia Santana lectures at national and international conferences, including EnVision, the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, and the Vit-Buckle Society, and dedicates time to mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists and retinal specialists.
Insights From Dr. Garcia
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog & Retina
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog & Retina
Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“My husband is his patient. He's knowledgeable in all fields. My husband had torn retina and he took us to another office after hours and did surgery. Eye been wonderful ever since…”
“Dr. Cameron was friendly yet quite professional. His exam seemed thorough and his recommendations sound. He answered questions I had and took his time - he was not rushed to get to…”
“All staff from checking in at the front desk, throughout my appointment were very helpful. Dr.Minkowski did a great job of explaining options/the process of cataract surgery with me, especially given my…”
“I have been coming to Dr. Minkowski for over 2 years and he is an awesome doctor. He makes you feel welcomed and worry free. He explains everything in detail and will…”
“Excellent doctor listened to my concerns and figured out what was wrong with my vision. Explained in detail so I could understand and not worry.”
“I liked Dr Jones very much. Very thoroughly and he was on time!!!!”
“Very thorough and offered options from surgery”
“Everyone from front desk until check out were very nice . Was impressed with how fast and efficient Dr was . Also took the time to explain everything to me.”
“Dr Beaupre was thorough with his exam and explained his findings. He is thoughtful and very friendly.”
“Emergency eye visit…. Appointment within 7 days”
“Tomasko is amazing! My eyes have never looked or felt better. I had surgery for ptosis, and I was honestly worried that I would look completely different afterward because I loved the…”
“Very knowledgeable and patient.”
“My family goes to this practice. They’re excellent!”
“Was seen on time. Listened carefully & after exam, he explains what he saw & how it would affect my cataract surgery. He explained what he could do to correct the problem…”
“Dr. Santana has been amazing ever since I started having issues with my eye last year. I had a torn retina and she repaired it beautifully. She and her team have always…”
“All went well for the first eye! Thanks”
“Reassuring professional care.”
“This was my 1st visit with Dr Minnal! She was very nice, polite n professional! I was with Dr Krug for abt 20yrs, so good to know I hv another good Dr!! ”
“Dr. Hoffman was professional, explained everything in detail to me where I could understand. Only downside was the wait in the back.”
“Awesome”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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