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
“Very knowledgeable and explained what is happening with my eyes and what the various drugs do.”
“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 care. Outstanding physicians and support staff.”
“Dr. Ryder is an excellent retina specialist. He is a very caring provider and takes the time to explain conditions as well as treatment plans. I’ve always felt well taken care of…”
“Older but very clean establishment. Very friendly and professional staff. Excellent care by Dr. Rouse!”
“Cannot say enough good things about this team and Dr. Hoffman. I had a medical eye emergency and they were able to see me same day. The team was so helpful, took…”
“Dr Bell is very very good and hate to see her moved to the Huntersville offices next year.”
“Great guy! Thorough, professional, efficient and kind!”
“Dr. Marc James is a great eye doctor, he's very knowledgeable and shares his best intrest for his patients. He has been my eye doctor for many years.”
“Highly recommend top of the line”
“I saw Dr Hoffman at Horizon Eye Clinic yesterday and it was my first visit with him. He was extremely professional and very thorough in my eye exam. He has a warm…”
“Great service, just short staffed.”
“The staff and doctors are extremely professionals. People may complain about the wait time, but the doctors and staff are extremely apologetic which is fine with me. Emergencies happening. Awesome job and…”
“Dr Rosen has been treating me for 9 years! He’s always patient and answers all my questions!”
“I was very impressed w/ Dr. Hoffman. My exam went well, he answered questions.”
“Dr. Santana was thorough and laid out the plan to repair my Macular Tear . She was very pleasant as well as all the staff at the Mallard Creek office.”
“He was caring answering questions that I had. listened as I explained my symptoms, ran tests and explained the diagnosis. Set follow up visit, with the ability to return sooner if symptoms…”
“Dr. Hoffman and his assistants were thorough and pleasant -a comfort to know they are in my family of doctors, etc. thanks.”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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