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
“I transferred from CEENTA to Dr Ryder at Horizon Eye Care-Cotswold. Today was my first appointment. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had absolutely no wait time. The office has…”
“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…”
“Always a long wait. They moved me into a room and assistant dif most of the exam. The I waited to see the Dr for approx 40 mins. He spent maybe 5…”
“Not very aware of patient. Has attended Dr Krug for over 35 years”
“Seemed knowledgeable and on time”
“Everyone was very friendly”
“Dr. Tomasko took the time to answer my questions. He is a great doctor. Thank you!”
“Very knowledgeable, staff friendly, got me in really quickly!”
“Everyone at the facility was kind, gracious, and understanding. Dr. Wang and her team treated me so nicely! Everyone was friendly, caring, and competent.”
“Always a pleasure and great work!”
“The office was very welcoming, the testing was very organized and Dr. Kaluzny was wonderful. He answered all the questions I had and made me feel very confident in choosing the procedure.”
“Very nice doctor.. was honest and made sure my son had a great surgery thanks!”
“Professional EyeCare. The staff are polite, courteous and very helpful. My appointment was at 8:50 a.m. I was seen soon after I filled out the proper forms. I cc received excellent treatment.…”
“Dr Ryder a excellent Dr if something is going wrong he will figure it out he’s nothing but the best”
“Fantastic service. Dr & staff experiences are most excellent. My overall experience is very much satisfied. Highly recommend.”
“The doctor was fine. No issues with him. However I don’t understand why I was given a 745 appointment when the office doesn’t even open until 8:00. I got to my appointment…”
“Dr. Ryder is knowledgeable and will take the time to discuss his findings and avenues of possible treatment for your particular case. Excellent communication skills and interest in your best outcome.”
“Excellent Service for my first ever visit to Horizons Eye Care! Only one thing upset me. My Visit was coded wrong and I was charged a large copay when it was supposed…”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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