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
“What a fantastic experience. Staff was professional, friendly and thorough.”
“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…”
“Appointment was on time, and I felt like everyone there took great care of me.”
“Once checked in, the wait time is minimal. Everyone is helpful and professional. Staff is knowledgeable. I don't ever feel like the doctors are rushing. They take time to answer questions, and…”
“Saw me promptly. Very professional. He has saved my eyesight.”
“Dr. Tomasko is great”
“Dr. Bieber ìs a very knowledgeable Dr. He has a great beside manner . He Removed a cataract from my right eye. I would definitely recommend him if you are need of…”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Tomasko! He is incredibly friendly, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his patients and their well-being. He performed the reconstruction following my Mohs surgery, and…”
“He was very informative.”
“He is caring, attentive, excellent surgeon!”
“I have been a patient of Dr Minnal for years. She has the best bedside manners, is friendly and very knowledgeable . She patiently listens and responds. I’d give her 10 star…”
“Dr. Ryder administers eye shots with minimal pain, and he’s very professional.”
“My visits are always positive. The doctor was courteous, professional, and thorough. It was my first visit with Dr. Minkowski and he was very good- great in explaining my condition and the…”
“Very friendly and always thorough”
“Great experience with pediatrics and the optical department. Friendly staff in bith areas and a wide selection of glasses. Dr. Kramer id very knowledgeable and good with my son.”
“I'm am so pleased with the care that I have been receiving from Dr. Hoffman and the entire team at horizon eye care. There professionalism is second to none.”
“Friendly, professional, polite and informative.”
“Dr. James was very nice, took his time explaining what was going on and ensuring I understood his treatment plan. He answered all my questions.”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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