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…”
“I was completely satisfied with my visit. Everything was explained clearly and questions were asked. I love the communication process. TY”
“Dr. Ryder is very knowledgeable and helpful.”
“Great dialogue in my health and felt he was listening to my feedback. Thorough exam but really efficient.”
“Check-in staff who arrives at 7 to set up for. Day, check-out male staff, Fiona, specialist who conducts comparative studies with machine are exemplary. Dr. Minkowski is highly professional and efficient.”
“Overall great experience!”
“Took less than hour. First time meeting Dr James. Accurate and knowledgeable. Asked questions..”
“Dr Tomasko made the whole blepharoplasty a piece of cake from start to finish. I felt cared for by confident, experienced hands.”
“Excellent provider care! Dr. Garcia is knowledgeable patient and careful. I trust her with the health of my eyes and highly recommend her.”
“Attention to details about my eyes with comparison fr last years visit to this year. Professional in every way. His Assistant sat in the room transcribing Dr Ryder’s comments. It took me…”
“Had a good visit.”
“Excellent experience! The surgery center staff made things easy, the procedure stayed on schedule, and Dr.Kaluzny’s bedside manner was fantastic. Results are excellent. Dr. Kaluzny, not his nurse called me the evening…”
“Excellent and appreciated his recommendation very much!”
“Best eye doctor ever”
“It was a hay day but I didn’t wait long. Dr Tomasko explained what was concerning me and took care of it immediately. Super professional super quick and most importantly no pain.…”
“As always the check up was professional and expert. Dr Wang is a caring professional and I have confidence in her work. This visit had an annoying amount of waiting time which…”
“Conscientious, considerate and very knowledgeable”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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