Clifton—Whether people are blessed with good vision, or they wear glasses and/or contact lenses, the ability to see clearly—even with the help of lenses, is something that is often taken for granted. Dr. Michael Farbowitz gets to see on a constant basis how life changing good vision is for his patients. As an ophthalmologist, Farbowitz helps patients improve their vision.
With a focus on advanced cataract surgery and laser vision correction, and having studied at the prestigious UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, Farbowitz feels blessed to be part of an experience bringing vision to people who come to him with severely decreased vision that cannot be corrected by glasses and contact lenses. One recent patient could barely read his sefarim or the print at work due to his cataracts. Farbowitz tells of the pride he felt in hearing the patient’s excitement following surgery, when telling him how clear everything suddenly had become. For the first time in many years, this individual can see without his glasses.
Having been fascinated by glasses and vision as a young boy, Farbowitz took his interest and cultivated it into a full profession, having never lost the fascination with vision. “I knew I wanted to be a surgeon, and I always enjoyed the healing process and being a part of a solution,” Farbowitz explained. “It is an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Farbowitz’s desire to help can be seen in his interests outside of the office as well. He recently traveled to Ghana and Ecuador as one of a group of doctors, who in the course of five days performed 123 sight-restoring cataract surgeries. He found this aspect of his ability so fulfilling that he plans to go on other missions, and make it a part of his work schedule. Farbowitz also volunteers with Vision Harvest, a New Jersey–based organization that offers cataract surgery for people without insurance.
Farbowitz has worked out of his office in Short Hills, and recently expanded with the grand opening of another office in Clifton. Both offices boast hi-tech equipment, to help minimize any discomfort while improving accuracy and the overall patient experience. Another benefit to using newer equipment is that it can often allow patients an easier recovery, allowing them to return to their regular day-to-day activities sooner. Many patients remember the eye drops for dilating eyes, making daylight uncomfortable and driving unsafe. Farbowitz uses a hi-tech camera to take a picture of the retina, thereby avoiding blurriness and light sensitivity. He is also able to monitor disease progression more accurately, especially for patients with glaucoma, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Farbowitz’s specialty is in cataracts, and new-technology lens implants, but he sees patients for regular ophthalmologic visits from pediatric patients to geriatric. He remarked that the ability to see two or three generations from one family always increases the feeling of being a part of a whole vision experience. “I take a problem, fix the problem, and there is nothing more gratifying than being able to help my patients see,” said Farbowitz.
To learn more about Dr. Farbowitz and his practice, visit the website at www.shorthillseye.com.
By Jenny Gans
