Issue 26.15
Ophthalmologist, Shawno E. May, MD, will be leaving the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL to join the professional staff at Richens Eye center and specialize in comprehensive ophthalmology this month.
Dr. Sharon Richens said they are extremely thrilled to have May joining their practice and the fact that a man with his credentials has picked them to work with is an honor.
“Knowing that my commitment to the U.S. Navy would be concluding in the near future, I initially approached Dr. Richens a few years ago,” said May. “She magnanimously kept me in mind for the potential of joining her marvelous practice as it morphed and grew such that when I actively surfaced again six months ago it worked out that I could join her in the provision of eye care in St. George.”
May has been a staff ophthalmologist for the U.S. Navy for 28 years. He currently practices at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Prior to this, he served in Naples, Italy; Bremerton, Washington; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; and San Diego. Included in those tours were deployments in support of combat operations in Kabul, Afghanistan, Iraqi Freedom, and Desert Storm 1, as well as Rota, Spain, Souda Bay Crete, and Bermuda.
May recalls his most memorable and rewarding service in Afghanistan.
“Without a doubt, my deployment to Afghanistan as Deputy Command Surgeon to the Combined Security Transition Command was most memorable,” recalled May. We were in charge of over 300 ‘mentors’ (military doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators) scattered throughout the country. Our job was just to try and drag th Afghan medical system, frequently kicking and screaming, from the Stone Age fostered by three generations of continuous war, into the 21st century. My personal job was assignment as mentor to the Afghan Army Surgeon General and the Afghan Minister of Public Health. While there, we built five hospitals and established a military medical school. Though selfless, in retrospect, it was an impossible task in a country where progress is measured in glacial terms. As Rudyard Kipling said, “Softly blows the sand over the bones of he who tried to hurry the East.” Though one might question her means and policy, one can never question America’s intentions in trying to bring peace, progress and freedom to the unfortunate Afghan people. It was the most complex, complicated but selfless endeavor I’ve ever been involved in.”
As a Navy eye surgeon involved in the “Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program,” May has performed thousands of Refractive Surgeries _Lasik and PRK) using the latest and greatest gadgetry and technology. He is excited that Richens performs these surgeries using the IntraLase Method.
The IntraLase Method is 1000 percent blade-free, and more patients get better outcomes when their LASIK procedure is performed with the IntraLase Method. Patients experience faster recovery and fewer LASIK flap-related complications such as glare and halos.
May will also be performing laser cataract surgeries. “Dr. Richens has pioneered the Institute of Laser Cataract Surgery in St. George with its potential for better accuracy and control of post-operative results. I am anxious to become a part of her forward oriented organization,” he said.
Practice Administrator and Certified Ophthalmic Executive at Richens Eye Center Kelly Clayton has gotten to know May as a person and physician over the past year and a half.
“We’re very fortunate he’s joining us at Richens Eye Center,” said Clayton. “His years of experience as an eye physician and surgeon, as well as his laudable service to our country, are a great benefit to the practice, the community and the patients in this area.”
“Amidst the excitement and honor of being part of an organization that remains on the cusp of new advances and technology, I think it important to note that I’ve never experienced an office that put more of its budget into the education and development of its technicians and employees,” emphasized May. “I an honored to be joining the Richens Eye Center family and being involved in their wonderful patient centered endeavor.”
Ophthalmologist Sharon Richens is an eye physician and surgeon for ILASIK, Cataract, Cornea and Glaucoma.
Richens Eye center is dedicated to diagnosing and treating all types of eye diseases and conditions ranging from routine exams for eye glasses to specialized surgery. Their goal is to provide excellent ophthalmic care to every person in each family regardless of age or type of dysfunction.
The physicians are highly trained in their subspecialties and bring a wide range of medical expertise to their patients. While staying up-to-date with the latest research, they constantly strive to improve treatments and find cures for eye diseases. They are committed to preserving and restoring sight by providing the most comprehensive and highest quality eye care for the people of Southern Utah.
If you have not had an eye exam within the last year, or if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your eyes, please contact Richens Eye Center for an appointment at 435.216.1226.