Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Retina Specialist in Buffalo, NY
Back of the Eye MD, founded in 1996, is a leading retina specialty practice serving Buffalo, NY, and Southern Ontario. Our team, led by Dr. Saralyn Notaro Rietz, combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat complex retinal conditions. Dr. Notaro Rietz completed rigorous training, including two retinal fellowships, and has pioneered retinal surgery in Niagara County since 2005.We prioritize patient education, offering clear explanations of conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in thousands of positive patient outcomes and referrals from top ophthalmologists. With offices in Erie and Niagara Counties, we provide accessible, compassionate care for urgent and routine retinal concerns.
Services
Macular Degeneration
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Detachment
Vitrectomy Surgery
Fluorescein Angiography
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized retinal expertise since 1996
- Our practice pioneered retinal surgery in Niagara County
- We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technology
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency eye care services
- We accept all major insurance plans with no referral required
What people say
Saved my vision
Exceptional care
Thorough explanations
24/7 emergency service
State-of-the-art equipment
Services
Macular Degeneration
We diagnose and manage age-related macular degeneration using advanced imaging and treatment protocols. Our practice offers anti-VEGF injections and personalized monitoring plans to slow disease progression. Patients receive comprehensive education about lifestyle modifications and nutritional support to preserve central vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Our team specializes in diabetic retinopathy management through regular screenings and laser treatments. We collaborate with endocrinologists to optimize systemic health while preventing vision loss. Patients benefit from early intervention strategies and ongoing retinal monitoring tailored to their diabetes management.
Retinal Detachment
Emergency retinal detachment repair is available 24/7 using vitrectomy and scleral buckling techniques. We prioritize rapid diagnosis through dilated eye exams and ultrasonography. Our surgical approach focuses on reattaching the retina with minimal recovery time and maximum visual restoration outcomes.
Fluorescein Angiography
We utilize fluorescein angiography to visualize retinal blood flow and detect abnormalities. This diagnostic test helps identify leaky blood vessels and guides treatment planning for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Our technicians ensure patient comfort during the 10-minute procedure.
Vitrectomy Surgery
Our practice performs vitrectomy procedures to treat vitreous hemorrhages and retinal complications. Using micro-incision techniques, we remove cloudy vitreous and repair retinal tears with laser therapy. Patients receive detailed pre-operative counseling and post-operative care instructions.
People
Saralyn Notaro Rietz
Retina Specialist
Dr. Notaro Rietz is a board-certified retina specialist with 25+ years of experience. She completed SUNY Buffalo's ophthalmology residency and two retinal fellowships, including training under Johns Hopkins' William Wood, MD. She has served on the Buffalo Veterans Hospital teaching staff since 1996.
Reid
Ophthalmic Assistant
Reid obtains patient medical histories, visual acuity measurements, and blood pressure readings. He manages scheduling and insurance coordination while ensuring smooth daily office operations.
Macrae
Surgical Coordinator
Macrae handles clinical assessments, billing, and scheduling. He coordinates communications between patients' primary physicians and our retina specialists to ensure comprehensive care coordination.
Sean
Practice Liaison
Sean manages billing, scheduling, and clinical workups. He serves as a communication bridge between referring physicians and our surgical team for seamless patient transitions.
Michel
Outreach Manager
Michel oversees daily clinical operations and scheduling. He maintains professional relationships with community medical practices to expand access to retinal care services.
Questions
What retinal conditions do you treat?
We specialize in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular holes, and vitreoretinal diseases using advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques.
Do I need a referral to visit?
Most insurance plans don't require referrals. You can schedule directly if you have retinal disease history or vision changes requiring specialist evaluation.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Medicare, United Healthcare, and most major insurance plans. Contact our office for verification.
Are emergency appointments available?
Yes, our phones operate 24/7 for eye emergencies. We provide urgent retinal evaluations and same-day treatment for critical conditions like retinal detachment.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
Download and complete new patient forms beforehand. Bring insurance cards, current medications list, and any previous eye exam records for comprehensive evaluation.
What makes your practice unique?
Dr. Notaro Rietz combines 25+ years of experience with personalized care, offering direct patient communication and access to cutting-edge retinal treatments unavailable at larger facilities.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Denise Grandits
Sep 24, 2021
Report
I was referred to Dr. Notaro and was able to get a quick appointment. Her office staff and assistants are wonderful. Dr. Notaro is abrupt, cold, and not compassionate. She often had 2 patients in the treatment room at the same time. Getting eye injections is not fun and getting them there is even more difficult. After seeing her for 9 months, I made a switch to another group today. Oh! My! What a difference. If youre ok with cold, robotic care, youll be fine. Her demeanor is just not for me.
Christine Zambron
May 24, 2021
Report
Wow what an amazing experience! Im over 60 years old and have never had such a thorough eye exam. The doctor was extremely professional and she knew exactly what was wrong with my eyes. Her assistants were also very friendly. 10 out of 10 stars for this place! Highly recommend!
Julie Saxer
Apr 05, 2021
Report
My husband, David, is a patient and has been for 7 years. His eyesight has improved greatly as a result of Dr. Notaro's treatments. She always has a smile on her face and is very patient with my husband. Her staff is very courteous and kind. He recommends her to anyone.
Bob Schrack
Mar 15, 2021
Report
Doctor performed a retina procedure. Couldn't be happier. Can read without glasses 1st time in 50 years. When you want the best, you go to the best
Linda J.
Jan 07, 2021
Report
I would not recommend this woman to my worst enemy. She has ice running through her veins. My grandmother (who is 102) was a patient. Notaro was rude and had absolutely no patience. We appeared to be wasting her time. If I could give "0" stars, I certainly would- find a doctor who actually cares about her patients.
