I am a Type l diabetic diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in l992. There began a relationship with Dr.Cynthia J. Mackay that remains constant. Over the years, innumerable eye blood vessel leakages required numerous laser beam treatments. Each treatment was perfected by the capable hands and medical expertise of Dr.Mackay.

The clarity of vision that I now enjoy is due, in no small part, to Dr.Mackay’s precise scheduling of eye exam visits every 2 months, every three months etc etc. This ongoing schedule enables her to detect,and treat early, any damaged blood vessels in the eye. Gratitude does not adequately express my sincere admiration for, and profound thanks to, Dr.Mackay.

“Twenty-three years ago, Dr. Cynthia MacKay saved my eyesight. After I woke up one morning seeing things I shouldn’t, my diabetes doctor sent me to Dr. MacKay. Calmly, she checked me out, scheduled a fluorscein angiogram for the next day, and two days later I began 7 weeks of laser treatments that decimated the abnormal blood vessels threatening my retinas.

“I’ve visited her regularly since then, and she is invariably friendly, accessible, and responsive — thoroughly focused on the patient in front of her. I wouldn’t see anyone else.”

“I have been a patient of Dr. Cynthia Mackay since 1994. I know her to be a person having the highest standards of her profession. She is erudite, honest, cheerful and has great integrity. I unreservedly recommend her in the highest possible terms. ”

Carl P. Fisher, NY, NY

I am 82 years old, and because of untreated amblyopia of the left eye at birth, had moderately effective vision only in my right eye and virtually none in the left. Four years ago, because of diminishing vision in the ‘good’ right eye, I consulted an opthalmologist. After his examination revealed ‘nothing of significance’, he referred me to a ‘ retina specialist’, who likewise found ‘nothing of significance’ to explain my vision problems. Alarmed by the symptoms, my personal physician ordered a brain scan, which, fortunately, also found no explanation for my diminishing vision. Five months later, when my eroding vision had begun to make driving somewhat dangerous, I returned to the opthalmologist, who, after another, and longer exam, again found nothing, other than “very minor early cataracts-which would not warrant surgical intervention”

It was at this point that I consulted. Dr. MacKay, who, after taking a detailed history from me, undertook the most thorough and painstaking eye examination I have ever experienced. Midway through the exam, Dr. MacKay broke off and said, “Martin, I have wonderful news for you. You have cataracts…full blown cataracts.” The cataracts were apparently of a kind that could be seen only if the light hit them at the proper angle, which Dr. Mackay had already suspected based on my history, and was thus, actually looking for them.

The result: She referred me to the surgeon who successfully performed the operation. Vision in my right eye is now virtually perfect, without corrective lenses. I can read the NY Times, without glasses. Color is back in my life and I had not even known of its loss. Dr. MacKay is a credit to her profesion, a fine person, and I shall forever be in her debt.

Martin L Weiss, Fort Lee, NJ

Dr MacKay was instrumental in the adoption of eye protection in racquet sports. Both of her children were national squash champions, and they were the first nationally ranked players to use eye protection.

“Eye protection had been one of the main priorities of my “administration” while President of the USSRA, and it was accomplished. Timely and generous counsel from you was so significant to the story. It is hard to realize or accept that this was 30 years ago! I must believe that ocular impact injuries have declined even as the game has grown. So, thirty years later, I again thank you for your help during that challenging evolution”*.

Herbert H. Gross, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts

*Personal letter from Herbert H. Gross, May 2010, President Emeritus of the United States Squash Racquets Association (USSRA)

I just wanted to write to say thank you for speaking up on the petition against Lasik.

I’m someone who has been truly harmed and appreciate the bravery of the doctors who stand up against it, which is what I think is the right thing to do. I’ve met so many people personally who have been harmed and I continually have to deal with expenses, discomfort and energy involved with the whole ordeal after Lasik. (more…)