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 always treated very friendly and professional and helpful”
“Good visit with Dr . Mina .”
“Dr. Garcia was cheerful and engaged. She took the time to explain the findings of the tests. She also happily answered some questions I had concerning my vision overall.”
“I had to wait about 25-30 minutes to see the doctor.”
“Excellent experience with my recent visit. This was on a Saturday, which is very convenient given my busy schedule. Dr Cameron took his time to do a thorough eye exam. Friendly and…”
“Dr. Kaluzny provides outstanding professional treatment and recommendations. The wait time spent in the office of two hours was unacceptable.”
“Dr. Joe Krug sets the standard for ophthalmology. He retires in a week…a huge loss.”
“He’s an amazing ophthalmologist. He has saved my sight two times in the past 10 years. He will be missed by a lot of glaucoma patients.”
“I always feel listened to and understand the explanations.”
“The waiting room needs new furniture. The seats are so worn I was afraid they would damage my clothes.”
“Dr Ryder and staff were amazing.”
“Wonderful and attentive staff. They all work together with Dr Stein to make sure I am receiving the best care. I like that they always answer any questions or concerns that I…”
“The server at this location was much faster and streamlined than other locations I’ve been to for my eye care. Much less crowded and each step in the process was handled much…”
“Professional eye care. Dr. Wang was cordial as well as her assistant.”
“I have been seeing Dr Krug and staff for over a decade. Great professionalism, competence and courtesy.”
“The doctor was very, very, very thorough and really deep examinations of my eyes to make sure everything was OK. I was very impressed with the amount of care and knowledge she…”
Available at Two Charlotte-Area Offices
Dr. Santana welcomes patients at two of our Charlotte-area locations.
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