Dr. Kurt Frederick Heitman, a doctor who makes a difference

My wife and I were happy with our eye doctor. However, he retired and sold his business to another doctor.

For years, this optometrist told my wife that she had glaucoma and prescribed timolol or travatan. We were in no position to debate the matter with a doctor, so my wife and I submissively went along with the doctor’s recommendation for several years.

Friends told us that if we were contemplating cataract surgery, we would need an ophthalmologist, an eye surgeon.

Our research and recommendations from friends led us to Dr. Heitman.

We could not help but notice the pictures on Dr. Heitman's office walls, showing him treating Haitians on several trips to the island as a volunteer at his own expense.

He seemed pleased that my wife and I spoke French, and our ministry was serving the French population that had migrated to Greenville.

The next thing that impressed us about Dr. Heitman was the thoroughness of his exam. Startled, he asked who told us that my wife had glaucoma?

He, then, painstakingly rechecked her eyes. Finally, he told us my wife did not have glaucoma.

Of course, we felt betrayed, but we were also glad to know the truth about my wife’s eye condition finally.

Hating controversy, we chose not to file a complaint; we quietly moved forward, rejoicing that we had found a doctor we could trust.

Little did we know that we would soon have greater reasons to rejoice with Heitman’s good care.

When my cataracts were ripe for removal, Dr. Heitman laid out my options: laser, ultrasound, and blade (scalpel).

 It was an easy decision for me. I selected ultrasound.

Ultrasound cataract surgery, phacoemulsification, is a surgical procedure to remove a cloudy lens.

After using an ultrasound device to break up a cataract, a surgeon removes the resulting shattered debris with a suction tool. The surgeon performs this through the same small incision used to insert the ultrasound probe. 

After an artificial cornea is sutured in place, I entered a crucial recovery period involving intensive medication, protective measures, and frequent monitoring. Unlike a traditional corneal transplant using donor tissue, the artificial cornea is a foreign body that does not biologically integrate; therefore, the focus of aftercare is on preventing complications and maintaining the eye's long-term health. 

In my case, both the ultrasound removal of a cataract and the insertion of artificial corneas were performed as outpatient procedures, all at the same time. Imagine the skill required for such a task.

Unscathed, I went home the same day.

There were several follow-up visits during the first year, but later I see my doctor annually. I have had no complications, and my vision does not require glasses.

How do I maintain eye care even now, six years after my surgery? I use dry-eye drops as needed and drink an ample amount of water, based on my weight.  That care makes a huge difference.

I could not be more pleased with the procedure, the follow-up care, and the condition of my eyes now.

My vision remains clear, even in the rain at night and on interstates.

Did I mention that the doctor never sent me a bill for an artificial cornea, saving me tens of thousands of dollars?  I have greatly benefited from affordable enhanced vision.

Thank you, Dr. Heitman, for a rich life of clear vision without requiring me to go bankrupt.

His website states: Heitman and his wife, Robin, have two sons.  Dr. Heitman’s greatest joy is his relationship with God and with his family.

Areas of Expertise and Special Interests

• Dry eye treatment

• Nutritional strategies for eye health

Educational Background

1978     B.S. The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas1983     M.D. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas

Certifications and Affiliations

National Board of Medical ExaminersBoard Certified of OphthalmologyAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology: Fellow, CouncilorSouth Carolina Medical AssociationGreenville County Medical SocietyAmerican Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Achievement Award, American Academy of OphthalmologyPast President of South Carolina Society of OphthalmologyMedical Missions Trips to Ecuador, Haiti and Dominican RepublicSurgeons for Sight, Founder and Volunteer Physician2023 Outstanding Advocate Award from The American Academy of Ophthalmology

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