Welcome: Success Stories Our practice depends on the success we achieve for our patients. Here are just a few of our testimonials: For anyone considering implant surgery by Dr Dana Weinkle... "Just Do IT". I've always been near-sighted with a lazy left eye. Upon arriving in Sarasota in 1989, I had the good fortune to hear about Dr. Dana Weinkle, so off I went for an eye exam and a new prescription. I love the beach ,walking, swimming and  took up golf. Joined the local Y and played racquetball as well as aerobics.  My wife and I are avid hikers. My plan was to retire in 1995. It's funny "we plan and God laughs". In 1992 I received my Master Educator Certification from the University of Florida and began teaching Life Skills Programs for adults over 50. When I hit 65 I began to have difficulty reading close for long periods. It felt I was loosing focus. As yet, cataracts were not a problem ,but just beginning. I saw Dr Wenkle and spoke about Lasik. I was beyond lasik for various reasons but I could possibly do implants. Finally the good doctor recommended we do one eye and see what happens ( the Lazy one). That night after the implant I saw ,for the first time, that little radio clock across the room and I could read that stinking little green clock. I could not believe it . The next day , for the first time in my life I could see traffic from a distance. Two weeks later. I had the other eye done. It may sound silly but I can see my golf ball land on the green from 150 yards. I can see fish in the water from about 40 feet away. I can see red lights from two blocks away and I went right down to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and passed the eye test without glasses. First time for that. I can see a blackboard from the back of the room and watch a movie from anywhere I want. I have all my students ware a Name Badge- Now I can read them instead of guessing. On Friday, July 8th, my wife and I are going to Italy -Milan - Florence-Chinqua-Terra and Rome. The galleries ,art history. buildings dating back to 1200AD. I'm going to see it all- no glasses. I know Dr. Weinkle did a bit more than just put lenses in my eye. I think he performed a little miracle while he was at it? When checking how the healing went , I made a comment. " Doctor your really something, you drive a Porsche 911, your handsome and young, have a great practice and you give people their sight back" . Now that’s really cool. Sincerely, Jack I Swanton Dear Dr. Weinkle, I want to thank you for my amazing cataract surgery. During my initial visit I told you I was very apprehensive becuase of my wet type of Macular Degeneration in the better of my two eyes. You exude confidence in your expertise as well you should. It was also then that you told me how dedicated you are to what you do. You conveyed a caring and kindness that filled me with confidence. Post surgery I asked you which medical entity I could contact to express my feelings about your wonderful talents. You said, "Your saying this to me is more than enough. Thank you." So I learned another facet of your makeup - humility. I thank God for leading me to you. My overall vision is clear as a bell. God bless, Marion Campbell Dr. Weinkle, Thank you so much for giving me the gift of fantastically improved sight. Your exceptionally skilled use of the latest microsurgery techniques to replace my cataract shrouded lenses with new implants and correct a lifelong problem of astigmatism in both eyes, required only two brief (15-20 min), painless sessions. For the first time in my 69 years of life, and without the use of corrective glasses, you’ve enabled me to see objects in the far distance; sharply, clearly, and with vastly improved depth perception. Many of my sporting activities, ranging from scuba diving, piloting sailplanes, golf, hunting, boating and skiing, require good vision to both enjoy the sport and to successfully and safely engage in it. In my case corrective glasses have always been a must. However, as anyone who engages in these particular activities knows, glasses can be bothersome, awkward, and even useless in the event they fog-up at an inopportune time. (like turning of final approach on a sailplane.) Fortunately, I no longer need to wear glasses!! – Thanks to you Dr. Weinkle. My best regards, George T. Viosky Dear Dr, Weinkle, You are a fine human being who puts alot of effort into the care and well being of your patients. You make each of us feel like we are important to you. When I first came to see you (about 7 weeks ago), I was a basket case. I was very worried about my eyesight and the possibility of diminished vision. I have known about the cataracts for the last 7 years. However, they were slow in developing and under control and out of mind until last year. Then, they finally started to cause me trouble (halos, hazy, inability to read fine print, etc.). I have been an artist all of my life. I know how important my eyes are. I have always considered the ability to SEE a MIRACLE. I've never taken my eyes for granted. I attended Ringling Art School. I have a degree in Fine Art from MJC and a BA Degree in Fine Art from USF and a MA Degree in Education from USF. I was an Art Director for almost 30 years. I paint or draw everyday. Seeing is very important. I also have another use for my eyes...I am a pilot and I own a Cessna N722L. It's hard to spot other planes if you have a problem "seeing". 7 weeks ago I could not pass the FAA vision test. Which meant I could not hold a FAA Class 3 License. Which meant that I was "grounded". So you can see how important you are to me. I thank you for your intelligence, and your skills as a talented surgeon and medical practitioner. I am also gratefull for the care that I received (twice) from the exceptionally fine staff at the Manatee Surgical Center. Each of the staff takes care of "us" like we are part of the family. And I thank them. They make a scary experience easy to endure. With great deal of gratitude, I am Sincerely, Harold Knerr Dr Weinkle, The world is much brighter now, I marvel at the light. The theif that stole the sunlight, was turning day into night. A cloudy lens within my eye, slowly dulled my sight. The sky was grey, but now it's blue, the yellow clouds are white. The moon is bright, and all the stars are brilliantly a-twinkle. Thank you for the gift of sight, Thank You Dr. Weinkle! -Barbara Leventhal Petrisin 11/04