Patrick Paglen, MD

Bio

I have had a wonderful time working for Kaiser Permanente since 1992. I am a comprehensive Ophthalmologist and treat almost all eye problems. I have also done a Fellowship at Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco and learned the art of corneal transplantation and refractive surgery.

I perform corneal transplants, laser corneal surgery (Lasik and PRK) and corneal incisional surgery to reduce astigmatism. I am highly skilled in all types of eye surgery with a vast experience in cataract, glaucoma, pediatric, oculoplastic and retinal surgery. I will perform the surgery you require or refer you to a colleague if your condition warrants another's expertise.

In 1996, I was one of the first Kaiser Permanente surgeons to become trained and certified in laser refractive surgery. I started the Laser Vision Correction program in Santa Rosa in 1997 and since that time, have been performing LASIK and PRK. In 2003 we added Custom Lasik on the Visx Laser and then in 2004, custom treatments with the Allegretto Wavelight Laser.

I have authored more than 14 ophthalmic publications, most dealing with corneal and refractive surgery. I have lectured at numerous medical meetings including, most recently the American Academy of Ophthalmology in November 2004 and The American Society of Cataracts and Refractive Surgery in April 2005.

In 2003 I began a Research Project to evaluate the success of Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty (DLEK). This is an exciting new method of corneal transplant. The work has demonstrated the usefulness of this operation, which provides more rapid visual recovery for our patients with swollen corneas. In 2006 this operation was modified to DSAEK which is a technically easier approach to rehabilitating the cornea.

In 2004, I began performing Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratectomy (DALK), which is a very effective method to rehabilitate Keratoconus and patients with certain corneal problems. The advantage of this operation over traditional penetrating keratoplasty is that there is no chance for rejection and the eye is much stronger, enabling an earlier return to normal activities.

I am board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose to become an Ophthalmologist because I noticed the Ophthalmologists were all very happy in their work. I presumed this was true because they were not staying up all night and therefore not sleep deprived and that they enjoyed the opportunity to help maintain and restore sight to their patients. My wife's family has a hereditary blinding condition that affects her grandfather, mother and brother. Early in my medical school training, this family situation allowed me to witness the devastating effect of visual loss.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I am a Fellowship trained Corneal Surgeon and have always tried to be close to the forefront of new surgical procedures in the areas of corneal transplantation and refractive surgery.

I am an Assistant Physician in Charge, Santa Rosa Medical Center, and Chief of Ophthalmology

Current projects or research:

I completed a research project that demonstrated the effectiveness of Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratectomy. The results of this study encouraged other Ophthalmologists to learn this procedure. The procedure was subsequently modified to DSAEK and this procedure is fast becoming the preferred method of rehabilitating corneal conditions with endothelial malfunction such as Fuch's Dystrophy or failed corneas after cataract surgery.

Great health resources that I refer to:

I regularly read Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Ophthalmology Times in order to stay current in my field.

Interests

Great movie:
Princess Bride

Hobby Photos & Links:

Hunt

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My children are all interested in and are establishing careers in the art world. My oldest son is working on a PhD and wants to become a professor, my second son is making films, my daughter is working in television production and my youngest son graduated college after majoring in Philosophy.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

My oldest son, getting a PhD at Berkeley, leads tours to the mountain tops surrounding Area 51 where he invites curious colleagues to look through his telescope and observe what is happening at this secret military base. He has become a celebrated Bay Area Artist.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

My Son Trevor

I have two wonderful horses. Clover is an Irish Sport horse, Lark is a registered quarter horse.

Pet Photos:

This is "Lark"

Travel

An adventure I've had:

One of my most exciting experiences was to purchase a home on the Mediterranean sea in Bodrum Turkey. I owned the home for about seven years and had many wonderful experiences learning the Turkish culture and sailing in races on the Mediterranean Sea.

Favorite place in the world:

My favorite place in the world is New York City because of the diversity of cultural events, people, foods and beautiful clothing available there.

One of my recent trips:

In 2005 I went to Moroco to visit my youngest son who was there studying Arabic. I purchased some wonderful paintings from an artist in Fez and I had a chance to ride an Arab stallion in the mountains!

Trip Photos:

Dye vats in Fez, Morocco