The final doctor in our “Meet the Doctors” series is Dr. Gene Moss. Dr. Moss specializes in treating diseases of the cornea and also performs cataract surgery using the most advanced methods available. He received his medical degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa and completed a general surgery internship and ophthalmology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Moss then finished a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the Brandon Eye Clinic and St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute in Tampa, Florida.
What made you want to become an ophthalmologist?
My identical twin brother (Dr. Saxton Moss) actually convinced me to try ophthalmology. When we entered rotations during our fourth year of medical school, I thought I wanted to be a Cardiologist or GI specialist, but he convinced me to try ophthalmology after he signed up for the rotation.
How did you come to Piedmont Eye Center?
My brother actually moved here first, and spent several years trying to convince me to move from Charleston, SC. I told him I was never moving to Lynchburg. But, a few years later he called my fiance and said that Piedmont was looking for another partner and asked her if she would be okay with moving. She agreed, so we moved here.
Why did you choose your sub-specialty?
I chose both ophthalmology and my sub-specialty in the first week of my rotation. During that time I studied under two doctors, James Rowsey and Bradley Fouraker, who specialized in cataracts and cornea transplants. I knew what I wanted to do then, and have never looked back.
What is the most common misconception about what you do?
I believe a lot of patients think that a cornea transplant means they won’t be able to see as well as they hoped. Now, we are able to do a modified transplant that only uses a portion of the cornea. This method often produces good results in about a month, which is quicker than most people think possible. They often have very positive results from the surgery.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding thing is restoring vision when a patient has been told that it’s not possible. In any case that I can restore vision, either through a cataract surgery or transplant, it’s rewarding. But, those cases where people have lost hope are especially rewarding. The best part about being an ophthalmologist is being able to receive positive feedback from patients.
What’s one thing you wish every patient knew?
We see a lot of trauma and loss of vision that would be prevented with eye protection. If you are outdoors mowing the grass, hiking or doing anything active be sure to wear proper protection.
What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
I most enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy fishing, sailing, traveling and hiking.
