Dr. Potthoff is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. I decided to start my own practice because I didn't want to practice in the "assembly-line" eye doctor model; I want to be able to spend time with patients.
My metric of success is happy patients, not volume or money. I feel that I can provide superior, personalized care by being involved in a patient's visit right from the beginning. I'm not that old, but I've already seen thousands of eyes.
My metric of success is happy patients, not volume or money. I feel that I can provide superior, personalized care by being involved in a patient's visit right from the beginning. I'm not that old, but I've already seen thousands of eyes.
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Dr. Potthoff is a board-certified ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) who provides comprehensive eye care in Traverse City, Michigan. Modern cataract surgery allows your eye surgeon to delicately remove the cataract in your eye, and then insert an intraocular lens (IOL) in it's place. Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which sends signals from the eye to the brain.
A cataract forms when the natural lens in the eye becomes discolored and opacified. The lens is a structure inside the eye; it's clear when we are born but changes as we age. Along with the cornea, the lens focuses light onto the retina so we can see clearly. The lens sits directly behind the iris, the colored part of the eye.
I perform a lot of cataract surgery in Traverse City, MI and I've found that many patients like to know what to expect when they come to my office for a cataract consultation. If I know the patient has a visually significant cataract, either because I have seen them previously or because they were referred by their optometrist, then the visit will proceed as below.
As an ophthalmologist, I perform a lot of cataract surgery in Traverse City, MI and the most frequent pre-operative questions I get from patients are "Does cataract surgery hurt?" and "Am I awake for cataract surgery?" I perform cataract surgery at Copper Ridge Surgery Center in Traverse City, MI. Copper Ridge is located on the west side of Traverse City at 4100 Park Forest Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Cataracts can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common is blurry vision that doesn't get better with blinking. Many patients also describe difficulty with glare and haloes around lights, which is often noticed as trouble driving at night because of oncoming headlights. Cataracts can also make it difficult to see in dim lighting.
Reviews (10)
Gregory Fabiano
Dec 21, 2021
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Dr. Potthoff and the office manager, Paula are truly one of a kind.
My grandfather needed surgery and not only did they fit us in, they went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. Dr. Potthoff will go out of his way to explain everything to the patient. He ensures that you know EVERYTHING from start to finish and goes through each step section by section. I cannot emphasize enough just how detailed he is. He has the best bedside manner you will see and is calming, funny and so intelligent.
Paula, the office manager, is kind, compassionate, warm and so helpful. She will make sure
My grandfather needed surgery and not only did they fit us in, they went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. Dr. Potthoff will go out of his way to explain everything to the patient. He ensures that you know EVERYTHING from start to finish and goes through each step section by section. I cannot emphasize enough just how detailed he is. He has the best bedside manner you will see and is calming, funny and so intelligent.
Paula, the office manager, is kind, compassionate, warm and so helpful. She will make sure
Ann J.
Jan 19, 2021
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Jan Kuras
Dec 29, 2020
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I LOVED my experience with Dr. Potthoff during my two cataract surgeries!!!! He is so caring and understanding and up on the latest eye technologies. I am so thankful that Dr. Mark Austhof OD recommended Dr. Potthoff!!!! This team is amazing and their staff is very polite and helpful!!! I would recommend any person of any age to talk with them if you need eye care from glasses to surgery!!!!!!!
Norbert Gasiewicz
Aug 29, 2020
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Mrknowsit
Aug 23, 2020
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Dr. Pothoff performed cataract surgery on my right eye in October 2020 and I could not be happier with the experience and the result. This guy is one of the most impressive individuals I have met since moving to Northern Michigan. My other eye was done in St. Louis nine years ago by the best doctor I could find there and went perfectly well, but this recent experience with Dr Pothoff was superior in all respects. You can trust your vision to Dr. Pothoff without reservation. He has all the tools and uses them. He knows his stuff and applies his knowledge and experience with generosity. He is extremely
Mary Dixon
Aug 09, 2020
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Dr. Potthoff made room to see me within a few hours of my call. I appreciate his attention and quick analysis of my eye sight concern, assuring me that things were okay, and planning for a follow up visit to watch my problem. Even though I was from out of town, he was willing to help me immediately. Thank you Dr. Potthoff!
James Marshall
Jul 11, 2020
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I was concerned with progressively blurry vision and wanted to see an Ophthalmologist as soon as possible. We called his office and asked for an appointment. Dr. Potthoff called me personally to see what my issues were, was very reassuring on the phone and made time to see me despite a full schedule and the virus. During my visit, he was everything you would want in a doctor. He was; professional, knowledgable and kind. I would highly recommend him to anyone with eye issues. Carla Marshall
Bernice J. Vogelaar
Oct 24, 2019
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Dr. Potthoff and his staff are ultimate professionals and genuinely care about all aspects of their customers and their needs. Just met them for the purpose of cataract removal. Everything from billing to surgical procedure and options were clear and understandable. Will give follow up report after surgery next week.
Juddee Maxwell
Jul 08, 2019
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Great experience with Dr. Potthoff. My regular ophthalmologist said no cataract surgery unless I could tolerate the antibiotic drops, and left me hanging. (Allergic to all antibiotics.). Phoned a few different physicians. Dr. Potthoff accepted me as a patient, and completed both cataract surgeries without antibiotics. I am now enjoying my new vision, and am grateful Dr. Potthoff accepted my care. A great experience. Couldn’t be more pleased.
Linda Harker
Jul 18, 2018
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My 96 year old father had cataract surgery on both eyes within the last 30 days performed by Dr. Potthoff. An ophthalmologist who is a professional with his skill as well as his compassion for his patients. My father told me today that this is the best he has been able to see in years!! I highly recommend Dr. Potthoff for all your ophthalmology needs.
