Gulfstream Eye – Dr. Rob Vickers
Restorative and Aesthetic Eye Surgery
Dr. Rob Vickers is the Treasure Coast’s only board certified ophthalmologist with two additional years of subspecialty surgical training in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery.
His area of expertise is cosmetic eyelid surgery, including blepharoplasty, ptosis repair (droopy lid surgery), and brow lift surgery. Additionally, Dr. Vickers has extensive experience in correcting eyelid malpositions such as entropion and ectropion, periocular skin cancer removal and reconstruction, surgical treatment for tearing, and disorders of the eye socket. He also has expertise in non-surgical eyelid and facial rejuvenation with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.
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Office Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 4 pm
Friday through Sunday: Closed
Procedures
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Our Work
About Dr. Vickers
Dr. Vickers grew up in West Virginia where he attended Marshall University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree and graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2002. From there he went to West Virginia University School of Medicine where he graduated in 2006. While at WVU, Dr. Vickers was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and served as class president for four years. He then went on to a general surgery internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Following internship, Dr. Vickers completed his ophthalmology residency at the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina where he served as chief resident during his last year. He then completed a two-year fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at the Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Prior to opening his own office, Dr. Vickers worked in two large multispecialty ophthalmology practices in Georgia and Florida.
About Gulfstream Eye
Gulfstream Eye was born out of my vision for providing the optimal patient experience and highest level of subspecialty care.
First, I only provide care within my subspecialty of oculoplastic surgery. I am passionate about this field and it’s where I have extensive training. If you need an eye exam, glasses or are experiencing vision problems we have a broad network of outstanding optometrists and ophthalmologists that we can recommend. Second, I will give each patient sufficient time to discuss his or her pertinent medical history, perform a thorough exam and formulate a unique treatment approach. We will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to your plan in addition to discussing realistic expectations of your treatment options.
Lastly, I am humbled by and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to care for my patients. I want your journey with us to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our staff has years of experience and the highest level of professionalism and compassion. When you come to my office you’ll be treated like family from the moment you walk through the door and never feel like a number.
Please look around our website and contact us with any questions you may have. We hope to see you soon.
Kind regards,
Rob Vickers, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an oculoplastic surgeon?
A: Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who have undergone additional fellowship training that focuses on surgical care of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system and orbit (eye socket). While many ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons have some basic training in eyelid surgery, oculoplastic surgeons have dedicated 1-2 years of subspecialty training to this field.
Q: My friend had his eyes done by another doctor and had a bad result. I’m going to have a perfect result, right?
A: Beware of anyone in life that guarantees a perfect result. As mentioned elsewhere in this section, every case has unique variables and every patient responds to surgery differently. Dr. Vickers has completed the highest level of subspecialty training for eyelid surgery and has subsequently performed thousands of cases in private practice. You will be in very capable hands at Gulfstream Eye but must keep in mind that a small percentage of patients may have a minor asymmetry or other sub-optimal outcome. This can be addressed with a revision surgery but exceptionally small concerns are frequently best left alone.
Q: Does Dr. Vickers see children in his practice?
A: Yes but only for problems within the scope of oculoplastics(eg. droopy lid, blocked tear duct, growth near the eye). For eye exams, glasses and strabismus(misaligned eyes) we recommend seeing a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Q: Can Dr. Vickers be my regular eye doctor?
A: Dr. Vickers only practices within his chosen field of oculoplastic surgery. An exam at Gulfstream Eye does not constitute a complete eye exam as we do not dilate the pupils and look inside the eye. For conditions such as thyroid eye disease or large reconstructive surgeries, Dr. Vickers will likely need to see you on a regular basis. However, you will still need to maintain follow up with your other eye doctors for general ophthalmologic care.
Q: I’m going to a wedding this weekend, can I get some Botox or filler?
A: I don’t recommend it. Filler has an immediate effect but will often lead to bruising and swelling for up to a week or more. Botulinum toxins don’t take full effect for longer than a week and can also lead to bruising. Plan ahead before special events and we’ll help you look your best.
Q: My friend said she had no bruising after her lid lift. Why are you telling me that I’ll have two black eyes for a few weeks?
A: Everyone surgical case has multiple variables and every patient heals differently. Many of Dr. Vickers’ patients recover without ever having a “shiner”. However, this cannot be guaranteed pre-operatively and it is best to expect moderate bruising and swelling. If you don’t happen to bruise then it’s often a matter of luck rather than surgical technique.
Q: Who will perform my cosmetic injectable procedure?
A: Dr. Vickers is the only person who will ever perform any procedure on you at Gulfstream Eye. Non-physician medical personnel and various specialties often choose to offer cosmetic injectables as part of thier services. Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are not without risk(just ask the internet). Consider carefully before having any procedure performed by a non-physician or a physician without formal training in some field of plastic surgery.
Q: I don’t want to look like the celebrities I see on TV who have had bad surgery. That won’t happen will it?
A: Absolutely not. Most of the over done looks you see on TV and online are the result of an aggressive surgeon or a patient’s request to have a profound change in appearance. If you’re looking for that sort of result then Dr. Vickers can’t help you. HIs goal is a rested and refreshed look that represents you at your best; not you trying to be someone else.