Shiley Eye Center at UCSD

I just finished reading an article about a professor of ophthalmology at Shiley Eye Center at the University of California San Diego, who helped discover a gene associated with the dry form of macular degeneration.

How on earth, you're asking yourself, is this relevant to a blog About La Jolla?

Well, it reminded me how lucky I am to live in a community that is a treasuretrove of medical facilities and that I should mention this to potential visitors.

I realize that cataract surgery isn't a common vacation activity, but you wouldn't be the first. Patients come from all over the world to be treated by Shiley doctors. So why not have the best possible care and beautiful surroundings?

At Shiley (http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/eyes/), services range from serious stuff like pediatric ophthalmology and cornea transplants to image enhancing "lid lifts." The center is located on the UCSD campus, a stone's throw from Thornton Hospital - also know as the "Ritz Thornton" - but most procedures are done in Shiley's own surgery center.

Beaches, shopping and dining options, and some of the area's best hotels are all nearby.

Come and see for yourself.