- GlaucomaDr. Wong received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University. She then earned her Doctorate in Optometry from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She completed several externships with training in ocular disease, contact lenses, and primary eye care. During that time she worked closely with glaucoma, corneal and retinal specialists. Dr. Wong then worked with Vision Care of Arizona for several years before joining Biltmore Eye Physicians in December 2021.
- OphthalmologyAileen F. Villareal, MD grew up in the Phoenix area and comes from a family of physicians. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with highest distinction from the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She then earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona before completing her internship at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix and her ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.
- Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration affects cells in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central and most acute vision. Central vision is essential for most basic tasks like reading, driving and recognizing people. Thus, although macular degeneration leaves peripheral vision un-impaired, it can be quite debilitating in its advanced state.
- Laser Eye SurgeryWhile ophthalmologists and optometrists each play an important role in eye care, patients often want to know when to select one over the other. An ophthalmologist is a physician (doctor of medicine, MD, or doctor of osteopathy, DO) who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. As a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many are also involved in scientific research in hopes of finding causes and new treatments for vision disorders.
- CataractsA cataract is a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque resulting in blurred vision. Cataracts typically occur more frequently in the aging population, however other factors such as family history, diabetes, long term UV exposure, previous eye injuries, or certain medications, like steroids, can contribute to the development of cataracts.
- Cataract SurgeryFading or yellowing of colors Some people experience an improvement in their near vision during the beginning stages of a cataract. Unfortunately, this effect goes away as the disease progresses. In its early stages, the decrease in vision caused by cataract maybe managed by changing the prescription of one’s glasses or contacts. Cataract surgery may be considered once the cataract begins to interfere with daily tasks such as reading and driving.
- Eye ExamYour doctor may ask you to wait to speak until after your eye exam is complete. Then they can talk with you and answer questions when they can be a safe distance from you.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDuring her time in private practice, Dr. Villareal has served as a coordinator for the Arizona Telemedicine Ophthalmic Program that was developed by the Arizona Foundation for Eye Health, screening for diabetic retinopathy in underserved populations at risk. She currently volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Eye Clinic and serves as a medical consultant for Bioscreen Clinical Services. A multi-year winner of the Phoenix Magazine Top Doc, Dr. Villareal's practice focus is general ophthalmology. She enjoys treating ocular surface disease and glaucoma as well as correcting vision with contact lenses. Her outside interests include travel, cooking, exercise and playing the piano. She and her husband, Dr. G. Andrew Sulit, a pulmonologist in the East Valley, have one son.