Not every eye problem needs a retina specialist—but some conditions can threaten your vision if treatment is delayed.
For many years, patients across Dehradun and the Garhwal region facing serious retinal diseases often had to travel to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Lucknow to receive advanced retina care. Access to a dedicated vitreoretina surgeon was limited, causing unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment.
That changed when Dr. Mohit Garg co-founded Raahi Netradham. With fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Surgery from Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya—one of India's leading eye institutes—he brought advanced retinal diagnostics, micro-incision retinal surgery, retinal laser treatments, and intravitreal injection therapies closer to patients in Uttarakhand.
Many retinal diseases develop silently in their early stages. Others present suddenly with symptoms such as flashes of light, new floaters, blurred central vision, or a dark curtain over the eye. Recognizing these warning signs early and consulting a retina specialist promptly can make the difference between preserving vision and permanent vision loss.
In this guide, Dr. Mohit Garg explains what a retina specialist treats, when a routine eye examination is enough, which symptoms require urgent medical attention, and what patients can expect during a retina consultation at Raahi Netradham, Dehradun.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mohit Garg at Raahi Netradham. Get expert evaluation and treatment for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular diseases, uveitis, and other vision-threatening retinal conditions.
Many people aren't sure when they need a retina specialist instead of a general eye doctor. In this guide, Dr. Mohit Garg explains who should see a vitreoretina surgeon, which symptoms require urgent attention, what happens during your first appointment, and why advanced retina care is now available locally at Raahi Netradham.
A general ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats common eye conditions such as cataracts, dry eye, refractive errors, and routine infections. They can often identify signs of retinal disease during an examination and will refer complex cases to a retina specialist when advanced treatment is required.
A retina specialist (vitreoretina surgeon) focuses exclusively on diseases affecting the retina, macula, vitreous gel, and optic interface. They provide specialised investigations and perform advanced treatments including retinal laser, intravitreal injections, vitrectomy surgery, and retinal detachment repair.
Think of it this way:
A general ophthalmologist is like your family doctor for eye care. A retina specialist such as Dr. Mohit Garg is the expert you need when the problem involves the back of the eye and requires specialised medical or surgical treatment.
Dr. Mohit Garg
MBBS | DNB | MNAMS | FVRS
Co-Founder & Senior Vitreoretina Surgeon,
Raahi Netradham Eye Clinic, Dehradun
Dr. Mohit Garg completed his MBBS from UCMS & GTB Hospital, Delhi University, followed by DNB Ophthalmology at the renowned Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati. He further completed a prestigious Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery (FVRS) and is a Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS).
His expertise includes retinal detachment surgery, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous haemorrhage, uveitis management, and advanced 23G, 25G & 27G micro-incision vitrectomy techniques, providing patients in Uttarakhand with world-class retina care closer to home.
If you're experiencing sudden floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, diabetic eye changes, or any other retina-related symptoms, you can book directly with Dr. Mohit Garg at Raahi Netradham. No prior referral is required.
Retinal detachment is the most time-sensitive emergency in retina care. When the retina separates from the back of the eye, its light-sensitive cells begin to lose their blood supply. Early surgery offers the best chance of preserving vision.
If the detachment reaches or threatens the central macula, treatment should ideally be performed within 24 hours. Delaying care significantly increases the risk of permanent vision loss.
| Symptoms | Recommended Action | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Dark curtain or shadow across vision | Immediate retina examination | 🚨 Same Day |
| Sudden shower of new floaters | Urgent retinal evaluation | 🚨 Same Day |
| Flashes of light in side vision | Check for retinal tear or detachment | 🚨 Same Day |
| Vision becoming progressively blurred | Emergency consultation | 🚨 Same Day |
Dr. Mohit Garg performs Pneumatic Retinopexy, Scleral Buckling and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for retinal detachment at Raahi Netradham. If you notice a curtain, flashes or sudden floaters, don't wait until the next day.
Diabetic retinopathy develops silently and is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults. Many patients have no symptoms until significant retinal damage has already occurred.
Regular retina examinations allow problems to be detected early, often before vision is affected.
| Stage | What Is Happening | When to See Dr. Garg |
|---|---|---|
| Mild NPDR | Small microaneurysms with no vision changes. | Annual retina examination. |
| Moderate NPDR | More widespread retinal changes. | Every 6 months. |
| Severe NPDR | High risk of progression. | Every 3–4 months. |
| Proliferative DR | Abnormal new blood vessels develop. | Urgent laser or injections. |
| Diabetic Macular Oedema | Fluid affects central vision. | Urgent anti-VEGF treatment. |
"The diabetic patients who keep the best vision are usually the ones who attend regular retina checkups before they notice any symptoms. Annual dilated retinal examinations remain the most effective way to prevent vision loss."
In addition to retinal detachment and diabetic eye disease, Dr. Mohit Garg manages a wide range of medical and surgical retina conditions using advanced diagnostics, retinal laser, intravitreal injections and minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery.
• Macular Hole
• Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)
• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic Macular Oedema
Urgency: Book an appointment within one week if straight lines appear wavy, central vision becomes blurry, or you notice a blank spot while reading.
A few stable floaters are usually harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain across your vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
Urgency: Same-day examination for sudden floaters, flashes, or any shadow in your vision.
Bleeding into the vitreous gel causes sudden hazy or dark vision and is commonly associated with diabetic retinopathy or retinal tears. Evaluation is recommended within the same week, and some patients may require vitrectomy surgery.
Dr. Garg treats posterior uveitis, inflammatory retinal diseases, and retinal vein occlusions. Prompt treatment with medication or anti-VEGF injections can help preserve vision and reduce long-term complications.
You don't have to wait until your vision becomes blurry before seeing a retina specialist. Many retinal diseases develop silently, and early detection often prevents permanent vision loss.
Dr. Mohit Garg recommends a routine retina examination for:
Simple Rule: If you have diabetes, high myopia, or a family history of retinal disease, schedule a retina examination every year—even if your vision feels perfectly normal.
| 1 | Dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Sudden increase in floaters within the past 24–48 hours. |
| 3 | Flashes of light together with new floaters. |
| 4 | Sudden significant blurring in one eye. |
| 5 | Red or dark haze filling your vision. |
| 6 | Diabetic patient with any noticeable change in vision. |
Seeing a retina specialist for the first time can feel overwhelming, but the consultation is straightforward, painless, and designed to identify the cause of your symptoms accurately.
Geeta Verma, 61, Mussoorie
"I knew diabetes could affect my eyes, but because I could still see well,
I kept postponing my check-up. When Dr. Mohit Garg examined my retina, he
found Stage 3 diabetic retinopathy even though I had no symptoms. After
timely treatment my vision remains stable, and he explained that waiting
another year might have required surgery."
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OCT Scan | Detailed layer-by-layer retinal imaging. |
| Fundus Photography | High-resolution retinal documentation. |
| Perimetry | Visual field assessment. |
| B-Scan Ultrasound | Evaluates the retina when direct view is blocked. |
| Argon Laser | Treatment for retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy. |
| 25G / 27G Vitrectomy | Micro-incision retinal surgery with faster recovery. |
| Intravitreal Injections | Modern treatment for macular and retinal diseases. |
💬 Dr. Mohit Garg
"When we established Raahi Netradham, our goal was simple—to ensure patients in Uttarakhand no longer needed to travel to Delhi for advanced retina care. From diagnostics and laser treatment to injections and vitreoretinal surgery, everything is available here under one roof."
Complex eye conditions often require collaboration between multiple specialists. At Raahi Netradham, Dr. Isha Agarwalla works closely with experienced retina surgeons to provide comprehensive eye care under one roof.
Vitreoretina · Cataract · Neuro-Ophthalmic
MBBS, DNB, FICO, and FVRSSN
View Full Profile →
Oculoplasty & Cataract Specialist
MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), FMRF (Retina)
View Full Profile →