Helga F. Pizio, MD, FACS
Dr. Helga F. Pizio is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and is one of the most experienced practicing ophthalmic surgeons in Southern Nevada. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1998, Dr. Pizio has been offering her services in Ophthalmology to Las Vegas and the surrounding area since the Fall of 1996. In the Summer of 2008, Dr. Pizio founded New Eyes, a comprehensive eye care facility dedicated to providing patients with advanced eye surgery, treatments to improve visual acuity, and options to prevent vision impairment caused by eye conditions and diseases. Visit Dr. Pizio’s video blog to learn about common procedures and frequently asked questions. To view Dr. Pizio’s ABO certification status and profile click here.
What Sets Dr. Pizio Apart from Other Las Vegas Cataract Surgeons?
Dr. Pizio is a trusted leader in cataract surgery, and performs thousands of cataract surgeries every year. She is the eye surgeon other medical professionals choose for themselves and their loved ones, which is a fact that is reflected in her many awards and recognitions. Dr. Pizio is passionate about cataract surgery and eye care, so she consistently takes time to educate herself and others on the latest advancements in surgical techniques and technologies. Through her continued education, Dr. Pizio’s patients are able to receive high-quality, safe, and effective treatment for cataracts and a variety of other vision concerns.
Education and Leadership Positions
Dr. Helga F. Pizio graduated with top honors from University of Miami School of Medicine in 1992. Following her medical degree, Dr. Pizio completed her Ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma. In addition to leading the team of eye specialists here at New Eyes, Dr. Pizio is an active professor at the University Of Nevada School Of Medicine and an adjunct professor for Southern California College of Optometry.
Cataract Expertise
Dr. Pizio is respected throughout the ophthalmological community for her expertise as a cataract surgeon and her devotion to comprehensive research to advance the field of eye care. She has made presentations and has lectured throughout the nation on a variety of topics in ophthalmology and cataract surgery.
Treatments and Procedures
Specializing in advanced techniques for cataract surgery, Dr. Pizio is highly skilled and experienced with Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) treatment and options to help patients affected by cataracts save their vision and improve their eyesight. Performing more than 2,400 surgeries each year, Dr. Pizio is the trusted eye surgeon for thousands of patients in Southern Nevada, including many of her fellow doctors, surgeons, attorneys, judges, and their friends and family members. Dr. Pizio is also adept at procedures such as comprehensive eyelid surgery and treatments that rejuvenate the appearance of areas around the eyes.
Both Dr. Pizio and her staff are patient and informative in response to questions. They have also been unusually helpful when I’ve had issues with my insurance company and medications.
Nancy Hunterton
October 11, 2019
Awards and Recognition
As of 2023, Dr. Pizio has now been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doc for 16 years. Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. publishes an annual list of America’s Top Doctors® that serves as one of the most prominent resources available for individuals looking for healthcare options in their communities. Doctors are nominated by their peers and then carefully reviewed based on their training, education, board certification, and other factors. They are not allowed to nominate themselves or pay for inclusion.
In addition to her recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doc, Dr. Pizio has been singled out as a Top Doc Ophthalmologist by Vegas Seven magazine for 2016 and 2017. She was also named a Top Doctor by Vegas Magazine for 2012 and 2013. Comprised of 37 different specialties, one of them being ophthalmology, the list is based on a survey of peers completed by a nonprofit Washington, D.C. organization called Consumers Checkbook. Local doctors were asked the question, “Who is the doctor that you would send your loved one to?”
Dr. Pizio has also been selected as a “Top Doctor” by Vegas Inc multiple times in the past decade, including her most recent honor in 2021. This is a list that features the top doctors of the area, as nominated by local physicians. Additionally, Dr. Pizio has been recognized as a Vitals Top 10 Doctor in the state of Nevada. As part of only one percent of active physicians nationwide to receive this honor, she was selected based on written feedback and ratings from patients to whom she provided care. Included among the components of care at which Dr. Pizio notably excelled were her bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, and extent of follow-up interaction with each patient.
An Interview with Dr. Pizio
How to Choose the Best Cataract Surgeon for You
Selecting a the right cataract surgeon is one of the most important ways you can ensure the best possible outcome for your cataract surgery. While researching potential surgeons, it is crucial to review their qualifications, including education, experience, board certification, and area of specialization. Once you have scheduled a consultation, Dr. Pizio recommends asking your potential cataract surgeon some questions, to further supplement your research. Below, we have provided examples of questions that may help.
- How often do you perform cataract surgery?
- Are you board-certified?
- Are you using the most up-to-date technologies for cataract surgery?
- How frequently are your lasers serviced and maintained?
- What is the success rate of your cataract surgeries?
- May I speak with any of your previous patients to get a better idea of what to expect?
Ultimately, the cataract surgeon you choose is a very personal decision. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon, as well as confident in their ability to provide you with optimal results through effective treatment and the highest level of safety.
If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Helga F. Pizio please contact New Eyes today.