Patient Spotlight: Julie Newman’s Journey to Better Vision

Julie Newman has spent nearly 50 years caring for others within the Charity and University healthcare systems. She began her career as a nurse aide and later earned her LPN degree, dedicating her life to helping patients through some of their most difficult moments.

Today, Julie finds herself on the other side of healthcare—as a patient—and her own journey has given her an even greater appreciation for compassionate care.

A Sudden Change in Her Vision

One Saturday morning in August, Julie noticed something was wrong with her eye. It was throbbing and jumping, and she knew she needed to find an ophthalmologist. After speaking with a friend on Monday, she was referred to Heitmeier Eyecare, where she saw Dr. Thomas.

During her examination, Dr. Thomas asked Julie how long it had been since she had been able to see out of her left eye.

“I said, ‘I can see,’ and she said, ‘No, you can’t,’” Julie recalls.

Julie already knew she had cataracts, but she soon learned that cataract surgery first would make her retina surgery safer. Dr. Cangelosi performed her cataract removal, and Julie was then referred to Dr. James David for treatment of a macular hole.

Julie has now been under Dr. David’s care for about a year.

Finding Confidence in Her Retina Care

“When I first came here, I was scared. I did not know what to expect,” Julie says. “But Dr. David made me comfortable and has kept me comfortable throughout this entire journey. I love him!”

Julie says Dr. David has always made sure she understood what was happening with her eye and what to expect at every step.

“He has always kept me abreast of the steps, the potential risks, and what to look for. He explained what was normal and what symptoms should alert me that something might be wrong.”

That communication has given Julie confidence throughout her treatment.

And there is one other special connection between Julie and Dr. David—they share the same birthday.

A Team That Makes a Difference

Julie receives care at both the Metairie and Westbank locations and says compassion extends beyond her physician.

“I love the staff. They are all so nice and helpful. I go to both the Metairie and Westbank clinics, and everyone has been wonderful.”

After spending decades caring for patients herself, Julie recognizes the importance of being treated with kindness, patience, and understanding.

A Lifetime of Compassion

Julie’s commitment to caring for others has extended far beyond her career.

One experience during her years at University Medical Center of New Orleans (UMCNO) left such an impression that it eventually led to a scholarship being established in her name.

A patient had lost her daughter in a tragic hit-and-run accident. After making the heartbreaking decision to take her daughter off life support, the woman was overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty. When Julie learned that the woman was struggling and trying to navigate everything alone—including finding a funeral home—she stepped in.

Julie comforted her, helped her figure out what to do next, and encouraged her to take care of herself while making those difficult decisions.

The two remained friends for years.

One day, someone came to the hospital looking for Julie and told her that the woman had established a $50,000 scholarship in Julie’s name.

“I was so surprised,” Julie says.

The scholarship was created to support employees at UMCNO. The only requirements are that the recipient works at UMCNO, and demonstrates satisfactory progress in their program.

For Julie, the scholarship was never about recognition. It was about giving back to nurses who provide the same compassionate care she believes every patient deserves.

Julie’s Advice to Other Patients

After everything she has experienced with her vision, Julie has a simple message for anyone diagnosed with a macular hole:

“Make an appointment right away and come let Dr. David take care of you.”

And if she had to make the decision all over again?

“With the information I have now, I would choose Dr. David to be my doctor again.”

Living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) since 2007 has been a journey filled with challenges, uncertainty, and a determination to protect my vision. I have both wet and dry AMD, and in 2025, I was also diagnosed with geographic atrophy (GA).

Over the years, I have been treated by three different retina doctors. When my first doctor moved and my second doctor stopped accepting Medicare, I found myself looking for a new physician. I asked people I knew for recommendations, and a neighbor suggested Dr. John Frisbee. I also spoke with others who had been treated at Eye Surgery Center of Louisiana. I kept hearing the same things—that Dr. Frisbee was knowledgeable, had an excellent technique, and genuinely cared about his patients.

After meeting him, I understood why.

Dr. Frisbee is extremely knowledgeable, but what stands out most is his willingness to share that knowledge with his patients. He takes the time to explain things, and if you don't understand something, he will find another way to explain it until it makes sense.

He actually reminds me of my son, and I think that's part of why I feel so comfortable with him. He has a way of making what can be a very frightening process feel less frightening and more hopeful.

The same is true of his staff. There is such great camaraderie between Dr. Frisbee and the people who work with him. You can tell that everyone is working together toward the same goal—helping patients feel better and guiding them through the process. That is invaluable.

You don't feel like you're just another patient walking through the door. You feel like everyone is invested in helping you.

My vision challenges eventually led to another important part of my journey. Last year, my cataracts had become severe enough that surgery was recommended. My vision had deteriorated to the point that I was using a white walking stick because I couldn't see well.

Dr. Frisbee explained everything to me and referred me to three different doctors for cataract surgery. I ultimately had my cataracts removed, and thankfully, the surgery was successful.

Living with AMD means understanding that it is a progressive disease. To my knowledge, there isn't a cure, so treatment is about doing everything we can to preserve our vision for as long as possible.

I come in regularly for my injections. I don't wake up in the morning thinking, "I'm so thankful that today is injection day!" But I understand that I am doing my part to hold on to as much vision as I can.

I also believe patients have a responsibility to be part of their own treatment. We need to ask questions, understand our options, listen to our doctors, and do what we can to protect our vision.

Dr. Frisbee has meant a great deal to me throughout this journey. When you're dealing with a disease that can affect your vision and your independence, having someone who makes the process feel less frightening and more hopeful means so much.

There was also a time when there was uncertainty about whether certain medications would continue to be available to patients who needed them. I wasn't sure whether I would meet the criteria to continue receiving the treatment that was helping me maintain my vision.

Dr. Frisbee advocated for his patients. He worked to help ensure that those who needed these medications had access to treatment that could help preserve their vision for as long as possible. That meant a great deal to me.

If I could tell another patient who has just been diagnosed with AMD one thing, it would be this: Don't be afraid to ask questions, and be an active part of your treatment. Find a doctor you trust—someone who will take the time to explain things and make you feel comfortable.

For me, finding Dr. Frisbee gave me confidence that I was doing everything I could to preserve my vision. When you're facing a progressive disease, having a doctor who gives you knowledge, support, and hope can make all the difference.

- Nellie C.

- Stacey M.

- John Wayne B.

-Ricky R.

- Betty B.