Surgeon gains greater insight on lives of patients

Mark Weiss, MD, decided several years ago that he wanted to learn to see things better. He has since developed his talents as a photographer, capturing wonderful images in seemingly ordinary life. He shares these photos on his Web site, http://www.glaucomadoc.com/.

"I like specializing in glaucoma because it's long-term care," he said. "I can build relationships with my patients. It suits my personality."

"It's a big help for many patients," he said.

Focus

He took a week-long photography course in Taos, NM. "It's a magical area around Santa Fe," Dr. Weiss said. "The light there is beautiful."

Shoot

Dr. Weiss said he takes his camera with him wherever he goes. He said he has taken beautiful photos on beaches and in New Mexico, but he also has taken beautiful photos at the Tulsa clinic where he volunteers."There are interesting faces there, interesting subjects," he said.

Dr. Weiss donated equipment for the clinic, where he performs eye exams and provides reading glasses. "I can make a quiet but direct impact with these people," he said.

Dr. Weiss said he has hung up some of his photos in the office with his wife's paintings and his collection of walking sticks. "I think it makes patients comfortable to see personal items in a doctor's office," he said.

Although it seems common for ophthalmologists to enjoy photography, a very visual art, Dr. Weiss said he does not think his hobby and his career are linked. Photography, for him, is just something he's always enjoyed, a way to see beauty in all parts of life.