Esterman Eye Institute

I have never witnessed such awful behavior from a doctor before. Because the person cancelled before my appointment time, they called the day of to say that I needed to come in early (I work and already had to leave early for the appointment I was scheduled for) I told them I couldn't come in at that time. I am having an issue with my eye but Dr. Kasten couldn't be bothered waiting. Clearly his time is way more important than mine so I will be switching from his practice to see someone who cares about his patients and doesn't look at us as a paycheck.

To the Management and Staff of eye center: I am writing out of deep concern and frustration regarding the care my 85-year-old husband received at your eye clinic yesterday. His right eye, previously affected by retinal detachment and glaucoma surgeries—performed by the same doctor three years ago—has severely deteriorated since 2022, when he still had some vision. Yesterday, your optometrist confirmed his vision is severely impaired in that eye, with correction making no difference. After a battery of tests, the same ophthalmologist who did his surgeries spent just five minutes with us, noted “corneal edema,” and asked if he wanted surgery. My husband, who has endured two surgeries on that eye, declined another procedure. The doctor offered no alternatives, no explanation for why his vision has worsened so drastically over three years, and no guidance on what to expect moving forward. Instead, he simply said, “Come back in six months,” and dismissed us. We drove two hours round-trip for a five-minute visit that left us feeling unheard and disrespected. My husband is a simple, kind man who doesn’t complain, despite his challenges. His mobility is limited, requiring my support to get around, and two recent urinary tract infections have left him occasionally confused, making him more vulnerable. As his wife, I’m deeply worried about his declining vision affecting his daily life—driving, independence, and safety. I was shocked to see your office rated 4 out of 5 online, as this experience felt far from professional. Three years ago, this doctor performed his surgeries, but yesterday’s cold, dismissive attitude was unrecognizable and unacceptable. I’m not writing to attack but to advocate for my husband, who deserves better care. Patients like him, especially those vulnerable due to age or health, need thorough explanations, non-surgical treatment options, and compassionate attention. I urge your management to review this doctor’s conduct and ensure no other patient feels dismissed. We need answers about his condition, its progression, and how to protect his quality of life. Please take this seriously and commit to improving care for those who depend on you. Sincerely, A Concerned Wife

I have been a patient at South Palm Eye Associates for quite some time. Dr Kasten is an extremely knowledgeable ophthalmologist with a great ‘bedside’ manner .His ability to put patients at ease is exceptional. His team and staff are attentive and knowledgeable and always pleasant. Dr Kubal, new to the team, performed my cataract surgery. I highly recommend his gentle touch and this remarkable practice.

I saw Dr Kenneth Kasten for developing cataracts - noted some time prior by another ophthalmologist. Dr Kasten waited appropriately(in my opinion as a retired physician). I have recently had them both extracted with excellent results. I opted for plain vanilla replacement lenses and had no pushing to get the more expensive variety. Dr Kasten did what obviously has been a very smooth and expert removal. The outpatient surgery facility and its personnel functioned smoothly and pleasantly. All of the office staff in the practice have been more than pleasnat to work with. Dr Kasten has always been on time with appointments and has taken his time to explain things well and without rush. I am happy to give the highest rating to Dr Kasten and his office staff.

Dr Kasten was rude and failed to give me proper feedback for a vision problem I was having. Only complained to me about my choosing to go to another doctor for my cataract surgery two years ago. Would not recommend him.