Diabetes workshop set for Dec, 17

WARWICK — On Monday, Dec. 17, Dr. Mandes R. Kates, an ophthalmologist, will discuss the importance of eye care for people with diabetes as part of the monthly meeting of “Diabetes in Check” sponsored by the Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community Hospital.

“Diabetes in Check,” will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the hospital’s second-floor conference room. The support group is open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Everyone is invited to attend the program geared toward all adults with diabetes and their families.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people between the age of 20 and 74. Uncontrolled blood sugars place one at higher risk for conditions of the eye such as corneal damage, retinal damage and glaucoma, all of which can lead to blindness.

Kates, a board certified ophthalmologist associated with St. Anthony Community Hospital, graduated cum laude from Princeton University and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Organic chemistry from Yale University. He completed his medical education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and then interned in general surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. He performed his residency in Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Medical Center and was offered a Fellowship in Orbit and Ocuplastic Surgery at the Harkness Eye Institute in New York City.

Kates is a member of Eye Physicians of Orange County with offices at 8 Forester Ave. in Warwick, 1 Hatfield Lane in Goshen and 845 Route 17M in Monroe.

Seating is limited and all those planning to attend are asked to reserve a place as soon as possible by calling 845-987-5168.