Board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist Rocío Díaz, MD, joined Texas Retina in June and cares for patients in our Wichita Falls office. Fluent in English and Spanish, she came to us from Rapid City Medical Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, and completed her medical and surgical retina fellowship training at Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
At Texas Retina, Dr. Díaz provides care for a full range of vitreoretinal conditions, including macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachment, diabetic eye disease, vitreous floaters, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and artery and vein occlusions. She is passionate about continually improving retina care and sight-saving treatments available to her patients.
Why did you become a physician? What inspired you?
I’ve wanted to be a physician since I was nine years old. I looked up to my pediatrician—he had a way of making me feel seen and cared for with his warmth, humor and compassion. Watching Rescue 911 sparked my interest even more, showing me how meaningful a career in health care could be.
Why did you choose to specialize/sub-specialize in ophthalmology and retina?
I find the field of retina both fascinating and constantly evolving. From the moment I first saw the retina in the operating room, I was captivated by its complexity and beauty. What draws me most to this specialty is the unique opportunity to blend the interpersonal and diagnostic aspects of clinical care with the technical skill and precision of surgery. I feel fortunate to be part of this field and genuinely believe it aligns with my passion and purpose in medicine.
Why did you choose Texas Retina?
I chose Texas Retina to join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, supported by the latest technology and research. It is an honor to work alongside my esteemed colleagues in a retina-focused practice that shares a deep commitment to advancing patient outcomes and serving our community.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is witnessing the meaningful improvement in my patients’ vision and quality of life. Knowing that these positive outcomes result from the dedicated efforts of a collaborative care team makes it especially rewarding. Being part of a team focused on preserving and restoring vision keeps me motivated every day.
What is your philosophy of patient care?
My philosophy of patient care centers on compassion, honesty and collaboration. I believe care begins by building trust through transparent communication. By actively listening to each patient’s concerns, I gain a clearer understanding of their unique needs and guide them using the best available evidence-based information. Ultimately, my goal is to improve patients’ health and quality of life.
How is retina care continuing to evolve? What do you think are some of the most exciting developments?
Retina care is advancing through new pharmaceuticals targeting varied mechanisms, refined surgical techniques, and the integration of artificial intelligence for enhanced diagnosis and treatment planning. Among these, gene therapy stands out as a promising development with the potential to fundamentally change the management of retinal conditions through personalized interventions.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places through travel and hiking, which help me recharge and find inspiration. I also like cooking, crocheting, gardening and diving into a good book. In my free time, I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy and enjoy being an amateur birdwatcher.
Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Rocío Díaz.