Tomoka Eye Associates is pleased to welcome Dr. Ruston Hess, D.O., to its team of experienced ophthalmologists. Dr. Hess will see patients in Tomoka Eye Associates’ Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange locations.
Dr. Hess grew up on a farm in northern Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for helping others. When he was in high school, he helped his friend’s mom read schoolwork since she was unable to see due to her diabetes. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in ophthalmology so that he could help people with their vision.
Dr. Hess is a military veteran and served in the Navy for 12 years. Prior to becoming an ophthalmologist, Dr. Hess was an optometrist from 1996 to 2007. Dr. Hess moved to Florida and bought an eye practice with two locations: one in Daytona Beach and one in Palm Coast, then decided to go back to medical school on a Navy Scholarship. He graduated undergraduate school at the State University of New York, and Medical School at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He also spent two years in the Navy and two years with the Marines as an operational medical officer. He performs a variety of procedures, including cataract surgery, pterygium removal surgery, retinal laser treatments, and eyelid, cosmetic, glaucoma, and refractive surgeries. His subspecialties are cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and general ophthalmology.
In his free time, Dr. Hess enjoys running, dirt bikes, sports, and inshore fishing.
