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Dr. Avani Shah, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Avani Shah, MD)

(1517 Ratings)

Specializes in: Ophthalmology (Eye Disease) and General Practice

Albany Medical College (2001)

Professional interests include: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), headache, cataract surgery, and more.

3100 Emrick Boulevard Suite 200
Bethlehem, PA 18020

(484) 273-4390

Dr. Avani Shah, MD is an ophthalmologist in Bethlehem, PA specializing in ophthalmology (eye disease) and general practice. She graduated from Albany Medical College in 2001 and has 23 years of experience. Dr. Avani Shah, MD is affiliated with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG), Lehigh Valley Health Network and LVPG Ophthalmology-Fogelsville.

Office Locations

Address:

3100 Emrick Boulevard Suite 200
Bethlehem, PA 18020

Some issues Dr. Avani Shah, MD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

Headache

Headaches are dull or sharp pains that occur in regions of the head and face. Headaches occur in many different forms and vary in location, severity, and duration. They are not necessarily a sign of an underlying illness and often resolve on their own. However, headaches can present significant day-to-day discomfort. The most common forms of headaches include:

Migraines: one of the most prevalent types of headache, migraines typically last from two hours to three days, causing a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Nausea, sensitivity to bright lights, fatigue, and blurred vision all may accompany migraines. While migraines have no known cure, medications and lifestyle modifications may ease symptoms. Avoiding behaviors that may trigger migraines such as lack of sleep or loud, repetitive noises can improve headaches.
Tension headaches: also known as stress headaches, these headaches are characterized by pain in the upper top part of the head and behind the eyes. Tension headaches are common and have no exact cause; however, certain practices may increase the likelihood of developing them. For example, wearing one's hair up in a tight hairstyle or wearing a restrictive hat can put pressure on the scalp, leading to a tension headache. Other causes of tension headaches may include alcohol or nicotine use, caffeine, teeth grinding, stress, overexertion, and eye strain. Some people find posture improvement, alternating sleeping positions, and neck exercise can alleviate tension headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may also reduce tension-headache pain.
Sinus headaches: this type of headache causes pain in the sinuses, but may progress to pain and pressure in the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. These headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion, fatigue, and ache in the upper teeth and may or may not be caused by sinus infections or sinusitis (sinus inflammation). Some sinus headaches are allergic headaches, which arise from allergic triggers such as seasonal allergies (pollen allergies) or hay fever, causing sinus pressure and facial pain. Other symptoms of allergic headaches include nasal congestion, irritated or watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic headaches may be treated with antihistamine medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec). Allergic headaches are common during pollen season, which is usually around springtime.
Cluster headaches: these headaches occur suddenly and cause stabbing, sharp pain from one eye down to the one side of the neck. They are often referred to as the most aggravating and painful type of headaches. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, and enlarged pupil on one side of the face. In the past, it was widely believed that cluster headaches were caused by a bevy or "cluster" of multiple types of headaches, such as a combination of an allergic headache and a tension headache. Medical experts now recognize that cluster headaches are a separate and unique form of headache. Cluster headaches last for around twenty minutes to two hours. They may recur throughout the period of a day or several weeks, but usually dissipate within a month. Treatment for cluster headaches includes over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Prescription Prednisone can help with swelling and Verapamil may reduce pain by relaxing the blood vessels.

Living with headaches is challenging; headaches can prevent people from fully enjoying life. Medical treatment and care in avoiding certain triggers can help those with headaches begin to feel normal once again.

doctor visit	60
eye procedures	190

**Gender**
Male	81
Female	105

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	144
Black	0
Hispanic	23
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	85
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	16
Less than 65	35

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	42
Dementia	8
Cancer	10

doctor visit	172
eye procedures	478
ultrasound (sonogram)	70

**Gender**
Male	129
Female	179

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	238
Black	0
Hispanic	41
Asian	12
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	132
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	35
Less than 65	67

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	43
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

capsulotomy	19
doctor visit	259
eye procedures	766
laser treatment	18
ultrasound (sonogram)	99

**Gender**
Male	380
Female	508

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	602
Black	42
Hispanic	180
Asian	42
Other	22
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	412
From 75 to 84	218
85 and over	88
Less than 65	170

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	46
Dementia	6
Cancer	7

capsulotomy	20
doctor visit	231
eye procedures	859
laser treatment	19
ultrasound (sonogram)	112

**Gender**
Male	217
Female	302

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	352
Black	32
Hispanic	96
Asian	27
Other	12
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	239
From 75 to 84	135
85 and over	40
Less than 65	105

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	47
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

capsulotomy	20
doctor visit	166
eye procedures	822
lab tests	18
laser treatment	19
ultrasound (sonogram)	93

**Gender**
Male	194
Female	269

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	303
Black	26
Hispanic	86
Asian	28
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	218
From 75 to 84	127
85 and over	41
Less than 65	77

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	44
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

doctor visit	204
excision	20
eye procedures	1038
laser treatment	19
ultrasound (sonogram)	154

**Gender**
Male	224
Female	330

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	385
Black	25
Hispanic	98
Asian	26
Other	20
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	264
From 75 to 84	164
85 and over	51
Less than 65	75

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	42
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

capsulotomy	21
doctor visit	162
eye procedures	972
laser treatment	20
ultrasound (sonogram)	102

**Gender**
Male	227
Female	311

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	391
Black	20
Hispanic	79
Asian	30
Other	18
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	245
From 75 to 84	168
85 and over	51
Less than 65	74

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	40
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

capsulotomy	45
doctor visit	232
eye procedures	603
laser treatment	44
ultrasound (sonogram)	27

**Gender**
Male	180
Female	261

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	316
Black	20
Hispanic	59
Asian	33
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	237
From 75 to 84	127
85 and over	30
Less than 65	47

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	37
Dementia	8
Cancer	11

capsulotomy	43
doctor visit	297
eye procedures	2185
laser treatment	42
ultrasound (sonogram)	81

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Avani Shah, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Avani Shah, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Bethlehem, PA were eye procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), capsulotomy and laser treatment.

capsulotomy	28
doctor visit	199
excision	20
eye procedures	885
lab tests	18
laser treatment	26
ultrasound (sonogram)	92

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Avani Shah, MD.

**Gender**
Male	163
Female	226

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	16
Asian / Pacific Islander	19
Non-Hispanic White	273
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	66
Other	8

**Age**
75 to 84	106
85 and over	35
Less than 65	65
65 to 74	183

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Avani Shah, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Avani Shah, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	34
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Cancer	7
Dementia	6

Education & Training

Dr. Avani Shah, MD graduated from Albany Medical College in 2001. She completed residency at Albany Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology Publications & Clinical Trials View Scholarly Works and has a state license in Pennsylvania.

Medical School: Albany Medical College (2001)

Residency: Albany Medical Center (2003)

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology Publications & Clinical Trials View Scholarly Works

Licensed In: Pennsylvania

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Avani Shah, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG)

Lehigh Valley Health Network

LVPG Ophthalmology-Fogelsville

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Avani Shah, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 1517 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Avani Shah, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Bethlehem, PA.

4.8

Overall Rating

(1517 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Avani Shah, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Alcon Laboratories Inc	$320 Simbrinza $141	ORA $125	AcrySof $36	Travatan Z $15	Ilevro $3
Alcon Vision LLC	$230 Hydrus Microstent $141	CLAREON $49	ACTIVEFOCUS $41
Shire North American Group Inc	$176 XIIDRA $176
Allergan Inc.	$169 RESTASIS $99	LUMIGAN $39	$30
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	$80 XIIDRA $67	Travatan Z $13
Other	$363 DURYSTA $74	TEPEZZA $67	Ophthalmic surgical adjuncts $48	Omidria $31	Rocklatan $24	Other $119

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,318
Gift	$19

Biography

Dr. Avani Shah's specialties are general practice and ophthalmology (eye disease). She practices in Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA. She graduated from Albany Medical College. Dr. Shah is professionally affiliated with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG). Yext reports that she is accepting new patients at her office in Bethlehem, PA.