Dr. Nelson R. Sabates is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, as well as advanced cataract surgery. He serves patients at Sabates Eye Centers in Kansas City.
About Dr. Nelson Sabates
Dr. Sabates earned his medical degree from UMKC School of Medicine, followed by an internship at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma and a retina fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School, along with postdoctoral research at Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston.
Currently, Dr. Sabates is Chairman and Professor of Ophthalmology at UMKC School of Medicine. He is also President and CEO of Sabates Eye Centers and President of the Vision Research Foundation of Kansas City.
A leader in his field, Dr. Sabates lectures internationally and has authored numerous publications and book chapters. He serves on several editorial boards and is an active reviewer for top ophthalmology journals. He also directs and participates in clinical research and trials focused on retinal diseases. Dr. Sabates has held key leadership roles in organizations such as the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and Schepens International Society, and is the Founder and Co-Director of the Vision Research Center.
Credentials
Education & Training
- Doctor of Medicine | University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
- Internship | St. Luke’s Hospital
- Ophthalmology Residency | Dean McGee Eye Institute
- Fellowship in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School
- Post Doctoral Research Fellowship | Schepens Eye Research Institute
Languages
English
Memberships & Affiliations
- Board Certification | American Board of Ophthalmology
- Professor, Chairman | UMKC School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology
Awards & Recognition
- Spotlight Award | UMKC’s Alumni Association
- Honor Award | American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Man of the Year Award | KC Magazine
What patients say
Reviews & ratings
Patient Reviews
No reviews yetReviews for Sabates Eye Centers
★★★★★4.8886 reviewsGoogle reviews from the "Sabates Eye Centers" Google Business Profile. Reviews describe the practice and may mention other providers at this location.View all Google reviews at this practice
While I have always valued the quality of care your practice offers, I was very disappointed with how my last visit unfolded. My appointment was overbooked, leading to an hour-long wait past the scheduled time.I felt that the pre exam with the male technician was extremely rushed and incomplete, which left me feeling unsettled about my vision care.Dr. Krishna also appeared to be in a hurry. Do not recommend this eye center. I will be going elsewhere for my eyecare needs.
I thank God for Dr. Kwedar and Sabates eye center! December 18th 2025 my retina was detaching and I was at St. Lukes emergency room on the Plaza. Two different Sabates eye doctors looked at my eye in the emergency room. They quickly determined my left retina was actively detaching. In just a couple hours I was sitting before Dr. Kathleen Kwedar. She explained multiple options and said we need to do surgery now. Before surgery most of my eye sight was completely gone in my left eye. Today July 9th 2026 my eyesight is almost like it was before the retina detachment. I am so grateful to the Lord, Dr. Kwedar, Sabates Eye Center, and their amazing team. Through this entire process Dr. Kwedar and her team have exhibited extreme care, compassion, and concern! I can't imagine where I would be at now without Dr. Kwedar and Sabates Eye Center...THANK YOU!
I requested an eye exam through my eye insurance which should have been 100% covered. Instead, they submitted the exam through my medical insurance and billed me $246. When I asked for clarification at check out they said nothing could be done after the fact. When I called and spoke with an office manager they said it would be reviewed and reevaluated. I continued to recieve text and bills in the mail. The last bill I received informed me it's the final bill before they send it to collections. I will have to pay it now and try to deal with it after they have my money.
Very roundly staff and physicians.
Dr. Sabates has provided eye care for our family for several years and has saved my husband's eyesight. He is kind, knowledgeable, highly skilled and careful always to explain clearly to both of us exactly what our options are. The office staff is friendly and helpful, and our visits always leaves us encouraged.
I just saw Dr Wiggins and it was the worst experience I’ve ever had. He gave me a shot near my eye and shoved the lidocaine in so fast I screamed and came out of the chair. I was left by myself for the next 5-10 minutes. When he came back in I’m not even sure he cleaned his hands. He then proceeded to cut on my eye and I had to beg him to slow down! He didn’t listen. It was so painful. Then when I left the whole right side of my head was numb.clear yo the back of my head. I felt sick to my stomach and I didn’t think I was going to make it home. It was awful. I won’t be seeing him again!!!
It makes no difference how well the actual treatment is when they make you wait +40 minutes past appointment time every single time. Why bother making appointments at this place? They are consistently late, might as well just line up outside.
I have catered surgery at 06/11/2025 and 06/25/25 still I have pain and in my eyes after 1 month doctor find out 1stich left in my eyes after i visit every time they change drops and says everything ok but but not okay drops costly over $50.00 to $75.00 once they give me over $200.00 I’m not afford thet much
