Here are 40 ambulatory surgery centers performing 50 percent or more ophthalmology, of all total cases. There is no fee to be included in or to market this list. There are never fees involved with Becker's lists.
Note: To be included on this or any other list, please contact Rachel Fields at rfields@beckershealthcare.com.
Acuity Laser Eye and Vision Center (Scranton, Pa.). Acuity Laser Eye and Vision Center was founded by Steven Vale, MD, one of the region's most experienced eye surgeons in the field of laser vision correction of refractive errors. He began performing PRK and LASIK in August 1994, under the supervision of internationally renowned refractive surgery pioneer Fouad Tayfour, MD. Dr. Vale has published numerous articles in the fields of corneal and external disease and refractive surgery, and in December 2011 was featured in Citizens Voice in an editorial about who should perform surgical eye procedures. He urged the passage of a state bill that would clarify surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists. "The bill was written after months of discussions among legislators and medical professionals," he said. "It clarifies that surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, while not removing anything from the scope of practice of optometrists, who have received medical training but are not physicians."
Advanced Eye Surgery (Vero Beach, Fla.). Advanced Eye Surgery is the surgical center branch of the Center for Advanced Eye Care, a practice that recently celebrated the opening of its expanded building. The celebration was held on the sixth anniversary of the practice by William Mallon, MD. The staff of the practice and surgery center also includes retina specialist Adam Katz, MD, and ophthalmologist J. Michael Schnell, MD. Advanced Surgery Center is accredited by the AAAHC and offers microsurgical and laser equipment for the treatment of eye conditions.
Arkansas Eye Surgery Center (Magnolia, Ark.). Construction on the Arkansas Eye Surgery Center began in February 2012 and is due to be completed this year. The surgery center, which will have two operating suites, is being developed by Ivory Kinslow, Md, an ophthalmologist who owns the South Arkansas Eye Center in El Dorado. When open, the surgical center will primarily be used for cataract and other eye surgeries and is expected to have the capability to perform laser eye surgery. Dr. Kinslow will conduct eye surgeries at the Magnolia center as an extension of her present practice in El Dorado. She will continue to work from her office in El Dorado. The Magnolia Surgery Center will be open "as needed," she said.
Baltimore Eye Surgical Center (Baltimore, Md.). Baltimore Eye Surgical Center is a surgery center dedicated exclusively to eye surgery. The center provides a variety of services including cataract surgery, LASIK, pan-retinal photocoagulation and ophthalmic cosmetic services. Baltimore Eye uses the Alcon Infinity system for cataract removal, considered one of the premier systems for cataract removal, which removes cataracts by fragmentation of the lens by ultrasound. The ASC is staffed by three board-certified ophthalmologists with additional sub-specialty training in eyelid plastic surgery, cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma and retinal disease. Baltimore Eye's cosmetic program is led by Marcos T. Doxanas, MD, one of the leading national eyelid surgeons. The surgery center performs about 2,600 procedures annually and is accredited by the AAAASF. According to Patty Dauses, nurse manager at the center, the center's success stems from its excellent staff. "We have a great staff here that always does what is best for the patient," she says. "Our employees enjoy working here and always make sure the patient is taken care of.
Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery and Laser Center (Boca Raton, Fla.). When it comes to scheduling efficiency and a dedication to clinical quality, B.R.O.S.L.C. has always been one step ahead of the game. In fact, the facility's first case was performed the day before it officially opened for business — on Jan. 31, 1992. The facility is a partnership between Surgical Care Affiliates and physician-owners. Its staff of more than 100 physicians utilize the facility's six ORs and two GI suites to perform more than 8,000 cases annually. The facility proudly celebrates its 20th year in 2012 and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center (Dallas, Texas). Booth Eye Care and Laser Center was founded by William Boothe, MD, in 1987. In April 2012, Dr. Boothe performed his 130,000th LASIK eye procedure at the center. He was one of the first cornea specialists to be trained in vision correction techniques and one of the first cornea-trained surgeons to use an FDA-approved Excimer laser for refractive surgery. He was also one of the first physicians in the country to use a microkeratome, a critical instrument used to perform LASIK surgery.
Cape Code Eye Surgery & Laser Center (Boston, Mass.). Cape Code Eye Surgery & Laser Center is the surgery center associated with two practices — Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, which brings 18 physicians to the center, and Eye Health Services, which brings 14. The surgery center offers procedures such as cataract surgery, glaucoma care, retina and vitreous services, cornea care and pediatric ophthalmology. Bradford Shingleton, MD, who brings his cases to the center, recently discussed steps to improve quality and efficiency in cataract surgery, saying that a higher case volume can actually result in better quality. "When I do a high volume of cases, I find I am actually a better surgeon," he says, adding that he performs between 75 and 100 cases every week as a cataract surgeon. "I am not working hard because everything flows."
Cataract & Laser Center (Crossville, Tenn.). Cataract & Laser Center is an ophthalmic surgical facility located on the first floor of Eye Centers of Tennessee, a practice witth has several locations in East Tennessee. The practice is led by chief surgeon and director Larry E. Patterson, MD, a leader in the field of cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Patterson was the first in Tennessee selected to perform Zyoptix, the advanced wavefront treatment for nearsightedness and astigmatism. The center, which opened in April 2002, performs procedures include LASIK, treatment of eye diseases and cosmetic surgery. The center is licensed by the state of Tennessee and Medicare and achieved AAAHC accreditation in March 2010. The center houses the Bausch and Lomb Stellaris phaco emulsifier, ECP and the YAG laser.
Cincinnati Eye Institute Surgery Center (Cincinnati, Ohio). This AAAHC-accredited center opened in 1985 and features six ORs and three procedure rooms in a 17,000-square-foot surgery center. The center has performed more than 10,000 procedures annually since 2007. The center's 25 physicians specialize in cataract, retina, plastics, glaucoma, cornea, YAG laser and argon laser procedures. Cataract surgery makes up about 70 percent of the center's cases each year. Todd D. Albertz, director of surgical services, says training and educating staff has helped to maintain success at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. In regards to maintaining volume, he says using technology to strategize open block time has been essential.
Center for Sight (Sarasota, Fla.). The Center for Sight's ambulatory surgery center opened in 2001 and is currently staffed by ophthalmic and facial cosmetic surgeons, as well as RNs licensed by the state of Florida with BLS and ACLS certifications. The surgery center contains three operating rooms used to perform cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina and macular degeneration surgery. The surgery center also has a laser suite, which contains the YAG laser, the IntraLase laser and the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Laser. The surgery center conducted its first laser-assisted cataract surgery on Aug. 8, 2012, when David W. Shoemaker, MD, used the LensAR Laser System to perform the surgery. "The laser acts as a scoring mechanism to make a perfect opening, which really gives a precise positioning for the new lens," explained Nancy Heath, a surgical narrator at the center.
Coastal Eye Surgery Center (Ellsworth, Maine). In 2005, the Coastal Eye Care practice and its medical director, Lawrence Piazza, MD, commenced the search for ways to provide the practice's patients with a convenient surgical option. After considerable study and review, the state of Maine granted Coastal Eye Care and Dr. Piazza a "certificate of need," indicating endorsement to build a new stand-alone ambulatory eye facility. The Coastal Eye Surgery Center was completed in 2008 and received Joint commission accreditation in April 2012. The center offers cataract surgery with a focus on lens implants, laser surgery, eyelid and glaucoma surgery.
Columbus Eye Surgery Center (Ohio). Columbus Eye Surgery Center was founded by Robert A. Bruce, Jr., MD, who served as the center's medical director for nine years. During that time, he specialized in some of the most challenging diseases in the field of ophthalmic surgery and was the first retinal surgeon in Ohio to perform vitrectomies and retinal detachments in an outpatient setting. He is no longer performing surgery at the center but continues to serve as a consultant. The center opened in March 1996 and has survived through the combined vision of Dr. Bruce, Richard Orlando, MD, and Robin Beran, MD.
Cullom Eye & Laser Center (Williamsburg, Va.). Cullom Eye & Laser Center in Williamsburg, Va., is a LASIK surgery center that offers LASIK surgery, cataract surgery and other customized eye care treatments to Hampton Roads and its surrounding areas in Virginia. As of September 2012, the center now offers blade-free iFS laser technology, which prepares the eye for LASIK without a blade ever touching it. It also gives the surgeon the ability to select LASIK flap dimensions customizable to individual refractive errors and corneal anatomy. The iFS treatment at Cullom Eye & Laser Center is provided under the direct supervision of ophthalmologist R. Douglas Cullom, MD.
Dedham Cataract and Laser Center (Dedham, Mass.). Managed by ASCOA, Dedham Cataract and Laser Center is the surgery center of the Nielsen Eye Center practice, located south of Boston. The center is led by Steven A. Nielsen, MD, an expert in laser vision correction, cataract and lens implant surgery, treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, the diabetic eye and corneal transplants. The Cataract and Laser Center provides cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery and cosmetic procedures, as well as treatment for those suffering from glaucoma, corneal abrasions and macular degeneration. Dr. Nielsen has performed over 25,000 successful laser vision correction procedures and participated in the original FDA trials for LASIK.
Dulaney Eye Institute (Towson, Md.). Andrea M. Hyatt, current president of the Maryland Ambulatory Surgery Association and administrator of Dulaney Eye Institute, helped open the surgery center in 1995 with Omni Eye Specialists, the practice that uses the center. At Dulaney, the surgeons perform cataract surgery, glaucoma services, retina services and laser eye surgery. Ms. Hyatt has praised the cooperative nature of her surgeons, saying, "They are a very cohesive group that is willing to leave egos behind them for the success of the center."
The Eye Center of Columbus (Ohio). The Eye Center of Columbus was conceived by over 30 ophthalmologists representing more than 10 practices across central Ohio. The center was developed in partnership with AMB Development Group, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare facility development. Construction began on the building in late 2003, and the 120,000-square-foot, five-story building opened in April 2005. In 207, the center implemented an in-house billing and business office system, managed by a business manager with coding certification. According to executive director Pam Canfield, the center was able to move out of the red and into the black within nine months of making the move. She says the ASC also had the foresight to embrace different levels of ophthalmic care, providing an "eye mall, including an optical shop, pharmcy, eye bank and deli," she says.
The Eye Center of Northern Colorado (Fort Collins, Colo.). The Eye Center of Northern Colorado is an outpatient eye surgery center in the same building as the practice's medical clinic. According to the practice, the surgery center is the only one of its kind in northern Colorado. The average stay at the surgery center is between one and three hours, and the most common surgeries include cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus, pediatric surgery, retinal surgery and corneal transplants. The surgery center has achieved accreditation from the AAAHC. In discussing what makes his surgery center so successful, Gary Foster, MD, said patient satisfaction has been a huge driver. "If you achieve [great patient satisfaction scores], clients are going to be drawn and driven to your facility by previous patients," he said. "Before they even meet you, they will come in with an assumption of why they should prefer you."
Eye Institute of Utah (Salt Lake City). The Eye Institute of Utah received the first commercially available blade-free femtosecond cataract laser in the Western U.S. on Feb. 22, 2011. Robert Cionni, MD, Alan Crandall, MD, and Darcy Wolsey, MD, all performed cataract surgery procedures on Feb. 28, 2011, with the new laser. "We are thrilled to receive one of the first custom blade-free cataract lasers," said Robert J. Cionni, MD, medical director of The Eye Institute of Utah. "It will give our patients a safer, more accurate cataract procedure. Not only will this help patients in Utah, but we anticipate people from all over the country will travel to The Eye Institute of Utah to have surgery."
The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas (Southern Pines, N.C.). Since 1982, this single-specialty ophthalmology facility has remained keenly and successfully focused on patient, physician and teammate satisfaction. Accredited by The Joint Commission, this ASC is exemplary of a successful partnership between physician partners and Surgical Care Affiliates. Its nine surgeons specialize in cataract, glaucoma, retina, corneal, strabismus and plastic surgery, as well as YAG laser surgery for fibrotic capsules. "I average over 200 cataract surgeries per month," says surgeon and physician partner Anna Fakadej, MD. "Maintaining this schedule requires a very organized, involved administrator and attentive team members in a drama-free environment. I have all of this at The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas."
Eye Surgery Center of Michigan (Troy, Mich.). The Eye Surgery Center of Michigan in Troy now performs bladeless cataract surgical procedures using the LenSx laser technology. The Michigan center functions jointly with St. John Providence Health System. Leslie Grosinger, MD, a co-founder of the Eye Surgery Center, said the center is the only one providing this technology in southeast Michigan. Dr. Grosinger added that the center is capable of performing customized surgeries based on the characteristics of cataract-affected eyes, and the latest laser technology can also improve astigmatism management procedures.
Eye-Q Vision Care (Fresno, Calif.). This center has two ORs, used by 10 ophthalmologists, and hosts cataracts, glaucoma, cornea and some pediatric eye surgery, and added retina in 2003. The center is owned by Eye-Q Vision Care, which also owns an ophthalmology practice. "Our goal is to have the latest technology in our ASC, whether it is equipment or supplies, to provide our patients with the opportunity to have the best possible outcome," says CEO Steve Bridgeman.
Fort Worth Surgery Center (Fort Worth, Texas). Opened in October 1983, this facility was the first ASC in Tarrant County, Texas, and has remained an integral part of the community for nearly 30 years. A partnership between physician-owners and Surgical Care Affiliates , the facility boasts an impressive 99 percent patient satisfaction rate, and a 100 percent satisfaction rate among its 93 physicians, including 12 ophthalmologists. Ophthalmology comprises 50 percent of the multi-specialty ASC's volume, with ENT, gynecologic, oral, orthopaedic, plastic, podiatric and general surgery cases contributing to the remainder. Fort Worth Surgery Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Gailey Eye Clinic Retina Center (Bloomington, Ill.). Gailey Eye Clinic recently opened a retina surgery center in Bloomington, seeking to expand the breadth of retinal service offered by the eye practice. Sumit Bhatia, MD, and seven Gailey employees have relocated to the new facility, and overall growth means four or five more employees will be added to the original location. Renovation and equipment costs led Gailey to invest around $1 million in the facility, according to administrator Tom Restivo. Robert Lee, MD, president of Gailey's board of directors, said the surgery center will allow the practice "to provide retinal care in a better environment. Better patient flow and less waiting time in both locations is the goal."
Illinois Eye Center (Peoria, Ill.). Illinois Eye Center is a single-specialty surgical center accredited by the AAAASF. The center offers a variety of ophthalmic procedures including advanced glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, corneal transplants, eye muscle and retina surgeries, refractive surgery and implantable contact lens procedures in addition to oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery including eyelid and brow lifts. The center's 10 fellowship-trained, board certified ophthalmologists span seven different specialties and host a number of educational events for the local community each year. The surgery center added several new services in 2012, including the Autograph II lens in January and the first adjustable focus eyeglass lens in February. In September 2011, the center welcomed its newest physician, fellowship-trained retina specialist Min-Kyu Han, MD.
Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center and Surgery Center (Springfield, Mo.). Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center and Surgery Center opened in 1999, when Leo T. Neu, III, MD, opened the retina facility for his own scheduling convenience rather than to make a profit. Physician reimbursements for retina were low at the time and Medicare would not pay a facility fee. Eye surgeons James B. Mattax, Jr., MD, Dr. Neu, Thomas G. Prater, MD, and Jacob K. Thomas, MD, currently provide treatment for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and dry eyes at the center. The center also offers bladeless LSIK and premium lens implants. In July 2012, the center welcomed its newest eye surgeon, Dr. Thomas. "With the addition of Dr. Thomas, a fellowship-trained anterior segment specialist, Mattax Neu Prater's patients have access to a full range of highly-specialized care," said Dr. Neu. "Whatever the vision problem, one of our eye surgeons will have the skill and experience to provide the help they need."
Northern Virginia Eye Surgery Center (Fairfax, Va.). William Rich, MD, a partner in this surgery center, went through a 20-year struggle with nearby hospitals and Virginia's certificate of need process before this ASC opened in March 2008. He was unable to win approval in his first CON application in the late 1980s, partly because a local hospital twice bought the space where he intended to house the ASC. His second application in 2007 met the state's CON process, including proof of a commitment to charity care and documentation of scheduling difficulties at local hospitals. Dr. Rich now serves as medical director of the facility, working with 13 other physicians to provide surgical eye care to the community. The facility is accredited by the AAAHC and provides procedures such as cataract surgery, corneal transplants, glaucoma procedures and oculoplastics.
NVISION Laser Eye Centers (Newport Beach, Calif.). NVISION Laser Eye centers are located throughout Southern California, in Newport Beach, Ontario, Camarillo, La Jolla, Palm Desert, Fullerton, Torrance, Laguna Hills, Murrieta, Pasadena and San Luis Obispo. NVISION has announced several changes to its surgery centers in recent months: In July, the surgical center chain introduced LenSx cataract surgery at its Surgical Center of San Diego — a service that was previously offered only at its Orange County and Inland Empire locations. Mihir Parikh, MD, will perform the laser refractive cataract surgeries at the surgery center. In January, NVISION announced that Jimmy K. Lee, MD, would provide LASIK and cataract surgeries at NVISION centers throughout southern California.
Parris Castoro Eye Care Center (Bel Air, Md.). The Parris Castoro Eye Care Center was recently acquired by the Wilmer Eye Institute and renamed as part of the transaction. The facility, under new management, will have eight full-time ophthalmologists and five full-time optometrists. The ophthalmic outpatient center was opened in 1986 by Wayne H. Parris, MD, as an extension of his eye care practice. It was the first in Maryland to receive accreditation by the AAAHC. "The trend toward same-day surgery in a private facility setting is part of a national effort to reduce the high cost of health care," explained Dr. Parris, in support of ambulatory surgical facilities. "For cataract surgery alone, studies have indicated that at least $100 million could be saved by Medicare annually if outpatient facilities are selected instead of hospitalization whenever possible."
Peninsula Eye Surgery Center (Mountain View, Calif.). Peninsula, a two-OR facility that opened in 2005, has more than a dozen affiliated ophthalmic surgeons performing one of the highest eye surgery volumes in northern California, including cataract, glaucoma and corneal operations, eye laser procedures and refractive surgeries. David F. Chang, MD, the managing partner of a two-OR cataract ASC in Mountain View, Calif., eschewed an ASC-management company and personally did much of the start-up process over a period of three years. "It took a lot of hard work to get it started and I'm happy it's over," he says. Dr. Chang recommends keeping in check the number of physician-investors, especially from competing practices. "The more partners you have, the more complex it gets," he says.
Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center (Marietta, Ohio). This two-OR facility, the first free-standing ambulatory surgery center in Southeastern Ohio, has been open for 13 years. The center, which also has a laser suite, is owned by three ophthalmologists, David S. George, MD; Scott H. Strickler, MD; and Zane P. Lazer, MD; who run a practice called the Eye MDs. Two other ophthalmologists use it. Three of the five ophthalmologists focus on cataract cases and two are retina specialists, says Administrator Patty Berkhammer. The center employs pharmacists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, nurse anesthetists and surgical technicians. It is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Shelby Eye Centers (Shelby, N.C.). Shelby Eye Centers provides glaucoma management and treatment, diagnostic diabetic eye care and treatment, cataract surgery and contact lens service. The surgery center welcomed a new physician partner in January 2012, adding Nancy E. Cline, MD, along with Stephen J. Bogan, MD, FACS. Dr. Cline joined the practice originally in 1998.
Shepard Eye Center (Santa Maria, Calif.). Shepard Eye Center, a California surgery center that has been providing eye care for over 40 years, offers cataract surgery, vision correction surgery, eye disease surgery and cosmetic surgery to its patients. The facility in Santa Maria includes three operating rooms, three special testing rooms and 19 eye examination rooms. In September, the surgery center announced it will unveil a new surgery suite, which will be used to perform LASIK and facial cosmetic surgery. The surgery center is currently the only one in Santa Maria to perform LASIK procedures, and the new surgery suite will allow the physicians to grow that presence in the local community.
Spector Eye Care Cataract & Laser Surgery Center (Norwalk, Conn.). Three ophthalmologists practice at Spector Eye Care Cataract & Laser Surgery Center, a facility originally founded by Scott Spector, MD. The surgery center provides laser eye surgery for the laser vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, including LASIK, Epi-LASIK and other types of specialized LASIK eye surgery. Surgeons at the center include Dr. Spector, a cataract and LASIK surgeon, Paul Guerriero, MD, retina specialist, and Neeti Parikh, MD, corneal specialist. Dr. Spector regularly performs free cataract surgery for candidates with impaired vision and no means to pay for surgery, in conjunction with Cataract USA.
St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute (Tarpon Springs, Fla.). St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute is one of the largest freestanding ambulatory eye care centers in the Unite States, serving patients in four areas: Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Spring Hill and Bayonet Point. The practice's main office in Tarpon Springs includes a 26,000 square foot surgical center with six operating rooms and a 20-bed recovery room. James Gills, MD, the founder and director of St. Luke's, has performed more cataract and lens implant surgeries than any other surgeon in the world. He works alongside his son, Pit Gills, MD, as well as St. Luke's extensive medical staff. Administrator Brad Houser says the cataract surgeons have improved efficiency by agreeing to consistent protocols and use the same instrumentation and intraocular lenses.
Surgical Eye Center of Morgantown (W. Va.). This two-OR facility, which opened in 1997, is the only ASC in West Virginia accredited by The Joint Commission, according to the center. Seven surgeons perform 2,000 surgeries a year and also use an attached laser room. The ASC hosts glaucoma, cataract, corneal surgeries, plastic lid surgeries, YAG operations, muscle surgeries and intacs for keratoconus, but not retinal surgery. Five of the surgeons are in the same group, Regional Eye Associates, with offices in three states, and Monongalia General Hospital is a minority partner. Administrative Director Heather Huffman says surgeons and staff consistently receive patient satisfaction scores in the 98-99 percentile range, with comments on the speed and quality of the care.
Surgicare of Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii). Originally established in 1983, this facility has cared for more than 50,000 patients throughout its nearly 30 years in operation. In 2010, Surgicare partnered with local physicians and Hawaii Pacific Health to develop and open a new location with the addition of several specialties, including ophthalmology (cataract and retina), ENT, podiatry, general surgery, gynecology and pain management. The facility is notable for its ophthalmology volume, which has grown more than 500 percent since March 2011 and continues to thrive. Surgicare of Hawaii is accredited by the Joint Commission.
Surgicare of Mobile (Mobile, Ala.). For nearly 30 years, this facility's administrator, physicians and clinical team have worked tirelessly to make efficiency and clinical quality the highest priority. The facility includes 15 ophthalmologists who contribute more than 60 percent of the facility's volume. Ophthalmologic subspecialties include cataract, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics and cornea, as well as laser services such as YAG, Argon, Excimer and SLT. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Surgicare of Mobile is a partnership between physician partners and Surgical Care Affiliates.
Wallace Eye Surgery (Alexandria, La.). Wallace Eye Surgery was founded by R. Bruce Wallace III, MD, medical director of the center and past president of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society. The surgery center is a state-licensed and Medicare-approved facility that performs a variety of surgeries, including cataract surgery, treatment of retina diseases, glaucoma management and PRELEX. Dr. Wallace recently discussed key technical developments in ophthalmology, including advances in cataract surgery techniques. "Phaco techniques and implants are now so tiny that standard intraocular lenses are easier to put in," he says. He says smaller incisions and sutureless, self-sealing incisions cause less trauma inside the eye.
Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center (Seacrest, Fla.). Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center recently opened a second location in Seacrest, allowing the surgery center to better serve the surrounding area. Since 1998, Kevin Wells, MD, has led the center in providing eye surgery. The surgery center recently added new technology, including the Marco HD Eye Exam and the Marco OPD Scan III, which can perform 20 diagnostic measurements in less than 10 seconds. The surgery center also features an in-house optical lab and an optical and sunglass shop for patients to browse. Prior to moving to Florida, Dr. Wells ran a thriving practice in southern Oklahoma, where he pioneered laser eye surgery and was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 2006 by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.
Winchester (Va.) Eye Surgery Center. When this one-OR ASC opened in 2007, Jodie Looker, RN, was hired away from the competing hospital to become the new clinical director. The hospital had a much larger operation, but she is as busy as ever because she covers more administrative functions than at the hospital. The center is the first single-specialty, ophthalmic outpatient ambulatory surgery center in its area. The center is accredited by the AAAHC. The center is physician-led by Frank Reuling, MD, medical director, and provides cataract, corneal, oculoplastic, glaucoma and general ophthalmic procedures.
Note: To be included on this or any other list, please contact Rachel Fields at rfields@beckershealthcare.com.
Acuity Laser Eye and Vision Center (Scranton, Pa.). Acuity Laser Eye and Vision Center was founded by Steven Vale, MD, one of the region's most experienced eye surgeons in the field of laser vision correction of refractive errors. He began performing PRK and LASIK in August 1994, under the supervision of internationally renowned refractive surgery pioneer Fouad Tayfour, MD. Dr. Vale has published numerous articles in the fields of corneal and external disease and refractive surgery, and in December 2011 was featured in Citizens Voice in an editorial about who should perform surgical eye procedures. He urged the passage of a state bill that would clarify surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists. "The bill was written after months of discussions among legislators and medical professionals," he said. "It clarifies that surgical procedures must be performed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, while not removing anything from the scope of practice of optometrists, who have received medical training but are not physicians."
Advanced Eye Surgery (Vero Beach, Fla.). Advanced Eye Surgery is the surgical center branch of the Center for Advanced Eye Care, a practice that recently celebrated the opening of its expanded building. The celebration was held on the sixth anniversary of the practice by William Mallon, MD. The staff of the practice and surgery center also includes retina specialist Adam Katz, MD, and ophthalmologist J. Michael Schnell, MD. Advanced Surgery Center is accredited by the AAAHC and offers microsurgical and laser equipment for the treatment of eye conditions.
Arkansas Eye Surgery Center (Magnolia, Ark.). Construction on the Arkansas Eye Surgery Center began in February 2012 and is due to be completed this year. The surgery center, which will have two operating suites, is being developed by Ivory Kinslow, Md, an ophthalmologist who owns the South Arkansas Eye Center in El Dorado. When open, the surgical center will primarily be used for cataract and other eye surgeries and is expected to have the capability to perform laser eye surgery. Dr. Kinslow will conduct eye surgeries at the Magnolia center as an extension of her present practice in El Dorado. She will continue to work from her office in El Dorado. The Magnolia Surgery Center will be open "as needed," she said.
Baltimore Eye Surgical Center (Baltimore, Md.). Baltimore Eye Surgical Center is a surgery center dedicated exclusively to eye surgery. The center provides a variety of services including cataract surgery, LASIK, pan-retinal photocoagulation and ophthalmic cosmetic services. Baltimore Eye uses the Alcon Infinity system for cataract removal, considered one of the premier systems for cataract removal, which removes cataracts by fragmentation of the lens by ultrasound. The ASC is staffed by three board-certified ophthalmologists with additional sub-specialty training in eyelid plastic surgery, cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma and retinal disease. Baltimore Eye's cosmetic program is led by Marcos T. Doxanas, MD, one of the leading national eyelid surgeons. The surgery center performs about 2,600 procedures annually and is accredited by the AAAASF. According to Patty Dauses, nurse manager at the center, the center's success stems from its excellent staff. "We have a great staff here that always does what is best for the patient," she says. "Our employees enjoy working here and always make sure the patient is taken care of.
Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery and Laser Center (Boca Raton, Fla.). When it comes to scheduling efficiency and a dedication to clinical quality, B.R.O.S.L.C. has always been one step ahead of the game. In fact, the facility's first case was performed the day before it officially opened for business — on Jan. 31, 1992. The facility is a partnership between Surgical Care Affiliates and physician-owners. Its staff of more than 100 physicians utilize the facility's six ORs and two GI suites to perform more than 8,000 cases annually. The facility proudly celebrates its 20th year in 2012 and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center (Dallas, Texas). Booth Eye Care and Laser Center was founded by William Boothe, MD, in 1987. In April 2012, Dr. Boothe performed his 130,000th LASIK eye procedure at the center. He was one of the first cornea specialists to be trained in vision correction techniques and one of the first cornea-trained surgeons to use an FDA-approved Excimer laser for refractive surgery. He was also one of the first physicians in the country to use a microkeratome, a critical instrument used to perform LASIK surgery.
Cape Code Eye Surgery & Laser Center (Boston, Mass.). Cape Code Eye Surgery & Laser Center is the surgery center associated with two practices — Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, which brings 18 physicians to the center, and Eye Health Services, which brings 14. The surgery center offers procedures such as cataract surgery, glaucoma care, retina and vitreous services, cornea care and pediatric ophthalmology. Bradford Shingleton, MD, who brings his cases to the center, recently discussed steps to improve quality and efficiency in cataract surgery, saying that a higher case volume can actually result in better quality. "When I do a high volume of cases, I find I am actually a better surgeon," he says, adding that he performs between 75 and 100 cases every week as a cataract surgeon. "I am not working hard because everything flows."
Cataract & Laser Center (Crossville, Tenn.). Cataract & Laser Center is an ophthalmic surgical facility located on the first floor of Eye Centers of Tennessee, a practice witth has several locations in East Tennessee. The practice is led by chief surgeon and director Larry E. Patterson, MD, a leader in the field of cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Patterson was the first in Tennessee selected to perform Zyoptix, the advanced wavefront treatment for nearsightedness and astigmatism. The center, which opened in April 2002, performs procedures include LASIK, treatment of eye diseases and cosmetic surgery. The center is licensed by the state of Tennessee and Medicare and achieved AAAHC accreditation in March 2010. The center houses the Bausch and Lomb Stellaris phaco emulsifier, ECP and the YAG laser.
Cincinnati Eye Institute Surgery Center (Cincinnati, Ohio). This AAAHC-accredited center opened in 1985 and features six ORs and three procedure rooms in a 17,000-square-foot surgery center. The center has performed more than 10,000 procedures annually since 2007. The center's 25 physicians specialize in cataract, retina, plastics, glaucoma, cornea, YAG laser and argon laser procedures. Cataract surgery makes up about 70 percent of the center's cases each year. Todd D. Albertz, director of surgical services, says training and educating staff has helped to maintain success at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. In regards to maintaining volume, he says using technology to strategize open block time has been essential.
Center for Sight (Sarasota, Fla.). The Center for Sight's ambulatory surgery center opened in 2001 and is currently staffed by ophthalmic and facial cosmetic surgeons, as well as RNs licensed by the state of Florida with BLS and ACLS certifications. The surgery center contains three operating rooms used to perform cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina and macular degeneration surgery. The surgery center also has a laser suite, which contains the YAG laser, the IntraLase laser and the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Laser. The surgery center conducted its first laser-assisted cataract surgery on Aug. 8, 2012, when David W. Shoemaker, MD, used the LensAR Laser System to perform the surgery. "The laser acts as a scoring mechanism to make a perfect opening, which really gives a precise positioning for the new lens," explained Nancy Heath, a surgical narrator at the center.
Coastal Eye Surgery Center (Ellsworth, Maine). In 2005, the Coastal Eye Care practice and its medical director, Lawrence Piazza, MD, commenced the search for ways to provide the practice's patients with a convenient surgical option. After considerable study and review, the state of Maine granted Coastal Eye Care and Dr. Piazza a "certificate of need," indicating endorsement to build a new stand-alone ambulatory eye facility. The Coastal Eye Surgery Center was completed in 2008 and received Joint commission accreditation in April 2012. The center offers cataract surgery with a focus on lens implants, laser surgery, eyelid and glaucoma surgery.
Columbus Eye Surgery Center (Ohio). Columbus Eye Surgery Center was founded by Robert A. Bruce, Jr., MD, who served as the center's medical director for nine years. During that time, he specialized in some of the most challenging diseases in the field of ophthalmic surgery and was the first retinal surgeon in Ohio to perform vitrectomies and retinal detachments in an outpatient setting. He is no longer performing surgery at the center but continues to serve as a consultant. The center opened in March 1996 and has survived through the combined vision of Dr. Bruce, Richard Orlando, MD, and Robin Beran, MD.
Cullom Eye & Laser Center (Williamsburg, Va.). Cullom Eye & Laser Center in Williamsburg, Va., is a LASIK surgery center that offers LASIK surgery, cataract surgery and other customized eye care treatments to Hampton Roads and its surrounding areas in Virginia. As of September 2012, the center now offers blade-free iFS laser technology, which prepares the eye for LASIK without a blade ever touching it. It also gives the surgeon the ability to select LASIK flap dimensions customizable to individual refractive errors and corneal anatomy. The iFS treatment at Cullom Eye & Laser Center is provided under the direct supervision of ophthalmologist R. Douglas Cullom, MD.
Dedham Cataract and Laser Center (Dedham, Mass.). Managed by ASCOA, Dedham Cataract and Laser Center is the surgery center of the Nielsen Eye Center practice, located south of Boston. The center is led by Steven A. Nielsen, MD, an expert in laser vision correction, cataract and lens implant surgery, treatment for glaucoma, macular degeneration, the diabetic eye and corneal transplants. The Cataract and Laser Center provides cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery and cosmetic procedures, as well as treatment for those suffering from glaucoma, corneal abrasions and macular degeneration. Dr. Nielsen has performed over 25,000 successful laser vision correction procedures and participated in the original FDA trials for LASIK.
Dulaney Eye Institute (Towson, Md.). Andrea M. Hyatt, current president of the Maryland Ambulatory Surgery Association and administrator of Dulaney Eye Institute, helped open the surgery center in 1995 with Omni Eye Specialists, the practice that uses the center. At Dulaney, the surgeons perform cataract surgery, glaucoma services, retina services and laser eye surgery. Ms. Hyatt has praised the cooperative nature of her surgeons, saying, "They are a very cohesive group that is willing to leave egos behind them for the success of the center."
The Eye Center of Columbus (Ohio). The Eye Center of Columbus was conceived by over 30 ophthalmologists representing more than 10 practices across central Ohio. The center was developed in partnership with AMB Development Group, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare facility development. Construction began on the building in late 2003, and the 120,000-square-foot, five-story building opened in April 2005. In 207, the center implemented an in-house billing and business office system, managed by a business manager with coding certification. According to executive director Pam Canfield, the center was able to move out of the red and into the black within nine months of making the move. She says the ASC also had the foresight to embrace different levels of ophthalmic care, providing an "eye mall, including an optical shop, pharmcy, eye bank and deli," she says.
The Eye Center of Northern Colorado (Fort Collins, Colo.). The Eye Center of Northern Colorado is an outpatient eye surgery center in the same building as the practice's medical clinic. According to the practice, the surgery center is the only one of its kind in northern Colorado. The average stay at the surgery center is between one and three hours, and the most common surgeries include cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus, pediatric surgery, retinal surgery and corneal transplants. The surgery center has achieved accreditation from the AAAHC. In discussing what makes his surgery center so successful, Gary Foster, MD, said patient satisfaction has been a huge driver. "If you achieve [great patient satisfaction scores], clients are going to be drawn and driven to your facility by previous patients," he said. "Before they even meet you, they will come in with an assumption of why they should prefer you."
Eye Institute of Utah (Salt Lake City). The Eye Institute of Utah received the first commercially available blade-free femtosecond cataract laser in the Western U.S. on Feb. 22, 2011. Robert Cionni, MD, Alan Crandall, MD, and Darcy Wolsey, MD, all performed cataract surgery procedures on Feb. 28, 2011, with the new laser. "We are thrilled to receive one of the first custom blade-free cataract lasers," said Robert J. Cionni, MD, medical director of The Eye Institute of Utah. "It will give our patients a safer, more accurate cataract procedure. Not only will this help patients in Utah, but we anticipate people from all over the country will travel to The Eye Institute of Utah to have surgery."
The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas (Southern Pines, N.C.). Since 1982, this single-specialty ophthalmology facility has remained keenly and successfully focused on patient, physician and teammate satisfaction. Accredited by The Joint Commission, this ASC is exemplary of a successful partnership between physician partners and Surgical Care Affiliates. Its nine surgeons specialize in cataract, glaucoma, retina, corneal, strabismus and plastic surgery, as well as YAG laser surgery for fibrotic capsules. "I average over 200 cataract surgeries per month," says surgeon and physician partner Anna Fakadej, MD. "Maintaining this schedule requires a very organized, involved administrator and attentive team members in a drama-free environment. I have all of this at The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas."
Eye Surgery Center of Michigan (Troy, Mich.). The Eye Surgery Center of Michigan in Troy now performs bladeless cataract surgical procedures using the LenSx laser technology. The Michigan center functions jointly with St. John Providence Health System. Leslie Grosinger, MD, a co-founder of the Eye Surgery Center, said the center is the only one providing this technology in southeast Michigan. Dr. Grosinger added that the center is capable of performing customized surgeries based on the characteristics of cataract-affected eyes, and the latest laser technology can also improve astigmatism management procedures.
Eye-Q Vision Care (Fresno, Calif.). This center has two ORs, used by 10 ophthalmologists, and hosts cataracts, glaucoma, cornea and some pediatric eye surgery, and added retina in 2003. The center is owned by Eye-Q Vision Care, which also owns an ophthalmology practice. "Our goal is to have the latest technology in our ASC, whether it is equipment or supplies, to provide our patients with the opportunity to have the best possible outcome," says CEO Steve Bridgeman.
Fort Worth Surgery Center (Fort Worth, Texas). Opened in October 1983, this facility was the first ASC in Tarrant County, Texas, and has remained an integral part of the community for nearly 30 years. A partnership between physician-owners and Surgical Care Affiliates , the facility boasts an impressive 99 percent patient satisfaction rate, and a 100 percent satisfaction rate among its 93 physicians, including 12 ophthalmologists. Ophthalmology comprises 50 percent of the multi-specialty ASC's volume, with ENT, gynecologic, oral, orthopaedic, plastic, podiatric and general surgery cases contributing to the remainder. Fort Worth Surgery Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Gailey Eye Clinic Retina Center (Bloomington, Ill.). Gailey Eye Clinic recently opened a retina surgery center in Bloomington, seeking to expand the breadth of retinal service offered by the eye practice. Sumit Bhatia, MD, and seven Gailey employees have relocated to the new facility, and overall growth means four or five more employees will be added to the original location. Renovation and equipment costs led Gailey to invest around $1 million in the facility, according to administrator Tom Restivo. Robert Lee, MD, president of Gailey's board of directors, said the surgery center will allow the practice "to provide retinal care in a better environment. Better patient flow and less waiting time in both locations is the goal."
Illinois Eye Center (Peoria, Ill.). Illinois Eye Center is a single-specialty surgical center accredited by the AAAASF. The center offers a variety of ophthalmic procedures including advanced glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, corneal transplants, eye muscle and retina surgeries, refractive surgery and implantable contact lens procedures in addition to oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery including eyelid and brow lifts. The center's 10 fellowship-trained, board certified ophthalmologists span seven different specialties and host a number of educational events for the local community each year. The surgery center added several new services in 2012, including the Autograph II lens in January and the first adjustable focus eyeglass lens in February. In September 2011, the center welcomed its newest physician, fellowship-trained retina specialist Min-Kyu Han, MD.
Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center and Surgery Center (Springfield, Mo.). Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center and Surgery Center opened in 1999, when Leo T. Neu, III, MD, opened the retina facility for his own scheduling convenience rather than to make a profit. Physician reimbursements for retina were low at the time and Medicare would not pay a facility fee. Eye surgeons James B. Mattax, Jr., MD, Dr. Neu, Thomas G. Prater, MD, and Jacob K. Thomas, MD, currently provide treatment for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and dry eyes at the center. The center also offers bladeless LSIK and premium lens implants. In July 2012, the center welcomed its newest eye surgeon, Dr. Thomas. "With the addition of Dr. Thomas, a fellowship-trained anterior segment specialist, Mattax Neu Prater's patients have access to a full range of highly-specialized care," said Dr. Neu. "Whatever the vision problem, one of our eye surgeons will have the skill and experience to provide the help they need."
Northern Virginia Eye Surgery Center (Fairfax, Va.). William Rich, MD, a partner in this surgery center, went through a 20-year struggle with nearby hospitals and Virginia's certificate of need process before this ASC opened in March 2008. He was unable to win approval in his first CON application in the late 1980s, partly because a local hospital twice bought the space where he intended to house the ASC. His second application in 2007 met the state's CON process, including proof of a commitment to charity care and documentation of scheduling difficulties at local hospitals. Dr. Rich now serves as medical director of the facility, working with 13 other physicians to provide surgical eye care to the community. The facility is accredited by the AAAHC and provides procedures such as cataract surgery, corneal transplants, glaucoma procedures and oculoplastics.
NVISION Laser Eye Centers (Newport Beach, Calif.). NVISION Laser Eye centers are located throughout Southern California, in Newport Beach, Ontario, Camarillo, La Jolla, Palm Desert, Fullerton, Torrance, Laguna Hills, Murrieta, Pasadena and San Luis Obispo. NVISION has announced several changes to its surgery centers in recent months: In July, the surgical center chain introduced LenSx cataract surgery at its Surgical Center of San Diego — a service that was previously offered only at its Orange County and Inland Empire locations. Mihir Parikh, MD, will perform the laser refractive cataract surgeries at the surgery center. In January, NVISION announced that Jimmy K. Lee, MD, would provide LASIK and cataract surgeries at NVISION centers throughout southern California.
Parris Castoro Eye Care Center (Bel Air, Md.). The Parris Castoro Eye Care Center was recently acquired by the Wilmer Eye Institute and renamed as part of the transaction. The facility, under new management, will have eight full-time ophthalmologists and five full-time optometrists. The ophthalmic outpatient center was opened in 1986 by Wayne H. Parris, MD, as an extension of his eye care practice. It was the first in Maryland to receive accreditation by the AAAHC. "The trend toward same-day surgery in a private facility setting is part of a national effort to reduce the high cost of health care," explained Dr. Parris, in support of ambulatory surgical facilities. "For cataract surgery alone, studies have indicated that at least $100 million could be saved by Medicare annually if outpatient facilities are selected instead of hospitalization whenever possible."
Peninsula Eye Surgery Center (Mountain View, Calif.). Peninsula, a two-OR facility that opened in 2005, has more than a dozen affiliated ophthalmic surgeons performing one of the highest eye surgery volumes in northern California, including cataract, glaucoma and corneal operations, eye laser procedures and refractive surgeries. David F. Chang, MD, the managing partner of a two-OR cataract ASC in Mountain View, Calif., eschewed an ASC-management company and personally did much of the start-up process over a period of three years. "It took a lot of hard work to get it started and I'm happy it's over," he says. Dr. Chang recommends keeping in check the number of physician-investors, especially from competing practices. "The more partners you have, the more complex it gets," he says.
Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center (Marietta, Ohio). This two-OR facility, the first free-standing ambulatory surgery center in Southeastern Ohio, has been open for 13 years. The center, which also has a laser suite, is owned by three ophthalmologists, David S. George, MD; Scott H. Strickler, MD; and Zane P. Lazer, MD; who run a practice called the Eye MDs. Two other ophthalmologists use it. Three of the five ophthalmologists focus on cataract cases and two are retina specialists, says Administrator Patty Berkhammer. The center employs pharmacists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, nurse anesthetists and surgical technicians. It is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Shelby Eye Centers (Shelby, N.C.). Shelby Eye Centers provides glaucoma management and treatment, diagnostic diabetic eye care and treatment, cataract surgery and contact lens service. The surgery center welcomed a new physician partner in January 2012, adding Nancy E. Cline, MD, along with Stephen J. Bogan, MD, FACS. Dr. Cline joined the practice originally in 1998.
Shepard Eye Center (Santa Maria, Calif.). Shepard Eye Center, a California surgery center that has been providing eye care for over 40 years, offers cataract surgery, vision correction surgery, eye disease surgery and cosmetic surgery to its patients. The facility in Santa Maria includes three operating rooms, three special testing rooms and 19 eye examination rooms. In September, the surgery center announced it will unveil a new surgery suite, which will be used to perform LASIK and facial cosmetic surgery. The surgery center is currently the only one in Santa Maria to perform LASIK procedures, and the new surgery suite will allow the physicians to grow that presence in the local community.
Spector Eye Care Cataract & Laser Surgery Center (Norwalk, Conn.). Three ophthalmologists practice at Spector Eye Care Cataract & Laser Surgery Center, a facility originally founded by Scott Spector, MD. The surgery center provides laser eye surgery for the laser vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, including LASIK, Epi-LASIK and other types of specialized LASIK eye surgery. Surgeons at the center include Dr. Spector, a cataract and LASIK surgeon, Paul Guerriero, MD, retina specialist, and Neeti Parikh, MD, corneal specialist. Dr. Spector regularly performs free cataract surgery for candidates with impaired vision and no means to pay for surgery, in conjunction with Cataract USA.
St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute (Tarpon Springs, Fla.). St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute is one of the largest freestanding ambulatory eye care centers in the Unite States, serving patients in four areas: Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Spring Hill and Bayonet Point. The practice's main office in Tarpon Springs includes a 26,000 square foot surgical center with six operating rooms and a 20-bed recovery room. James Gills, MD, the founder and director of St. Luke's, has performed more cataract and lens implant surgeries than any other surgeon in the world. He works alongside his son, Pit Gills, MD, as well as St. Luke's extensive medical staff. Administrator Brad Houser says the cataract surgeons have improved efficiency by agreeing to consistent protocols and use the same instrumentation and intraocular lenses.
Surgical Eye Center of Morgantown (W. Va.). This two-OR facility, which opened in 1997, is the only ASC in West Virginia accredited by The Joint Commission, according to the center. Seven surgeons perform 2,000 surgeries a year and also use an attached laser room. The ASC hosts glaucoma, cataract, corneal surgeries, plastic lid surgeries, YAG operations, muscle surgeries and intacs for keratoconus, but not retinal surgery. Five of the surgeons are in the same group, Regional Eye Associates, with offices in three states, and Monongalia General Hospital is a minority partner. Administrative Director Heather Huffman says surgeons and staff consistently receive patient satisfaction scores in the 98-99 percentile range, with comments on the speed and quality of the care.
Surgicare of Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii). Originally established in 1983, this facility has cared for more than 50,000 patients throughout its nearly 30 years in operation. In 2010, Surgicare partnered with local physicians and Hawaii Pacific Health to develop and open a new location with the addition of several specialties, including ophthalmology (cataract and retina), ENT, podiatry, general surgery, gynecology and pain management. The facility is notable for its ophthalmology volume, which has grown more than 500 percent since March 2011 and continues to thrive. Surgicare of Hawaii is accredited by the Joint Commission.
Surgicare of Mobile (Mobile, Ala.). For nearly 30 years, this facility's administrator, physicians and clinical team have worked tirelessly to make efficiency and clinical quality the highest priority. The facility includes 15 ophthalmologists who contribute more than 60 percent of the facility's volume. Ophthalmologic subspecialties include cataract, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics and cornea, as well as laser services such as YAG, Argon, Excimer and SLT. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Surgicare of Mobile is a partnership between physician partners and Surgical Care Affiliates.
Wallace Eye Surgery (Alexandria, La.). Wallace Eye Surgery was founded by R. Bruce Wallace III, MD, medical director of the center and past president of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society. The surgery center is a state-licensed and Medicare-approved facility that performs a variety of surgeries, including cataract surgery, treatment of retina diseases, glaucoma management and PRELEX. Dr. Wallace recently discussed key technical developments in ophthalmology, including advances in cataract surgery techniques. "Phaco techniques and implants are now so tiny that standard intraocular lenses are easier to put in," he says. He says smaller incisions and sutureless, self-sealing incisions cause less trauma inside the eye.
Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center (Seacrest, Fla.). Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center recently opened a second location in Seacrest, allowing the surgery center to better serve the surrounding area. Since 1998, Kevin Wells, MD, has led the center in providing eye surgery. The surgery center recently added new technology, including the Marco HD Eye Exam and the Marco OPD Scan III, which can perform 20 diagnostic measurements in less than 10 seconds. The surgery center also features an in-house optical lab and an optical and sunglass shop for patients to browse. Prior to moving to Florida, Dr. Wells ran a thriving practice in southern Oklahoma, where he pioneered laser eye surgery and was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 2006 by the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians.
Winchester (Va.) Eye Surgery Center. When this one-OR ASC opened in 2007, Jodie Looker, RN, was hired away from the competing hospital to become the new clinical director. The hospital had a much larger operation, but she is as busy as ever because she covers more administrative functions than at the hospital. The center is the first single-specialty, ophthalmic outpatient ambulatory surgery center in its area. The center is accredited by the AAAHC. The center is physician-led by Frank Reuling, MD, medical director, and provides cataract, corneal, oculoplastic, glaucoma and general ophthalmic procedures.