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g-speak overview 1828121108 from john underkoffler on Vimeo.

Historical Perspective in Ophthalmology Part I

Ophthalmology has been no stranger to disruptive technology and  innovation that have altered the landscape for practitioners, hospitals, industry and the most important component….patients.

The quick view;

Retinal laser photocoagulation

Coaxial Operating Microscope

Conversion to extra capsular cataract removal

Phacoemulsification, small incision surgery

Viscoelastic

Development and refinement of intraocular lenses

Transition to Outpatient Surgery

Retina:  Development and refinement of the BIO. Operating microscope with Image Inverter. Intraocular gas, silicone oil and intraocular pharmacology, including antibiotics, anti-vegf compounds, corticosteroids.

These developments were fueled by translational research, and each innovation fueled further improvements in diagnostic equipment and therapeutic options

Military Ophthalmology

                           

I am beginning  my writings at the  tail end of my career…..as a contracted civilian ophthalmologist working at a state-side military base.  Fort Stewart, GA houses the 3rd Infantry Division. It is also the military base where from 2008 until 2010 I was fortunate to serve as a contracted ophthalmologist at Fort Stewart GA in the WRSEP. (Warrior Refractive Surgery Eye Program.).    Lt. Col Ava Huchun is the chief eye surgeon, a board certified ophthalmologist with advanced training in corneal disease and refractive surgery,  and the principal who is responsible for the planning and development of this world class laser refractive surgery unit.The laser eye center occupies it’s own 15,000 square foot building and had over 1 million dollars in technology and surgical devices. Military ophthalmology is second to none. Dr. Huchun trained at the Wilmer Eye Institute, a department of the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.   Some 20 soldiers, or more, each week, would have laser refractive surgery under her supervision with a staff of 4 optometrists, one additional eye surgeon and 8 technicians. The eye facility also provided general ophthalmology to other active duty soldiers as well as families and retired personnel.  Many former active duty soldiers retire in the surrounding area of Hinesville just 40 minutes from Savannah, GA.

The workload was considerable in addition to routine eye care for retinal degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and infectious diseases. In addition to the usual etiologies of eye problems, this is a very active base with troops being trained for deployment with heavy weaponry, armored vehicles, helicopters, and powerful personnel weapons. Trauma was related to personal conflicts and  accidental discharges from weapons, or miss-directed friendly fire. Some injuries are also common in civilian life, blow-out fractures of the orbit, auto accidents, with facial and eyelid lacerations, and ruptured globes.

The Eye Clinic also provides a full range of optometric services by 4 optometrists.

Today’s US Military is a totally different organization than when I served in the U.S. Navy in 1969.  It is a total support organization for soldiers, and their families in times of peace and conflict. “Army Strong”.

A New Blog Spot

 

Get ready, this blog is going to have some really cool, interesting and accurate information about the science of the visual system, clinical practice, sources for eye care, innovative treatments, and what can we  expect in the next ten years. How will Health Reform impact your Eye Health?

Warning !  Some of the  images may be disturbing. Not intended for the faint of heart.

Here is the first one !

Leave a comment:  What are these??

 

 

GML