Images Magazine Spring 2013 - Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

featureHilda Capó, M.D.In early 2005, Rosenfeld conducted aclinical study of Avastin, a drug thathad been approved for use in treatingcolon cancer. Drawing on his medicalinsights, Rosenfeld felt Avastin could alsobe effective in repairing damaged bloodvessels in the retina.“Not only did Avastin halt the progression of wet AMD in his patients, many even regained visionjust a few days or weeks after treatment.,” said Carmen A. Puliafito, M.D., M.B.A., Bascom Palmerchairman from 2001 to 2007.Ophthalmologists around the globe quickly put Rosenfeld’s findings into practice and lauded himfor his contributions. “I am honored to receive recognition, but what is even more important is thatpatients all over the world can now see because of these drugs, “said Rosenfeld.As the Institute’s reputation continued to grow, patient volume continued to climb. In 2002, theInstitute treated more than 180,000 patients and performed more than 8,000 surgical procedures.Making Patient Care a PriorityBascom Palmer’s pediatric service treats approximately 7,000 children annually in its William andNorma Horvitz Children’s Clinic. The outpatient clinic is designed to meet the unique ophthalmicand social needs of children with visual deficiencies including strabismus, amboyopia, retinophathyof prematurity, pediatric glaucoma, retinoblastoma, and rare genetic disorders. Joining HildaCapó, M.D., in Bascom Palmer’s pediatric service in 2002 was Craig A. McKeown, M.D. BascomPalmer’s comprehensive approach to pediatric eye care – an approach that combines examination,diagnosis, treatment and education, as well as access to other specialists – is a major advantage intreatment outcomes.Sonia H. Yoo, M.D., joined the corneal and refractive surgery service, and with Culdertson,has investigated the use of lasers to remove cataracts. “As cataract surgery evolves as significanttechnology, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is now providing greater precision comparedwith manual techniques and may be better for patients overall,” said Culbertson, who has been atthe forefront of vision correction surgery since its earliest days.2005New treatment for maculardegeneration discoveredPhilip J. Rosenfeld, M.D., Ph.D.,introduces use of bevacizumab(Avastin) for the treatment ofretinal diseases including usage forage-related macular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy and othervenous occlusive disease.2005Vision Van travels for HurricaneKatrina careBascom Palmer sends three medical reliefteams on its Vision Van to Louisianaand Mississippi, offering free eye care tovictims of Hurricane Katrina.17