In their years in practice, the associates have accomplished the following:

Innovations

In the late 1940's and 1950's, they raised the success of the operations for retinal detachment from 40% to 90%.

In the 1950's and 1960's, they introduced a new operation called scleral buckling to reattach the retina. It is still currently practiced worldwide.

In the 1960's and 1970's, they improved the photocoagulation technique and the freezing technique to treat many retinal diseases.

In the 1970's, they were the first to advise that blue light should not be used in the laser treatment of the retina. Today this concept is universally accepted.

When bleeding in the eye from diabetic disease was very frequent, SRA participated in the development of an operation to stop the bleeding within the eye without operating on it.

Contrary to what is still advised in many eye centers, statistics have demonstrated that the Associates were right in not advocating photocoagulation in an eye that has a closed retinal vein (vein occlusion).

In many cases of macular degeneration and closed retinal veins (vein occlusion), SRA has obtained remarkable results by searching for blood changes that may considerably aggravate the case.

In many premature babies considered inoperable, SRA has developed an operation (open sky vitrectomy) that saved some sight in almost 40% of the blind children. The success rate elsewhere has been less than 5%.

When macular degeneration has destroyed a great deal of vision, a team of retina specialists use novel and often effective techniques to rehabilitate the low vision patient.

When a retinal disease cannot be diagnosed by regular means, SRA can use a new diagnostic procedure called topographic electroretinogram (ERG) to unlock the mystery.

The Schepens Retina Associates specialists ceaselessly continue to develop new ways to diagnose and treat retinal diseases. For instance, they invented new laser instruments to study optic nerve atrophy and measure accurately the flow of blood that nourishes the retina. This is especially helpful in diagnosing and treating conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, and glaucoma. Schepens Retina Associates is the only place in North America where these tests can be performed.

Experience

Retinal detachment and vitreous diseases (over 40,000 eyes treated)

Diabetic retinopathy (over 40,000 patients seen)

Macular degeneration (over 20,000 patients seen and/or treated)

Vascular occlusion in the eye (over 10,000 eyes)

Inflammation in the eye (over 5,000 eyes)

Severe retinopathy of prematurity (over 1,000 eyes)

Patients from overseas (over 10,000 examined and treated)

Diabetic Retinopathy

Participating center in major National Eye Institutes studies:
      Diabetic Retinopathy Photocoagulation (Laser) Study
      Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (Laser) Study
      Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy Study

Use of photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy for 35 years

Innovations / Observations

Past:

Use of blue-free laser light 10 years before any others used it!

Awareness of importance of vitreous jelly in predicting severity of retinopathy (many ophthalmologists still do not pay attention to this)!

Awareness of the effect of systemic health on the development of retinopathy.

Avoidance of extensive laser spots that could constrict the visual field and decrease night vision.

Avoidance of vitrectomy operations on "inflamed" eyes.

30 years of experience in vitreous surgery.

Present / Future:

Combined Experience of The Schepens Retina Associates Foundation Treating severe, blinding eye disease since 1951.

Systemic approach to retinopathy, treatment is not limited to just laser or vitrectomy. Thus, one may avoid these destructive measures or enhance their chances for success.

Most sophisticated vitrectomy techniques.

Special injection into vitreous jelly to clear vitreous hemorrhage without surgery vitrase.

In all categories, few, if any, eye groups can approach the experience of the SRAF. The SRAF is unique worldwide in offering a combination of clinical experience, innovative scientifically sound thinking, and a caring, compassionate philosophy of patient care.

If you have a retina problem that is difficult to solve, your best chance is to contact SRAF.