American Vision Partners Honors Dr. Ronald Wain Barnet

PHOENIX, Arizona – January 5, 2026 – American Vision Partners (AVP), one of the nation’s leading eye care practice management organizations, today announced the passing of Dr. Ronald Wain Barnet, a founder of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center and a respected leader in ophthalmology. Dr. Barnet passed away on January 1, 2026.

More than 35 years ago, Dr. Barnet co-founded Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center with a vision centered on delivering high-quality, patient-focused eye care and expanding access to ophthalmic services throughout Arizona. His leadership, clinical excellence, and commitment to service helped establish the foundation of what would become one of the most recognized eye care practices in the Southwest.

Today, Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center operates 24 locations across Arizona with a team of more than 450 physicians, providers, and staff. The practice is part of the American Vision Partners network, which supports leading eye care organizations across the United States while preserving their local identities and clinical autonomy.

“Dr. Barnet exemplified what it means to lead with purpose,” said Shane Armstrong, CEO of American Vision Partners. “His dedication to patients, his commitment to innovation in eye care, and his belief in building strong medical teams continue to shape the care we provide every day.”

In a statement, American Vision Partners shared, “We are grateful for Dr. Barnet’s lasting contributions to the field of ophthalmology, his military service, his philanthropic spirit, and the enduring impact of his leadership. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the many patients whose lives were improved through his work.”

Dr. Barnet’s career left a lasting mark not only on Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center but also on the broader eye care community. His focus on access, quality, and integrity remains embedded in the culture of the organizations he helped build.

For more information about Dr. Barnet’s life and legacy, please view his published obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ronald-barnet-obituary?id=60437852

About American Vision Partners

American Vision Partners is a leading eye care practice management organization supporting a network of ophthalmology and optometry practices across the United States. AVP partners with physician-led practices to provide operational, administrative, and strategic support, enabling doctors and care teams to focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered eye care.

About Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care throughout Arizona, including cataract surgery, LASIK and vision correction, retina care, glaucoma treatment, and comprehensive eye exams.

Revolutionary Procedure Takes Control of High Eye Pressure and Prevents Irreversible Vision Loss

American Vision Partners (AVP) performs revolutionary, micro-invasive, injectable treatment for the full range of glaucoma disease to significantly decrease the dependence of daily eye drops.

Phoenix, AZ — October 1, 2025 — American Vision Partners ophthalmology practices are proud to announce the availability of iDose® TR (travoprost intraocular implant) 75 mcg iDose TR is a new, FDA approved treatment that is designed to provide long duration, continuous drug therapy directly inside the eye, helping patients take better control over the elevated eye pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

More than 3 million people in the United States are affected by Glaucoma, an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye and it can also cause damage to the optic nerve which carries visual information from the eyes to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent damage to the eye, which means vision loss cannot be reversed. Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, but they can be difficult to administer correctly and can cause uncomfortable or irritating side effects for most patients. High rates of non-compliance and non-adherence to prescription medications contribute to disease progression.
“With iDose TR, we confront the standard practice of relying on topical drops, which may cause unpleasant side effects and be challenging to properly administer multiple times a day,” said Dr. Christine Funke, surgeon at Barnet Dulany Perkins Eye Center. “By delivering an effective therapy directly inside of the eye, iDose TR is an alternative to prescription eye drops and a hands-free way to keep eye pressure under control. The high rate of efficacy of iDose gives me the confidence to perform a standalone glaucoma procedure knowing many patients will gain freedom from their topical therapy. iDose gives physicians and patients a solution for the huge problem of non-compliance; as a result, glaucoma clinic has become a place with happy grateful patients”, says Dr. Funke.
Developed by Glaukos, iDose TR reduces high or elevated pressure within the eye by automatically releasing the same type of medication used for decades in the most commonly prescribed eye drops. During a clinical study, 8 out of 10 patients did not need prescription eye drops 12 months after administration of iDose TR. iDose TR may be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty adhering to a daily medication regimen or whose condition is uncontrolled on topical glaucoma medications. “American Vision Partners is dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced treatment options available, iDose gives physicians and patients a solution for the huge problem of non-compliance when using drops; as a result, my glaucoma clinic has become a place with happy grateful patients”, says Dr. Funke. “iDose TR represents a significant development in how we can proactively address glaucoma care, and we are proud to be among the first practices to make this therapy available.”

Advantages of iDose® TR

  • Sustained Medication Release: Delivers consistent levels of medication, reducing IOP fluctuations.
  • Improved Compliance: Eliminates the need for daily eye drops, addressing adherence challenges.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure: Implanted during a quick outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
  • Reduced Side Effects: By delivering medication directly into the eye, it minimizes common side effects associated with topical treatments.
  • Long-Term Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that approximately 80% of patients remained free from additional glaucoma medications for at least 12 months post-implantation.

About American Vision Partners

American Vision Partners is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing eye care physician services organizations. AVP serves communities throughout Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada with more than 180 nationally recognized doctors and 120 locations. We partner with the most respected ophthalmology practices in the country and share a best-in-class management system, infrastructure, and technology to provide the highest-quality patient care. Our partner practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, M&M Eye Institute,  Wellish Abrams Eye Institute, Southwest Eye Institute, Aiello Eye Institute, Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction, West Texas Eye Associates, and Vantage Eye Center have on average been in practice for more than 30 years. For more information, please visit www.AmericanVisionPartners.com.

A Visionary Breakthrough: Dr. Sanjay Kamat performs first ever ocular implant iDose in Lake Havasu City, AZ

Barnet Dulaney Perkins is leading the way in glaucoma treatment, performing a revolutionary ocular treatment for the full range of glaucoma disease to significantly decrease the dependence of daily eye drops.

Lake Havasu City, AZ — August 13, 2025 — Barnet Dulaney Perkins is thrilled to announce Dr. Sanjay Kamat and his team successfully performed the first-ever iDose TR implantation in Lake Havasu City, AZ. iDose TR is a new, groundbreaking FDA approved treatment that is designed to provide long duration, continuous drug therapy directly inside the eye, helping patients take better control over the elevated eye pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This innovative device, developed by Glaukos, delivers sustained-release medication directly into the eye, reducing or even eliminating the need for daily drops.

More than 3 million people in the United States are affected by Glaucoma, an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye and it can also cause damage to the optic nerve which carries visual information from the eyes to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent damage to the eye, which means vision loss cannot be reversed. Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, but they can be difficult to administer correctly and can cause uncomfortable or irritating side effects for most patients. High rates of non-compliance and non-adherence to prescription medications contribute to disease progression.

“With iDose TR, this innovative device delivers sustained-release medication directly into the eye, which reduces, and can even eliminate the need for the patient to have to self-administer eye drops multiple times a day, which may cause unpleasant side effects” said Dr. Sanjay Kamat. By delivering an effective therapy directly inside of the eye, iDose TR is an alternative to prescription eye drops and a hands-free way to keep eye pressure under control. “It is great to be able to offer the latest technology available in glaucoma management. Achieving great pressure control, having less side effects, being less dependent on daily eyedrops, and preventing permanent vision loss are great improvements in quality of life for our patients”, says Dr. Kamat.

Developed by Glaukos, iDose TR reduces high or elevated pressure within the eye by automatically releasing the same type of medication used for decades in the most commonly prescribed eye drops. During a clinical study, 8 out of 10 patients did not need prescription eye drops 12 months after administration of iDose TR. iDose TR may be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty adhering to a daily medication regimen or whose condition is uncontrolled on topical glaucoma medications. “Barnet Dulaney Perkins is dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced treatment options available, iDose gives physicians and patients a solution for the huge problem of non-compliance when using drops”, says Dr. Kamat.

Advantages of iDose® TR

  • Sustained Medication Release: Delivers consistent levels of medication, reducing IOP fluctuations.
  • Improved Compliance: Eliminates the need for daily eye drops, addressing adherence challenges.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure: Implanted during a quick outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
  • Reduced Side Effects: By delivering medication directly into the eye, it minimizes common side effects associated with topical treatments.
  • Long-Term Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that approximately 80% of patients remained free from additional glaucoma medications for at least 12 months post-implantation.

To learn more about innovative glaucoma treatments available at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, visit www.goodeyes.com or call 602-955-1000 to schedule a comprehensive medical eye exam.

About Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, an affiliate of American Vision Partners, has been providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care in Arizona for over 35 years. With a commitment to advanced technology and compassionate care, its team of experienced eye specialists helps patients protect, improve and preserve their sight for life.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Chris La Fleur | chris.lafleur@americanvisionpartners.com|

Doctors Christine Funke and Aaron Amacher Among First in Southwest to Implant Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal Lens

Dr. Christine Funke and Dr. Brett Clark holding Clareon® PanOptix® Pro IOL boxes in the operating suite

Mesa, AZ – July 18, 2025 – Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center and East Valley Peaks Surgery Center—trusted leaders in advanced eye care and proud members of the American Vision Partners network—are among the first in the Southwest to successfully implant the Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL), Alcon’s most advanced presbyopia-correcting lens to date.

Built with Alcon’s proprietary ENLIGHTEN® NXT Optical Technology, the PanOptix® Pro sets a new standard for trifocal IOLs by offering:

  • 94% total light energy utilization

  • 50% reduction in light scatter compared to previous models¹³

  • Enhanced contrast sensitivity

  • Minimal reports of glare, halos, and starbursts

  • Seamless visual range from near (33 cm) to far distances

Dr. Christine Funke, a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery, was one of the first in the region to implant the PanOptix® Pro. With over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Funke is known for her commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to patients in the East Valley.

“The clarity and consistency we’re seeing with the PanOptix® Pro is remarkable,” said Dr. Funke. “It offers patients a premium vision solution that aligns with their lifestyles and visual goals.”

She is joined by Dr. Aaron Amacher III, board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cornea specialist, whose expertise in complex cataract and refractive surgery makes him an invaluable leader in adopting new surgical innovations.

“This lens technology significantly expands our ability to deliver high-quality vision with reduced dependence on glasses,” said Dr. Amacher. “It’s exciting to offer patients another visual solution.”

Available in both standard and toric versions, the Clareon® PanOptix® Pro gives surgeons the flexibility to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique refractive needs. With a reported 98% patient satisfaction rate⁴, this lens reaffirms Alcon’s mission to help people see brilliantly.

Patients across Arizona now have access to this revolutionary lens technology, thanks to the expertise and leadership of surgeons like Dr. Funke and Dr. Amacher at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center.

To learn more about the Clareon® PanOptix® Pro or upcoming educational events, visit www.myalcon.com or contact your Alcon representative.

Celebrating Dr. Jordan Graff—Three-Time AZ Top Doc!

Portrait of Dr. Jordan Graff in surgical scrubs at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

PHOENIX, AZ (May 7, 2025)   We’re delighted to announce that Dr. Jordan Graff has been named an AZ Top Doc for 2025, marking his third time earning this prestigious honor! Selected through AZ Top Docs’ rigorous, merit-based review process—where peers evaluate clinical expertise, leadership, research, and community service—Dr. Graff continues to set the standard for retinal care in Arizona.

A Leader in Retinal Medicine

Dr. Graff is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina and vitreous. A Brigham Young alumnus and magna cum laude graduate of the University of California—with honors in the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society—he completed his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Iowa, earning the Heed Foundation Fellowship for promising fellows nationwide.

Known for his surgical precision, Dr. Graff leads multiple groundbreaking clinical trials and has authored numerous scientific publications. His commitment extends beyond our community: fluent in Spanish, he regularly returns to Latin America on medical mission trips, providing sight-saving care to underserved populations.

What Makes an AZ Top Doc?

AZ Top Docs vets each candidate through a confidential peer-review process:

  • Clinical Excellence: Proven track record in patient outcomes and surgical skill.
  • Research & Education: Leadership in clinical trials, publications, and teaching.
  • Community Service: Dedication to outreach, mentoring, and humanitarian missions.

Being named an AZ Top Doc reflects Dr. Graff’s outstanding reputation among his colleagues and his unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Graff on this remarkable achievement and thanking him for bringing world-class retinal expertise to BDP!

AVP Announces Their 2024-2025 Medical Executive Committee

The Medical Executive Committee (MEC) plays a crucial role in ensuring American Vision Partners (AVP) delivers high-quality medical care and promotes effective collaboration among medical staff, administration, and other stakeholders across all brands within the AVP organization.

“Our MEC is responsible for making important medical and clinical decisions, overseeing medical staff, and sharing best practices amongst our expanded provider base, playing a key role in setting the strategic direction and policies related to patient care, medical staff, and clinical services,” says Dr. Shaun Brierly, AVP Chief Medical Officer and MEC Chair.

The MEC will also have a role in ensuring that medical staff members adhere to ethical standards and comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Dr. Tigran Kostanyan Successfully Implants Small Aperture Intraocular Lens that Delivers Extended Depth of Focus

(August 19, 2024) – Dr. Tigran Kostanyan of Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, an affiliate of American Vision Partners, has achieved a significant milestone in the field of ophthalmology by successfully implanting one of the first IC-8 Apthera IOL for cataract patients in Las Vegas.

The IC-8™ IOL is the first FDA-approved presbyopia-correcting lens that delivers extended depth of focus through its distinctive, small aperture design. The IC-8™ IOL combines the simple principle of small aperture optics with the reliable quality of an aspheric monofocal IOL to deliver a continuous range of vision at various distances.

Dr. standing next to two colleagues in a surgical setting.“Our patients are looking for solutions that fit their lifestyle, and this lens can deliver mono-focal-like distance vision while providing enhanced visual acuity through intermediate and near distances for everyday activities,” says Dr. Kostanyan. “The lens offers a monovision solution for patients with low astigmatism, without the hassle of a Toric lens that sometimes comes with irregular corneas and challenging ocular biometry.”

Almost everyone over the age of 40 eventually struggles with the onset of presbyopia (aging eye). This is the normal aging process of the eye, making it harder to focus clearly on close objects. Reading a newspaper or menu or trying to see your smartphone becomes a challenging and frustrating task. Presbyopia, coupled with Cataracts, presents enhanced vision opportunities after the surgery. This innovative lens offers patients with cataracts the potential for improved vision at various distances.

“Cataract surgery is all about meeting each patient’s unique needs, considering various factors, including their lifestyle. Having a variety of options that address today’s demands is absolutely critical.  In today’s world, being able to drive, see the TV and computer all without glasses is a dream come true for many of our patients,” says Dr. Kostanyan.

The Apthera™ IOL is the only lens with small aperture technology that filters away the unfocused light that causes blurry vision. Unlike other lenses that split, shift, or stretch light, the Apthera IOL focuses light entering the eye through its small aperture and seamlessly expands the range of vision—allowing individuals to see text, people, and objects across a full range of focal distances.

“We are pleased to continue to offer the latest surgical technology to our patients in Nevada. Our surgeons remain at the forefront of new products to enhance patient outcomes and increase satisfaction,” said Shaun Brierly, Chief Medical Officer of American Vision Partners.

The procedure was performed at Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, known for its commitment to providing the highest quality eye care using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Kostanyan, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, has years of experience in cataract surgery and is recognized for specializing in medical, laser, and surgical treatment of glaucoma patients.  Dr. Kostanyan is one of the few fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons in the region.

For more information about this new offering and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kostanyan, please visit www.WellishAbrams.com or call (702) 733-2020. Visit Bausch + Lomb for more information about the Apthera IC-8 IOL presbyopia-correcting lens.

About American Vision Partners

American Vision Partners is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing eye care physician services organizations. AVP serves communities throughout Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada, with over 180 nationally recognized doctors and 120 locations. We partner with the most respected ophthalmology practices in the country and share a best-in-class management system, infrastructure, and technology to provide the highest-quality patient care. Our partner practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, M&M Eye Institute, Southwest Eye Institute, Aiello Eye Institute, Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction, Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, West Texas Eye Associates, Laser Eye Center of Lubbock, and Vantage Eye Center have on average been in practice for more than 30 years. For more information, please visit www.AmericanVisionPartners.com.

About Wellish Abrams Vision Institute

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Kent Wellish, M.D., Wellish Vision Institute uses the latest technology and innovative procedures to provide the highest level of vision care in Nevada. Since its inception, Wellish Abrams Vision Institute has expanded to four locations in Las Vegas and one in Henderson, Nevada. Wellish Vision Institute is a premier ophthalmology practice dedicated to providing the highest quality eye care across a range of services, including cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma care, and treatment for various eye conditions. For more information, please visit www.WellishAbrams.com.

 

Media Contact:
Chris La Fleur
Phone: (602) 359-3972
Email: chris.lafleur@AmericanVisionPartners.com

Dr. Suhail Alam and Dr. Daniel Adelberg Present at the 2024 ASRS Premier Conference for Retinal Specialists in Stockholm, Sweden

PHOENIX, AZ (Aug. 7, 2024) – American Vision Partners, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing eye care physician services, is thrilled to announce the representation of two of its affiliated physicians at the annual meeting of the 2024 ASRS conference that was held in Stockholm, Sweden on July 17th, 2024.

More than 2,000 retina specialists from around the world gathered for educational opportunities over the four conference days, with no aspect of the retina left untouched. The symposia covered multiple sessions on: wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, hereditary retinal disease and genetics, imaging, hereditary retinal disease and genetics, therapeutic complications, inflammation and infectious disease, and surgical, medical and pediatric cases.

 

Dr. Suhail Alam from Barnet Dulaney Perkins presented his research, which focused on his extensive experience using novel approaches to sutured intraocular lens fixation.

 

Dr. Alam specializes in medical and surgical care for the retina and vitreous. He joined Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center in 2006 and has performed over 12,000 major retinal surgeries. His interests include the latest treatments for vitreoretinal diseases and conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments.

Dr. Suhail Alam from Barnet Delaney Perkins Eye Care presenting on stage at the ASRS conference.

 

doctor daniel adelberg mdDr. Daniel Adelberg from Southwestern Eye Center presented his research on the association between age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a retrospective study using the Vestrum Health Database.

 

Dr. Adelberg is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in medical, laser, and surgical therapy of diseases of the Retina and Vitreous. He received the prestigious Honor Award for career contributions to the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Daniel Adelberg from Southwestern Eye Center presenting his research at the ASRS conference.

 

About the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)

 

ASRS is the world’s largest organization of retinal specialists, representing over 3,000 physicians in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 63 countries. The Society serves as a national advocate and primary source of clinical and scientific information and education for its members.

American Vision Partners to Acquire Eye Care Services from Evernorth Care Group

PHOENIX, AZ (Aug. 5, 2024)—American Vision Partners (AVP), one of the largest and fastest-growing eye care practice management organizations in the nation, today announced it will transition vision care from Evernorth Care Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), to its family of practices.

With this transition, patients will gain access to an expanded network of conveniently located clinics and surgery centers that are part of AVP’s family of eye care practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Moretsky Cassidy Laser Correction, Aiello Eye Institue and M&M Eye Institute. AVP will also continue to provide services in Evernorth Care Group’s Tempe CJ Harris and Phoenix Westridge health care centers. Several eye doctors from Evernorth Care Group will join AVP and continue to serve the eye care needs of the patients in our communities.

“It’s been an honor to partner with Evernorth Care Group on a transition plan that not only meets the needs of their patients, while expanding the services available to them, but also provides employment opportunities for their talented doctors and staff throughout our family of eye care practices,” said Shane Armstrong, CEO of American Vision Partners.

AVP offers a comprehensive eye care experience, including routine eye care, optical retail, general ophthalmology and sub-specialty care for cataracts, retina, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, vision correction procedures (LASIK), dry eye treatment, cosmetic services and more. Their experienced, multi-specialty ophthalmologists and optometrists use advanced technology and techniques to treat patients at all stages of life.

“AVP shares our commitment to improving patient outcomes and elevating the patient experience. With their comprehensive eye care services, extensive experience, and more than 30 locations across the Valley, including two within Evernorth Care Group health centers, patients will have expanded and convenient access to high quality eye care,” said Jeff Holt, president and general manager, Evernorth Care Group. “We’re also excited to have many of our talented eye doctors join the AVP team where they can continue to serve our patients and more members of the community.”

The partnership with Evernorth Care Group represents the eighteenth transaction implemented by American Vision Partners.

About American Vision Partners

American Vision Partners is one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing eye care physician services organizations. AVP serves communities throughout Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Nevada with more than 180 nationally recognized doctors and 137 locations. We partner with the most respected ophthalmology practices in the country and share a best-in-class management system, infrastructure and technology to provide the highest-quality patient care. Our partner practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, M&M Eye Institute, Abrams Eye Institute, Southwest Eye Institute, Aiello Eye Institute, Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction, Wellish Vision Institute, West Texas Eye Associates, Laser Eye Center of Lubbock, and Vantage Eye Center have, on average, been in practice for more than 30 years.

AVP is dedicated to supporting the quality of healthcare services and compliance, guided by the following principles: Improving patient outcomes by enhancing their access to high-quality, integrated, and comprehensive eye care and conducting its affairs ethically and compliantly pursuant to an effective Compliance Program.

To learn more about a partnership with American Vision Partners, please visit http://www.AmericanVisionPartners.com, or contact Jimbo Cross at Jimbo.Cross@AmericanVisionPartners.com.

Media contacts:

American Vision Partners
Chris La Fleur
chris.lafleur@americanvisionpartners.com

Evernorth Care Group
Whitney Anderson
whitney@whitneyandersonpr.com
602.740.2373

 

Dr Graff and surgical staff at Barnet Dulaney Perkins group photo

Arizona Retina Surgeon Performs First FDA-Approved Procedure in the U.S. That Eliminates Monthly Eye Injections for Wet AMD

New Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment available at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Jordan M Graff, MD, FACS

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (July 23, 2024)—Dr. Jordan Graff of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, an American Vision Partners affiliate, has become the first Retina Surgeon in the United States to provide a new groundbreaking solution for patients with Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by offering treatment with Susvimo® following the recent FDA approval of updates made to the ocular implant.

FDA-approved Susvimo offers the first alternative to regular eye injections that are standard of care for wet AMD, which impacts 1.5 million people in the U.S. and 20 million people worldwide and can cause blindness if left untreated. Susvimo is the first and only treatment for Wet AMD that allows patients to receive treatment through as few as two refills a year, where they typically may have needed as many as one injection in the eye every month. This technology, developed by Genentech, works by continuously delivering a customized formulation of ranibizumab into the eye through a refillable implant.

Dr Graff and surgical staff 2Dr. Jordan Graff is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center who specializes in retina and vitreous surgery and treatments. On July 22, 2024, he became the first surgeon in the United States to perform the recently FDA-approved ocular implant for the treatment of people in the United States (U.S.) with wet or neovascular, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

“As a surgeon and clinical research scientist, I am honored and privileged to have participated in the Susvimo clinical trials, and it is so gratifying to see this treatment option become available for my patients in need of sight-saving care,” says Dr. Jordan Graff. “I’m very thankful for my amazing team in surgery, the research team, and to my practice for their support of this endeavor.”

About Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading. It is a leading cause of blindness for people aged 60 and over in the U.S. Wet, or neovascular, AMD is an advanced form of the disease that can cause rapid and severe vision loss. Approximately 20 million people in the U.S. have some form of AMD; of those, about 1.5 million have late-stage AMD, including wet AMD.

Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels, also known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV), into the macula. These vessels leak fluid and blood and cause scar tissue that destroys the central retina. This process results in a deterioration of sight over months to years.

Not all patients will be eligible for this product, and those who are should discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery and other possible complications with their retinal specialist.

For more information about Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center and our expertise in retinal care and Susvimo procedures, visit www.GoodEyes.com.

Visit How SUSVIMO® Works | wAMD Treatment to learn more about Susvimo from Genentech.

Learn more about the procedure and this milestone in this article, Groundbreaking Eye Procedure for Treating Wet AMD (goodeyes.com).

About American Vision Partners

American Vision Partners is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing eye care physician services organizations. AVP serves communities throughout Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada, with over 180 nationally recognized doctors and 137 locations. We partner with the most respected ophthalmology practices in the country and share a best-in-class management system, infrastructure, and technology to provide the highest-quality patient care. Our partner practices, including Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Southwestern Eye Center, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, M&M Eye Institute, Abrams Eye Institute, Southwest Eye Institute, Aiello Eye Institute, Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction, Wellish Vision Institute, West Texas Eye Associates, Laser Eye Center of Lubbock, and Vantage Eye Center have, on average, been in practice for more than 30 years. For more information, please visit www.AmericanVisionPartners.com.

About Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

The doctors at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center are recognized leaders in providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care in Arizona for more than 35 years. Doctors at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center use the most advanced technologies and techniques to treat patients at all stages of life. Comprehensive eye health services are provided by nationally renowned specialists in multiple fields of ophthalmology, including cataract surgery, vision correction, cornea, retina, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. Patients can expect compassionate and convenient care from the doctors of any of the Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center clinics. For more information, please visit www.GoodEyes.com.

Media contact:

American Vision Partners
Chris La Fleur
602.359.3972
chris.lafleur@americanvisionpartners.com