Press Archives - American Vision Partners

John Davidson, MD, National Leader in Advanced Vision Correction Joins Barnet Dulaney Perkins to Lead Advanced Technology Cataract and Refractive Surgery

$Dr John Davidson, Refractive and Cataract Surgeon.$ John Davidson, MD, a nationally recognized refractive and cataract surgeon, will be joining Barnet Dulaney Perkins in August of 2026, continuing his path to redefine what’s possible in modern vision correction through a career marked by innovation, clinical excellence, and trusted leadership among peers.

Dr. Davidson specializes in tailoring highly personalized vision plans designed to maximize patients’ long-term visual freedom from glasses and contact lenses. He devotes his entire practice to refractive surgery, cataract surgery, lens replacement, and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), with a singular focus on delivering exceptional outcomes.

That commitment has led to more than 50,000 successful, sight-restoring procedures, with refractive outcomes that exceed results published by many of the world’s most respected surgeons. Among Dr. Davidson’s greatest professional honors is the trust placed in him by fellow physicians—having performed eye surgery on hundreds of medical doctors, ophthalmic surgeons, optometrists, and their loved ones.

Throughout his career Dr. Davidson has held numerous leadership roles, including Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Chief Surgeon of the Miramar LASIK Center in Camarillo, and Director of Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Miramar Eye Specialists Medical Group in Ventura and Lynn Eye Medical Group in Thousand Oaks.

A pioneer in surgical innovation, Dr. Davidson was:

The first surgeon on California’s Central Coast to perform Laser Lens Replacement using LenSx, ORA, and Verion
The first surgeon in the region to implant LAL+ (adjustable), Odyssey (trifocal), ReSTOR (bifocal), Vivity (EDOF), Trulign (accommodative) and Clareon (Toric) lenses.
The first to perform LASIK using the Allegretto EX500 laser
The first surgeon in the nation to implant the FDA-approved PanOptix trifocal lens using the NGENUITY® 3D Heads-Up Visualization System
The second surgeon worldwide to perform cataract surgery using a head-mounted 3D display system

Dr. Davidson is also a nationally recognized educator and industry leader in advanced lens and laser technology. Since 2015, he has served as National Director for the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Laser Cataract Surgery Skills Transfer Course and as an Instructor for the ASCRS Femtosecond Laser Cataract Skills Sessions. He collaborates closely with laser and lens implant manufacturers to improve surgical devices, hardware, and software, and he authors training curricula for LenSx and ORA systems used by surgeons nationwide.

“Dr. John Davidson is the definition of a surgeon’s surgeon,” said Dr. Shaun Brierly, Chief Medical Officer of American Vision Partners. “His track record of innovation, his unmatched clinical outcomes, and the trust he has earned from peers across the country align perfectly with our mission to set the highest standard in vision care. We are honored to welcome Dr. Davidson and look forward to the impact he will have on our patients, our physicians, and the future of refractive and cataract surgery at Barnet Dulaney Perkins.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Davidson has:

Implanted over 10,000 Advanced Technology Lenses
Performed 10,000+ Laser Lens Replacements
Completed 8,000+ ORA-assisted cases
Implanted more than 1,800 PanOptix trifocal lenses since their launch

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Davidson has lectured at more than 20 state and regional ophthalmology society meetings and teaches ophthalmology residency programs across California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, with a focus on intraocular lens power calculation strategies. “Dr. Davidson has spent his career pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vision correction,” said Shane Armstrong, CEO of American Vision Partners. “From pioneering new technologies to educating surgeons nationwide, his influence extends far beyond the operating room. Bringing his expertise and leadership to Barnet Dulaney Perkins strengthens our commitment to innovation, precision, and truly personalized patient care. We’re proud to have him join the Barnet Dulaney Perkins team and look forward to what’s ahead.””

Dr. Davidson earned his medical degree with Highest Distinction (top 1%) from Indiana University School of Medicine, following undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics—also with Highest Distinction. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Indiana University and a prestigious fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at UCLA, where he received the Fellowship Research Award. He continues to teach and mentor residents and fellows.

Committed to service beyond the clinic, Dr. Davidson has participated in surgical mission trips to Albania, Fiji, Mexico, Venezuela, and Vietnam, providing care to underserved populations.

Dr. Davidson was the first physician in any specialty in Ventura County to be named a Southern California Super Doctor and has been nominated annually by fellow Los Angeles-area ophthalmologists since 2013. He has also received the American Medical Association’s Physician Recognition Award multiple times for exceeding continuing medical education standards, most recently in December 2024.

HONORS & AWARDS:

Southern California Super Doctors (Dr. Davidson was the first doctor in any specialty in Ventura County to be awarded this distinction and has been nominated by other Los Angeles area ophthalmologists for this title every year since 2013.)
Jules Stein Eye Institute Clinical Fellow Research Award, UCLA, 1992
Phi Beta Kappa, Indiana University, 1983
Alpha Omega Alpha, Indiana University Medical School (Junior & Senior Years), 1986-87
Arthur R. Metz Distinguished Academic Scholarship, Indiana University, 1979-83

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Jules Stein Institute, UCLA, 1992
Residency in Ophthalmology at Indiana University, Indianapolis, 1991
Medical Doctorate (MD degree) with Highest Distinction (top 1%) from Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana, 1987
Bachelor of Arts (BA degrees) in Biology and Chemistry with Highest Distinction (top 1%) from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, 1983

RESEARCH:

Principal Investigator for studies leading to recent FDA approvals for iDose, and UNITY® VCS and CS, Alcon’s unified surgical platforms for cataract and vitreoretinal procedures.

PUBLICATIONS:

Strabismus Surgery in Patients with Myasthenia, Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 1993;30:292-5.
The Visual Function of Professional Baseball Players (Dodgers), American Journal of Ophthalmology, 1996;122:476-85.
Delivering on the promise: AcrySof IQ ReSTOR IOL, EyeWorld ASCRS 2012
OSN Article, “Cataract Refractive Surgery: Myth Busters”, August 2014
OSN Article, “The New Era in Astigmatism Management”, October 10, 2014
OSN Article, “Refractive Cataract Surgery: Practice Profiles”, December 10, 2014
How does the OMNI° Surgical System work? Provided idea for explaining how OMNI works in the corporate patient education brochure, Sight Sciences, 2015
The LenSx Laser—A Review of Current Literature on its Use in Cataract Surgery, US Ophthalmic Review, April 2016

Dr. Daniel Adelberg Performs Arizona’s First ENCELTO™ Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy Procedure for Macular Telangiectasia Type 2

Breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients with a rare, progressive retinal disease

Phoenix, AZ — February 25, 2026 — Dr. Daniel Adelberg of Southwestern Eye Center, a leading ophthalmology practice managed by American Vision Partners – Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, has performed the first ENCELTO™ gene therapy procedure in Arizona, marking a significant milestone in advanced retinal care and personalized medicine.

The procedure treats Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel), a rare and progressive retinal disease that gradually damages the central retina and leads to vision loss. This landmark case represents a new treatment option for patients who previously had limited or no effective therapies available.

Macular Telangiectasia Type 2, also known as idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2, is a bilateral neurodegenerative disease typically diagnosed in adults over age 40. The condition causes localized retinal degeneration and the gradual loss of retinal cells, resulting in declining central vision and changes to the retinal blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye. MacTel is uncommon worldwide and historically has had few effective treatment options.

ENCELTO™, approved by the FDA in 2025 following a clinical study involving 228 patients, is an encapsulated stem cell-based gene therapy implant designed to slow disease progression and preserve vision.

About the size of a grain of rice, the ENCELTO implant is surgically placed inside the eye. It contains living cells that have been genetically modified to continuously produce and release recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF) — a protective protein that supports retinal health and reduces the degeneration of photoreceptors, the light-sensitive cells responsible for vision.

ENCELTO is an encapsulated cell-based gene therapy.

By delivering stem cell-based therapy directly to the retina, ENCELTO helps protect retinal cells and may slow the vision loss associated with MacTel, helping patients maintain independence and quality of life.

“This treatment is a major breakthrough in ophthalmology and medicine,” said Dr. Daniel Adelberg, retina specialist at Southwestern Eye Center. “It represents proof of concept that stem cell-based therapies can provide long-term — and potentially lifelong — treatment options that were not previously possible.”

This breakthrough therapy is the result of years of scientific research and collaboration, including the Duke Reading Center’s role in clinical trial design and endpoint development. ENCELTO is intended for adults diagnosed with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2. Candidates for treatment undergo a comprehensive retinal evaluation and medical history review to determine whether the therapy is appropriate. The introduction of ENCELTO therapy at Southwestern Eye Center expands access to advanced retinal treatments in Arizona and reinforces the practice’s commitment to bringing leading-edge technology to patients across the region.

About Southwestern Eye Center
Southwestern Eye Center, managed by American Vision Partners, is a leading provider of comprehensive ophthalmology services across Arizona. The practice offers advanced medical and surgical eye care, including retina treatment, cataract surgery, glaucoma care, and vision correction, delivered by experienced specialists using state-of-the-art technology. Southwestern Eye Center was established in 1982 in Mesa, Arizona, by Dr. Lothaire Bluth. Over the last 40 years, the practice has grown and continues to offer world-class technology and patient-first values across Arizona and New Mexico. The experienced team of doctors at Southwestern Eye Center are specialized in multiple fields of ophthalmology, including cataracts, retinal disease, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. Together, the caring team of physicians and staff make sure that their focus is always on providing the highest-quality eye care for their patients and convenient service for their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.SWeye.com.

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

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!

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 md Dr. 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.