Dr. David Boyer with Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group and Dr. Samuel Masket with Advanced Vision Care announced they are participating in a nationwide, post-approval study of the Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz), a medical device already approved by the FDA to restore vision and improve quality of life in people living with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and meeting specific vision and cornea health criteria.
The study is designed to corroborate the safety data submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that led to approval and evaluate the patient care program in a commercial setting. Both Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group and Advanced Vision are actively seeking patients to participate in the telescope implant treatment program.
Smaller than a pea, the telescope implant uses micro-optical technology to magnify images which would normally be seen in one’s straight ahead vision. The images are projected onto the healthy portion of the retina not affected by the disease, making it possible for patients to see or discern the central vision object of interest.
The CentraSight® program has been developed to help patients see the things that are important to them, regain independence, and re-engage in everyday activities. The program utilizes a multispecialty provider team approach to help patients follow the necessary steps for proper diagnosis, surgical evaluation, and postoperative care. The specially trained team includes a retina specialist, cornea surgeon, low vision optometrist and low vision occupational therapist, the latter whom works with the patient over several months to teach them how to use his/her new vision. The telescope implant is the only approved surgical device for end-stage AMD and the treatment is Medicare eligible.
“We have been offering the telescope implant surgery to patients in the LA metro area since 2011,” said Dr. Samuel Masket. “We’ve been impressed with patients’ progress following the out-patient procedure as they become proficient in using this remarkable, implanted device. Patients report they are resuming hobbies, living more independently and, most importantly, seeing the faces of their family and friends.”