Los Angeles Research Sites Investigating Medical Device Proven to Restore Vision and Improve Quality of Life in Seniors

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 18, 2014) - Dr. David Boyer with Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group and Dr. Samuel Masket with Advanced Vision Care today 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."

About End-Stage AMD

More than 15 million Americans are affected by some form of macular degeneration and approximately 2 million Americans have advanced forms of AMD with associated vision loss. The number of Americans afflicted with macular degeneration is expected to double with the rapid aging of the U.S. population. Specifically, end-stage AMD results in a loss of central or "straight-ahead" vision, creating a blind spot, and is uncorrectable by glasses, drugs or cataract surgery. This blind spot makes it difficult or impossible for patients to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and self-care. The telescope implant has been demonstrated in earlier clinical trials to improve quality of life for those with central vision loss in both eyes by improving patients' vision so they can see the things that are important to them, increase their independence, and re-engage in everyday activities. It also may help patients in social settings as it may allow them to recognize faces and see the facial expressions of family and friends.

Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group and Advanced Vision Care are actively seeking patients whom might be candidates for the telescope implant. Upon contacting either of these practices, patients will be evaluated for the study participation by determining if they:

• Have irreversible, End-Stage AMD resulting from either dry or wet AMD in both eyes
• Are no longer a candidate for drug treatment
• Have not had cataract surgery in the eye where the telescope will be implanted and have adequate peripheral vision in the eye not scheduled for surgery
• Are age 75 or older and meet other vision/cornea health requirements

The CentraSight treatment program in Los Angeles includes Dr. David Boyer, who coordinates the treatment; Dr. Samuel Masket, who performs the surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital; and the Center for Partially Sighted, who coordinates the post-surgical rehabilitation for the patient.

The telescope implant is not a cure for End-stage AMD. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the telescope implant. Possible side effects include decreased vision or vision impairing corneal swelling. The risks and benefits associated with the telescope implant are discussed in the Patient Information Booklet available at www.CentraSight.com and will be evaluated with each patient who might be a candidate for this study.

Patients and physicians can find more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program by calling Advanced Vision Care at 310-229-1220 or by visiting www.CentraSight.com or calling 1-877-99-SIGHT.

About Advanced Vision Care

Advanced Vision Care is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, individually based, high quality, eye health care. Drs. Samuel Masket, Nicole Fram and Juliet Chung are board-certified skilled ophthalmologists that provide a variety of services to help you attain the clearest vision possible. Our services cover a range of eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease and dry eye, retinal disorders, and ocular injuries. We have the common goal of ascertaining the most appropriate care for any given patient, explaining the purpose of the treatment, and in initiating said therapy in a courteous and compassionate manner irrespective of age, gender, nationality, race, or payment program. For more information, go to www.advancedvisioncare.com.

About Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group

Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group specializes in the treatment of diseases affecting the back of the eye, specifically those of the retina, vitreous, and macula. Patients are typically referred by their general ophthalmologist when a retinal problem is suspected. They care for patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusions, uveitis, ocular tumors and pediatric retinal diseases.

They have seven office locations. Each is equipped with state of the art diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities. RVAMG is also extremely active in clinical research, community education and participates in a number of various clinical studies evaluating new treatments. They are dedicated to providing the best possible care, and can provide patient access to the most current treatment options. For more information, go www.laretina.com.

About CentraSight

CentraSight is a first-of-kind treatment program that utilizes a tiny telescope implant for End-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most advanced form of AMD and the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. Patients with End-stage AMD have a central blind spot or missing area in their vision that makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities. The CentraSight treatment program allows patients to see details again by implanting a tiny telescope in the eye in an outpatient procedure, then coordinating with low vision specialists to help the patient learn how to use their new vision for everyday activities. For more information, visit www.CentraSight.com.