VEC Recognizes World Glaucoma Day with
FREE Glaucoma Screenings!

In recognition of National World Glaucoma Day, Virginia Eye Consultants is hosting FREE Glaucoma Screenings!

Thursday March 11, 2010
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Hampton Office: 2101 Executive Dr, Ste 1-H
Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 826-4702

And

Thursday March 18, 2010
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Norfolk Office: 241 Corporate Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23502 (757) 622-2200

Tell your family and friends!!!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone here!!!

Since 1979, Virginia Eye Consultants has been the premier referral group of fellowship trained ophthalmologists specializing in cataract surgery with ReSTOR® technology, LASIK, corneal transplantation, dry eyes, glaucoma, retina and ophthalmic plastic surgery.

Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. completed Webcast Teleconferences Series

On November 24, 2009, Dr. Scoper completed his final of 26 webcast teleconferences on, The Missing Step to Achieving Better Premium IOL Outcomes. The 60-minute interactive teleconference discussed several topics including: AcrySof IQ Restor IOL +3.0D: True performance at all distances, New Aspheric Acrysof IQ Toric IOL: Precise astigmatism correction, now available in aspheric optics, Pre-operative measurements can make or break the deal, and Pearls for post-operative care: Aggressively managing ocular surface disease. Dr. Scoper is recognized as a leading authority in premium IOL technology and has given over 75 lectures on this subject to eye care professional nationwide.

Walter O. Whitley, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O., presents at the 6th Annual Optometric Council of Refractive Technologies Symposium in Orlando, FL

Review of Optometry 12/01/09

A leading lineup of refractive experts shared their insights on complication management, the latest in research and technologies and practice management tips to a crowded room of O.D.s during the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology’s (OCRT) Sixth Annual Refractive Technology Symposium at the 2009 American Academy of Optometry Meeting.
The daylong symposium, featured a series of rapid-fire podium presentations and case reports that covered a broad spectrum of refractive care from laser treatments to intra-ocular surgeries to the business and politics of optometric involvement in the field—all in an interactive forum. “OCRT provides a forum for refractive minded optometrists to share ideas, thoughts and raise issues,” said OCRT President Marc Bloomenstein, of Scottsdale, Ariz. “Having members from across the globe gives OCRT a unique perspective. We are excited about the future of refractive technology, and OCRT will be on the forefront.”

To read the full article, go to http://www.revoptom.com/content/p/16744/c/16745/

John D. Sheppard, M.D., M.M.Sc. Presents Keynote Address in Chicago, IL

June 9, 2009

John Sheppard, M.D., M.M.Sc., the President of Virginia Eye Consultants, gave the keynote address at Bausch & Lomb's Speaker Training Meeting on June 5, 2009. The meeting was held at the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago.

Dr. Sheppard presented to 51 ophthalmologists and optometrists on Loteprednol Etabonate: A Decade of Milestones with a Unique Molecule including current research and articles that he was involved in.


Walter O. Whitley, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O.
Presents at the Utah Optometric Association Annual Congress

Midway, Utah | June 9, 2009

Dr. Walt Whitley, Director of Optometric Services at Virginia Eye Consultants, was one of several lecturers invited to speak at the 2009 UOA Annual Congress on June 4-7, 2009. This year's conference was held at the Zermott Resort in Midway, Utah with over 125 optometrists and paraoptometric technicians in attendance. Dr. Whitley spoke on several topics including "Minimizing and Maximizing Ocular Surgery Complications" and "Corneal and Conjunctival Culturing: When? Why? and How?"

"This meeting was an enjoyable experience, because I got a chance to see several of my classmates, colleagues and friends," says Dr. Whitley.

His first lecture discussed the optometrist's role in the pre- and post-operative management of ocular surgery, such as conventional cataract surgery, ReSTOR® Premium IOLs, and LASIK eye surgery. The second lecture discussed the differential diagnosis of corneal and conjunctival infections along with various treatment options.

Walter O. Whitley, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O.
Receives His Master's in
Business Administration

On May 15, 2009, Walter Whitley received his M.B.A. degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to moving to Virginia, he began his pursuit of a business degree for both personal and professional reasons.

After three busy years of school, work, getting engaged, moving to Virginia, getting married to Lindsay, and starting a new position, he is excited to focus on his wife and his position at Virginia Eye Consultants (VEC).


Dr. Whitley has a strong interest in the business aspects of health care and plans on implementing the tools and skills that he learned in school in his position as the Director of Optometric Services at VEC.


Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. in Orlando, Florida for Premium IOL Course

Dr. Stephen Scoper, our vice president and lead refractive surgeon, will be in Orlando, Florida, for a series of discussions and courses for Premium IOLs on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th!

Friday, May 15th (evening) - Dr. Scoper will be leading a discussion group for ophthalmologists in Orlando about Premium IOLs.

Saturday, May 16th (morning) - Dr. Scoper will be presenting a 3 hour course to optometrists in Orlando about co-management of Premium IOLs.

For Saturday's course, Dr. Scoper will be presenting a comprehensive course for optometrists, preparing them to manage all aspects of pre-operative and post-operative care for co-management of Premium IOL procedures. Optometrists who already have experience in co-managing patients for routine cataract surgery will be taken to the next level of expertise in providing state-of-the-art multifocal and astigmatic technology to their patients. Integrating care with an experienced Premium IOL surgeon, they will have confidence in recommending the Premium IOL technology to their patients with whom they have developed a trusting doctor-patient relationship.

A comprehensive notebook will be provided to course attendees with extensive handouts and forms giving a step-by-step guide to take back to their practices. Premium IOL patients will describe their experiences and be available to answer questions to reinforce the lectures and consolidate the learning experience.

This CE-approved three hour course will conclude with the presentation of a Certificate of Completion in the Co-Management of Premium IOLs signed by the Course Director. This course has been approved by the Florida State Board.

A breakfast and registration period will begin at 8:00am and the program will commence starting at 8:30am until noon.

To learn more and register for this event with Dr. Scoper, visit http://events.SignUp4.com/ScoperOrlando

VEC Recognizes World Glaucoma Day with
Free Glaucoma Screening on Thursday,
March 12

Contact:  Miller Public Relations -817-281-3440 -or-
Virginia Eye Consultants - 757-622-2200

Virginia Eye Consultants Recognizes World Glaucoma Day with Free Glaucoma Screening on Thursday, March 12

March 6, 2009 – Norfolk, VA. – Glaucoma is a silent thief that can steal your eyesight before you even realize it.  That’s why early detection and treatment is so important. 

In recognition of World Glaucoma Day, Virginia Eye Consultants will offer a free screening open to the public on Thursday, March 12.  Screening will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the central office, located at 241 Corporate Blvd. in Norfolk.  No appointment is necessary.

“We are pleased to offer this valuable public service to the greater Norfolk community,” says John Sheppard, M.D., a board-certified corneal specialist at Virginia Eye Consultants.  “World Glaucoma Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about this serious eye condition – the second most common cause of blindness.”

On World Glaucoma Day, Virginia Eye Consultants will be joining hundreds of other vision care centers around the world, from China and Hong Kong to Europe and the United States to offer education and screenings for the public.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common is a gradual, progressive condition that slowly damages the optic nerve, a vital structure in the eye that sends visual information to the brain and makes eyesight possible. 

“There is no cure for glaucoma,” says Dr. Sheppard, “but there are several effective treatments that can stop its progression and prevent blindness. 

The risk for developing glaucoma increases with age, so it’s important to have a regular eye exam, especially after age 40, even if your vision seems fine. Typically glaucoma has no symptoms or warning signs until vision loss occurs.  Usually peripheral or side vision is the first to be affected. 

What can you expect during your glaucoma screening?  Virginia Eye Consultants will be conducting a simple 10-15 minute exam of both eyes to check for visual acuity, the health of interior structures like the optic nerve and the overall pressure of fluids within the eye. 

For more information about glaucoma screenings, please call Virginia Eye Consultants at 757-622-4866 or go to www.virginiaeyeconsultants.com.

About Virginia Eye Consultants

Virginia Eye Consultants has been Eastern Virginia’s leading vision care center since it was established in 1969.  All of the physicians are fellowship-trained and board-certified specialists, which sets a high standard for care.  The center has a national reputation for comprehensive medical and surgical vision care, with expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, retinal diseases, macular degeneration and more.  Two locations are offered in Norfolk and Hampton.  More information can be found at www.virginiaeyeconsultants.com

VEC Announces Addition of All-Laser LASIK Platform to On-Site Laser Suite

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Karen Parks
Virginia Eye Consultants        
Phone: (757) 622-2200
E-mail: Kparks@vec2020.com

Virginia Eye Consultants Announces Addition of All-Laser LASIK Platform to On-Site Laser Suite

Norfolk, Va., February 10, 2009 – Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, VA, announced today that it has added the IntraLase FS Femtosecond laser to its on-site laser suite, featuring the world’s most advanced LASIK technology.

The IntraLase FS Femtosecond laser has redefined vision correction by raising standards for optimal vision results from the LASIK procedure. During the first step of the LASIK procedure, your surgeon will create a corneal flap in order to allow him or her to reshape the corneal surface with an excimer laser. The flap is traditionally created with a microkeratome blade, but the IntraLase FS laser system provides a more accurate, all-laser method for creation of the corneal flap. Additionally, this revolutionary IntraLase technology precisely measures factors unique to each patient’s eye, including corneal thickness, steepness, diameter and pupil position to create a procedure individually customized to each patient’s specific vision needs. The elimination of the microkeratome blade allows for a safer and more accurate all-laser, blade-free LASIK procedure. In conjunction with the B&L Technolas excimer laser, the IntraLase FS Femtosecond laser offers patients of Virginia Eye Consultants a faster procedure that reduces already minimal discomfort and yields more accurate long-term results for improved vision.

“This level of advancement in LASIK not only optimizes the level of vision improvement our patients receive, but allows for customized treatment in the first stages of the LASIK process for results acutely tuned to each patients individual vision needs,” said Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. “It has completely enhanced our ability as ophthalmic surgeons to offer our patients a safer, comfortable and more accurate procedure for ideal vision results.”

About Virginia Eye Consultants