Implantable Telescope Technology Now Available in Phoenix
NEW YEAR BRINGS SIGHT RESTORING “IMPLANTABLE TELESCOPE” TECHNOLOGY TO ARIZONA PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
PHOENIX-BASED RETINAL CONSULTANTS OF ARIZONA JOINS PATIENT CARE TEAM
January 7, 2015 – Phoenix, AZ – Retinal Consultants of Arizona (RCA) – one of the nation’s leading Retina & Vitreous clinical research and patient treatment facilities – is proud to be selected as part of the continuity of care team for patients of the CentraSight® Treatment Program. 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.
Approximately 500 patients across the country have received the telescope implant to date, and Retinal Consultants of Arizona is one of 100 CentraSight teams in the U.S. No surgeries have been performed to date in the Phoenix area.
The telescope implant is FDA approved for patients age 65 and older and is the only surgical option that improves visual acuity by reducing the impact of the central vision blind spot caused by end-stage AMD. The cost for the telescope implant and visits associated with the treatment program are Medicare eligible.
Patients with end-stage AMD suffer from a central blind spot. This vision loss makes it difficult or impossible to see faces, read, and perform everyday activities such as watching TV, preparing meals, and performing self-care. The telescope implant has been demonstrated in clinical trials to improve quality of life 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.
Smaller than a pea, the telescope implant uses micro-optical technology to magnify images that would normally be seen in one’s “straight ahead” or central, 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 Treatment Program offers new hope and an improved quality of life for patients suffering with central vision blindness due to late-stage age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Derek Kunimoto, retina ophthalmologist and co-managing partner, Retinal Consultants of Arizona. “We are proud to be the leading referral practice in the Phoenix Valley for this breakthrough treatment plan.”
Arizona patients or caregivers interested in learning more should contact Retinal Consultants of Arizona at 602-222–2221.
About Retinal Consultants of Arizona
Retinal Consultants of Arizona (RCA) was established in 1980 in central Phoenix. Since then, we have grown to be the largest retina group in the state, with 24 offices throughout Arizona, providing improved access to the highest quality medical eye care. RCA also manages the country’s leading independent clinical research & trials facility, Retinal Research Institute, where RCA physicians contribute to the advancement of new therapies by participating in clinical research studies.
Retinal Consultants of Arizona is proud to have become Arizona’s largest and most experienced ophthalmology practice and nationally recognized clinical research facility focused specifically on the diagnosis and management of the retina and vitreous. In many instances, RCA is the only retina group in Arizona to offer participation in specific research trials. We accept new patients every day, and urgent or emergency referrals are seen the same day – www.retinalconsultantsaz.com
About CentraSight
CentraSight is the first-ever 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 again by implanting a tiny telescope in the eye in an outpatient procedure, then coordinating with vision specialists to help the patient learn how to use their new vision for everyday activities.
To find our more, please go to www.CentraSight.com or call 1-877-99SIGHT.
