SUNY Annual Report 2019

New Laser Improves Outcomes For Patients Adding the Lumenis Selecta Duet, a combination YAG/SLT laser valued at over $70,000 and donated by the Optometric Center of New York to the Advanced Care Clinic has

Having the new laser has changed the way the College serves patients. “Owning the laser has allowed us to streamline the process for getting patients treated,” says Dr. Jennifer Gould, chief of advanced care services at the UEC. “We are performing consultation and treatment at the same visit, eliminating one visit for patients. For the SLT, we were previously only able to perform it eight times a year, now we have appointments for this procedure approximately 36 times a year.”

increased the number of patients treated this year by thirty percent. While this technology has been around for some time, owning the equipment has made the treatment more accessible to patients as well as exposing students to the latest treatments.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) This treatment helps prevent glaucoma in patients whose angle (the space between the cornea and the iris) is anatomically narrow. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Used to lower the eye pressure in patients who already have primary open angle glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, exfoliative glaucoma or ocular hypertension, this treatment increases the fluid drainage which causes the pressure. YAG Capsulotomy Secondary cataracts, also known as posterior capsule opacification, which may develop following surgery for cataracts can be treated through this process.

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