The retina specialists in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences are world-renowned leaders in medical and surgical vitreoretinal care, providing the latest in comprehensive clinical care, research, and education for the next generation of eye care providers.
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Clinical Care
In partnership with the remarkable health system at UW Health, our team of experienced medical and surgical retina specialists provide patients with the highest quality care for retina-related conditions. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinitis pigmentosa, macular edema, and much, much more.
Surgical Retina
Our Surgical Retina service specializes in diagnosing and managing complex conditions that often require advanced surgical intervention. These include retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and complications from diabetic retinopathy. Our expert surgeons employ cutting-edge techniques like vitrectomy and retinal laser therapy, utilizing the latest technology to restore vision and improve patient outcomes.
We are committed to offering patients the most advanced surgical care available, ensuring the best possible results through innovation and precision.
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Inherited Retinal Diseases
Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are complex conditions and a leading cause of early-onset blindness. Despite the challenges they present, advancements in diagnosis and treatment offer considerable hope. We operate a unique subspecialty clinic dedicated to the care of IRD patients. This clinic provides comprehensive services, including specialized imaging, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and expert care tailored to these conditions.
Our commitment to advancing IRD treatment is reflected in our participation in several cutting-edge clinical trials. These trials aim to deepen our understanding of IRDs and explore innovative therapies, including neuroprotective medications, gene therapies, and stem cell treatments. Our efforts are focused on not only managing these conditions but also working towards potential cures for blindness.
Ocular Genetics
Our Ocular Genetics service specializes in diagnosing and managing inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and genetic eye disorders. With advanced genetic testing, specialized imaging, and personalized care, we provide patients with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options. Collaborating with genetic counselors, we help patients understand their conditions and explore treatment opportunities, including clinical trials.
Adaptive Optics
Recent advancements, such as novel Adaptive Optics imaging, allow for cellular-resolution views of the retina. This technology enhances our ability to investigate IRDs and other retinal pathologies, supporting our mission to improve diagnosis and treatment. Through these advancements, we remain at the forefront of research and clinical care, offering the best possible outcomes for our patients.
It is an extremely exciting time in the field of inherited retinal diseases. We have better tools for diagnosis and many therapeutic interventions currently in clinical trials for these blinding diseases.
Kimberly Stepien, MD
Research
Our faculty are actively engaged in the mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight worldwide through innovative research, including both medical and surgical treatments for retinal diseases. Our groundbreaking discoveries transform the study and treatment of these conditions, particularly in areas such as retina regeneration, surgical techniques, and biomaterials for retinal repair.
Education
Our faculty are dedicated to training the next generation of eye care providers. Our residency and fellowship programs provide comprehensive training in both medical and surgical retina specialties, ensuring that clinicians are well-rounded and equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the field of ophthalmology.
Residents and fellows gain hands-on experience diagnosing and managing a wide array of retinal conditions, from common medical retina disorders like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to more complex surgical cases such as retinal detachments and macular holes. Trainees also participate in the latest surgical techniques like vitrectomy and laser treatments, preparing them to deliver advanced patient care in both clinical and surgical settings.
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