Latest Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Need for Eye Surgery Lessened by New Corneal Wound and Healing Treatment

Highland Ophthalmology Associates Offers ProKera® to Corneal Patients

New Windsor, New York, February 14, 2012 – Mary Davidian, M.D., of Highland Ophthalmology Associates, a leading eye surgeon in The Hudson Valley, announces  offering her patients a unique corneal wound repair and healing device called ProKera®.  Today, ProKera® is the only medical device that can provide wound healing to patients afflicted with a damaged cornea, the outer transparent surface of the eye.

ProKera® is a unique treatment option for patients presenting with corneal abrasions, scarring, erosions, corneal scars, chemical burns, corneal defects, partial limbal stem cell deficiencies, high-risk corneal transplants, Stevens - Johnson syndrome, and many other ocular surface conditions which may require corneal surgery or a corneal transplant. Sutureless and adhesiveless, ProKera® is a safe and effective method to promote healing and reconstruction of the ocular surface and orbit with minimal side effects.  

ProKera® is similar to a contact lens and is made by placing a piece of amniotic membrane tissue in between two rings made out of a clear, flexible material.  The membrane is thin and clear, like the tissue on the surface of the eye, and protects the eye's damaged tissue while inserted. The ProKera® device can remain in the eye for up to 30 days. However, it should facilitate healing of most defects within 5-10 days, at which point the membrane in the device will naturally dissolve and the ring set can be removed by an eye surgeon.

The healing properties of ProKera® deliver natural biological and therapeutic actions inherent in amniotic tissue to help damaged eye surfaces heal faster. Eyes treated with ProKera® heal faster, with less scarring and inflammation.  Moreover, it reduces chances of the formation of abnormal blood vessels, and induces less pain or discomfort to the patient.

"ProKera® allows me to provide my patients with exceptional clinical results safely and effectively, without surgery," said Dr. Mary Davidian. "In addition, the ProKera® device is now configured and packaged much like a contact lens, which enables easy insertion right here in our office, hospital bedside, or following other surgical procedures. I have been using ProKera® in the operating room for several years and I was delighted when it was officially approved by Medicare recently for use as an office procedure rather than an operating room procedure."

Considered a leading expert in cataract, corneal treatment and surgery, Dr. Davidian frequents national conferences on ophthalmology. She has lectured to other ophthalmologists on the proper use of ProKera®, proper diagnosis, and addressing the conditions under which a patient can benefit the most from this device.

"I think of it as a magic bandaid," said Dr. Davidian. "As a corneal specialist, I see a lot of patients with corneal damage, including patients referred to me by my colleagues. ProKera® allows me to provide patients with a unique alternative to surgery which, in many cases, helps them with a much quicker and less painful recovery."

Dr. Mary Davidian, founder and Medical Director of Highland Ophthalmology Associates, LLC, has been living in and serving the greater Hudson Valley community since 1997. Dr. Davidian is a fellowship trained corneal specialist.  She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the New York Keratorefractive Surgery Society, the New York Intraocular Lens Implant (NYIOL) Society, and the New York State Ophthalmological Society (NYSOS) in which she has served on the Board of Directors.

Dr. Davidian is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and serves as an Associate Adjunct Professor at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the New York Medical College.

For more information about ProKera®, ask your doctor or visit www.highlandophthalmology.com.

The Bio-Tissue ProKera® website is
www.biotissue.com.

Call (845) 562-0138 today for your first consultation with Dr. Davidian.

ProKera® is a registered trademark of Bio-Tissue, Inc.

For Immediate Release

Highland Ophthalmology Celebrates Grand Opening of New Vision Center in New Windsor

New Windsor, New York (PRWEB) June 22, 2009 – Highland Ophthalmology Associates, LLC will host the grand opening of its new eye care facility in New Windsor, New York. The new 6,000 square foot, state-of-the-art specialty eye care center features nine exam lanes, six diagnostic rooms equipped with the latest in ocular imaging and testing equipment, and an expanded optical shop. Staffed with four physicians and a dedicated staff, the contemporary facility provides the highest level of eye care to its patients. "We have always strived to provide the highest level of sub-specialty eye care to patients of our community," said Dr. Mary Davidian, Founder and Medical Director of Highland Ophthalmology Associates.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled at 12 noon on Thursday, June 25th, 2009.

Highland Ophthalmology Associates conveniently accommodates local residents that require specialty eye care services. Through the expertise of board-certified medical eye doctors, it provides the latest in eye exams, diagnostics, and prescription eyewear, along with advanced cataract, corneal transplant and glaucoma surgeries. Patients no longer have to travel far distances to receive these specialty services. "In the past, patients needing specialty eye care services had to be referred to physicians in New York City or Albany, since access to Fellowship Trained Cornea and Glaucoma Surgeons was not available locally," said Dr. Thien Huynh, Glaucoma Specialist at Highland Ophthalmology. "Patients not only had to travel far distances for their surgeries, but also had to continue to travel far for their follow up care."

Dr. Mary Davidian and Dr. Thien (Tim) Huynh are board-certified ophthalmologists, medical doctors who are specially trained to provide a wide spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Having completed a Cornea Fellowship at the University of California at Irvine after her residency training at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan, Dr. Davidian has worked closely with Dr. Richard Mackool, one of the innovators of modern day cataract surgery. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the New York Keratorefractive Surgery Society, the New York Intraocular Lens Implant (NYIOL) Society, and the New York State Ophthalmological Society (NYSOS) in which she has served on the Board of Directors. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and New York Medical College, where she is actively involved with resident education.

Dr. Thien (Tim) Huynh received his fellowship training in Glaucoma at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and brings this unique expertise to the community. He earned his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine and performed his medical internship at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York City before completing a residency in ophthalmology at Drexel University's College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Harvard University.

Dr. Miriam Rolf and Dr. Maureen Wallen are optometrists who practice general eye care and conduct contact lens fittings. Together, the doctors and staff at Highland Ophthalmology are able to provide patients with their complete eye care needs.

The new office of Highland Ophthalmology Associates is conveniently located at 140 Executive Drive, New Windsor, NY 12553.

For information about the grand opening event, please contact Nancy Ingersoll at (845) 562-0138.

For Immediate Release

Eye Doctors Urge Exams During Glaucoma Awareness Month

Highland Ophthalmology Associates to Offer Free Glaucoma Screenings

Newburgh, New York – January 2, 2007 – In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, Highland Ophthalmology Associates, in Newburgh, NY, will be offering free Glaucoma Screenings on Saturday, January 13, 2007. Highland Ophthalmology Associates encourages anyone at risk to please participate in their Glaucoma Awareness Program.

It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and half are at risk for going blind because they remain undiagnosed. "Glaucoma is a complex disease, because there are no symptoms in the early stages.  By the time vision loss is noted by the patient, the disease process is quite advanced.  If detected early enough, vision loss from glaucoma can be treated and prevented,” said Dr. Tim Huynh an Eye M.D. and a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist at Highland Ophthalmology. "As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we are urging people who might be at risk to come to our office for a free Glaucoma Screening."

“Who is at risk?  African-Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma, and it often appears at a younger age than in other racial groups. Anyone with a close relative - father, mother or sibling - with glaucoma is also at risk. Older people, those with diabetes and people who have had a serious eye injury are considered at risk as well" says Dr. Huynh.  “Anyone who falls into these groups should call us or their Eye M.D. to have their eyes examined. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.”

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure within the eye and often leads to vision loss. It begins with the loss of peripheral vision and then advances to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to blindness.

On Saturday January 13, 2007, Highland Ophthalmology will be hosting complimentary glaucoma screenings at their office between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be scheduled to help minimize wait time by calling (845) 562-0138.

For Immediate Release

Glaucoma Specialist Joins NewNewburgh, NY Ophthalmology Practice

Newburgh, NY - July 10, 2006 - Thien (Tim) Huynh, M.D. has joined Highland Ophthalmology Associates in Newburgh, NY where he will practice glaucoma as well as general ophthalmology.

Dr. Huynh is a Fellowship Trained Glaucoma Specialist who brings this unique expertise to our community. He earned his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine. He performed his medical internship at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, in New York, NY before completing a four year residency in ophthalmology at the Drexel University College of Medicine, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then continued on to receive his fellowship training in glaucoma at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Glaucoma is a disorder associated with pressure in the eye, and is characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma affects 2 million Americans, and half of those people are unaware they have the disease. Glaucoma is much more complex than most patients would like to believe. This very fact is the reason that glaucoma sub-specialist ophthalmologists have an additional one to two years of fellowship training beyond the four years of general ophthalmology residency training.

Dr. Huynh is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the New York State Ophthalmological Society (NYSOS).

For Immediate Release

Newburgh, NY Eye Surgeon Offers Alcon’s AcrySof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens for Cataract Correction

Newburgh, New York – June 14, 2005 – Mary Davidian, M.D., of Highland Ophthalmology Associates, a leading ophthalmic surgeon in Newburgh, announces the offering of Alcon’s AcrySof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens (IOL) for cataract patients.

The AcrySof ReSTOR lens is a foldable IOL that represents breakthrough technology because of its unique, patented optic design, which allows patients to experience the highest level of freedom from glasses ever achieved in IOL clinical trials. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL uses a combination of three complementary technologies: apodization, diffraction and refraction, to allow patients to experience a full range of high-quality vision without the need for reading glasses or bifocals. The benefit for patients is a high level of spectacle freedom.

Dr. Davidian has been using the earlier generation of the Alcon AcrySof lens for many years to correct cataract patients distance vision. "With the new ReSTOR lens, we can now offer our patients the ability to see clearly at near, intermediate and distance vision", said Dr. Davidian.

Ideal candidates for the ReSTOR lens are those patients over 50 who need both distance correction and reading glasses, bifocals/trifocals, or progressive lenses, or those who have cataracts. The ReSTOR lens has been used with great success in Europe for the last two years, but just received FDA approval for use in the United States. The regular AcrySof lenses, manufactured by Alcon, have been used in the US since 1990, and are the most frequently implanted lens in the US. To date, more than 21 million AcrySof lenses have been placed. In the US clinical trials more than 80% of patients who had placement of the ReSTOR lens NEVER wore glasses after the surgery. 94% were able to read the newspaper and drive without glasses.

Our office is within an easy commute from the following areas in the Hudson Valley and Orange County and Dutchess County: New Windsor, Cornwall, Fishkill, Middletown, Florida, Warwick, Monroe, Harriman, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Marlboro, Walden, Wallkill, Pine Bush, Vails Gate, Goshen, Salisbury Mills, Washingtonville, Campbell Hall, Montgomery, West Point, Modena, New Paltz, Highland, Beacon, Castle Point, Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, NY.

With this, Highland Ophthalmology has become New Windsor's leading specialty eye care center. Call (845) 562-0138 today for your first consultation.