New technology for macular degeneration patients was introduced at the annual meeting of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists , November 2,3 in San Diego, CA. The new device, an implantable miniature telescope, was described by executives from Vision Care Ophthalmic Technologies. The tiny telescope, smaller than a pea, is implanted in the eye during surgery similar to cataract surgery. The CentraSight IMT has been extensively studied and the results are very encouraging.
You can view an article from the University of California describing the experience of a man who has hadthe surgery. http://www.uci.edu/features/2012/11/feature_mason_121107.php
The device was developed in Israel. It is approved by the FDA and payable by Medicare. Patients are selected for the surgery through a careful screening process involving a low vision optometrist, a retinal specialist and a cataract surgeon. After receiving the telescope implant the patient receives several sessions of training from the 4th member of the team, an occupational therapist. The implantable miniature telescope is now available in Virginia. A highly skilled, experienced cataract surgeon is doing the surgery.
I am the low vision optometrist for the State of Virginia. I will be screening patients for the surgery from any of my 4 locations. After I have approved the patient for the device they will be examined by the retinal specialist and finally the cataract surgeon. They will return to me following surgery and then on to the occupational therapist.
