New England Eye Center
Medical Students & Doctors
Use the Latest Innovative Technologies
for Advanced Training in Cataract Surgery
Alcon INFINITI® Vision System with OZil®
BOSTON, MA February 22, 2010 – Ophthalmology residents, medical students and practicing ophthalmologists studying eye microsurgery at New England Eye Center and Tufts University School of Medicine will be using one of the latest, most sophisticated tools from Alcon Inc. Known as the INFINITI® Vision System with OZil®, the machine controls the surgical instruments that are inserted into the eye to remove cataracts using a process called phacoemulsification. This prepares the eye for a replacement intraocular lens to provide patients with clear vision following cataract surgery.
(Photo: Dr. Joel Reisman, Director of the New England Eye Center Wet Lab shows First Year Resident Jill Carmody and Lab Manager David Schultz how to set controls on the INFINITI® Vision System.)
The INFINITI® Vision System is unique in that the OZil® Torsional hand piece is the only phaco device that features side-to-side oscillating ultrasonic movement, increasing surgical efficiency and improving safety for cataract surgery patients.
Joel Reisman, MD, is the director of the “wet lab” where residents, medical students and practicing physicians hone their surgical skills. He formed the lab on the campus of Tufts Medical Center in 2006 and it is now one of the largest in the country with the equivalent of four operating rooms. Now in its fifth year, the wet lab boasts five operating microscopes and now five ‘phaco’ machines.
Dr. Reisman is also an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine, and Director of the New England Eye Center’s office in Wellesley where he is a general ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon.
Dr. Reisman is renowned for his work in teaching cataract surgery. He developed an international teaching program for cataract surgery that he brought to numerous university hospitals throughout China (also with support from Alcon). His expertise in cataract surgery and use of lasers was enhanced by studies in Holland, England and France.
New England Eye Center created the wet lab for teaching residents to become excellent cataract surgeons before working in the operating room with patients. The lab has a full complement of instruments and supplies that are needed for cataract and other types of eye surgery. Attending physicians from throughout the Boston area also use the lab to practice new techniques along with medical students.
(Photo: Resident Jill Carmody practices on an artificial eyeball with assistance from Wet Lab Director Dr. Joel Reisman and Lab Manager David Schultz.)
“Alcon places great value on teaching programs that train future cataract surgeons on the latest surgical techniques and we are very grateful for their partnership and support,” said Reisman. “Access to state-of-the-art machines like the INFINITI® Vision System is essential to a successful training program where residents are given the necessary tools to learn modern advances in cataract surgery.”
About New England Eye Center
New England Eye Center is located in the heart of Boston’s Theater district. It is the Ophthalmology Department for the Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine. New England Eye Center offers comprehensive ophthalmology including treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, pediatric ophthalmology, aesthetic surgery and laser vision correction. For more information about the New England Eye Center, go to www.NEEC.com or www.BostonCataract.com.
About Alcon, Inc.
Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.5 billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye.
The company has been involved with philanthropic eye care initiatives for more than 45 years and focuses much of its giving on supporting medical education and training efforts such as the New England Eye Center cataract surgery wet lab.
Alcon operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information on Alcon, Inc., visit www.alcon.com.
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Contact: William R. Sacco, New England Eye Center
(617) 636-1055 or wsacco@tuftsmedicalcenter.org