Treating Retinal Disease with Embryonic Stem Cell Injection

The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" blog reported, "After more than 20 years of research, doctors at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute have begun treating the first patients in clinical trials for two progressive eye diseases that cause blindness: dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt's macular dystrophy." On Tuesday, two "patients were given an injection of specialized eye cells that were derived from embryonic stem cells." Both "patients are said to be recovering without complications."
        The Washington Post "The Checkup" blog reported that the study was sponsored by Advanced Cell Technology. "The Food and Drug Administration in November approved the company's plans to test cells created from human embryonic stem cells on 12 patients suffering from each condition. Each patient will undergo a procedure in which between 50,000 to 200,000 retinal pigmented epithelial cells created from human embryonic stem cells will be injected into their eyes." Investigators "hope the cells will replace those ravaged by the diseases." Previous research in rat models indicated that some vision was restored.

Health News | Holding smartphones too close causes eye strain

Introducing the MV-700 Glaucoma Visual Field Analyser

Perimetry testing made Better, at Ironwood Optometry Clinic we like to introduce the Medmont MV700 Visual Field Analyser.  Leading the way in automated perimetry, the Medmont MV700 Field Analyzer provides computerized measurement of peripheral vision, i.e. visual field, necessary for the detection and management of glaucoma.  The Medmont MV700 has become a benchmark in perimetry around the world, featuring full field test capability up to 80 degrees, high concentric test point density and unique test facilities such as the Flicker Test, Binocular Driving Test and Diplopia Test. In a recent article from the Br Journal of Ophthalmology, the results showed that Medmont and Humphrey (gold standard for glaucoma) perimeters correlated well; both may be used for clinical and research purposes with similar confidence.

Additional cost savings to Extended health members

Starting January 1, 2011, Ironwood Optometry has a new preferred vision service provider agreement, so that policyholders and dependents of extended health insurers:

1) Manulife Financial
2) Sun Life Financial
3) Great-West Life
and 4) The Chambers of Commerce (incl Associations Comprehensive Benefits Program)

will receive additional cost saving benefit towards designer frames, lenses, and contact lenses.  Please call to inquire, 604 271-3937 (EYES).  Or drop by Ironwood Plaza, located:

8020-11688 Steveston Hwy
Richmond, BC V7A 1N6

We are right next to the Ironwood Public Library.