Local Surgeons Among the First in the Nation to Perform Eye Telescope Surgery

Hawaii eye surgeons Dr. Michael Bennett of the Retina Institute of Hawaii and Dr. Michael McMann of McMann Eye Institute, have teamed up to provide a new treatment for patients with end-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans.

The procedure involves implanting a tiny telescope - smaller than a pea - into a patient’s eye.  The implant uses micro-optical technology to create and magnify images, which are then relayed to the healthy portion of the retina. So, the patient can actually see them.   

“After decades worth of research and development, we finally have technology capable of restoring sight and visual function for patients suffering from chronic macular degeneration,” Dr. Bennett said. “This is a very exciting breakthrough both in medical history and for patients who never thought they would see again.”

VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., which developed the telescope implant, also created the CentraSight treatment program, with retina specialists who offer comprehensive patient care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Prospective patients must undergo a medical, visual and functional evaluation to determine if they are a possible candidate.

The telescope procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and covered by Medicare. After the implant, the patient will learn how to use their new vision in everyday activities by working with Dr. Kellen Kashiwa, a regional CentraSight visual rehabilitation provider for Hawaii.  

For more information about the telescope implant and related treatment program visit www.centrasight.com or call (888) 999-4134.