THE RETINA SERVICE

Retina Surgery Services at Clarus Eye Centre

Referring Providers: How to refer a patient

For Referring Providers: Our Commitment to You

Thank you for entrusting us with your patient's care. Our goal is to provide premier retina care to your patient as soon as possible. We believe the best care involves collaboration. Once we see your patient, we will communicate our findings and recommendations to you in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, we will convey the importance of integrating our retina care with yours, in order to optimize the overall visual health of your patient. From start to finish, we will work with you, and reinforce to your patient your role as their continued provider.

We are happy to speak with you over the phone and welcome your comments. 

How to Refer a Patient:

You may refer to us by phone or by facsimile. Time-sensitive referrals (urgent/emergent) are best initiated over the phone.

TO REFER BY PHONE, please call our Retina Service Coordinator directly at 360-923-4342. We will ask for the following information to begin scheduling the patient in our system:

  • Patient’s name
  • Patient’s date of birth
  • Patient’s contact information: phone number and mailing address
  • Patient’s insurance(s)
  • Reason for appointment

Our coordinator will request the following information be faxed to (360) 456-3894, following your phone call:

  • On the cover page, please note: “Attention: Retina Service Coordinator”
  • A copy of your patient’s demographics form that includes name, date of birth, insurance information, mailing address, phone number
  • A copy of the patient’s recent visit with you, including the patient’s past medical and surgical history
  • A current list of the patient’s medications and allergies

Refer by fax:

Please fax your referral request to (360) 456-3894 and the following information:

  • On the cover page, please note: “Attention: Retina Service Coordinator”
  • A copy of your patient’s demographics form that includes name, date of birth, insurance information, mailing address, phone number
  • Reason for the referral
  • A copy of the patient’s recent visit with you, including the patient’s past medical and surgical history
  • A current list of the patient’s medications and allergies

Thank you for your referral and we look forward to working with you and your patient! 

ABOUT THE RETINA SERVICE

The Retina Service at Clarus offers premier care for diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous using a range of advanced medical and surgical treatments.

Our team of retina specialists includes Dr. Jane Myung and Dr. Penny Reck, both of whom are board-certified ophthalmologists and highly trained retina subspecialists. They have completed medical school, medical internships, specialized ophthalmology training, and additional two-year fellowships in retina eye surgery. Their expertise, experience and focus on delivering the utmost in compassionate care to patients and their families is what sets The Retina Service apart.

PATIENT EDUCATION

What is the retina?

The retina is often described as “the back part of the eye”. The retina is a thin tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is made up of light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors. The macula is the central part of the retina with the highest congregation of photoreceptors. This dense area of photoreceptors gives us sharp and detailed vision. Light rays travel through the eye and enter the back of the eye. Light rays focus on the macula and stimulate the photoreceptors, which convert light into electrical signals. These signals are sent to the brain. The brain processes that information as sight.

Another part of the back of the eye is the vitreous body, or more commonly referred to as “the vitreous”. The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the space between the retina and the lens.

A variety of diseases and conditions may affect the retina, macula, and vitreous. These may include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy (also known as diabetic eye disease), retinal tears, retinal detachments, macular holes, or macular puckers. Left unchecked, they may result in decreased vision or lead to blindness. In some cases, retina eye surgery may be required by a trained retina specialist. 

What is a retina specialist?

A retina specialist is a highly-trained medical doctor. These doctors have graduated from medical school, completed medical and/or surgical internships, ophthalmology residency training with additional fellowship training in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases of the retina and vitreous, also known as “vitreoretinal diseases”. Sometimes a retina specialist is referred to as a “vitreoretinal specialist” or “retinologist” or “retina surgeon”.

Fellowship training for retina specialists varies. One-year fellowships are available for specialized training in vitreoretinal diseases without additional surgical training; these physicians’ subspecialty in ophthalmology is referred to as “medical retina”. To be actually trained to perform retina eye surgery, one-year fellowships or two-year fellowship programs are offered. These fellowships are the basis for retina surgical training and also include subspecialty training in the medical management of vitreoretinal diseases. Those who complete these types of competitive fellowships are known as “retina surgeons”.

Why have I been sent to a retina specialist?

If your retina is damaged and requires retina repair eye surgery, or your doctos suspects there are issues affecting your retina, your doctor may refer you to a retina specialist. 

A retina specialist has unique skills to evaluate, diagnose and treat a very specific portion of the human visual system. Retina specialists perform medical treatments and surgical procedures which are extremely exacting. Retina surgeries performed in the operating room require a microscope and are referred to as “microsurgery”. Special lenses are used in addition to the microscope to visualize the back of the eye. Eye and retina surgeons operate on very delicate tissues in an incredibly tiny space, which is why it's so important to entrust your retina care to experienced retina specialists. 

How can I find the best retina specialist near me?

First, it is important to confirm that your retina specialist is highly or fellowship-trained. Next, pay attention to the specialist’s title. Fellowship training for retina specialists varies; the degree and type of training is reflected in their specialty. A “medical retina” specialist has completed a one-year fellowship with extra training in vitreoretinal diseases, but without additional surgical training. A “retina surgeon” has undergone a one-year or two-year fellowship program that includes retina surgical training, in addition to training of medical management of vitreoretinal diseases. If you anticipate needing retina eye repair surgery, seek out a retina surgeon. The Retina Service at Clarus Eye Centre in Olympia, Washington is comprised of fellowship-trained eye and retina surgeons who are highly experienced in providing advanced retina care.

What can I expect when I visit The Retina Service at Clarus?

First and foremost, we thank you for entrusting our team with your retina care! 

When you first visit The Retina Service, we will need a detailed, comprehensive dilated eye exam to diagnose retinal and/or vitreous disease. Your exam may also require testing with highly technical equipment.

Our staff will provide you with a folder that describes the various types of testing and procedures performed in our clinic or in the operating room. Please use the information in the folder you are given as detailed references. For a general overview of your visit prior to arrival, please review the sheet: “What to Expect at your Retina Appointment”. Any of the procedures listed on the other sheets will be discussed with you prior to undergoing the procedure if it is recommended.

If this is your first visit with The Retina Service, please understand that any information shared with you is for educational purposes; you are not automatically going to undergo each procedure upon your arrival. We find that it is helpful to understand the process behind the different modalities we may enlist in order to deliver the highest quality care to you. 

To learn more about common retinal diseases and conditions, please click HERE.

OUR RETINA SPECIALISTS

When you need treatment for a retinal disease, it's important to choose a specialist who has had additional education and training specific to the retina, macula and vitreous. 

At Clarus, our retina specialists’ training is what sets The Retina Service apart from other local places.  To make an appointment, contact us today.

CONTACT THE RETINA SERVICE AT CLARUS EYE CENTRE

If you are interested in learning more about what The Retina Service at Clarus can do for you, please contact us today! We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

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