Specialists treat retinal conditions | What is a Retina Specialist?

Stephen Reck, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Stephen Reck spent his childhood as a Michigander before moving to the East Coast. He attended the College of the Holy Cross and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in physics. Following college, he served as a commissioned naval officer aboard a nuclear-powered attack submarine. Acknowledging him with accolades for his military service, the Navy awarded him three Navy Achievement Medals and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. Following his time in the military, Dr. Reck began his pursuit of a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the distinguished University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan and continued on there to complete an internship in internal medicine. Dr. Reck underwent his residency in ophthalmology at the esteemed University of Michigan’s W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, where he also completed a fellowship in glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. After fellowship, Dr. Reck moved to Chicago, Illinois and delivered care as an assistant professor in ophthalmology at the Loyola University Medical Center. Loyola’s Department of Ophthalmology bestowed upon him the residency’s Teacher of the Year of Award in 2008.

Dr. Reck specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery, employing state-of-the-art technologies, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, microincision, no-stitch cataract surgery, intraoperative wavefront aberrometry, astigmatism-correcting (toric) lens implants, and multifocal lens implants. He also specializes in glaucoma surgery, such as glaucoma laser treatments, and glaucoma bypass procedures including trabeculectomy, tube implants, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, such as the iStent implant. Dr. Reck has published several scholarly papers in medical journals and participated in several FDA clinical trials studying new advancements in cataract and glaucoma surgery, along with intraocular lens technology.

Dr. Reck and his wife, Dr. Penny Reck, and their children live in Olympia, where they enjoy music, cooking, and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.

Grant Aaker, M.D.

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Grant Aaker grew up in central Minnesota. He graduated summa cum laude from Lewis & Clark College with honors in philosophy. He attended Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City where he conducted extensive research on the aging population, receiving distinctions such as the Howard Olian Medical Student Scholar in Geriatric Medicine, the Henry Adelman Memorial Award for Excellence in Geriatric Medicine, and honors in research with his medical degree. Dr. Aaker interned at New York Hospital Queens medical center. He went on to complete his residency training at the prestigious Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Aaker provides comprehensive eye care with special emphasis in cataract surgery and anterior segment surgery that utilizes advanced technologies such as laser-assisted cataract surgery, microincision, no-stitch cataract surgery, intraoperative wavefront aberrometry, astigmatism-correcting (toric) lens implants, and multifocal lens implants. He also performs glaucoma surgical procedures, such as glaucoma laser treatments and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, such as the iStent implant. Dr. Aaker has presented at numerous national meetings and published his research in multiple peer reviewed journals. He has participated in many FDA clinical trials that study groundbreaking technology for cataract and glaucoma surgery and intraocular lens technology.

Prior to his medical career, Dr. Aaker worked as a film producer, creating documentaries that have earned international acclaim and have been broadcasted on popular cable television networks, such as AMC and VH1. He continues to enjoy film in his free time, along with photography, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Dr. Jane Myung, reside in Olympia with their daughter.

Penny Reck, M.D.

Ophthalmologist/Retina

Dr. Penny Reck attended The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan via the school’s prestigious integrated premedical-medical program known as the Inteflex Program. While at The University of Michigan, she obtained both her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and her medical degree and was recognized for academic excellence, commitment to leadership and community service through various accolades, which include: the William J. Branstom Prize, Class Honors, the Inteflex Program Director’s Award, and the Asian-Pacific-American Outstanding Student Leader Award. Following graduation from medical school, Dr. Reck interned at St. Joseph Mercy – Ann Arbor Hospital and began her residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Michigan’s renowned W.K. Kellogg Eye Center. In 2006, she was honored with the Walter R. Parker Resident Teaching Award for excellence in training medical students. Research interests included work that investigated animal models of retinal regeneration, treatments for exudative age-related macular degeneration, central retinal vein occlusions and eye trauma. Dr. Reck successfully completed a two-year surgical retina fellowship at The University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary in Chicago, Illinois in 2008. Dr. Reck is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Reck specializes in treating patients with retinal disorders such as ocular complications of diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disorders, eye trauma and repair of retinal tears. She believes in educating her patients while delivering individualized and compassionate care. Dr. Reck has been a consultant for vitreoretinal diseases and a retina surgeon in the South Puget Sound area since joining Clarus Eye Centre in 2008. After seven years of being the sole local operating retina surgeon in Thurston County, prior to the growth of The Retina Service with the addition of Dr. Jane Myung in 2015, Dr. Penny Reck began transforming her practice to focus on clinic-based care combined with in-office minimally invasive surgical procedures, as of 2020.

Outside of the workplace, Dr. Reck plays an active role as a supporter of public education and children’s music education. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and three kids. She and her family have made Olympia, Washington their home. Personal interests include cooking and the performing arts.

For Referring Providers: Our Commitment to You

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your patients. Our goal is to deliver to your patients excellent retina care as soon as possible. We also believe that the best care for a patient is through a collaborative effort. After we see your patient, we will communicate with you our findings and recommendations. 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. Refer by phone: Please call our main clinic number at (360) 456-3200. The operator will transfer you to our Retina Service Coordinator. 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

Jane Myung, M.D.

Ophthalmologist/Retina

Dr. Jane Myung is originally from Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa with Honors in Biology and English. She went on to complete her medical degree at the University of Iowa. Dr. Myung then moved to New York and completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center- Albert Einstein School of Medicine. She then began her Ophthalmology residency training at New York University School of Medicine-Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital where she served as chief resident during her final year. She went on to complete a two-year surgical retina fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center in June 2011. Dr. Myung is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Throughout her career, she has been an invited speaker and presented at multiple meetings including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retinal Specialists and the Retina Society. She has also been a member of ORBIS, a nonprofit organization that serves to teach local partnering doctors to provide quality eye care in underserved countries.

Dr. Myung specializes in the care of all vitreoretinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration, ocular complications of diabetes, retinal vascular disorders, visually significant floaters, repair of retinal tears, and retinal detachment. In addition to surgery for retinal detachments, her surgical interests also include performing surgery for vitreomacular interface disorders (such as epiretinal membranes, macular holes) and surgical management of ocular complications (such as dislocated intraocular lens via intraocular lens removal, intraocular lens exchange, and/or scleral fixated intraocular lens). Dr. Myung joined The Retina Service at Clarus Eye Centre in 2015.

In her free time, Dr. Myung enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family. She resides in Olympia with her husband, Dr. Grant Aaker, and their daughter.

Kristen Clark, O.D.

Optometrist

Originally an Illinoisan, Dr. Kristen Clark attended Illinois College, earning her bachelor’s degree in biology. She moved to Chicago and graduated in 2011 from the Illinois College of Optometry, where she received accolades including the Dean’s list and membership to Golden Key International Honour Society and Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. Dr. Clark’s professional pursuits focus on delivering eye care within a fast-paced environment working alongside ophthalmologists to deliver quality care to both surgical and non-surgical patients. From Champaign, Illinois to Las Vegas, Nevada, she managed pre- and post-cataract surgery and laser vision correction patients, as well as provided primary care to patients of all ages, including routine eye care such as prescribing glasses and contact lenses.

Dr. Clark moved to the Olympia/Lacey, Washington area in 2019 to join the Clarus team. Her practice encompasses primary eye care, routine eye exams, treatment and management of ocular diseases such as dry eye, and co-management of post-surgical patients. Due to her experience and expertise, she also specializes in contact lenses, including specialty contact lenses.

When not in the office, Dr. Clark loves spending time with her two kids and husband, exploring, trying new restaurants, and staying fit and healthy.

Blake Perry, M.D.

Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Blake Perry grew up in San Diego, California before moving cross country to the East Coast to become an Ivy Leaguer. He attended Princeton University, where he also played football and accumulated several awards, including The Harland “Pink” Baker Award in 2000 for the freshman defensive player of the year; The Dr. Harry Roemer McPhee Trophy, the school’s outstanding player award, in 2003; and the prestigious All-Ivy Football Selection in both 2002 and 2003. Dr. Perry also demonstrated academic excellence during his time at Princeton, graduating with honors with a bachelor’s in political science. After earning his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at one of the nation’s top programs, the University of Iowa. Following residency, he received the elite opportunity to pursue training in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery via a two-year fellowship sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. After fellowship, Dr. Perry returned to Southern California to practice ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery before relocating to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He joined the Clarus Eye Centre team in 2018.

Dr. Perry specializes in aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system. His training makes him an expert at performing facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as addressing issues (like tearing management) that require an in-depth understanding of how to care for the delicate tissues and structures that surround the eye, such as the tear ducts and orbit. Dr. Blake Perry is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of ASOPRS. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has also served as a leader of the medical community on the Board of Trustees for Pierce County Medical Society since 2019.

For leisure, Dr. Perry enjoys spending time with his wife, Shawmonee, and their four kids, which includes coaching his children’s athletic teams, anything related to the outdoors, and sports, such as tennis, basketball, golf, and hiking.

Tammy Burrell, O.D.

Optometrist

Dr. Tammy Burrell graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a bachelor of science in biology. She earned her doctorate of optometry, cum laude, from Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Southern California College of Optometry, and was awarded recognition by the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Burrell began her career as a private practitioner in Torrance, California, establishing a start-up private practice with a patient base in two locations. From there, her passion for optometric care led her to practice in different areas across the Western United States, serving mainly seniors over the past 17 years. She provided and managed optometric services within an interdisciplinary health care setting at All Care Medical Group. Dr. Burrell continued delivering full-scope routine and medical eye care while working collaboratively with patients’ specialists and primary care physicians in Colorado, Arizona and on Whidbey Island, prior to moving to the South Puget Sound area.

Dr. Burrell finds the enhancement of vision and management of eye care services at all stages of life engaging. She focuses her practice primarily on the care of degenerative eye diseases, specifically glaucoma and dry eye. She also enjoys providing specialty contact lens services and co-managing surgical patients with our ophthalmologists.

In her spare time, Dr. Burrell enjoys being with family, watching old movies and baking. Additional pastimes include hiking, biking, and traveling abroad.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Clarus Eye Centre participates in clinical research trials. To learn more, or if you’re interested in signing up for a trial, please fill out the form.

WHY HAVE I BEEN SENT TO A RETINA SPECIALIST?

A retina specialist has unique skills to evaluate, diagnose and treat a very specific portion of the human visual system. Some people describe the area that retina specialists deal with 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 where there is the highest congregation of photoreceptors. Because of this, the macula is the area of the retina that provides us with sharp and detailed vision. Light rays travel through the eye and enter the back of the eye. These light rays are focused onto the macula and stimulate the photoreceptors. This leads to conversion of the light into electrical signals, which 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 conditions may affect the retina, macula, and vitreous. Commonly treated conditions include, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, retinal detachments, macular holes or macular puckers. The range of medical conditions may result in decreased vision or lead to blindness. A retina specialist can help you take care of these problems.

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. Retina surgeons operate on very delicate tissues in an incredibly tiny space. Laser is an important tool used by retina specialists to treat eye conditions in the office and also in the operating room.

In order to diagnose retinal and/or vitreous disease, a detailed comprehensive dilated eye exam is required. Testing that requires highly technical equipment may also be necessary. Included in this folder are an assortment of sheets for various types of testing and procedures performed in our clinic or the operating room. If this is your first visit with The Retina Service, please understand that the information for procedures is included for educational purposes and that 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 to deliver high quality care to you. Please use these sheets as detailed references. For a general overview of your visit prior to arrival, please see the form: “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. Please be assured that you will be informed and aware of each step of your care.

WHAT IS A RETINA SPECIALIST?

A retina specialist is a highly trained medical doctor. These doctors have graduated from medical school and completed medical internships and specialized ophthalmology residency training with additional fellowships in diseases of the retina and vitreous body of the eye. Sometimes the specialist is referred to as a “vitreoretinal specialist” or “retinologist”. Fellowship training for retina specialists varies. One-year fellowships are available for extra training in vitreoretinal diseases without additional surgical training; these physicians’ specialities are referred to as “medical retina”. One- or two-year fellowship programs include retina surgical training, in addition to training of medical management of vitreoretinal diseases. Another term for these types of retina specialists are “retina surgeons”.

What is a Retina Specialist?