Dr. Valerie Trubnik, Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island’s newest ophthalmologist, featured in the Long Island Business News’s Movers & Shakers feature. Click here to read more

New Treatment for Chronic Dry Eye Disease

Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), a full service eye care center, today announced that it is the first in Nassau and Suffolk County to introduce a new treatment for patients who suffer from evaporative dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is the most common reason why patients visit their eye doctor. This disease often stems from a deficiency or degeneration in the oil layer of the eye’s natural tear film. The oily lipids serve as a protective layer so that the aqueous (water) layer of the eye’s tear film does not evaporate. OCLI has introduced a new, advanced in-office treatment, called LipiFlow®, which treats patients with blocked oil glands in their eyelids, called meibomian gland dysfunction. Unblocking the oil glands helps restore a healthy tear film.

Dry eye disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Of those, 65 percent suffer from Evaporative Dry Eye. Common symptoms of dry eye include dryness, grittiness, soreness, irritation, burning, visual fluctuation and eye fatigue. These symptoms can hinder people’s daily activities such as reading, driving, using the computer, wearing contact lenses and being outdoors on windy days. Many dry eye patients complain their symptoms worsen throughout the day. “Dry eye disease is an epidemic in the United States and the most common concern patients discuss when visiting eye care professionals,” said Dr. Eric Donnenfeld a founding partner of OCLI. “We are very pleased to introduce the new LipiFlow treatment to help those patients who are very frustrated with this chronic disease and all of the ways it negatively impacts their lives. In effect, LipiFlow helps the meibomian glands resume their natural function and many patients who have tried everything else have received symptom relief.”

Historically, common therapies aimed at dry eye symptom relief included using warm compresses, over- the-counter wetting drops and ointments, and prescription drugs. Alternatively, the new LipiFlow treatment addresses the root cause of evaporative dry eye by unblocking the meibomian glands that secrete oily lipids. In controlled clinical studies of patients who received a single LipiFlow treatment, the average meibomian gland score at 4 weeks increased by two to three times over the baseline condition, which reflects improvement in the number of glands secreting and secretion quality. Additionally, at four weeks after the LipiFlow treatment, 79% of patients reported improvement in dry eye symptoms.

Dr. Marguerite McDonals of Opthalmic COnsultants of Long Island Receives Inaugural 2012 Visionary Woman Award

May 2, 2012 (Westbury, NY) – Dr. Marguerite McDonald of Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI) has been named the recipient of the 2012 Visionary Woman Award given by Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL), an international organization. This is the first year for the award, which is determined by a vote from OWL members and given to someone who has worked to advance women in eye care.

“I am thrilled and grateful to be honored by OWL with the inaugural Visionary Woman Award,” said Dr. McDonald. “OWL is an amazing organization that means a great deal to me. I have met many new friends through OWL, many from whom I have gained knowledge and inspiration.”

The award was presented to Dr. McDonald by former OWL president Jaci Lindstrom during OWL’s signature reception on April 23^th at the Hilton Chicago. The Lindstrom Family Foundation sponsored the award and as the wife of Dr. Dick Lindstrom, Mrs. Lindstrom represented the Foundation to present the award to Dr. McDonald. The reception was held in conjunction with the ASCRS conference in Chicago.

A resident of Port Washington, Dr. McDonald joined OCLI in August 2006. From 1993 until Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleansin 2005, Dr. McDonald was the Director of the Southern Vision Institute in New Orleans,Louisiana. She is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at NYU School of Medicine in Manhattan, and an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

Dr. McDonald received her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, followed by an internship at Lenox Hill Hospital and ophthalmology residency at Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital/Cornell, both in New York City. In New Orleans, Dr. McDonald headed the research team investigating the use of the excimer laser for the correction of optical error, and in 1987, she performed the world’s first excimer laser treatment to eliminate or reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses. In 1993, she performed the world’s first excimer laser surgeries for farsightedness as well.

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About Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island

OCLI, one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the nation, consists of 25 eye doctors and specialists representing most subspecialties of ophthalmology and optometry in 9 locations throughout Long Island; in Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, East Setauket, Manhasset, East Meadow, Port Jefferson, Inwood and Mineola. OCLI also has a research department that is involved in FDA studies to improve the treatment and diagnosing of ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please call 1-866-SEE-OCLI (1-866-733-6254) or visit http://www.ocli.net.

On Wednesday, April 25th, 2012, Dr. Russell Fumuso of Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI) spoke to the Senior Citizens Club of Lynbrook at the Lynbrook Recreation Center. He spoke to 50 club members on the importance of awareness and maintaining of your ocular health. Topics discussed ranged from glaucoma, macular degeneration (both wet and dry), cataracts and the new technologies present and future that will help aid in the progression of several treatments and options. Dr. Fumuso’s presentation was then followed by a series of Q&A’s from members.

 Dr. Russell Fumuso is a Founding Partner of OCLI and a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery with premium lens implantation, as well as all aspects of comprehensive ophthalmology. He has served on the faculty at the State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine, and is presently an attending surgeon in the Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, at both Mercy Medical Center and North Shore University Hospitals.

April 26, 2012 (Westbury, NY) – On April 22, the Italian Community of St. Brigid honored Dr. Gerard D’Aversa for Community Service, specifically for his volunteer work on a medical mission trip to Ghana, West Africa in 2011. Dr. D’Aversa, an ophthalmologist with Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), and his daughter Jaclyn, spent ten days at the North Western Eye Clinic in Accra, Ghana, providing clinical care, vision screenings and implementing educational programs for children and adults. At the clinic, Dr. D’Aversa performed sight-restoring surgery and trained the clinic’s director, Dr. Michael Gyasi, how to perform modern cataract surgery using phacoemulsification. With the training he received from Dr. D’Aversa, Dr. Gyasi became the second doctor in the entire country who was able to perform modern cataract surgery, essentially changing the way medicine and cataract surgery are being performed in Ghana today.

Locally, Dr. D’Aversa, a partner with OCLI, has provided vision care to those in need through Eye Care America and RotaCare. OCLI is also longtime supporter and one of the top fundraisers in the country for the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk.

The Italian Community of St. Brigid assists in serving the needs of the more than 6,000 families registered with the Parish of St. Brigid as well as residents of the greater Westbury area. Each year the Italian Community of St. Brigid recognizes members of the community for their outstanding service in the areas of culture, community and church. Dr. D’Aversa received a Certificate of Recognition at the Annual Gala Italiano held on April 22 at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square. Dr. D’Aversa is a resident of Garden City.

About Dr. Gerard D’Aversa: Dr. D’Aversa is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist with vast experience in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. D’Aversa graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He graduated at the top of his class at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha, finished his residency in Ophthalmology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and completed a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. Dr. D’Aversa has served as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He specializes in performing topical, sutureless, clear corneal cataract surgery; corneal transplants; and laser vision correction using the most technologically advanced flying spot excimer laser. Dr. D’Aversa’s accomplishments have been featured on television news reports, as well as being printed in the Daily News and Newsday. He has written numerous journal articles, authored a textbook chapter and has given frequent lectures locally and nationally. Dr. D’Aversa is a member of numerous professional societies including the following: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, New York Ophthalmological Society, and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons.

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About Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island
OCLI, one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the nation, consists of 24 eye doctors and specialists representing most subspecialties of ophthalmology and optometry in 9 locations throughout Long Island; in Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, East Setauket, Manhasset, East Meadow, Port Jefferson, Inwood and Mineola. OCLI also has a research department that is involved in FDA studies to improve the treatment and diagnosing of ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please call 1-866-SEE-OCLI (1-866-733-6254) or visit http://www.ocli.net.

Media Contact:
Sara Rietbroek, InfiniTech Public Relations
516.829.5502
sriet@infinitechpronline.com

One year ago, Long Island and New York’s first laser enhanced and customized cataract surgery was performed by Dr. Eric Donnenfeld at Island Eye Surgicenter in Carle Place. Dr. Donnenfeld, a founding partner of Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI) and clinical professor of ophthalmology at NYU, is one of only a handful of surgeons in the U.S. experienced with this laser. Drs. Henry Perry, David Nelson, Eric Donnenfeld, Russell Fumuso, Ronald Caronia, Gerard D’Aversa, Robert Broderick, Joseph Bacotti and Jack Oats are now trained to perform the surgery and in the past year OCLI has performed hundreds of surgeries at Island Eye Surgicenter and patients from all over the world have come to this center for advanced cataract surgery. Click here to read more.

Garden City News

The Italian Community of St. Brigid will honor Dr. Gerard D’Aversa for Community Service, specifically for his volunteer work on a medical mission trip to Ghana, West Africa in 2011. Dr. D’Aversa, an ophthalmologist with Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), and his daughter Jaclyn, spent ten days at the North Western Eye Clinic in Accra, Ghana, providing clinical care, vision screenings and implementing educational programs for children and adults. Click here to read more.

Italian Community of St. Brigid Honors Garden City Doctor

March 22, 2012 (Westbury, NY) – The Italian Community of St. Brigid will honor Dr. Gerard D’Aversa for Community Service, specifically for his volunteer work on a medical mission trip to Ghana, West Africa in 2011. Dr. D’Aversa, an ophthalmologist with Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), and his daughter Jaclyn, spent ten days at the North Western Eye Clinic in Accra, Ghana, providing clinical care, vision screenings and implementing educational programs for children and adults. At the clinic, Dr. D’Aversa performed sight-restoring surgery and trained the clinic’s director, Dr. Michael Gyasi, how to perform modern cataract surgery using phacoemulsification. With the training he received from Dr. D’Aversa, Dr. Gyasi became the second doctor in the entire country who was able to perform modern cataract surgery, essentially changing the way medicine and cataract surgery are being performed in Ghana today.

Locally, Dr. D’Aversa, a partner with OCLI, has provided vision care to those in need through Eye Care America and RotaCare. OCLI is also longtime supporter and one of the top fundraisers in the country for the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk. The Italian Community of St. Brigid assists in serving the needs of the more than 6,000 families registered with the Parish of St. Brigid as well as residents of the greater Westbury area. Each year the Italian Community of St. Brigid recognizes members of the community for their outstanding service in the areas of culture, community and church. Dr. D’Aversa will receive a Certificate of Recognition at the Annual Gala Italiano, to be held on April 22 at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square. Dr. D’Aversa is a resident of Garden City.

About Dr. Gerard D’Aversa: Dr. D’Aversa is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist with vast experience in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. D’Aversa graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He graduated at the top of his class at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha, finished his residency in Ophthalmology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and completed a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. Dr. D’Aversa has served as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He specializes in performing topical, sutureless, clear corneal cataract surgery; corneal transplants; and laser vision correction using the most technologically advanced flying spot excimer laser. Dr. D’Aversa’s accomplishments have been featured on television news reports, as well as being printed in the Daily News and Newsday. He has written numerous journal articles, authored a textbook chapter and has given frequent lectures locally and nationally. Dr. D’Aversa is a member of numerous professional societies including the following: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, New York Ophthalmological Society, and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons.

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About Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island
OCLI, one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the nation, consists of 24 eye doctors and specialists representing most subspecialties of ophthalmology and optometry in 9 locations throughout Long Island; in Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, East Setauket, Manhasset, East Meadow, Port Jefferson, Inwood and Mineola. OCLI also has a research department that is involved in FDA studies to improve the treatment and diagnosing of ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please call 1-866-SEE-OCLI (1-866-733-6254) or visit http://www.ocli.net.

Media Contact:
Sara Rietbroek, InfiniTech Public Relations
516.829.5502
sriet@infinitechpronline.com

See Dr. Russell Fumuso featured on Faboverfifty.com answering the question, Are Your Aging Eyes Causing All Your Troubles?

http://www.faboverfifty.com/content/style-blog/?p=19165

Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI) held a bake sale at their East Meadow office to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” (MSABC). They raised over $200 from the sale. Recently, OCLI was presented with a special recognition award from the American Cancer Society for raising $52,790 making them the 7th largest fundraising team in the nation for the MSABC Walk that takes place annually in October. Pictured in the photo from left to right are: OCLI Drs. David Sachs and Daniel Garibaldi, OCLI patient and East Meadow resident Jean Entenmann with her two friends, Patricia Marotta and Cherly Grande, both breast cancer survivors.