Turner Eye Institute First in Bay Area to Offer Avellino-GENE Detection System Test to Protect Patients from Blindness
San Leandro, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2014 -- Turner Eye Institute, a leading-edge, full-service eye care facility, recently announced its partnership with Avellino Lab USA, developer of the only commercial genetic test available worldwide for Avellino Corneal Dystrophy (ACD), a disease that can eventually lead to complete loss of vision.
Turner Eye Institute has been dedicated to providing LASIK surgery, comprehensive ophthalmology, laser vision correction and the most advanced refractive surgery procedures since 1976 to San Francisco and the Bay Area. Now, Turner Eye Institute will be offering the Avellino-GENE Detection System (AGDS™) Test for its LASIK patients to further increase patient safety and success.
Avellino Lab USA, a CLIA certified molecular diagnostic testing lab, was launched in March 2013 and is based in Menlo Park, California. The Avellino DNA Test was developed to detect ACD, a disease that causes cloudiness, specifically grey-white granular protein deposits on the corneas, which can lead to loss of clear vision. While ACD usually develops slowly, carriers of this genetic mutation are at an extremely high risk of accelerated opacity formations should they undergo vision-correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK. Fortunately, the Avellino DNA Test positively identifies with 100 percent accuracy if a person has the genetic mutation. By doing so, the test reduces the risk of patients with the ACD mutation having post-LASIK vision impairment and increases their confidence that they are avoiding unnecessary harm to their vision.
“We pride ourselves in offering our patients the latest technologies to make vision correction surgery even safer,” said Dr. Chirag Patel of the Turner Eye Institute. “We are thrilled to be the first in the Bay Area to offer patients the Avellino DNA Test, adding a level of safety to the LASIK procedure that other laser eye centers in San Francisco cannot offer.”
The Avellino DNA Test is easy and safe, involving a simple mouth swab from the patient’s cheek. The sample is then sent to Avellino Lab USA’s molecular diagnostic testing lab. Within 24 to 48 hours, the results are provided to the Turner Eye Institute physician to share with the patient. Based on a negative result, patients are able to proceed with the planned LASIK procedure with confidence. If an individual is identified as positive for the genetic mutation, he or she will be advised against having LASIK surgery and encouraged to take protective measures, such as minimizing exposure to UV light by wearing appropriate protective lenses to help postpone the progression of ACD symptoms.
“Turner Eye Institute’s adoption of the Avellino DNA Test truly emphasizes their continuous commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology to their patients,” said Scott Korney, chief operating officer of Avellino Lab USA. “By partnering with respected laser vision clinics like the Turner Eye Institute, Avellino Lab USA continues to make eye correction surgery safer for patients throughout the country.”
About the Company:
Turner Eye Institute with Drs. Chirag Patel and Stephen Turner, provides an array of eye care services for those who need to get eye surgery, including laser vision correction with wavefront and bladeless flap surgery, refractive and Femtosecond Laser cataract surgery with premium lenses such as Crystalens, Toric, Multifocal (Tecnis and Restor) lenses and evaporative dry eye treatment. Their world renowned surgeons have outstanding credentials to deliver the best care and surgical outcomes for patients. Turner Eye Institute utilizes the most advanced, field proven technology to deliver the best solutions safely and reliably. Recent advances in LASIK eye surgery technology can be found at all of Turner Eye Institute's clinics in San Francisco, Concord, San Jose, San Leandro and the Entire Bay Area. For more information, visit http://www.turnereye.com or http://www.helpkeratoconus.com or call 1-800-339-2733 att. Executive Director Tony Gomes.
Tony Gomes, Turner Eye Institute, http://www.turnereye-sf.com, 510-343-5276, [email protected]
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