MESSAGE TO PATIENTS

- ROSS EYE INSTITUTE -

Ross Eye Institute's Orthoptic Program

Orthoptics is an allied health profession, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of disorders of visual function, eye movements, eye alignment and binocular vision in children and adults. The orthoptist carries out a series of diagnostic tests and measurements on patients with visual function deficits, including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (misaligned eyes) and diplopia (double vision), and participates with the ophthalmologist in the design and implementation of a treatment plan. In some situations, the orthoptist carries out the treatment, and in others the patient is treated medically or surgically by the ophthalmologist, while the orthoptist is responsible for monitoring the patient’s condition and progress.


The role of the orthoptist demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, and the ability to relate well to patients of all ages, but particularly infants, children and the elderly. Because of the nature of many disorders of visual function, most of the orthoptist’s patients are young children. While most of these children are otherwise active and healthy, some have associated physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.



Orthoptics offers opportunities for dynamic, motivated individuals who want to exercise or develop leadership ability, public speaking, creativity, teaching skills, clinical research skills, and medical writing and publication, in addition to patient care. This profession may at times combine elements of social work, education, patient advocacy, medical legal politics, and psychology, in addition to science and medicine!

From CEO James D. Reynolds, MD

I wish to personally welcome you to the Ira G. Ross Eye Institute. The Ross Eye Institute is committed to providing excellence in research, education and clinical care. Ross Eye is unique in the fact that it was formed in collaboration with UB, the Olmsted Center for Sight, community groups, city and state government, physicians, patients, business partners, donors and volunteers in order to develop an institute that could provide the most advanced eye and vision care possible.


Originally opened in 2007, we have grown to become the most comprehensive eye center in the region, providing a full breadth of diagnostic testing services in addition to a medical staff of highly trained physicians representing most sub-specialties in ophthalmology. Our physicians and staff are committed to treating patients for routine vision care in addition to the most severe vision and eye problems. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, your family and the entire Western New York community.


Great things can be accomplished by people with vision and courage working together. We just have to dream – and do.


James D. Reynolds, M.D.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

An Education In Orthoptics At Ross Eye Institute

Overview

Ross Eye Institute is home to an Orthoptic Program, fully accredited by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC). The two-year course of study runs from September through August, year-round. Full-time attendance, Monday through Friday, is required, with three weeks of vacation per year. Successful graduates earn a Certificate of Completion from the Department of Ophthalmology, and are then qualified to sit for the national board examinations, given by the AOC. These examinations consist of a written exam, an oral exam and a practical exam. Those candidates successfully passing the board exams earn national certification, and are entitled to use the designation “C.O.” (Certified Orthoptist). They are also invited to join the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO), a dynamic and active professional organization.

Our Educational Philosophy

At the REI, we recognize that everyone learns differently. We try our best to create the best learning environment for all, based on the following principles.

Collaboration, Not Competition

In the Pediatric Ophthalmology Division of the REI, we work hard to create a harmonious learning and work environment. Students are encouraged to work together as a team and to support each other. We attempt to approach teaching and learning with a positive attitude, encouragement, and a sense of humor! We strive to be flexible in our approach to each topic, and we are open to adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of each individual student.

Available at Our Facilities

  • Zeiss Cirrus OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging equipment
  • Fundus photography
  • Fluorescein angiography
  • IOL Master
  • HRT Heidelberg Spectralis
  • Electrophysiology Lab including Electroretinogram
  • SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty), a safe and effective glaucoma laser treatment to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP): the No. 1 risk factor for glaucoma. Read more.
  • Corneal Topography/ Pentacam

Technology, treatment and patient comfort go hand in hand

Just to give you an idea of how fully equipped we truly are to care for your eyesight, we offer a full range of cutting-edge and powerful scanning and evaluation technologies at each of our locations.


The latest software allows us to image and analyze all conditions including glaucoma and all diseases of the retina.


All our facilities feature modern, clean exam rooms and spacious, comfortable waiting areas. The Ross Eye Institute now has three convenient locations.