Loar Auxiliary funds Advanced Cataract Surgery Equipment

Thanks to a donation from the Loar Auxiliary, Garrett Regional Medical Center’s ophthalmic surgeons will be equipped with the latest technology in cataract surgery.  Doctors Lauren DiGiovine, Heath L. Lemley and Stephen R. Powell of Regional Eyes Associates currently perform cataract and other ophthalmic surgical procedures at GRMC.

“We have been providing comprehensive eye surgeries for over thirty years at GRMC.  Having this surgical equipment is a game changer for our patients that we serve at our clinic locations,” said Stephen R. Powell, MD.  “With the most advanced equipment in cataract surgery, we’re able to perform complex cataract procedures that traditionally would have required patients to travel to our surgical center in Morgantown. We’re very pleased to have this technology now available in Oakland.”

The equipment, Centurion® Vision System, combines multiple, intelligent technologies and key features to provide surgeons control and improved efficiency during the cataract surgical procedures.  The technology will aid the surgeons in optimizing the overall cataract procedure process through greater pressure consistency and stability.  This will also enhance the patient experience by helping to reduce procedure and recovery time.

“Thanks to the amazing efforts our Loar Auxiliary members, we were able to raise the funds needed to purchase this surgery-enhancing equipment,” said Kendra Thayer, RN, MSN, Senior Vice President of Patient Services at GRMC.  “The ophthalmologists of Regional Eye Associates provide great care to the people of our community; we want to ensure they have access to the best equipment possible while doing procedures at our hospital.”

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than two million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States annually. Cataract surgeries are among the most common surgical procedures in the world.  A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens gradually turns from clear to cloudy, causing blurriness, discoloration and light sensitivity   Approximately 24.5 million Americans have cataracts, a leading cause of blindness in the U.S.   Cataract surgery remains the most effective way to help restore vision for those with the condition.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about Regional Eye Associates, you may call the Oakland office at 301-334-1146 or Cumberland at 301-722-3500.