NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem launches new surgical retina service

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Julien Tromeur)

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem debuted its state-of-the-art Surgical Retina Service.

According to the hospital, the service expands ophthalmological capabilities and enables providers to deliver the gift of sight to patients with complex retinal conditions in Harlem. The service was developed through a strategic partnership with Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, which offered technical assistance in developing the program.¹

The Surgical Retina Service specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of retinal diseases. Common indications of retinal surgery include:

• Retinal detachment
• Complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (vitreous hemorrhage, traction retinal detachment or combined traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment)
• Retained lens fragments or dislocated nucleus/intraocular lens after cataract surgery
• Endophthalmitis
• Epiretinal membrane or macular pucker
• Vitreomacular traction (VMT)
• Macular hole
• Intraocular foreign bodies

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Georges H. Leconte, MPA, FAB, lauded the ophthalmology team.

“A huge “Thank you,” to our incredible Ophthalmology team led by Noga Harizman, MD, chief of Ophthalmology for launching the new Surgical Retina program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and for working diligently to ensure that we offer a full scope of retinal services,” he said in the news release. “With the addition of world-renowned retinal expert Dr. Tarun Sharma, who is a leading expert in treating medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases, with over 30 years of expertise, patients in the Harlem community no longer have to trek to far distances to receive care for critical retinal conditions and that makes me beam with pride.”

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Chief Medical Officer Maurice Wright, MD, FACP, pointed out in the news release it was key to develop a service that covers eye diseases that are prevalent in the community, such as glaucoma and retinal abnormalities.¹

“Today, we are celebrating a partnership with Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Harkness Eye Center and the addition of our new retinal service,” Wright said. “Our ophthalmology department is excellent and addresses a majority of all eye diseases in our community. Thanks to the entire team.”

Harizman said the facility fills an unmet need in the community.

“Having Surgical Retina available at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, led by world-renowned doctors, elevates the scope and quality of services offered by our Ophthalmology department to better serve the Harlem community,” Harizman said in the news release.

Luis Nunex, a patient at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, said he had no vision in his left eye.

“Since having my retinal procedure, I follow all of the post-operative eye care instructions and have seen a great deal of improvement in my vision,” he said. “The Harlem Hospital Ophthalmology team has been extremely supportive throughout the process.”

Reference:

1. NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Launches New Surgical Retina Service. NYC Health + Hospitals. Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/nyc-health-hospitals-harlem-launches-new-surgical-retina-service/

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