LVC4S Staffers hit the Field!

Lehigh Valley Center for Sight is proud to be the Official Ophthalmologists of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  We sponsor three games during the season, with special giveaways and fireworks displays.  Recently, four members of our staff took part in the IronPigs Fantasy Camp.  They worked out with team members in the batting cages, and took infield practice at Coca-Cola Park.  

Come on out to see the Pigs play on August 2nd - we'll be there. Stop by the LVC4S table at the entrance, where you can enter to win a $150 gift certificate to Fairmont Optical.   Be sure to stay for spectacular fireworks sponsored by LVC4S following the game!

Lehigh Valley Center for Sight staff members Dee Torres, Eileen Konigsberg, Darlene Kernechel
and Jamie Malazzo got some playing time with IronPigs (left to right) Thomas Cochran (P),
Cameron Rupp (C), Cody Overbeck (1B) and Justin Friend (P).

Dr. Ahdieh Presents to Local Optometrists

Houman Ahdieh, M.D. recently spoke to a group of Stroudsburg area optometrists on the topic of Glaucoma care and treatment.  His lecture was titled: "Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery to Reduce Risks and Complications."    

Dr. Houman Ahdieh

Dr. Ahdieh, who has been practicing in the Lehigh Valley for over 15 years, is a glaucoma specialist.  He has successfully treated glaucoma patients with drop therapy and laser eye treatments, as well as through outpatient surgical procedures.  

Glaucoma is a collection of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve.  If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.  Three million Americans suffer from glaucoma, yet only one-half of those with the disease realize that they have it.  

Glaucoma generally develops without early symptoms and usually progresses slowly.  Half of the patients with glaucoma do not have high eye pressure when first examined.  Fortunately, early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision.  It is vitally important to have regular checkups and to have your optic nerve examined and evaluated by your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.  

Continuing Education to Better Serve our Patients

Andrew Ferretti, PA-C

Andrew Ferretti, PA-C recently completed a 5-day program for Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits in Primary Care.  The coursework included at this training session included not only ophthalmology education, but also included coursework on Critical Thinking, Cardiology, Women's Health, and Clinical Therapeutics.  The classes were attended by Physician Assistants from all over the east coast.

As a member of the Lehigh Valley Center for Sight team, Andrew examines and treats patients, makes diagnoses, prescribes medicine and can perform minor procedures.  He also does complete eye exams and determines prescriptions for glasses. Working under the direction of a physician, Andrew assists in surgery.  After surgery, he plays a key role in patient post-operative care.  

Andrew received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University in 2011.  He has staff privileges at the Surgery Center of Allentown, as well as at area hospitals including Lehigh Valley, St. Luke's, Sacred Heart and Westfield. 

LVC4S Mentors Unite for Sight Fellow

Lehigh Valley Center for Sight is proud to serve as a mentor for Unite for Sight volunteers.  As part of her pre-departure training, Natalya Surmachevska, spent two days shadowing Dr. Mark Moran.  Natalya is a Global Impact Fellow for the nonprofit organization, and will be joining other Unite for Sight volunteers in Accra, Ghana.  Global Impact Fellows support and assist the local ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, and optometrists to provide eye care for patients living in extreme poverty.

Unite For Sight supports eye clinics worldwide by investing human and financial resources in their social ventures to eliminate patient barriers to eye care. Unite For Sight applies best practices in eye care, global health, and social entrepreneurship to achieve their goal of high quality eye care for all.     In addition to being a leader in providing cost-effective care to the world's poorest people, our Global Health University develops and nurtures the next generation of global health leaders.

Volunteering has its Rewards

For LVC4S LASIK Coordinator, Bobbi Spain, Easton Area High School Class of 2013 graduation was extra special.  First of all, her daughter Alison, the youngest of her three children, was graduating.  Secondly, Bobbi was chosen by the students for the Class of 2013's Community Service Award.

Over the past 18 years Bobbi has been an active volunteer in the schools. She was PTA President at both Edward Tracy Elementary School and Easton Area High School.  She has also been a part of EAHS Post Prom Safe Night Event, which is attended by over 400 students annually.  She has also served on school district committees that focus on the health and safety of all students.

Bobbi feels as though this award recognizes the efforts of every parent who says "yes" when asked if they can help out at school.  Parents are needed at all levels of education, and the EASD administration welcomes parent involvement.

Bobbi was presented with an engraved clock by the Class of 2013.

Dr. Ahdieh Hits the Greens for Charity.

Dr. Houman Ahdieh attends the
Mortimer S. Schiff Golf Tournament.

Dr. Houman Ahdieh of the LVC4S recently participated in the annual Mortimer Schiff Memorial Golf Tournament.  Dr. Ahdieh was was also part of the organizing committee for this event, which is held in support of the annual campaign for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.  

Mortimer S. Schiff cared deeply about bringing together people of all backgrounds.  The theme of his memorial golf tournament is prejudice reduction. Mort, along with his wife Vera, taught those around him to be tolerant and accepting, to look for similarities, not differences.  This tournament, like the annual award for prejudice reduction established in his name, continues to unite and inspire. 

Lehigh Valley Center for Sight is proud to have been a sponsor of this charity event.  

A Service Project with Vision

It was a simple idea with big results.

Alison Spain with some of the donated glasses from EAHS.
 Alison is the daughter of  LVC4S LASIK Coordinator Bobbi Spain

As part of her National Honor Society Senior Service Project, Alison Spain, daughter of our Bobbi Spain collected used eyeglasses to donate to the Lions Club "Recycle Your Sight" program.   TheEaston Area High School Senior asked Dr. Mark Moran for collection boxes and sent out an email asking for donations of used eyeglasses.

In just two weeks, over 50 pairs of eyeglasses were dropped off in the collection boxes!  "I was surprised at how quickly the boxes filled up.  People were happy to donate their glasses, and having the box at school made it easy!"

Alison would like to see the collection continue at the high school next year.  She has passed the idea along to next year's EAHS students.  She hopes they will be able to place collection boxes in other schools in the district as well.  Since both teachers and students wear glasses, Alison sees schools as a great resource for the program.

Through the "Recycle Your Sight" program, the Lions Club will distribute these glasses to people in need in developing countries were they will have the greatest impact.