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  • Lanning B. Kline, MD, Presents Outstanding Lecture as Twelfth Williford Distinguished Visiting Professor

September 24, 2009 -- Today, the Hamilton Eye Institute welcomed our twelfth William N. Williford, MD, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Lanning B. Kline, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. 

The event began with a warm welcome by Dr. Barrett G. Haik, director of the Hamilton Eye Institute. Next, Dr. Peter A. Netland extolled the major accomplishments of both Dr. Kline's and Dr. Williford's esteemed careers in ophthalmic medicine and then welcomed Dr. Kline to the stage. In Dr. Kline's excellent lecture, "Practice Pearls in Ophthalmology," he discussed the top ten things physicians should know in the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-ophthalmologic conditions. 

Following Dr. Kline's lecture, Dr. William N. Williford and Mrs. Gloria Williford presented him with a commemorative plaque. This custom-designed award, etched with a beautiful artistic rendering of the Hamilton Eye Institute, is the first of its kind. We were delighted to give it to Dr. Kline in appreciation for his outstanding service as the twelfth Williford Distinguished Visiting Professor.  [Learn more about Drs. Williford and Kline]

September 11, 2009 -- Today, a reporter from the Fantastico news program (Brazil’s equivalent to 60 Minutes) spoke with Drs. Barrett G. Haik and James C. Fleming about a young man with haemolacria (bloody tears) who recently gained international media attention. The Hamilton Eye Institute welcomed the film crew from Globo TV, Brazil’s largest television network and the fourth largest commercial network in the world. The Fantastico news program has about 40 million viewers in Brazil alone. Globo also has an international satellite channel broadcasting the show to 48 countries worldwide.
[view the video on globo.com]

A teen who cries unexplained tears of blood has recently captured media attention. On Thursday, September 3, the teen, his mother, and UT Hamilton Eye Institute Director Barrett G. Haik, MD, FACS appeared on CNN to discuss this rare condition called haemolacria.
[view the video on CNN.com]

 


  • Hamilton and Semmes Murphey Present Edward R. Laws, MD, FACS, at World-Class Pituitary Symposium 

August 14, 2009 -- The Hamilton Eye Institute and Semmes Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute proudly welcomed Dr. Edward R. Laws, a visiting professor from the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston. Dr. Laws was our honored guest for a symposium entitled, "Managing Pituitary Disorders."

Dr. Thomas O'Donnell opened the event with a discussion of how ophthalmology can help physicians when dealing with pituitary disorders. Next, Dr. L. Madison Michael discussed radiation options for pituitary tumors. Then, following an introduction by Semmes Murphey Chairman Dr. Clarence Watridge, Dr. Laws took the stage and gave a fascinating talk on the evolution of the surgical management of pituitary adenomas. Finally, he spoke about the diagnosis and management of craniopharyngiomas. 

After the meeting, Dr. Laws and our visitors from Semmes Murphey joined HEI Director and Department Chair Dr. Barrett G. Haik on a guided tour of the Hamilton Eye Institute.


  • The Hamilton Eye Institute Welcomes the 19th Annual George K. Kambara Disinguished Visiting Professor to the 38th Annual Ophthalmology Alumni-Residents' Day

On Thursday, June 25, the UT Hamilton Eye Institute hosted the 38th annual Ophthalmology Alumni-Residents' Day and the 19th annual Kambara Distinguished Visiting Professorship. Our guest of honor was Nicholas J. Volpe, MD, the Adele Niessen Chair in Ophthalmology at the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Volpe engaged the audience with his lecture on the differential diagnosis of the swollen optic disc.

In the course of the day, second- and third-year residents presented the results from their research projects. First-year residents also presented challenging cases to Dr. Volpe which led to spirited discussions regarding diagnosis and treatments. At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Natalie C. Kerr presented Dr. Volpe with a plaque honoring his place as the 19th Kambara Distinguished Visiting Professor.

At a reception following the lecture program, three additional awards were presented. Dr. Kerr received the Roger L. Hiatt Award for teaching (full-time faculty), alumnus Dr. Kenneth Fung received the Philip M. Lewis Award for teaching (clinical faculty), and alumnus Dr. Gary Jerkins received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his overseas missionary service and dedication to excellence in ophthalmology. The graduating fellows and residents were also honored for their achievements.

 


 

 

 

  • James C. Fleming, MD, FACS, and Natalie C. Kerr, MD, FACS, Honored at UT Health Science Center Commencement 

On May 29, 2009, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center congratulated Drs. James C. Fleming and Natalie C. Kerr for their acquisition of endowed professorships in 2008. Dr. Fleming was recognized as the Philip M. Lewis Professor of Ophthalmology, while Dr. Kerr was recognized as the Roger L. Hiatt Professor of Ophthalmology. Both were gratified to receive this distinction from the university.
[view select pages from the commencement program]

 

  • Hamilton Eye Institute Faculty Presents Innovative Research at Two National Ophthalmology Conventions 

Faculty from the Hamilton Eye Institute presented twenty-four posters and six papers at two national ophthalmology meetings this spring. First, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) held its 35th annual meeting April 17-21 in San Francisco. Two weeks later, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) held its annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale. During the keynote session at ARVO, Dr. Alessandro Iannaccone received an ARVO/Alcon Early Career Clinician-Scientist Research Award. This award recognizes significant research and consists of a plaque and a $2,000 grant. We are proud to congratulate him for this accomplishment.


 

  • Hamilton Eye Institute Continues to Receive International Attention

Friday, May 8, 2009 -- Drs. Xiaorong Li and Jiantao Wang, the director and vice-director of the Tianjin Eye Institute—one of the most advanced eye centers in China—visited the Hamilton Eye Institute (HEI). Dr. Qiang Wu, vice-president of the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), accompanied the delegation. Siegal Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Peter A. Netland arranged the visit after the president of the TCCC, Dr. Ming Wang, recommended our institute to Dr. Li as the highest ranked ophthalmology program in the state.

Dr. James C. Fleming, Philip M. Lewis Professor of Ophthalmology, welcomed the delegation and led them on a tour of our facilities. On the research floor, Dr. Eldon E. Geisert, Jr., director of the Center for Vision Research, showed our guests many of the advances in ophthalmic science being made here at the Hamilton Eye Institute. Next, Dr. Mary Ellen Hoehn, assistant professor of ophthalmology, and Orli Weisser-Pike, assistant director of low vision services, provided a closer look at the pediatric and low vision clinics.

The visitors were impressed by our sophisticated telemedicine system, advanced ophthalmic photography center, state-of-the-art surgery center, and skills transfer lab. They enjoyed exploring the ophthalmology surgical simulator, a highly advanced system designed to safely train medical students and residents in delicate eye surgeries. The tour culminated with a luncheon in which our guests joined Drs. Sarwat Salim, Jerre M. Freeman, Ralph S. Hamilton, and several other HEI faculty members to discuss the similarities and differences in ophthalmology between China and in the United States.

It was an honor to receive this delegation from the Tianjin Eye Institute. We are grateful to them and the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce for choosing to learn more about the Hamilton Eye Institute.

 

  • Eighth Sir Harold Ridley Distinguished Visiting Professor: Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD

May 14, 2009 -- Dr. Claes H. Dohlman, the Eighth Sir Harold Ridley Distinguished Visiting Professor for Creativity and Innovation in Ophthalmology, was welcomed to the Hamilton Eye Institute this evening to present his lecture on keratoplasty, keratoprosthesis, and the prevention of corneal blindness. Dr. Dohlman’s surgical innovations in keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis have made him internationally recognized as the founder of modern corneal science. It was our honor and pleasure to present Dr. Dohlman with the Ridley medal in recognition of his achievements and congratulate him in joining the seven previous Ridley Professors.  

 


  • New UT Ad Campaign Features Hamilton Eye Institute Research

An exciting new advertising campaign has been initiated by the University of Tennessee. Its goal is to promote awareness of the university's presence in and impact on the Memphis community. The "Right Here in Memphis" ad campaign currently features three eye-catching designs, one of which highlights the research of Dr. Edward Chaum here at the UT Hamilton Eye Institute. 

In cooperation with Ken Tobin, PhD, at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Dr. Chaum has developed a method for physicians at remote locations to photograph patients' retinas and instantly send those images to an online database where the photos are compared to thousands of other photos of diseased retinas. The system then returns a diagnosis to the remote location, informing the physician whether the patient may have a retinal disease such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration and suggesting a course of action. Read more about this exciting new technology.

Posters featuring the new ads are currently displayed on downown trolleys and at Memphis International Airport. Radio spots have been highlighting the campaign as well, appearing on stations such as WKNO 91.1 FM, WHBQ 560 AM, and WHBQ 107.5 FM. Take a look at some of the posters and other ads in the campaign.

 

  • Dr. Alex V. Levin is 2008 I. Lee Arnold, MD Distinguished Visiting Professor at 12th Annual Clinical Update for the Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Saturday, December 6, 2008 -- The Hamilton Eye Institute was honored to welcome two outstanding ophthalmology professors to speak at this year's Clinical Update meeting. Each of them shared very engaging presentations and participated in lively discussions with our faculty, making this year's update a great success. 

This year's I. Lee Arnold, MD Distinguished Visiting Professor was Alex V. Levin, MD, MHSc, FAAP, FAAO, FRCSC, a Professor in the departments of Pediatrics, Genetics, and Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto. He is a funded investigator with interests in child abuse and ophthalmic genetics, and he has authored over one hundred peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. A dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, he has trained over 65 clinical fellows in pediataric ophthalmology and ophthalmic genetics. At the meeting, he spoke on the topics of ocular genetics and pediatric retinal haemorrhage and its connections with child abuse investigation.

Our other invited speaker, G. Baker Hubbard, III, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Emory University, has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His research interests include retinal vascular disease as well as ocular oncology, and he is an investigator for the ongoing Children’s Oncology Group retinoblastoma studies. Dr. Hubbard is a commited educator, currently serving as Director of the Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Emory. At the meeting, Dr. Hubbard spoke about pediatric retina and new research in the area of diabetic retinopathy.


Visiting Professor Dr. F. Hampton Roy with HEI Director Dr. Barrett G. Haik

  • Dr. F. Hampton Roy Introduces New Tool for Differential Diagnosis

Monday, October 20, 2008 -- This week, the Hamilton Eye Institute enjoyed a visit from F. Hampton Roy, MD, FACS from Little Rock, AR. Dr. Roy introduced our physicians, fellows, and residents to the Medflow DDS database web site, an extensive online tool for medical use. The Medflow DDS site provides a new, convenient, and comprehensive method for physicians to explore options for differential diagnosis. During his lecture, Dr. Roy demonstrated how to use the database; with it, one can enter a symptom in a search box and receive a list of possible causes along with links to abstracts and other resources. Dr. Roy is an accomplished ophthalmologist and prolific writer. Full-text versions of two of his books are available on our web site, thanks to his generous permission. 

Christopher T. Westfall, MD, FACS, the 11th William N. Williford, MD Distinguished Visiting Professor, discusses orbital fractures with residents and faculty

  • Hamilton Eye Institute welcomes Christopher T. Westfall, MD, FACS, the 11th William N. Williford, MD Distinguished Visiting Professor

Friday, September 26, 2008 -- This morning, residents and faculty of the Hamilton Eye Institute enjoyed an engaging presentation from Dr. Christopher T. Westfall from the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Westfall presented a variety of orbital fracture and other eye injury cases, which prompted an interactive discussion with the residents as they worked together to determine the best methods of identifying and treating these injuries. Faculty members were also on hand to share insights and ideas with Dr. Westfall, whose presentation was enjoyable and highly educational for everyone in attendance.


Photo highlights from the Low Vision Rehabilitation seminar

  • Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project: Outstanding Seminar Heightens Interest in Low Vision Rehabilitation

Friday, August 15, 2008 -- Terry Schwartz, MD, and Rebecca Coakley, MEd, of the West Virginia University Eye Institute visited the Hamilton Eye Institute today to present "Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Low Vision Rehabilitation in Children." Physicians, therapists, students, and even some parents and teachers of children with low vision were in attendance for this lively and enlightening discussion. 

The morning began with a warm welcome and introduction by Dr. Thomas O'Donnell and Orli Weisser-Pike, Director and Assistant Director of Low Vision Services at HEI, respectively. Then, Dr. Schwartz and Ms. Coakley shared their perspectives with an overview of the Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project followed by low vision case studies and a discussion of the tools available for diagnosing low vision in children. 

Next, all attendees were invited to participate in a fascinating hands-on demonstration of the many technological, optical, and non-optical tools available for low vision rehabilitation. The presentation was very engaging and shared many useful insights for a better understanding of low vision diagnosis and rehabilitation in children.

August 4, 2008: new signage is unveiled at a ceremony celebrating HEI's completion

  • Eye Institute is Completed

    Monday, August 5, the Hamilton Eye Institute celebrated its official completion and unveiled new signage on the building at 930 Madison Avenue. The Commercial Appeal covered the story in their Business section. (Click the link and scroll to bottom.)
    Read the article or see more news

     

  • Four Articles in Recent Memphis Medical News

In July, the Hamilton Eye Institute was the focus of four articles in the Memphis Medical News. These stories discuss the exciting development of our telemedicine program, the success of the new surgical center, and Dr. Barrett Haik's recent honor as recipient of the 2nd Freeman Vision Award, while a "Physician Spotlight" article also highlights the work of HEI glaucoma specialist Dr. Sarwat Salim.
Read the articles

  • Giving Thanks for Donor Generosity

In a recent issue of Achievement, a special edition of Alumnus magazine, much gratitude was expressed toward the donors who make possible the life-changing, sight-saving work we do here at the Hamilton Eye Institute. 
Read the article

  • Landmark Vietnam Teleconference

The Hamilton Eye Institute in collaboration with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital recently held its first telesurgical conference with a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The article appears on page 7 of the recent UT Record newsletter.
Read the article

  • Occupational Therapy for Low Vision at HEI

The Hamilton Eye Institute has added Occupational Therapy to its interdisciplinary approach to treating patients. Director of Low Vision Services, Dr. Thomas O'Donnell, and occupational therapist Orli Weisser-Pike are treating patients and training residents and students about this growing area of practice.
Read the article

  • Recent news from St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

The winter 2007 issue features an article on a promising new treatment for childhood eye cancer, while the spring 2007 issue tells the story of one family's battle against inherited retinoblastoma.

You may also listen to a recent "St. Jude Medical Minute" (MP3),  in which the chair of our institute, Dr. Barrett Haik, remarks on our outreach efforts in cooperation with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital to save children's sight in Panama.

Click the "play" button to listen.


  • UT Hamilton Eye Institute and St. Jude ALSAC representatives 
    Provide new RetCam™ System to Honduras Pediatric Care Center

Dr. Barrett Haik, Dr. Judith Wilimas, Mr. George Velez, Ms. Blanca Phillips, and other international outreach representatives from St. Jude ALSAC traveled to Honduras February 17-21 to install a RetCam™, a retinal diagnostic system that is the standard of care for imaging pediatric retinoblastoma (eye cancer). It is also used extensively in the evaluation of retinopathy of prematurity, a potentially blinding disease that is increasing due to the growing number of surviving preterm infants, and in diagnosing shaken baby syndrome, congenital glaucoma, and most other pediatric eye diseases.

The visiting physicians also trained local Honduras doctors--who are experienced in the treatment of retinoblastoma using laser and cryotherapy--how to use the new equipment as well as the Orbis and Cure4Kids web sites, which will be used for consults. 

The goals of this project are to improve the survival rate of children with retinoblastoma in Central America and save the sight of these children by improving the infrastructure for therapy, providing necessary equipment and consultative support, and training physicians.  It will also help save families of afflicted children the cost of having to travel to Guatemala for treatment.

[View photos from the outreach visit]

  • Hamilton Eye Institute Doctors Among Best in America

Memphis, Tennessee (January 27, 2006) — The 2006 listing of the Best Doctors in America® was released this month, and among the UT physicians on the list were several Hamilton Eye Institute faculty. Drs. Barrett G. Haik, Peter A. Netland, James C. Fleming, Natalie C. Kerr, Edward Chaum, and Matthew Wilson were among those honored.

The Best Doctors in America® database is widely regarded as a high-quality reference guide to the medical profession. The list is based on an exhaustive survey in which more than 35,000 doctors are asked to rate the clinical abilities of their peers. Participants are asked, "If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer them?"

(more information)