Shepard Eye Center Welcomes new Plastic Surgery Coordinator
Santa Maria, CA – Shepard Eye Center is pleased to announce the addition of Christine Lebeck as their new Plastic Surgery Coordinator. The surgeons at Shepard Eye Center are not only leaders in eye surgery but they are also experts in treating the delicate skin around the eyes and face. Christine’s duties as plastic surgery coordinator include educating patients on different facial plastic surgery procedures, scheduling, and marketing. Shepard Eye Center feels that Christine will be able to increase awareness of their plastic surgery program, and allow them to expand the reach of their practice to new patients. Before moving back to the Central Coast to be closer to her family, Christine was previously in charge of a special needs reading program for children in Idaho.
The Ophthalmologists at Shepard Eye Center are trained to perform many different types of microsurgeries including upper and lower eyelid procedures, brow lifts, and midface lifts. Some of these surgeries may be medically necessary to improve the function of the eyelids or help the vision, and thus may be covered by insurance. Other times patients may desire eyelid lifts or eyebrow lifts for cosmetic reasons. All procedures are outpatient surgeries with minimal down time.
(1).jpg)
CURRENT STUDIES AT SHEPARD EYE CENTER
- CATARACT SURGERY
The COAST Study
(COmparison of ASpheric Toric & non-toric aphakic intraocular lenses)
WHAT IS THE COAST STUDY?
This is a research study to examine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational aspheric, Toric intraocular (this intraocular lens is not yet approved by the FDA).
WHAT IS A CATARACT?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens in your eye. Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. Other causes include eye trauma, heredity, diabetes, and even some medications. Common cataract symptoms include poor night vision, sensitivity to light, a blurring of vision and a fading or yellowing of colors. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it more difficult to see clearly. If you are visually limited from performing your daily activities from cataracts, then you may be a candidate for cataract surgery. When your eye doctor determines it is appropriate, cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant will be suggested.
WHAT IS ASTIGMATISM?
Astigmatism is a vision condition that causes blurred vision, usually due to an irregularly shaped cornea, the clear front cover of the eye. An irregular shaped cornea prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A SUBJECT IN THE COAST STUDY
This study is intended for individuals who have astigmatism and are already planning on having cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. The study requires no additional surgical procedures but it does require some additional testing that is painless and non-invasive. Compensation for participation in this study is available which includes reduction of some surgical costs.
Summary of the Procedure
In this study, the cataract will be removed using standard surgical procedures. Participants who volunteer for this study will be randomly chosen to have either the toric intraocular lens or the non-toric intraocular lens implanted into the eye after the natural lens has been removed. The surgeon’s standard postoperative procedures will be followed along with testing to determine the position of the intraocular lens in your eye.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THE STUDY?
You may be eligible if you:
Are 60 years of age or older and have some astigmatism
• Are planning to have cataract surgery with IOL implantation
• Are willing and able to participate in follow-up examinations for 12 months
You may not be eligible if you have:
Experienced previous serious eye problems, infections, injuries or surgeries in the operative eye
Experienced serious systemic disease
Elevated intraocular pressure in either eye
Poor vision potential in both eyes
There are other criteria for qualifying for the study. Please check with Shepard Eye Center for full details.
Visit Requirement
• An evaluation to determine eligibility is required
• Surgery must occur at Premier Surgical Center and all exams must be done at Shepard Eye Center
• Five postoperative examinations are required over a span of one year at: day 1, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
Yes. At Shepard Eye Center, we already use FDA-approved toric intraocular lenses in patients with astigmatism. However, there is an extra charge to you for procedures with those intraocular lenses.
If you are interested in finding out more about your eligibility for this study, please contact us and we will be happy to talk with you in more detail to determine if you qualify.
Complete Facial Cosmetic Surgery Services
Shepard Eye is a leader in facial cosmetic surgery on California's Central Coast
Our surgeons specialize In:
- Brow Lifts
- Wrinkle Fillers
- Eyelid Lifts
- BOTOX
- Facial Rejuvenation
- Lower Eyelid Bags
Rebecca Iribarren
Our licensed Aesthetician is now available for:
- Skin Consultations
- Chemical Peels
- Acne Care
- Skin Care Products
- Facial Rejuvenation
Schedule a FREE consultation with Rebecca today!
If eyelid drooping and sagging is making you look older than you feel, you may want to consider eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty. Here are a couple examples of the dramatic improvements our patients have seen.
BEFORE
AFTER
Federico
BEFORE
AFTER
Acne Treatment with Results from Shepard Eye Center Aesthetics
.jpg)
Laser Vision Correction
Vision Correction Surgery that corrects a variety of problems, including near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism using laser techniques such as LASIK, CustomLASIK, as well as the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and the ReSTOR bifocal implant.
Laser Vision CorrectionCataract Surgery
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the world, and cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in America. Cataracts, or clouding of the natural lens in the eye, affect over 50% of people over age 50 and over 70% of people over age 70. This is usually an age-related disease, although it can also result from eye trauma, steroid use, diabetes and other diseases.
Cataract SurgeryRetina Treatments
Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Dan Shepard, is fellowship-trained to treat medical and surgical disease of the vitreous and retina. Our retinal services include treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, eye trauma, evaluation of floaters, and much more.
Retina TreatmentsCosmetic Services
BOTOX injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. BOTOX or botulinum type A is a medication used to relax the muscles of the face that create wrinkles. The injection causes a temporary paralysis of the muscle, and the effect wears off after several months.
Cosmetic ServicesOptical Services
The optical store showcases our extensive frame selection as we continue to provide the finest eye care available. Our optical dispensary offers the largest selection in Lompoc and our licensed opticians are experts in glasses fitting and service.
Optical Services