Employee Recognition

Jack Kress, a long time patient of Dr. Stephen Scoper and Virginia Eye Consultants, shares his appreciation not only for the Doctors, but also for our staff! A special recognition goes to Kelly Wittwer:



"If all the employees here were like Kelly Wittwer, the parking lots would be full just to meet her! She makes you feel good and appreciated. Kelly Wittwer is refreshing!"- Jack Kress


Thank you very much to Jack for sharing such kind words. Kelly, along with many members of our Virginia Eye Consultants staff, is a elite group of people who love what they do and the difference they make doing it!

Interested in sharing your story or special thanks? Email Sara Peterson at: Speterson@vec2020.com

Patient Testimonial: Kristen Gurekovich

Imagine viewing life every day as if you were looking through a foggy window. The figures are blurred and nearly impossible to make out. You squint as you strain to focus in on the image. With 20/400 vision, this perception was a reality for Kristen. For as long as she can remember, Kristen has had poor, unclear vision.

Fortunately for Kristen, she was able to wear contacts throughout her youth so she wasn't often troubled from the problems that arise from wearing glasses during sports and other physical activities. "To be honest," she claims, "LASIK or PRK was something I wouldn’t have thought to have if I had not been interested in becoming a pilot." In high school, Kristen first became interested in aviation. She continued to pursue this interest in college, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Kristen quickly learned that designing and constructing aircraft was never going to fully satisfy her true passion. "I have the kind of personality that likes to 'do'. I found myself craving more action and even more involvement." It was around this time that she became determined to make her dream a reality. "At this point, I had made up my mind. I was going to be a pilot, and I wouldn’t let my poor vision be an obstacle."

She set out to clear her largest hurdle by researching vision correction practices along the East Coast. "Ultimately," she claims, "I chose to fly from New London, CT, to Norfolk, VA, because of the level of comfort I felt with Virginia Eye Consultants. Your sight is so important. You never want to take any risk with your vision."


Upon arrival, the first thing she noticed was the friendliness of the staff. "I’m from the North, so I really noticed a sense of southern hospitality. The staff even offered me food on several occasions!" Kristen says.



Kristen recalls her PRK experience on December 9, 2010. "Dr. Scoper did my PRK procedure and walked me through each step. It took about ten to fifteen minutes per eye, and I felt no pain."


Fast-forward a little over a year and Kristen is thrilled to report that she has maintained 20/15 vision since the procedure, is now completely free of contacts and glasses and has recently been recommended as a Student Naval Aviator and will attend Officer Candidate School this spring. "My favorite thing about my new vision, besides the fact that I am now able to become a pilot, is that my daily routine is much quicker. I literally don't have to sweat the small stuff. Oh, and it's much less expensive!"

Congratulations, Kristen, and may you soar to new heights in all that you do.

Dr. Stephen V. Scoper, MD: ToberDexⓇST Guest Lecturer in Long Island, New York.

This past Thursday, February the 16^th, 2012, Dr. Stephen Scoper was a guest lecturer at a Physician’s meeting in Long Island, New York that discussed therapeutic strategies for blepharitis. Dr. Stephen Scoper discussed his experience in both diagnosing and treating interior and posterior blepharitis.

A majority of the lecture revolved around the scientific paper entitled: Ocular Distribution, Bactericidal Activity and Settling Characteristics of TobraDexⓇST Ophthalmic Suspension Compared with TobraDexⓇ Ophthalmic Suspension. Dr. Scoper was the lead author of this publishing that was responsible for gaining FDA approval for TobraDexⓇST.

Dr. Stephen Scoper walked the other Physicians through the details of the paper with the following conclusions:

• Suspension settling characteristics of ToberDexⓇST are outstanding, resulting in dose uniformity, because of the Xanthan gun vehicle with more bioavailbility.
• In-Vitro studies showed improved bactericidal activity leading to longer retention time and faster bacterial eradication.
• Human pharmacokinetic clinical studies showed equivalent concentrations of drug in the aqueous, despite ToberDexST having only half the dexamethasone.

In conclusion, these finding show that ToberDexⓇST is an excellent treatment for acute blepharitis.

Patient Testimonial: Barbara Cobb

Barbara Cobb suffered from an extreme form of dry eyes- a condition that can leave many of us feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, and helpless. Barbara, thrilled with her results by Virginia Eye Consultant's Dr. Lago, has this to say about her experience:

"Suffering from dry eyes for longer than I can remember, I began to think there was no hope-no relief. I had been going to a Physician for many years that made my dry eye condition manageable, but not better. My Physician tried everything from tear duct surgeries to numerous drops, still there was no relief. I figured this was it; this was as good as my vision would get.

As fate had it, I came to Virginia Eye Consultants to get my cataracts removed by Dr. Stephen Scoper, but was unable to move forward until my dry eyes were under control. Dr. Scoper had referred me in-house to Dr. Dayna Lago, who in my opinion is the greatest! I just can't tell you how much I appreciate her and all she has done for me! My eyes feel better than they have in many years: there is no more discomfort...my eyes shine! I can see so well, my eyes feel so good...this is truly magical! By Dr. Lago controlling my dry eyes, I was able to undergo my cataract surgery with Dr. Scoper. The whole experience is worth mentioning to everyone! Dr. Lago has improved my life greatly. Virginia Eye Consultants come highly recommended."

Here at Virginia Eye Consultants, we pride ourselves on making a difference and providing quality care that changes lives. A special thanks to Barbara Cobb, for sharing her story! Interested in sharing yours? Email Sara Peterson at: speterson@vec2020.com

The Virginia Opera's Little Red

Funded by the Virginia Opera's Board of Directors and our very own Dr. Stephen Scoper; the Virginia Opera show cased an amazing rendition of a childhood classic: Little Red. The Performance was held Tuesday morning at the Lower Norfolk Academy by the Virginia Opera's in school touring Opera.

As the children flooded the auditorium, you could see the uncertainty as to what they were going to expect. However, as soon as the big bad wolf came on stage and started to sing, you could see a change in the children's faces. Immediately they began to light up, and as the performance progressed, laughter filled the rooms. At the end of Little Red, the children were encouraged to ask the performers questions...hands shot up, waving, flagging, and asking great questions. Mission accomplished, the children were both entertained and inspired! Mrs. Nancy Scoper, wife of Dr. Stephen Scoper, shared her enthusiasm and support as she was amongst the audience during Tuesdays viewing.

Dr. Scoper, being a fan of the fine arts himself, believed it was important to share and expose our youth to the complex and riveting culture we know as the Opera. Sharing the same mission was Educational Program Director, Laura Wigginton. Laura explained to the audience that each performance is carefully selected with consideration on a number of things: entertainment, morals & lessons, and most importantly: stories our children know, love and can relate to.

Per Laura, the artists are all apart of the Virginia Opera's Emerging Artists Program, who are responsible for memorizing their parts before collectively coming together for rehearsal just prior to their opening shows. The nature of the play, whilst educational and entertaining, also displayed wonderful team support, compassion and excitement for each performers craft.

I think it's safe to say the children and adults in the audience, myself included, were given a refreshed image to the fine arts. On behalf of Dr. Stephen and Nancy Scoper, and Virginia Eye Consultants, we would like to give a special thank you to the Virginia Opera for making in school touring performances possible!

For more information on the Virginia Opera and upcoming performances, be sure to check out their web page at: Vaopera.org

The Virginia Opera's: Little Red

John Arida: Pianist/Tour Music Director

Julia Ebner: Little Red

Megan Marino: Mother/Grandmother

Cairan Ryan: Wolf/Woodsman

VEC is Named Small Business of the Year

Virginia Eye Consultants of Norfolk was named the Small Business of the Year by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce last week.

The practice, which started in 1963, specializes in eye surgery and has seen 20 percent growth in the past year.

With 90 employees, the business at 241 Corporate Blvd. is managed by Karen J. Spencer, chief executive officer; Dr. John D. Sheppard, president; and Dr. Stephen V. Scoper, vice president.

Virginia Eye Consultants was selected from five finalists from each of the Southside cities for the honor. The other businesses were Russell's Heating & Cooling of Chesapeake; Stealth Shredding Inc., which recently moved from Portsmouth to Chesapeake; Bennett's Creek Pharmacy in Suffolk; and B&T Kitchens of Virginia Beach, which also has a location in Norfolk.

"Each of the city award winners are exceptional companies with tremendous operations, customer service, employee involvement and the accomplishment of major goals and growth," said Jim Carroll, vice president of small business for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads Inc.

"The judging committee felt that Virginia Eye Consultants' operations, longevity and accomplishments were unmatched. This is an exceptional company with tremendous achievements and potential for even more in the future."

Congressman Scott Rigell (left) and Nelson Adcock, Chamber's Chair (right)

Jim Carroll, Vice President of Small Business for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, Inc.; Neal Crawford, President, Monarch Bank; Dr. Stephen Scoper, Vice President, Virginia Eye Consultants; Karen Spencer, CEO, Virginia Eye Consultants; and Jack Hornbeck, CCE, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. – Guest Lecturer at CPE Optometry Program Seminar | Fort Worth, Texas | Alcon Campus

Dr. Stephen V. Scoper, Vice President of Virginia Eye Consultants, was a guest lecturer at an optometric student conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 12th, 2010 at Alcon's Fort Worth campus. This is one of two conferences that Dr. Scoper has presented at (the first in late January) and over 100 students were in attendance.

CPE Optometry Program is a two day seminar for fourth-year optometry students. This program is an interactive lecture on topics of dry eye, allergy, contact lens, glaucoma and co-management of IOLs. Dr. Lebow was also a guest lecturer at the event.

Visit VirginiaEyeConsultants.com to learn more about Dr. Scoper.

Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. presents Premium IOL Course in Detroit, Michigan

Dr. Stephen Scoper, Vice President and lead refractive surgeon at Virginia Eye Consultants, will be in Detroit, MI, presenting a comprehensive course to area optometrists on the co-management of Premium IOLs on Sunday, January 31, 2010!

Co-Management of Premium IOLs

Training Opportunity for Co-Management of Multifocal and Toric IOLs

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Dr. Scoper will be presenting a comprehensive course for optometrists, training and preparing them to manage every aspect of pre-operative and post-operative care for co-management of Premium IOL procedures. Optometrists who already have experience in co-managing patients for routine cataract surgery will be taken to the next level of expertise in providing state-of-the-art multifocal and astigmatic technology to their patients. Upon completion of the course under Dr. Scoper's extensive experience, they will have confidence in recommending the Premium IOL technology to any of their patients with whom they have developed a trusting doctor-patient relationship.

A comprehensive notebook will be provided to course attendees with extensive handouts and forms giving a step-by-step guide to take back to their practices. Premium IOL patients from Dr. Scoper's will describe their experiences and be available to answer questions to reinforce the lectures and consolidate the learning experience.

Stephen V. Scoper, M.D. Premium IOL Presentation in Warsaw, IN

Dr. Stephen Scoper, Vice President and lead refractive surgeon at Virginia Eye Consultants, will be in Indiana, presenting a comprehensive course to area optometrists on the co-management of Premium IOLs on Saturday, January 16, 2010!

Co-Management of Premium IOLs

Training opportunity for Co-Management of Multifocal and Toric IOLs

Saturday, January 16, 2010
Registration begins at 8:00 am
Lunch Will Be Provided at 12:30 pm

Grossnickle Eye Center Optometric Conference
Westminster Hall, 9th Street
(between College and Chestnut Ave.)
Winona Lake, Indiana

Dr. Scoper will be presenting a comprehensive course for optometrists, preparing them to manage all aspects of pre-operative and post-operative care for co-management of Premium IOL procedures. Optometrists who already have experience in co-managing patients for routine cataract surgery will be taken to the next level of expertise in providing state-of-the-art multifocal and astigmatic technology to their patients. Integrating care with an experienced Premium IOL surgeon, they will have confidence in recommending the Premium IOL technology to their patients with whom they have developed a trusting doctor-patient relationship.

A comprehensive notebook will be provided to course attendees with extensive handouts and forms giving a step-by-step guide to take back to their practices. Premium IOL patients will describe their experiences and be available to answer questions to reinforce the lectures and consolidate the learning experience.

This COPE-approved three hour course will conclude with the presentation of a Certificate of Completion in the Co-Management of Premium IOLs signed by the Course Director.

Please RSVP to Karen Platt, CMA, COA
800-527-3948 ext. 625
kplatt@gecenter.com

Funded by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Alcon

Dr. Scoper | Webcast Teleconference | Tuesday, September 1st

Register TODAY for the Tuesday, September 1st installment of Dr. Scoper's interactive webcast teleconferences! This conference, "The Missing Step to Achieving Better Premium IOL Outcomes", will take place on Tuesday, September 1st, at 10:30pm., EST. Please attend and discuss this topic with Dr. Scoper and others around the country!

To register for this event, call 800-668-0651 or e-mail the following registration information to registration@aristamktg.com:

-Name
-Complete office address
-Office phone and fax numbers
-Phone number at the time of the teleconference
-E-mail address

For more about Dr. Scoper, click here!

Don't Miss This Amazing Opportunity!

You still have time to register for the first in Dr. Scoper's series of interactive webcast teleconferences! This conference, "The Missing Step to Achieving Better Premium IOL Outcomes", will take place on Thursday, July 30, from 8:30-9:30 p.m., EST. Please attend and discuss this topic with Dr. Scoper and others around the country!

To register for this event, call 800-668-0651 or e-mail the following registration information to registration@aristamktg.com:

-Name
-Complete office address
-Office phone and fax numbers
-Phone number at the time of the teleconference
-E-mail address

For more about Dr. Scoper, click here!

Restore your clear vision with ReSTOR

Are you finding it harder to focus your eyes while reading or driving? Maybe your vision seems blurry or dim even though you just bought a new pair of glasses. You could write these off as signs of "old age", but they may be likely signs of cataracts. In fact, cataracts are the number one cause of poor vision in adults. A cataract is a clouding of the lens, which obstructs the light from passing through properly. The lens is responsible for focusing images that enter the eye, but the blockage of light causes these images to register as being dim, blurred, and can even effect the perception of color. The only way to properly identify cataracts is to be diagnosed during an eye exam, as cataracts cannot be seen from the outside.

Luckily cataract surgeries have a success rate of more than 95%! Dr. Stephen Scoper, Vice President and lead refractive surgeon at Virginia Eye Consultants, has earned an international reputation as a specialist in every aspect of refractive surgery, including cataract surgery. Since the only way to treat cataracts is by replacing the lens, Dr. Scoper and the team of doctors at VEC have added the revolutionary ReSTOR IOL (intraocular lens) to their list of state-of-the-art cataract treatment options. ReSTOR is a fast and often painless surgery that involves replacing the natural lens with a permanent Intraocular Lens. The tapered shape of the ReSTOR lens allows for all-distance vision and often erases the need for glasses or corrective lenses. During the procedure the doctors will make a very small incision and insert an instrument to dissolve the lens that has become cloudy. After dissolving the old lens, the doctors will insert the new ReSTOR lens in its place. Because the incision in the eye is so small, stitches are not necessary and the eye heals itself.

This procedure has revolutionized the way cataract surgery is viewed and performed. The quick and virtually pain free process provides most patients with the ability to return to normal activities the day following their procedure! In fact, as many as 4 out of 5 patients have reported never having to wear glasses or corrective lenses again.

Are you ready to restore your clear vision with ReSTOR? Schedule your free consultation at www.vec2020.com and call us at (757) 622-2200!