Testimonials “I’ve had two corneal transplants, one in each eye. Prior to these transplants; I couldn’t see at night, I couldn’t drive, or see the head lights and street signs. I didn’t know where to go, unless it was a memorized path...and even then driving was scary. Dr. Sheppard gave me my sight, vision, and life back. I don’t even need glasses to watch the television! Dr. Sheppard has worked with me, until I could see again. It’s amazing, what he does is a blessing. No one knows how valuable something is, until it’s gone. I lost my vision, and Dr. Sheppard gave it back to me.” -Perry Williams Your voice counts... Share it. Good morning ladies and gentlemen! With the New Year quickly in motion, we are starting new traditions here at Virginia Eye Consultants. I, Sara Peterson, am reaching out to those interested in sharing your story! We can either set up a time to meet, or conduct the interview over phone or email: 757.622.2200 // Speterson@vec2020.com For those whom are new to our practice, we are an elite group of Physicians and staff who love what we do, and most importantly, make a difference doing it. We treat a wide range of eye conditions such as: Glaucoma Cataracts Infections Keratitis Keratoconus Macular degeneration Retinal degeneration Diabetic health of the eye exams Plaquenil screenings LASIK evaluations Corneal Dystrophy Corneal transplant evaluations Lid/ brow lift evaluations And many more. We also do in house operations and procedures such as: Botox LASIK Injections for retinal/macula Cataract surgery YAG procedures SLT procedures Trabectome surgery LenSX Cataract surgery And many more. Our surgical suite, Virginia Surgery Center, is equipped with state of the art technology, and is conveniently located upstairs.

One large step for Dr. Okeke, one giant leap for Virginia Eye Consultants!

We are celebrating yet another advancement and achievement by our very own Glaucoma specialist, Dr. Constance Okeke, MD, MSCE. Dr. Okeke, being no stranger to both LenSx laser cataract surgeries and Trabectome glaucoma surgeries, has made new head way in combining the best of both technological advancements into one.

The ground breaking news started upon Dr. Okeke's arrival to Virginia Eye Consultants, when Dr. Okeke became the first certified Trabectome Surgeon to provide the surgical technique. The Trabectome is a manually invasive procedure for glaucoma, in which the eye's natural fluid balance is being restored. Dr. Okeke has secured the position as the only doctor in the area to take on the know-how and challenge of this advanced procedure.

Since then, Virginia Eye Consultants has obtained the newest technology in cataract surgeries with the LenSx laser- assisted cataract procedure. Our LenSx laser provides unparalleled precision and safety, redefining cataract surgery in its entirety!

Dr. Okeke has taken the initiative to integrate both technology and technique by combining a LenSx Laser cataract procedure along with a Trabectome glaucoma procedure, and the results speak for themselves! But rather than taking my word for it, take Dr. Okeke's:

"With the Trabectome, this advanced glaucoma procedure gives patients the opportunity to lower pressure using the newest technology. Combined with LenSx laser, the patients can improve their vision and treat glaucoma. The benefits of combining both glaucoma and cataract surgery with LenSx and the Trabectome offers more precision, improves the sealing ability, efficiency of the incision, and over all quality combined in one surgical procedure."

Often, we fear that once we commit to the newest technology, another 'newer or better' version appears. In the case of traditional cataract surgery combined with Trabectome vs. LenSx Laser cataract surgery, this is not the case! Both are effective, efficient, performed by a skilled physician, and prosper great results. In this progressive day and age, Dr. Okeke and Virginia Eye consultants never miss a beat.

"Even glaucoma and cataract procedures can continue to have new advances in technology that can allow for better outcomes." -Dr. Constance O. Okeke, MD, MSCE

VEC is the First Practice to Perform New LifeStyle Lens™ Procedure

In continuing to develop a national reputation as a leader in ophthalmology, Stephen V. Scoper, M.D., is the first surgeon in the Hampton Roads area to implant the groundbreaking Higher Power Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). Now patients with greater than 2 diopters of astigmatism can experience clear vision without glasses after cataract surgery.

The Toric IOL is the first LifeStyle Lens™ option offered by Virginia Eye Consultants that is designed for patients experiencing the blurriness of cataracts who also have pre-existing astigmatism.

"Virginia Eye Consultants is focused on providing our patients with the most advanced technology and leading edge innovations in eye care," Scoper said. "The Toric IOL gives cataract patients with astigmatism the opportunity to enjoy distance vision without depending on glasses or contacts."

If you are interested in learning more about the Toric IOL, or would like to see if you are a candidate for the procedure, call Virginia Eye Consultants at 1-800-321-3937 or click here to schedule a free consultation.

Dr. Scoper on the Hidden Dangers of UV Rays

Dr. Scoper appeared on WAVY-TV 10 to talk about need for quality sunglasses and the hidden dangers UV rays pose to our eyes. Watch the video below or click here to read more.

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.

Speaking Engagements at 2011 ASCRS Conference

I have several speaking engagements scheduled at this month's American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference in San Diego, CA covering a wide variety of topics from allergy to infections to Restor IOL technology. His clinical research experience as principal investigator for numerous studies, Dr. Scoper brings a unique perspective into his discussions to educate our peers on advancements in ophthalmology.

Click here for more information on the 2011 ASCRS conference.

Save the Date: Friday October 25, 2010

AAOPH Symposium
MANAGING THE OCULAR SURFACE COMPLICATIONS OF BLEPHARITIS: New Therapeutic Options for an Age Old Problem

Join our expert panel to learn more about the new paradigm for treating Ocular Surface Complications of Blepharitis, and the introduction of two new products for OSD management.

DATE:

Friday, October 25, 2010

TIME:

Registration and Reception: 5:45-6:15pm

Presentation: 6:15-7:15pm

Dinner Reception: 7:15-8:15pm

VENUE:

Adler Planetarium

1300 S. Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60605

Adler #: 312-922-7827

www.adlerplanetarium.org

Moderator/Speaker:

Stephen S. Lane, MD

Distinguished Speakers:

James McCulley, MD
Professor & Chairman of the David Bruton Jr. Chair in Opthalmology of the Southwestern Medical School

Victor Perez, MD

Associate Professor of Opthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Secondary Appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Stephen Scoper, MD

Vice President, Virginia Eye Consultants
Associate Professor of Opthalmology, Easter Virginia Medical School

To Register, visit http://revophth.com.OSMgmtOct15

or call 877-451-6511

or email: LDiDomenico@Jobson.com

Transportation will be provided to and from the venue.