Pomerado Hospital’s microscope is latest in eye surgery technology
Eye surgery patients at Pomerado Hospital in Poway are now able to take advantage of the latest in optometric technology, thanks to the generosity and support of donors and grateful patients.
The Zeiss OPMI Lumera 700 microscope with resight viewing system is now being used the hospital that is part of Palomar Health, the state’s largest public healthcare district. The microscope, made by Zeiss — a world-renowned leader in optics — makes tissue highly visible, allowing surgeons to operate better and faster with fewer chances for complications, officials said. They project eye surgeons will perform about 200 surgeries each year using the new microscope.
“The Zeiss Lumera is the best ophthalmic microscope money can buy,” said Dr. Paul E. Tornambe, a retina specialist. “I am pleased to provide our patients care using the most technologically-advanced equipment to achieve the best outcomes possible.
“In this era of limited reimbursement and the need for very expensive equipment, we are deeply grateful to the Palomar Health Foundation, to patients who have contributed specifically to obtain this microscope and to Carol Lazier, who contributed most generously to make acquisition of the microscope possible,” Tornambe said.
Specialists who perform eye surgeries at Pomerado Hospital are using the microscope to treat complex eye diseases such as cataracts and detached retinas. This device will also help support the growth of Pomerado Hospital’s eye surgeries as it continues to work toward becoming a Center of Excellence for ophthalmic surgeries.
Officials said unlike older ophthalmic microscopes, the Zeiss Lumera provides better optics and safer lighting because the light generated provides a safer wavelength with less chances of damaging the retina since it eliminates UV wavelengths. They said it is also more energy and cost efficient because the “bulbs” it uses last longer and take up less energy. The microscope also features a high-resolution digital camera, which projects real-time high resolution digital images that physicians can see during surgeries.
