James S. Lewis, MD, and The Eye Institute of Salus University
Creating the premium practice means staying “ahead of the pack” in a number of areas, not the least of which being the technology aspect of ophthalmology. At The Eye Institute of Salus University, James S. Lewis, MD, has done just that, creating a high-tech yet inviting environment for his patients.
“I’ve been interested in imaging, particularly video imaging, even before I started my practice,” Dr. Lewis told Premier Surgeon. “It’s the perfect match because ophthalmology lends itself to the creative use of optics, ultrasound, laser interferometry and laser techniques.”
Dr. Lewis’ love of technology can be seen in every aspect of the well-appointed office. Within the waiting areas, patients watch educational videos on large-screen, high-definition LCD and plasma monitors, and each surgical procedure is recorded to DVD using top-of-the-line cameras so patients can view their surgery at home. Images by Peter Olson Photography.







![In keeping with the high-tech feel of the practice, the surgical suite has three HD displays for each laser — one for the patient’s medical record and surgical data, another for entry and validation of the excimer laser’s refractive plan, and a third for real-time video imaging. Additionally, a large-screen display (seen here in the background) and a three-chip, high-definition camera (Ikegami and TTI Medical) aid in the recording of every procedure. “It gives [patients] insight into what’s involved and essentially helps them understand what is done to achieve their desired visual results. Patients are often genuinely interested, and if they’re not, their kids, their spouse or their grandkids are curious,” Dr. Lewis said. “With patient approval we webcast the surgeon’s video, along with video from a pan-tilt-zoom camera showing a live view of the operating suite. This is fun for the patients and their friends and family, but also valuable for physicians and industry,” Dr. Lewis said.](Premier%20Surgeon11.2011_files/olsoncorp_634-150x150.jpg)




![Dr. Lewis performs an intense pulsed light (IPL) procedure using a DermaMed laser for the treatment of this patient’s dry eye symptoms. “It’s a fantastic device for dry eye, blepharitis and the rosacea often associated with these conditions. I salute Dr. [Rolando] Toyos for recognizing the utility of this device in the care of the dry eye patient,” Dr. Lewis said. “We’ve been dabbling in IPL immediately before LASIK and it seems to be helping, so we may make that our standard.”](Premier%20Surgeon11.2011_files/olsoncorp_390-150x150.jpg)
![A portion of an i7 quad processor 27-inch iMac shows patient data. A similar machine is housed in every exam room. “I wanted the [health records system] to be like the control panel of an airplane, so when you look at the [patient’s] chart, you see everything,” Dr. Lewis said.](Premier%20Surgeon11.2011_files/olsoncorp_335_CX-150x150.jpg)


![The practice houses several YAG lasers in a separate suite, where patients and their family members can view the equipment in advance, as well as a high-definition monitor on which the procedure itself can be seen. “When people see [the equipment], nothing is scary to them, and everything makes sense,” Dr. Lewis said.](Premier%20Surgeon11.2011_files/olsoncorp_426-150x150.jpg)




