Home » For Physicians

For Physicians

Referrals

Thank you for entrusting your patients to our care. We accept new patients every day, urgent and emergent referrals are seen the same day. Our physicians strive to provide the latest diagnostic and treatment options to all patients with a vitreoretinal condition.

For  efficiency, please send our office a copy of all medical records and results of diagnostic tests performed. You may refer new patients to this website for information about our practice and for initial visit forms.

We welcome your comments and encourage you to call us.

Referral line: (504) 456-9061

Fax number: (504) 888-6045

The Kurt A. Gitter, M.D. Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program

Through the Foundation for Retina Research, Retina Associates New Orleans offers a competitive two-year post-graduate fellowship in vitreoretinal disease and surgery. Under the guidance of our physicians, The Kurt A. Gitter, M.D. Fellowship Program has trained Vitreoretinal surgeons since 1977.

Fellows rotate with all attending physicians, mastering the interpretation of diagnostic modalities and the medical and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal disease.

Physician candidates interested in our fellowship program may apply via the San Francisco Match. We do not require any additional documents. Interviews are scheduled during October. For more information about the fellowship program please refer to the SFMatch website, email us at fellowship@retinaassociates.org or by phone at (504) 456-9061.

The Foundation for Retinal Research

The physicians of Retina Associates New Orleans have established a non-profit organization that conducts clinical retinal research and supports a vitreoretinal fellowship. The Foundation for Retinal Research has contributed to the development of treatments currently approved by the FDA for neovascular wet age related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease and diabetic eye disease; all leading causes of blindness in the United States. In addition, The Foundation has trained over forty Vitreoretinal physicians since 1977.

NOW RECRUITING:

Genetic study of patients with dry age related macular degeneration. This is an observational study to determine genetic links to progression of disease state.

Interested individuals may contact us via e-mail at TheFoundationForRetinalResearch@retinaassociates.org or by phone at (504) 456-9061.  Referring physicians should reference specific trial when scheduling patient consultations.

Recruitment Complete with ongoing data analysis:

2019 – Present Apellis  phase 3 trial to assess the efficacy of APL 2 for reducing the progression of geographic atrophy associated with AMD

2018 – 2020 Diopsys ERG trial for diabetic retinopathy

2017 – 2019 Wet AM Merlin trial evaluating the efficacy of brolucizumab for persistent wet AMD

2018 – 2020 Macular telangiectasia type 2 (NHOR): The MacTel Study

2015 – 2017 Macular Degeneration R910-3-AMD-1517

2015 – 2017 Geographic Atrophy CLG561-2201

Completed Research with Published Results:

2015 – 2017 Macular Degeneration RTH258 Study, Alcon protocol RTH258-C001

2010 – 2014  Macular Degeneration ESBA Study, Alcon protocol OSPREY C-12-006

2007 – 2011  Macular Degeneration VEGF TRAP Study, Regeneron protocol VGFT-OD-0605

2007 – 2011  Diabetic Macular Edema Dexamethasone Study, Allergan protocol 206207-012-00

2007 – 2013  Diabetic Macular Edema Ranibizumab Study, Genentech protocol RISE FVF4170g

1999 – 2001  Macular Degeneration Anecortave Acetate Study, Diabetic Clinical Research Network protocol B

2004 – 2009  Diabetic Macular Edema Triamcinolone Acetonide Study, Diabetic Clinical Research Network protocol B

2004 – 2008  Macular Degeneration Anecortave Acetate Study, Alcon protocol AART C-02-60

2004 – 2007  Macular Degeneration Ranibizumab Study, Genentech protocol PIER FVF3192g

Lucentis (ranibizumab), gained FDA approval in June 2006 for the  treatment of ARMD.  Lucentis is a synthetic humanized anti-VEGF antibody  fragment that binds to VEGF and prevents it from interacting with the  VEGF  receptor on the surface of endothelial cells.  Lucentis is a  pivotal new treatment for ARMD because it binds to all VEGF isoforms.   It is the first treatment that has the potential to improve visual  acuity in a large number of patients.  Intravitreal injections of  Lucentis are often  administered every four weeks until CNV regresses.   In addition, study of  its efficacy for a multitude of retinal vascular  diseases is well underway.

2004 – 2005  Macular Degeneration Pegaptanib Sodium Study, Eyetech protocol EOP1010

2004 – 2006  Central Retinal Vein Occusion Pegaptanib Sodium Study, Eyetech protocol EOP1011

2001 – 2003  Persistent Macular Edema Dexamethasone Study, Oculex protocol DC103-06-02

2001 – 2005  Macular Degeneration Pegaptanib Sodium Study, Eyetech protocol EOP1004

In December 2004, Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) injection was the first anti-VEGF therapy approved for the treatment  of ARMD.  Macugen consists of a synthetic fragment of  biological material that specifically binds to special hormone-like  chemical called VEGF.  It blocks VEGF-initiated stimulation of a unique  receptor on endothelial cells of blood vessel walls.   Intravitreal  injections of the drug are typically administered every six weeks until  CNV regresses.

1999 – 2000  Macular Degeneration Verteporfin Study, QLT Ciba protocol VAM BPD OCR 005

Photodynamic therapy with Visudyne (verteporfin), also known as PDT or  cold laser therapy, received FDA approval in April 2000 for the treatment of  predominantly  classic CNV due to ARMD.  PDT involves administration of a  intravenous photosensitive drug and exposure to a non-thermal laser.   Treatment is generally repeated every three months until CNV regresses.   Approval for the treatment of pathologic myopia and presumed ocular  histoplasmosis  with PDT laser followed. Research evaluating combination  therapy of PDT and intravitreal medications continues to be explored.

1999 – 2001  Macular Degeneration Anecortave Acetate Study, Alcon protocol C-98-03

1998 – 2003  Severe Vitreous Hemorrhage Hyaluronidase Ovine Study, ISTA protocol VIT-02-08961X

1998 – 2002  Macular Degeneration Tin Eyhyl Etiopurpurin Study, Miravant SnET 98EA-001

1995 – 1998  Macular Degeneration Interferon-Alpha Study, Roche protocol RO22-8181

1986 – 2003  Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study, National Eye Institute

1979-1993:  Macular Photocoagulation Study, National Eye Institute

Macular photocoagulation utilizes a high energy laser to treat abnormal blood vessels associated with age related macular degeneration (ARMD).  In 1979 we initiated our research in the Macular Photocoagulation Study.  Supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), this study concluded in 1993. The study publications continue to provide guidelines to vitreoretinal surgeons across the world for the evaluation and management of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to ARMD, ocular histoplasmosis and idiopathic CNV.

back to top