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.
