Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1157012
ENVISIONING THE LATEST IN EYE TECHNOLOGY: A LOOK INTO ALLAMAN EYE CARE I n medical school, Dr. Christen Allaman planned to be a neurosurgeon. Lucky for the thousands of people whose eyes and lives he has transformed, he had an experience that changed his mind and path. Today, Dr. Allaman serves as Medical Director & President of Allaman Eye Care. The Board-certified ophthalmologist has performed thousands of procedures on patients' eyes including surgery for glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. He has been at the forefront of advanced technology—especially refractive cataract surgery and lens replacement surgery—on the Central Coast since 1998," says office manager Farhana Basha. "He has followed the evolution of intraocular lens implants from Toric (astigmatism correcting) lenses to Multi-focal lenses to the latest Extended Depth of Focus lenses (Symfony), offering his patients the opportunity to take advantage of the latest implant technologies at the time of cataract surgery." Each year, the doctors at Allaman Eye Care see over 8,000 local patients, including adults and kids ages 6 and older. They have patients that have been coming for more than 25 years. "We have taken care of generations of Santa Cruzans," says Dr. Allaman. "We have many families that come as patients," he adds. Dr. Allaman is proud of what they offer in terms of first-rate services and attentive, skilled staff. "We are a center of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease." They perform onsite testing to determine the type of dry eye disease a person has, and customize treatment tailored to the patient's needs using the latest treatment options and organic nutraceuticals. For the treatment of glaucoma, he says, they are very progressive in early treatment with laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). "A landmark study comparing eye drops versus SLT recently demonstrated that laser treatment of glaucoma is superior to the use of eye drops." In January 2019, they expanded the practice when Dr. Craig Blackwell, a medical ophthalmologist, joined Allaman Eye Care. "Dr. Ted Bailey also joined our practice in March 2019, and continues to provide care to the patients of Santa Cruz," says Dr. Allaman. "In addition, I am currently conducting a national search to bring on another surgical ophthalmologist to the practice with expertise in retina, diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts." Many long-term staff have worked at the practice anywhere from five to 30 years. "Everyone enjoys the work; it is a gift to help others and to restore sight to those who are visually challenged," says Dr. Allaman. "We use a team approach to each and every patient to provide for their needs. We work with a wide referral network including optometrists, ophthalmologists, primary care physicians and patient referrals throughout the Monterey Bay Area and beyond." Dr. Allaman says they are Medicare-certified, and also a 'center of excellence' for refractive intraocular lens surgery. "We use the most state- of-the-art equipment in measuring and preparing the eye for surgery, and have access to a state- of-the-art ambulatory surgery center (ASC), Cypress Outpatient Surgery Center, conveniently located right next door to our office." At this ASC dedicated to ophthalmic surgeries, Dr. Allaman serves as the current medical director. "Our ASC was the first in Central California and serves as the epicenter for ophthalmic eye surgery for Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast." Nancy Graff, who is 82, had cataract surgery a few months ago and received Symfony (EDOF) introcular lenses. Dr. Allaman, who performed the surgery, recently saw Ms. Graff for a follow- up and said she's now enjoying "the best vision of her entire life." I spoke to Ms. Graff personally and she had high praise. "Dr. Allaman is very thorough," she said. "He and his staff always treat me and the other patients with so much respect, you feel really cared for." Graff first heard of Dr. Allaman after two of her friends were treated at Allaman Eye Care, and had very positive experiences. She is very happy with her surgery, in which she simultaneously had cataracts removed and got bilateral stents for glaucoma. Each stent is the "world's smallest device" and is implanted into the eye; it relieves pressure on the optic nerve. "It's wonderful to have new eyes," said Graff. "I saw a play on Sunday and to be able to see so much better was great. I can also see much clearer when driving." I spoke to two other patients of Dr. Allaman's in person, and went to the web site ratemds. com to check out a few other patients' opinions, and they are all similar and positive. Out of about 90 reviews, he regularly receives five- star (maximum) ratings. One patient says, "… just over 10 days ago, I woke up to a whole new world of vision thanks to the incredible skill of Dr. Allaman. I had my cataract surgery on my second eye, two weeks after the first. At the recommendation of Dr. Allaman, I decided to use the new premium replacement lens, called the Symfony Lens, which is multi-focal… allowing you to see near, intermediate and far distances without needing glasses or contacts. Dr. Allaman did not know if he could get me perfect vision for all three because my eyes were just on the edge of what the technology corrects. But, amazingly, with the very careful pre-operative measurements and his skill in cataract surgery, I now have 20/20 sight… Dr. Allaman was thorough in his explanation of the new lenses and how they work, as were the technicians in his office…I recommend the new premium replacement lens for cataract surgery; if you are in the Santa Cruz area, I highly recommend using Dr. Allaman. Do what I did and make an appointment for cataract surgery evaluation. It may change how you see the world." Allaman Eye Care follows "…an MD/OD model, with multiple eye care professionals, to provide continuity of care for the whole family, from refractive services to medical care to surgical options," says Dr. Allaman. They provide comprehensive eye care from contact lenses to glasses to lens based refractive surgery, and have a full-service optical shop on site. Preventive comprehensive eye care is also part of the practice's services. "The leading causes of vision loss in the US are 'silent thieves of sight:' age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts," says Dr. Allaman. They recommend annual eye exams (especially for those with a family history of eye disease) and UV protection for all ages to offset potential blinding diseases that develop later in life. "Diagnosing these diseases at an early state ensures better outcomes by implementing treatment earlier." The Center's doctors recommend protective eyewear during sports activities, and emphasize the need for good nutrition for good eye health and the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Back to the beginning of Dr. Allaman's journey: When he was a medical student studying to be a neurosurgeon at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Allaman was asked to join a group of ophthalmologists Integrative Medicine Cynthia Quattro Physician Assistant Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Blending Modern Medicine, Nutrition, and Japanese style Acupuncture Pacific Center for Integral Health 2955 Park Ave, Soquel, CA 95073 (831) 476-1886 VM (831) 427-5311 quattrodoc@gmail.com www.drquattro.com HCO# 444700020 600 Frederick Street • Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 469-4900 • www.lifespancare.com Home Care M T W T F S DEMENTIA CARE MEDICATION REMINDERS MEAL PREP Personalized care up to 24 hours a day by experienced and registered home care aides. Enhancing life and finding joy through activities that increase engagement, fulfillment, and a sense of connection. Well-Being Program Care management promotes peace of mind through professional, person-centered assessment, coordination of personal care, medical, and social needs. Care Management S U P P O R T F O R A G I N G W E L L EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT SERVICE COORDINATION ONGOING MONITORING by Tara Fatemi Walker continues on C5 Dr. Christen Allaman