Texas Retina Associates

We’re excited to announce that construction is well underway on a new, larger Texas Retina Wichita Falls office designed to better serve our patients! The new office is located at:

6767 Southwest Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX 76310

We remain committed to growing alongside the communities we serve, ensuring we continue to provide world-class retina care in the convenience and comfort of a neighborhood office. Slated to open later this year, this new office will replace our current Wichita Falls office, and at 7,500 square feet, will be twice the size.

For now, our Wichita Falls physicians — Gary Edd Fish, MD; Wayne A. Solley, MD; Andrew J. McClellan, MD; and Diana M. Laura, MD — will continue to serve patients in our current office location. We will keep everyone updated as we get closer to opening the new office!

Today we’re grateful for this wonderful feedback about Dr. McClellan and his team:

“Dr. McClellan did a vitrectomy on both my eyes and what a difference! I can see clearly without obstruction for the first time in a very long time! I have been completely impressed at every office visit with the efficiency of Dr. McClellan and his entire staff! They are all very timely, friendly, and professional. My experience all through the process has been excellent in every way. I highly recommend Dr. McClellan!”

Dr. McClellan cares for patients in our Fort Worth, Mansfield and Wichita Falls offices. You can learn more about him here: https://www.texasretina.com/our-physicians/andrew-j-mcclellan-md

June is Men’s Health Month, and at Texas Retina we encourage men to take charge of their health by making healthy lifestyle decisions.

Learn 11 steps men can take to help protect their eye health and vision in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/06/10/11-tips-to-protect-mens-eye-health

“Dr. Choi performed a vitrectomy on my right eye. Communication before, during, and after the procedure was excellent. Results great. Highly recommended.”

At Texas Retina, we have always believed in treating our patients as we would our own families and are grateful for feedback like this about Dr. Choi and his team.

Dr. Choi cares for patients in our Denton and Frisco offices. You can learn more about him here:
https://www.texasretina.com/our-physicians/rene-y-choi-md

As we continue to recognize team members who have been a part of the Texas Retina family for 20+ years, this week we celebrate Kim Russell. She joined our practice in June 2004 and works as a credentialing coordinator in our Dallas Main office.

When asked what she loves most about her work at Texas Retina, Kim shared:

“I love that no two days are the same. In health care things are constantly changing so I am always learning new things. I enjoy the people I work with and feel appreciated by the doctors and leadership team. I feel blessed to work for an organization that acknowledges its employees’ hard work in so many different ways.”

Thank you, Kim, for your 20 years of service to Texas Retina. Your long career has been a significant achievement, and we truly appreciate you and all you do!

Over the past two decades, Texas Retina physicians have participated in more than 100 national clinical trials, offering our patients access to promising new treatments for a variety of retina conditions, including choroidal melanoma, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, dry macular degeneration with geographic atrophy, retinal vein occlusion, wet macular degeneration, and uveitis.

We recently opened 8 new studies. Learn more about them in our latest blog: �https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/29/new-clinical-trials-at-texas-retina

All Texas Retina Associates offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. We remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country.

“We’re looking at the potential for a new therapy that allows us to treat and maintain our patients who are receiving anti-VEGF injections, helping them to possibly have a significant reduction in treatment burden with just one additional injection maybe every 6 to 9 months.” -- Ashkan Abbey, MD, Director of Clinical Research – Texas Retina Associates, Dallas

At the recently held 2024 Retina World Congress, Dr. Abbey presented topline results from the DAVIO 2 clinical trial investigating EYP-1901 (Duravyu), an investigational sustained delivery maintenance treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/23/dr-abbey-presented-key-results-of-davio-2-clinical-trial-for-wet-amd-at-retina-world-congress

We know a diagnosis of ocular melanoma can be scary and overwhelming for patients and their families. That is why our dedicated team works with them every step of the way to tackle the challenge.

Texas Retina Ocular Oncologist Timothy Fuller, MD, shares more about how we care for our ocular melanoma patients in this video: https://vimeo.com/850380631/db79fc0ad7?share=copy

“I love being able to assist the doctors and patients with any issues they may have, whether it is benefits or obtaining a prior authorization. Just seeing a smile or hearing the relief in their voice gives me the enjoyment that I have made someone’s life just a little easier.”

Today we are celebrating Rita Vega’s 21+ years of service to Texas Retina. She currently serves as Supervisor of Eligibility & Benefits in our Dallas Main office, and we are so grateful she is part of the Texas Retina family. Learn more about Rita in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/15/celebrating-rita-vegas-21-years-of-service-to-texas-retina

May is Ocular Melanoma Awareness month. Ocular (uveal) melanoma is a rare but dangerous disease, and only a small number of doctors in the United States treat it. At Texas Retina, we have been caring for ocular melanoma patients for over 40 years and are fortunate to currently have two physicians who sub-specialize in treating this rare eye cancer: Dr. Timothy Fuller and Dr. Rajiv Anand.

Here is a brief video where Dr. Timothy Fuller explains ocular melanoma, including current treatment options and promising new research:

Understanding Ocular Melanoma Dr. T. Fuller

“So far, we are seeing an increasing effect of this treatment over time, both in terms of preservation of retinal tissue and reduction of growth.”

Dr. Abbey presented 36-month data from the GALE study of pegcetacoplan (Syfovre), the first-ever treatment for geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, at this year’s annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO 2024).

Learn more and access a video of Dr. Abbey discussing the data in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/09/dr-abbey-presents-gale-study-data-at-the-association-for-research-in-vision-and-ophthalmology

May is Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month, and we are excited to share that under the leadership of Principal Investigator Timothy Fuller, MD, Texas Retina is now participating in the Phase III AU-011 clinical trial (CoMpass) for treatment of small choroidal (ocular) melanoma. Together with Aura Biosciences, we are investigating the safety and efficacy of belzupacap sarotalocan (AU-011), a light-activated viral nanoparticle, in the treatment of this rare and often deadly cancer.

With AU-011, we are exploring the potential to treat this deadly disease with less harmful effects on vision. In prior studies, AU-011 has been shown to selectively destroy cancer membrane cells while sparing the overlying retina, a tissue essential for good vision. Texas Retina previously participated in the Phase II trial where Dr. Timothy Fuller was the first in the nation to treat a patient with AU-011.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/07/texas-retina-associates-participating-in-phase-iii-clinical-trial-for-choroidal-melanoma

The National Eye Institute has designated May as Healthy Vision Month. It is the perfect time to learn how to protect your eyes and vision, and to encourage your family members to do the same. Read our latest blog to learn 10 steps you can take: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/03/may-is-healthy-vision-month-take-these-10-steps-to-protect-your-eyes

“I love taking care of our patients. It brings me great joy assisting our wonderful physicians with restoring and maintaining patients’ vision and being part of the Texas Retina family.”

We continue to celebrate our team members who have served Texas Retina for 20+ years, and today we are recognizing Debbie Krahl. She serves as Clinical Site Coordinator and Scribe in our Wichita Falls office. Learn more about Debbie’s 23 years of service to Texas Retina in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/05/01/texas-retina-recognizes-debbie-krahl-for-23-years-of-service

Today we are celebrating Angela Smith’s more than 21 years of service to Texas Retina. She joined our practice in 2002 and currently works as a reconciliation specialist in our Dallas Main office.

Throughout Angela’s career at Texas Retina, she has filled several roles, including medical records, front desk, transcription and accounts receivable before moving into her current position.

When asked what she loves most about her work at Texas Retina, Angela shared:

“I enjoy helping our patients in any capacity needed. I also like the camaraderie among my coworkers, and our administrators are very supportive.”

Thank you, Angela, for your two decades of service to Texas Retina. Your long career has been a significant achievement, and we truly appreciate you and all you do!

Everyone with AMD starts out with the dry form. However, about 10-15% will go on to develop wet AMD, a more serious form of the disease where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. Monitoring dry AMD and catching any progression to wet AMD early is critical to protecting as much vision as possible. In addition to an Amsler Grid, ForeseeHome is one of the tools some of our physicians use to help monitor patients with intermediate dry AMD who are at high risk of progressing to wet AMD. Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/04/24/monitoring-age-related-macular-degeneration-at-home

We are wrapping up the week by honoring another Texas Retina team member who has served our practice for more than 20 years. Jennifer Hager Ward joined Texas Retina in 1997 and currently serves as a charge entry specialist in our Plano office.

Jennifer began her career at Texas Retina as a receptionist and then moved to the billing department. When asked what she loves most about Texas Retina, she shared the following:

“I enjoy what I do and have made some good friends. What I love most is the work environment and the people I work with. We have a great team that gets along and works well together.”

Jennifer, thank you for more than 26 years of service to Texas Retina. This is a tremendous achievement, and we are so grateful for you!

Our Waco/Woodway office phones are back up! We apologize again for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we worked to resolve the issue.

“Texas Retina cares about my well-being. I have a great boss and a great team that I work with. I love that I have a sense of purpose, an engaging task and a supportive environment.”

Today we recognize Kimberly Jones who joined the Texas Retina team in 1998 and works in our Plano office. She began with us as an accounts receivable clerk and now works as a charge entry specialist.

Thank you, Kimberly, for more than 26 years of service to Texas Retina. Your long career has been a significant achievement, and we are so grateful for you and all you do!

We continue to recognize Texas Retina team members who have served our practice for 20 years or more. Today, we honor Sarah Yarletts, who joined Texas Retina in 1997 and currently serves as a receptionist in our Plano office.

Throughout her career at Texas Retina, Sarah has served in numerous roles, including front desk, insurance specialist, surgery coordinator, referral coordinator, medical assistant and scribe.

When asked what keeps her passionate about her work, Sarah shared:

“I love everything about my job. I’m a people person, and I get to interact with all different types of people. Texas Retina is an amazing company to work for and has become my family. The physicians are amazing -- they are always willing to help and explain things and even help with things outside of work.”

Thank you, Sarah, for more than 26 years of service to the Texas Retina family. This is an incredible achievement, and we are so grateful for you and all you do!

We are continuing to celebrate our team members who have served Texas Retina for 20 years or more. Today we recognize Alex Paz, who joined Texas Retina in 1995 and currently serves as a Surgical Coordinator in our Plano office.

Throughout her time at Texas Retina, Alex has served in many roles, including medical records, front desk and patient care. She has also witnessed significant advances in the diagnosis and care of retinal diseases during her nearly 30 years here.

“I was here before the OCT machine and all the medications that now help prevent blindness,” shares Alex. “We have come a long way, and I’m enjoying the ride and every stop on this journey with my second family. These days you can find me scheduling surgeries, and I hope not to have to schedule yours, but if I do, know that I will do it with a genuine heart and kindness — the same I have received from all my years at Texas Retina.”

Thank you, Alex, for your service to our physicians and patients. You are indeed an important part of the Texas Retina family, and we are so grateful for you!

You can learn more about Alex in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/04/09/texas-retina-recognizes-alex-paz-for-29-years-of-service

T-3 days until the Great American Solar Eclipse, and parts of Texas, including Dallas, are right in the path of totality! While this is an exciting and memorable event, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect your eyes. Solar retinopathy, a form of blindness, is a condition that occurs when image-sensing photoreceptors are destroyed following initial damage to the retina and adjacent tissue. Learn more about how to safely view the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/04/02/protect-your-eyes-as-you-enjoy-the-april-8-great-american-eclipse

Did you know that women are at greater risk of developing several eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? However, early detection and consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Women are often so busy caring for others that they put their own needs last. In honor of Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Texas Retina encourages women to make their own eye health a priority. Learn 6 steps you can take in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/04/02/april-is-womens-eye-health-and-safety-month

Tomorrow, March 30, is National Doctor’s Day. At Texas Retina, we celebrate all 16 of our physicians as well as all of the physicians who care for our patients and communities. Thank you for your daily dedication, compassion and expertise. Learn more about our physician team: https://www.texasretina.com/our-physicians

This past Saturday, Texas Retina Associates sponsored and participated in the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth VisionWalk to benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness and was recognized as the “Largest Team.” Our “Walk Stars” came out in full force to increase awareness and raise funds to support preventions, treatments and cures for blindness. Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/03/26/texas-retina-associates-led-the-way-at-the-2024-visionwalk-to-benefit-the-foundation-fighting-blindness

On April 8, 2024, we will witness a rare total solar eclipse that will enter the U.S. in Texas and pass right through Dallas. While watching this eclipse will be an exciting and memorable experience, be sure to protect your eyes and avoid damage to your retina by using ISO 12312-2 solar filters. They are found in special “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. In our latest blog, we share several tips you can take to safely enjoy this rare cosmic phenomenon: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/03/23/protect-your-eyes-as-you-enjoy-the-april-8-great-american-eclipse

We continue to recognize Texas Retina team members who have served our practice for 20 years or more. Today, we are honoring Sally Arceneaux, who joined Texas Retina in 1992, and currently serves as a clinical research coordinator in our Dallas Main office.

Sally says she joined Texas Retina because of its good reputation throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area and the numerous opportunities to learn and advance in her career. Throughout the past 31+ years, she has worked in several capacities for our practice, including as a medical assistant, performing electroretinogram testing (ERG), conducting visual field tests, as an ultrasonographer, in visual acuity for the research team, and now as a clinical research coordinator, which she says is her true passion:

“For many years, I have worked in the Clinical Research Department and have seen it grow. Clinical research has been very exciting and rewarding to me, especially witnessing the new technology and treatments that have received FDA approval. I love my patients and seeing the changes these new treatments have made in their lives for the better! I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to grow and learn. I love working with our doctors who are so intelligent and passionate about their work and the care they give all our patients.”

Thank you, Sally, for more than 31 years of service to the Texas Retina family. This is an incredible achievement, and we are so grateful for you!

We are continuing to celebrate our team members who have been a part of the Texas Retina family for 20 years or more. Today we recognize Senior Surgical Technologist Jose J. Guzman for 32 years of service. He joined Texas Retina in 1992 and helps care for our surgical patients in Dallas.

Jose was working for Presbyterian Hospital when he was called in to help start a case for Texas Retina founder Albert Vaiser, MD, because a nurse was running late. A few months later, another nurse encouraged Jose to join the practice and take on the challenge of learning and assisting with retina cases. He accepted and began his long career with our practice.

Retina surgical equipment and technology has continued to evolve over the years, and Jose likes working alongside the physicians and learning the new techniques and methods.

“The most important thing for me is the doctors,” shares Jose. “I enjoy working with them and the way Texas Retina feels like family. I was privileged to work with the founders of the practice — Dr. Vaiser, Dr. Snyder, Dr. Hutton, Dr. Dwain Fuller, Dr. Spencer and Dr. Jost. They taught me retina surgery and challenged me to be the best. And I continue to learn from the new generation of physicians who serve our practice today. I’m proud of all of them and so grateful for the opportunity to work with this group.”

Thank you, Jose, for more than 32 years of service to Texas Retina’s physicians and patients. Your long career has been a significant achievement, and we are so grateful for you!

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 2,000 workers sustain job-related eye injuries each day. An injury that penetrates the eye can cause severe problems, including retinal detachment, infection and vision loss.

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and at Texas Retina Associates, we want to remind you to wear safety glasses any time that you are doing something that could cause an object or substance to fly into your eye.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://www.texasretina.com/2024/03/12/protect-your-eyes-at-work