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the eye institute of west florida

Research

A Promise for New Ways to Treat Old Problems

Research is an important part of medicine, especially in ophthalmology, a rapidly changing specialty. One of the missions at The Eye Institute of West Florida is to provide the highest possible quality of surgical and non-surgical eye care.  Research done by our physicians brings innovative vision solutions and advanced technologies for the treatment of eye diseases and disorders to our patients.

Closeup of DNA Stains

Leaders in Offering Newest Therapies

Many of our physicians serve as Principal Investigators for studies evaluating the latest treatments for diseases of the eye. The research protocols allow us to provide medication and services to our patients that are not yet available to the general public. Our clinical research program keeps our staff abreast of the latest treatments.

Ophthalmologist Treating a patient

At The Eye Institute of West Florida, we encourage our patients to consider entry into our research program when appropriate.  Patients may qualify for research studies when other standardized treatments have offered no benefit.

Pioneers of Latest Devices and Technologies

The Eye Institute of West Florida founder, Dr. Stephen Weinstock, has led the way in the field of ophthalmology.  He was one of the first to perform the following:

  • Excimer Laser and LASIK Refractive Surgery
  • YAG Laser Use in Ophthalmology
  • No-Stitch, No-Patch Cataract Implant Surgery
  • Multifocal Implant Cataract Surgery

We continue to bring world-class care to Tampa Bay by recruiting physicians trained at top medical colleges and are well-known for excellence in their specialty.

Doctor Giving an Eye Exam

Currently Enrolling Studies

We are currently enrolling in a cataract surgery study with the Light Adjustable Lens from RxSight. This study is being conducted by Dr. Weinstock. Click here for more information regarding the study. Please contact Renee Bondurant at 727-581-8706 Ext 1131 for more information.

Our prior clinical trials have helped in the FDA approvals of medical devices such as 3D-surgical systems, Intraoperative Aberrometry, Monofocal Intraocular Lenses, Toric Intraocular lenses, Multifocal Intraocular lenses, Glaucoma stents, capsular tension rings, collagen crosslinking for keratoconus, and other medical devices used in ocular surgery. We have also participated in many drug trials for post-operative inflammation and pain in ocular surgery, medications for wet macular degeneration, medication for Diabetic Macular Edema, treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome, treatments for Glaucoma, and more.

Our Research Team is dedicated to the development and approval of new devices and medications for the treatment of ocular diseases and improvement of surgical devices in ophthalmology. Our currently enrolling studies include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Ocular Hypertension
  • Cataract Surgery – Intraocular lens Study
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Cataract Surgery – Post Operative Inflammation/Pain Study

We are able to work with other research centers to perform the ophthalmology portion of their study. Please Contact our Clinical Research Department for any questions  or for more information at (727) 581-8706 Ext. 1131.

Teaching Ophthalmologists

The physicians at The Eye Institute of West Florida are proud to host training and education for ophthalmology residents from around the country in partnership with Bausch & Lomb.  Three times a year, residents travel from academic medical centers throughout the nation to spend time watching live surgeries, learning about the latest techniques and collaborating with peers. The Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center is equipped with advanced imaging and technology to facilitate remote viewing.

International Speakers at Ophthalmology Conferences

Our physicians have spoken at hundreds of industry conferences to educate peers on new technologies, best practices in patient care, surgical techniques and latest treatments for eye diseases. Audiences around the world have benefited from our specialists presenting at conferences throughout Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, and North America.  We are proud to participate in educating other ophthalmologists to improve vision outcomes for all patients.

Fellowship Opportunities

The Eye Institute of West Florida offers a fellowship opportunity to one resident each year in the field of ophthalmology. The Weinstock Refractive and Cataract Fellowship is a one-year position designed to prepare and educate an ophthalmologist in all aspects of cataract and refractive surgery, including corneal surgery with our cornea specialists.

Ophthalmologist smiling after surgery

Fellows train under the guidance of Dr. Robert Weinstock, Fellowship Director, and Dr. Neel Desai, Fellowship Co-director. Our Fellowship Coordinator, Krista Hailwood, is available for questions about our program at krista.hailwood@eyespecialist.com.

Since its inception in 2014, our fellowship program has trained ophthalmologists that have joined excellent practices around the country. One of our fellows went on to practice with Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, one of the leading Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in the United States.

To apply for this fellowship opportunity, submit your information to SF Match.

LASIK Self-Test Cataract Self-Test