Marianas Eye Institute chief executive officer Russ Quinn said in a press statement that membership to the ASRS is limited to ophthalmologists who spent major amounts of time dedicated to retinal care and nominations from two members of the society.
“I am pleased that my application to the American Society of Retina Specialists was accepted by the ASRS board of directors,” Khorram said. He added that 50 percent of their work at Marianas Eye Institute is dedicated to the care of patients with diabetic eye disease, which primarily affects the retina.
Khorram’s experience in the field of retina includes publication of various papers in international scientific and medical journals.
His first scientific paper was published during his training at Northwestern University where he, along with his department chairman and vice-chairman described a new retinal disease.
His most recent publication which appeared in Retinal Physician magazine in January was the result of an interview the magazine conducted with him in which he explained Marianas Eye Institute’s protocol to ensure patient safety during a specialized test of the retina called fluorescein angiography.
“It often surprises me that our clinic here on Saipan gets noticed on a national level,” he said.
“It’s nice that the level of care we provide at Marianas Eye Institute is high enough that our opinions are sought by other retina specialists. They want to learn from us, which is humbling,” Khorram added.
ASRS noted in Khorram’s application his role as editor of an online journal, TheRetinaBlog.com which is regularly updated with reviews and summarizes important research as it emerges, a useful source for ophalmologists.
Marianas Eye Institute was also recently welcomed into a network of clinics that has five centers outside the U.S. which conducts clinical research for the treatment of diabetic eye disease.
The network which operates under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health has Khorram as its clinical investigator in searching for ways to improve care for diabetic retinopathy.
“I had two main interests — I wanted to go into academic medicine, but I also wanted to work in an underserved community that needed an ophthalmologist,” he explained.
Khorram did not undertake a vitreo-retinal fellowship but one of the nominating members of ASRS noted that Khorram’s experience in providing retina care exceeds the experience gained by most retina specialists during their fellowship training.
Khorram was fortunate to do his initial training with one of the world’s most respected retina specialists, Dr. Lee Jampol.
Khorram will be lecturing at a conference in Vietnam later this year on diabetic retinopathy.
Hailed as “one of the best-equipped eye clinics in the Asia-Pacific region” by Retinal Physician magazine, Marianas Eye Institute provides complete eye care, including one-hour glasses, contact lens fittings, medical eye care, surgery and laser. Khorram works with Dr. Mark Robertson to provide the highest standards of care.
Marianas Eye Institute is located on Beach Road, Garapan, across from the 13 Fishermen Monument. Call 235-9090 or visit www.MarianasEye.com for more information.
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