Duke Eye Center: Making a Difference in Forsyth County

BY KATIE MARSH

Since being founded in 1925, Duke University School of Medicine has been leading the nation in cutting-edge medical research and patient care. Though it is the youngest of the nation’s leading medical enterprises, Duke Health has grown into one of the country’s largest clinical and biomedical research institutions. The long-standing reputation of Duke Health, including decades of accolades and respect from the international medical community, patients have traveled to Duke both nationally and internationally, for their noted care and service.

As a part of the Duke health system, Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem is an extension of the high standard of excellence that is synonymous with the Duke name. Winston-Salem is home to one of the satellite offices within the state. For twenty years, Forsyth County residents have been able to access exceptional eye care and recently expanded to include pediatric eye care that extends care for the entire family.

Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem is comprised of nine eye doctors – experts in many common and not-so-common conditions such as, corneal disease, cataract surgery, comprehensive eye care, dry eye, eye lid lifts, facial rejuvenation, glaucoma, laser vision correction, and pediatric eye care. The expert eye doctors are also Duke University School of Medicine faculty members. “Our faculty have access to the latest in research, education and ophthalmic care,” shared Carol Ziel, MD, glaucoma and cataract specialist, and medical director for Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem. “Because we are a medical practice with university ties, our doctors are equipped and trained in the most advanced innovations in vision science.”

“Our practice has worked hard to offer comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of everyone in the family – at any age.”

Corneal Disease, Cataracts and LASIK

Corneal disease can severely affect your vision if not treated promptly and effectively. Many patients come to Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem for treatment of corneal disease and cataracts. A common issue for people over 50, cataracts are the most prevailing cause of vision loss and the primary cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens and the condition is treatable with a quick outpatient procedure. Many patients experience little to no pain and rapid recovery.

Duke corneal specialists provide treatment for a variety of corneal diseases, including corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs’ dystrophy; corneal inflammation, scarring, and ulcers; dry eye; and keratoconus. If your condition has progressed to the point where you need corneal transplant surgery, we offer both full- and partial-thickness corneal transplants as well as artificial cornea placement.

Corneal eye surgeons also provide laser vision correction such as LASIK, PRK, and Duke eye surgeons correct your vision to 20/20 or better using LASIK and other refractive procedures to correct; nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which is blurry vision due to a misshaped cornea.

“We have highly experienced cornea surgeons who offer a wide range of procedures to improve vision for patients with corneal disease and cataracts, utilizing the most advanced surgical procedures to make the process less invasive and expedite the healing process,” said Dr. Ziel.

Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem corneal surgeons include Terry M. Semchyshyn and Kenneth Weinlander, MD. Glaucoma providers also offer cataract surgery, Jiaxi Ding, MD, Frank Moya, MD, and Carol J. Ziel, MD.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem specialists have advanced training in managing all types of glaucoma, including open-angle, narrow-angle (also known as closed-angle), and neovascular glaucoma — which may affect people with diabetes. Cataracts are common in patients with glaucoma and glaucoma specialists also trained to perform cataract surgery.

Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem’s glaucoma experts use the latest diagnostic advances and are skilled in advanced laser and surgical procedures to slow glaucoma progression. We routinely provide care for people who are at high risk for glaucoma, have been diagnosed with glaucoma, or haven’t had success with glaucoma treatments. Our goal is to lower your eye pressure, minimize the damage to your optic nerve, and preserve your vision.

“At Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem, we have three providers who specialize in glaucoma treatment, offering medical management and minimally invasive surgical treatment,” said Dr. Ziel.

Glaucoma specialists include Jiaxi Ding, MD, Frank Moya, MD, and Carol Ziel, MD, who also perform cataract surgery.

Eye Lid, Orbit, and Facial Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Surgery

Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, MD, or “Dr. Rosh” is a fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon at Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem. “Dr. Rosh recently completed a highly specialized fellowship at Duke in oculofacial plastic surgery and reconstruction of the eyes and their surrounding structures, including the eyelids, eyelashes, orbit, eye socket, and lacrimal system,” explained Dr. Ziel. Dr. Rosh also performs aesthetic surgery on the skin to improve skin texture and reverse photo-aging with laser skin resurfacing, and minimally invasive anti-aging procedures for facial rejuvenation such as injectable fillers and neurotoxins.

Faramarz Hidaji, MD, has many years of experience in oculofacial plastic surgery treatments for eyelids and orbit.

Comprehensive Eye Care

Dilated eye exams and advanced imaging help eye doctors diagnose and manage eye disease. At Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem, you will receive prompt, effective treatment to halt or slow the progression of eye diseases.

Pediatric Eye Care and Misalignment of the Eyes

Faramarz Hidaji, MD, is a fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist and specializes in eye movement disorders, including double vision, shaky vision, crossed eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). Dr. Hidaji treats people of all ages who have eye movement disorders by identifying the cause and helping patients receive the most effective treatment. He also treats pediatric tear duct obstruction and other eye issues in children.

“One of the pediatric conditions Dr. Hidaji specializes in is misalignment to the eyes,” explained Dr. Ziel. “This is a common issue where a child or adult’s eyes either turn in or turn out. Dr. Hidaji has had tremendous success correcting such issues through either glasses or in more severe cases, outpatient surgery. “

The Experience

Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem is centrally located off of Hanes Mall Boulevard, making it a convenient location for patients and families. Because of their commitment to applying the latest and most innovative technology in ophthalmology, the equipment is second to none, offering patients the most up to date methods for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or JCAHO. This certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of safety and quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting rigorous performance standards and indicates healthcare excellence.

“I am proud that our clinic is a regional center of excellence in safety, quality, technology, and patient care,” said Dr. Ziel, “Our patients enjoy the comfort of our new, relaxing office where we have created an environment designed with our patients in mind – to make them feel comfortable when they visit us.”

The Future of Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem

“The practice is now nine-providers strong,” shared Dr. Ziel. “We recently added to the team in our ongoing effort to meet the needs of patients in Forsyth and surrounding communities, and support the tremendous growth that is happening in the region.

The eye care team at Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem is committed to providing top-notch, individualized care, and helping patients and families of Forsyth County see their very best. Additionally, Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem accepts most health insurance plans; you should call your insurance provider if you have questions or would like to confirm coverage.

Duke Eye Center is located at 1340 Creekshire Way, Suite 100 in Winston-Salem. Call the office (336.768.3240) or visit online at DukeHealth.org/Locations/Duke-Eye-Center-of-Winston-Salem. Find them on Facebook (Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem).

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The doctors of Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem:

Dr. Jiaxi Ding – Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist
Dr. Faramarz Hidaji – Pediatric Eye Specialist and Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Frank Moya – Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist
Dr. William Rafferty – Optometrist
Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves – Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Dr. Dianna Seldomridge – Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dr. Terry Semchyshyn – Corneal and Cataract Specialist
Dr. Kenneth Weinlander – Corneal and Cataract Specialist
Dr. Carol Ziel – Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist, Medical Director for Duke Eye Center Winston Salem