Dr. Alan Carlson Rolls Out 14th Annual VISX Laser Certification Course

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, SEPT. 05, 2011 – Alan Carlson M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the Duke Eye Center and Chief of the Corneal and Refractive Surgery Service, successfully rolled out the 14th annual VISX Laser Certification Course at the Duke Eye Center, in cooperation with the Duke Center for Vision Correction.

This certification course has the distinction of being the longest running in-house program in the country for training and certifying surgeons to perform photorefractive keratectomy (PPK) and LASIK eye surgery.

The yearly certification course begins with a five-hour didactic session that involves the review of over 250 slides, accompanied by in-depth quizzes to help ensure the participants gain a firm understanding of every detail involved. After the lecture session, participants will undergo the extensive “wet lab” experience which helps to impart detailed information on PTK and PRK techniques, along with application of LASIK.

All the procedures and activities in the certification course are performed with strict adherence to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

Dr. Carlson said: “I feel truly privileged to be able to do this; I think this yearly event is part of my calling. I believe it is a responsibility to pass on my knowledge and share my expertise with as many surgeons as I can reach.”

The certification course provides participants with an outstanding opportunity. The chance to obtain special training on the concepts of laser eye surgery from one of the most reputable eye surgeons in the country, using the state of-the-art equipment at the Duke Eye Center in North Carolina.

Dr. Carlson, a leading eye doctor who specializes in laser eye surgery and cataract treatment, is one of the only two surgeons in North and South Carolina qualified to certify other doctors in the field of refractive surgery. He has performed over 46,000 surgical procedures, including 16,000 LASIK eye surgery procedures. With a wealth of experience in this field, he has been recognized as a key opinion leader in cataract surgery, as well as refractive and corneal surgery. This experience led to his selection as one of the top six surgeons among university laser surgeons in the United States, and has precipitated his inclusion in the prestigious Best Doctors 2011 - 2012 awards list.

Dr. Alan Carlson, Professor of Ophthalmology on faculty at the Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina is one of the most well respected ophthalmologists working in the United States. Dr. Carlson has written over 100 articles, book chapters and instructional videos dealing with the treatment and prevention of complications from eye surgery. You may visit www.alancarlsonmd.com, for more information and to schedule a consultation. Dr. Carlson can also be reached at 919-681-4089.