CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Eye Disease Expert Dr. Rohit Varma Performs First ClearPath Glaucoma Surgery in L.A.

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Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, a visionary leader in the field of glaucoma and Founding Director of Southern California Eye Institute (Photo: Business Wire)

The ClearPath Implant (New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga) is specifically designed for complex and advanced glaucoma patients. The procedure, called tube-shunt surgery, lowers the pressure inside the eye by placing a flexible tube with an attached silicone plate in the eye to help fluid drain. The new implant is the latest valveless drainage device designed to help surgeons preserve sight in patients whose glaucoma is not controlled by medications or may have had previous surgeries (refractory glaucoma).

A pioneer in new methods to prevent blindness, Dr. Varma has performed thousands of vision-saving procedures. “Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness in the world, and tube-shunt surgery can preserve vision for patients with glaucoma by lowering pressure in the eye,” Dr. Varma said. “At SCEI, we perform state of the art procedures that are at the forefront of eye care. The use of the ClearPath implant is one more example of how our physicians are breaking new ground to provide the most innovative eye care to our patients in L.A.”

An accomplished world-renowned physician-scientist, Varma is recognized as a visionary leader in the field of glaucoma. He is an expert on optic nerve changes in glaucoma and is also studying new imaging techniques in the early diagnosis and novel therapies for the treatment of this progressive disease. Recently, Varma has been involved in the use of large databases and artificial intelligence in the detection and monitoring of disease and the development of implantable intraocular pressure sensors and drainage devices. Dr. Varma has authored or co-authored more than 300 journal articles in peer-reviewed journals and edited or authored three books. He served on the National Academy of Medicine’s Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity and on the board of the Scientific Counselors of the National Eye Institute.

About Southern California Eye Institute

Southern California Eye Institute is dedicated to providing the highest level of vision care, using the latest technology and treatments to deliver the best outcome to patients in Los Angeles and from around the world. The institute’s expert physician-scientists are advancing innovations in stem cell and regenerative therapies, artificial intelligence and bioelectronic implants to further the prevention, early detection and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. Founded by world-renowned ophthalmologist Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, SCEI is located in Los Angeles at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. For more information, visit www.sceyes.org.

About CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center

CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (CHA HPMC) is a nationally recognized acute care facility that has cared for Hollywood and its surrounding communities since 1924. Today, CHA HPMC offers comprehensive health care services with a 434-bed acute care facility, including 89 skilled nursing beds. The hospital has a medical staff of more than 500 physicians and specialists, representing 69 specialties and 75 different countries. CHA HPMC embraces the area’s diverse, multicultural patient populations by providing all who walk through its doors quality care in a compassionate manner. It is a member of CHA Health Systems, a dynamic global healthcare organization that provides a full spectrum of services in seven countries around the world, including 25 hospitals and clinics, 30 research and 14 education institutions and 30 bio/pharmaceutical/healthcare companies. For more information, visit www.hollywoodpresbyterian.com/.

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