Retina Associates of Western NY

01/15/2026

Another fantastic Rochester Optometric Society Retina Update in the books! Presentations included "AMD OCT Biomarkers for Progression and Mimicking Diagnoses" by Dr. Jared Ebert, an update on Notal Home OCT and DRCR Retina Network "Protocol AO" by Dr. Edward Hall, "Uveitis Secondary to Checkpoint Inhibitors" by Dr. Angela Bessette, and a case study on "Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Vitreous Floaters" by Dr. Matthew Witmer. It is always a pleasure to catch up with our local optometrists and enjoy an evening of learning and discussion. Thank you to everyone who joined us! A special thank you to ROS President Dr. Emily Gottschalk for her tremendous help coordinating this event!

01/13/2026

RAWNY Image Feature of the Month: Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (PPCNVM) With Tracking Subretinal Fluid. This interesting set of images shows a PPCNVM with hemorrhage and fluid at the edge of the optic nerve, with subretinal fluid making it's way into the central macular area. Oftentimes, choroidal neovascular membranes form in the macula, however they can sometimes develop in the peripapillary region. This means they are located near the optic nerve. In this instance, the patient’s vision was severely affected by the accumulation of fluid in the macula, and it was recommended they undergo treatment with anti-VEGF injections. Fortunately, after a series injections, the fluid and hemorrhage cleared and the patient now maintains stable 20/20 vision. At first glance, the fluid presentation on the OCT has a CSR-like (Central Serous Retinopathy) appearance, but additional high magnification angiography and OCTA clearly shows the PPCNVM. Another great example of using multiple imaging modalities to tell the whole story! Photo credit: Kelly Schmelzer

01/08/2026

Update: New conditions have been added to PAF financial assistance for injections!

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01/07/2026

UPDATE: All programs listed below for Medicare/Medicare Advantage copay assistance programs (CDF) are now closed for new applications as of 1/15/26.

📢 Attention Medicare/Medicare Advantage patients!📢

There are currently open funds available through the following assistance programs to help cover the cost of injections:

👁️ The Assistance Fund (TAF) for Macular Degeneration UPDATE AS OF 1/14/25 FUNDS ARE NOW CLOSED.

👁️ Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) for Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) UPDATE AS OF 1/14/25 FUNDS ARE NOW CLOSED for DME AND DR ONLY.

👁️ HealthWell Foundation for Macular Degeneration UPDATE AS OF 1/13/26 FUNDS ARE NOW CLOSED.

If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please reach out to the foundations directly. Contact information can be found on our website on the financial policy page.
retinaassociatesofwny.com/financial-policy

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01/06/2026

Ringing in the new year often means a new insurance card!

Many insurance plans will issue new cards for 2026, so please remember to bring your updated insurance card to your next appointment. This helps us get you checked in faster, keep billing accurate, and focus on what matters — your retina health!

Communication with our front office is key when transitioning into a new insurance plan. If you have any questions or concerns you may reach our billing specialists at 585-442-3411 option 4.

12/30/2025

DYK? High blood pressure can affect your eyes by disrupting normal blood flow to the retina. Managing your blood pressure through simple, healthy changes can prevent serious damage to your overall health, including your vision!

Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year and understand what the numbers mean. Severe high blood pressure combined with symptoms such as chest pain or trouble speaking may be a hypertensive emergency, and you should call 911 immediately.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the RAWNY team!

12/24/2025

Today's Retina Health Tip: Don't let the holiday chaos get in the way of your eye health!

12/22/2025

Please note our special holiday hours. Wishing everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

12/18/2025

Check out the fun from today's ugly holiday sweater party! Congratulations to Millie who won "ugliest sweater" and received a sweet Bills hat as a prize! Happy Holidays from team RAWNY! ❄️❤️

12/16/2025

We are pleased announce we have opened enrollment for DRCR Retina Network's Protocol AP clinical trial for patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). This clinical trial compares medical management to surgical management for PDR. Read more about this trial at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06790784?cond=Proliferative%20Diabetic%20Retinopathy&term=NCT06790784&rank=1

The DRCR Retina Network clinical trials continue to provide an important source of high-quality data to guide treatment of retinal disease. We are proud to partner with this great organization to bring the latest treatment options to our patients.

12/10/2025

RAWNY Image Feature of the Month: Gas Bubble Placement for a Recurrent Retinal Detachment. This patient presented with new fluid under the retina after severe trauma to the eye. A gas bubble was urgently placed in the eye via pneumatic retinopexy, which is an in-office, minimally invasive, treatment for retinal detachment. The gas bubble is used as a tool to hold the retina in place as it heals, and typically last for six to eight weeks. During this time, the bubble appears as a semi-spherical ring that can temporarily affect vision, but will gradually absorb as it is replaced by the eye's natural fluids. These photos show the retina on the day of re-detachment and with the bubble at the 10 day follow up. Gas bubbles are visually interesting on fundus photographs as they often reflect retinal structures. This bubble shows a reflection of the inferior retinal vasculature and mild vitreous hemorrhage. Fortunately the fluid under the retina has resolved and the patient’s vision continues to improve. Photo credit: Karissa Rigby and Kelly Schmelzer