fall 2011 | issue 1

a look inside ilumin

iluminotes
Welcome to the first issue of iluminations
the newsletter from your friends at ilumin.
Two years ago, we combined our 70-plus years of expertise because we share a special vision of premier, experiential, holistic eye care for every patient and friend that walks through our doors. As our practice grows and our vision becomes more and more of a reality, we wanted to put together a brief publication a couple of times a year to give you an inside look at the ilumin world. Our culture is completely centered around our patients. We love coming to work, and we want our ilumin home to feel like a second home to you, too. In each issue, well explore our procedures and innovations in eye care that impact many of you in our ilumin circle. Well take a look into the lives of the dedicated physicians and staff members who you come to know as they walk you through every step of the ilumin experience. Well also look at the beauty of our art collection because, well, what better reason to take care of your eyes than to experience stunning artwork?! We hope you enjoy taking a break from all of the go-go-go in your life to sit down with ilumin for a few minutes and learn a thing or two about what makes us tick, just as you share your life with us during every visit. When youre done, wed love your input for future issues and the overall ilumin experience because were always listening and always looking ahead! Sincerely, Dr. Arkfeld, Dr. Parson, and Dr. Goldstein

iluminart

Those who have visited the offices know that celebrating vision is an ilumin passion. Although our office design is not dictated by our art collection, we feel that it greatly enhances the feeling of our space from the mobiles and two-dimensional pieces in each exam room, to the digital imagery in the waiting areas, said Dr. Arkfeld. All three doctors are enjoying gradually adding pieces, especially by supporting regional artists like Karen Kunc a Nebraska printmaker whose work was among the first displayed at ilumin. It is a spectacular, inviting space and my work has such a presence there, said Kunc. Its truly the ideal way to see it. Recognizing that Kuncs work is exhibited around the world, this is quite a testament! She is flattered to be featured so prominently in the collection, and delighted that the ilumin practice values sensuous visuality as much as she does. Kunc believes that she was destined to be a printmaker probably similar to the way the doctors feel about patient care because of the many possibilities in the woodcut printing process, which combines imaginative spontaneity with the repetitive sequence of layering colors in different media.

Kunc interprets landscapes and her natural surroundings to comment on larger themes such as endurance, vulnerability and growth. She gets inspired by nature and science, spirituality, historical and contemporary art icons, and imagined narratives that visually echo the values ilumin has for both medical science and interpersonal relationships.

Kunc is based in Nebraska and works here much of the time, but is inspired by her biannual residencies in Italy and other destinations, too. All of my work has a continuity and some common denominator, but a new location does give you an eye-opening awareness of your surroundings, in the way light and colors reveal themselves, she said. To learn more about Karen and her work, visit her website at karen-kunc.com.

iluminsights

laser sharp

focus
The board-certified ilumin physicians are able to provide first-class medical and surgical eye care which touches a great number of patients. Surgical ophthalmology sounds intimidating, but the laser procedures done at ilumin are very common and, because they are performed by dedicated practitioners, are as quick and painless as can be. Laser treatments are among the procedures most often performed in the office by Doctors Arkfeld, Goldstein and Parson. Dr. Arkfeld and Dr. Parson also perform retinal and cataract surgery, usually at Nebraska Methodist Hospital. Dr. Arkfeld says that it reassures some of his patients to think of laser treatment like they would a routine dental exam: One may occasionally feel the laser a little bit in spite of the anesthetic drops, but, for the most part, just see a brief, bright flash of light. Once the procedure is done, patients leave without needing any patching, restrictions or pain medications. The laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) was first introduced in the 1960s and years of studies have led to exceptional breakthroughs to perfect the technology. Two premier lasers, both state-of-the-art at their time

of purchase in 2010, are used at ilumin. The PASCAL laser is used for all retinal treatments, while the YAG laser is used for patients with glaucoma or postcataract surgery. Retinal issues are more likely with advancing age and, therefore usually treated in adults. PASCAL lasers are used primarily in three cases: Diabetics can develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy wherein new blood vessels form in the back part of the eye and create floating spots that cause blurred vision. The laser is used to control those weak, abnormal vessels.

laser profiles
Occasionally, other vascular diseases cause blood vessels to be partially-blocked. In those cases, the laser works like a spot-welder to decrease any leakage that results in discomfort and/or blurred vision. If a traumatic or non-traumatic incident takes place and a retinal tear is found, the laser works to seal the hole and prevent retinal detachment for patients of any age. The PASCAL laser is unique because it speeds up the retinal laser treatment in a big way. With a standard laser, patients used to endure labor-intensive treatments, sometimes over several visits, to receive hundreds of individual spots of light treatment. Fortunately, this new technology allows the ophthalmologist to precisely create a thorough grid of treatment laying up to 25 spots of light treatment at once, in only a few seconds, using minimal power. Now, ilumin patients have a greater sense of ease during the process, and are on their way to recovery within several minutes. The other two most frequent procedures treated with the YAG ophthalmic laser: Months or even years after cataract surgery, some patients develop cloudiness behind the lens that was surgically implanted when the cataract was removed. In such cases, a capsulotomy is performed by using the cold laser to create a small opening in the visionobstructing film, disintegrate the layer, and make it easier for them to see. In glaucoma patients, the laser can be used to lower pressure by stimulating drainage of fluid within the eye. In each instance, the doctors skill with these two top-ofthe-line ophthalmic lasers improves time and cost efficiency, optimizes patient convenience and comfort, and greatly reduces risks potentially associated with surgical procedures. The attentive staff at ilumin truly believe that knowledge is power and are always more than happy to walk patients through treatments, listen to questions, and explain exactly what is taking place so that there is no cause for anxiety.

Nidek Ophthalmic YAG Laser System YC-1800 The 3Hz firing rate is the fastest available. Dual beams enable work 360 around the eyes periphery. A unique joystick permits easier operations.

OptiMedica PASCAL Photocoagulator An intuitive touchscreen user interface allows for optimal precision and safety. A pattern-scanning system makes single spot or gridded spot (up to 5 x 5) treatment equally simple.

iluminus

eye2eye
dr. michael l. goldstein
in the blink of an eye...
education: University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, B.A., Chemistry. Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine, M.D. aspiration: raft the Grand Canyon first real job: Peony Park amusement park

physicianprofile
As a boy, Michael Goldstein visited the eye doctor more than most, which, although he wanted to grow up to be a famous astronaut, explains his career choice. He spent his childhood in Omaha and (after jetting off to California for college and graduate school) has been practicing ophthalmology and raising his family here for 21 years. Dr. Goldstein has always been interested in science. He discovered during medical school at the University of Nebraska that he much prefers the one-on-one patient contact he is able to achieve as an ophthalmologist to working in a less personal hospital setting.

This dedication to and genuine caring for patients, paired with an analytical nature, are Dr. Goldsteins greatest strengths; which he says work very well in tandem with his partners voice of reason (Dr. Arkfeld) and emotional sensitivity (Dr. Parson). All three ilumin physicians feel passionate about the patientoriented philosophy of their practice. Dr. Goldstein is proud of their office space and their staff, who all care about the patients on a personal level as much as he and his partners do.

enjoys the problem-solving aspect to his job, knowing that many optical issues are not necessarily rooted in the eye itself. His technician Wendy said fondly that its known around the office that he is often heard telling patients (as he passes along their new pairs of glasses) to make sure not to throw the old pair away, just in case you drop the new ones to the bottom of the lake. It sounds like Dr. Goldstein may have had an interesting summertime mishap as a young kid, doesnt it? One thing is certain: Dr. Goldstein puts a heartfelt, personal touch into all of his interactions with patients.

On a typical day, Dr. Goldstein drives the school carpool for his three children (ages 14, 12 I like to share a bit of myself, and 12), and is in the office to he said. Its easy to find a good see his first patient by 8 a.m. He doctor, but more difficult to find sees a range of patients including one to whom you can really relate. those with cataract, glaucoma and diabetes. He very much
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staffprofile wendy welch, technician

Many might get sick of their jobs after 24 years, but Wendy is definitely not one of those people. Shes as in love with being a technician today as she was the day she started with the ilumin physicians, and one can see it in everything she does. As a child, she watched the nurses at her pediatricians office care for patients and she said, Dad, I want to help people like that. Now, she does that type of nurturing upwards of 30 times a day. That being said, Wendy didnt always know she wanted to work in eye care. After the first of her two daughters was born, she worked in the cafeteria at Lutheran Hospital and gradually worked her way into the health field. Wendy adores ilumins dedication to making things comfortable for the patients as well as the staff. She is partial to the homey, warming allure of the practices Regency location. With a personal motto to care for patients as if they are her own family, she is exceptional at making people feel like they are the only ones in the whole world. Its no surprise that being treated like Wendys family is such a treat. Her favorite thing to do outside of work is play with her grandchildren. (She has five, and one great grandson on the way!)

in the blink of an eye...

indulgence: would eat hot fudge sundaes every day if she could aspiration: tour Paris one day favorite color: yellow

illuminate us
We want to know what during your next you think! At ilumin, we appointment. We truly aspire to offer you hope you share your the best experience impressions of ilumin and eye care possible. with your friends and iluminations gives us loved ones, as well. an opportunity to tell you more about us, but P.S. It would be a great we want to hear from help to us to have your you be it about this email address on file. issue of the newsletter Were pleased to keep (the things you like; the mailing iluminations things you didnt like; to you if you like, but and the things youd if you would rather like to see in the future) go green, you may or about your visits to opt for the paperless the ilumin office. Please newsletter. Please visit visit our website to share ilumineyes.com/news. feedback, or talk to us
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iluminillusion
Of course were serious about your healthcare here at ilumin, but that doesnt mean we dont like to have fun, too!

Are the tubular poles diverging at the top (where the signposts are fixed)? No, they are straight and parallel!

Gianni A. Sarcone, www.archimedes-lab.org

fall 2011 | issue 1

in this issue:
iluminotes
a word from drs. arkfeld, parson & goldstein

iluminart iluminsights
laser procedure feature

iluminus

physician profile: dr. michael goldstein staff profile: wendy welch

iluminate us

share your feedback

iluminillusion

diabetic eye care retinal + vitreous disorders macular degeneration therapy cornea surgery cataract surgery routine eye exams medical + surgical eye care, including laser treatment specialties
16820 frances street, suite 100 omaha, ne 68130