NEWS

AEA 2010 News & Events

AUGUST 2010 - Jeffrey Goldstein, M.D., of Asheville Eye Associates, has provided a Patron Sponsorship for The Beauty Ball 2010, an annual fundraising event which supports Beauty Through Cancer in WNC.  Beauty through Cancer, a WNC charitable organization which works directly with cancer patients, family, caregivers and survivors, focuses on helping women through the realities of cancer treatment and how it affects how they perceive themselves.

 On Friday, October 1, 2010 the Biltmore DoubleTree Hotel will host this elegant evening featuring a fashion show, dance performances by Terpsicorps, live music by Asheville’s own “Trainwreks” ,  award presentation and both a live and silent auction.    Master of Ceremonies will be Emmy award nominated actor David Forsyth and Special Guest will be Louan Gideon.

Tickets for the event are $100.00 each and may be purchased by calling (828)252-8558 or visit www.thebeautyball.org

JULY 2010 - Cameron Stone, MD, of Asheville Eye Associates (Western Carolina Retinal Associates Division) was recently interviewed by David Hurand for Western North Carolina’s Public Radio Station WCQS 88.1FM.  Dr. Stone discussed Age Related Macular Degeneration during the 30-minute program segment, which aired July 27, 2010 at 6:00pm.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision.  Central vision is needed for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.  AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 50 years and older.  The greatest risk factor for the disease is age.

Dr. Stone specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the vitreous and retina including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears and detachments.  He is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and completed a vitreo-retinal Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.  He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Dr. Stone joined Western Carolina Retinal Associates in 2001.

Click here to hear Dr. Stone’s on-air discussion and learn more about this disease, which affects  1 in 6 Americans between the ages of 55 and 64, and 1 in 4 Americans between 64 and 74.

JUNE 2010 – Asheville Eye Associates is proud to have been named Best Family Eye Doctor by over 700 Readers of WNC Parent Magazine.   The award is part of WNCParent Magazine’s annual “Best In Town” Family Choice Awards, which recognizes Asheville’s most family friendly businesses and organizations.

JUNE 2010 – Julie E. Tullock, O. D, assisted the Western North Carolina Lion’s Club by providing vision screening services at their “Eye bus” located on Patton Avenue.  The “Eye Bus” is a service operated by the Lion’s Club which travels throughout Western North Carolina visiting various communities and offering free vision screenings to all individuals.



MAY 2010 - Thomas John Turrentine, IV, O.D., formerly of WNC Eye Care, PA, has joined Asheville Eye Associates.  A licensed optometrist, Dr. Turrentine practiced in Sylva from 1975 to 1989 in private practice, and with WNC Eye Care,PA  from 1991 to 2010.  He received his Optometry degree in 1974 from the University of Alabama -Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama.  His past experience also includes positions as Assistant Clinical Professor for Low Vision Rehabilitation(Helen Keller School for the Blind), Director Low Vision Evaluation and Rehabilitation( Atlanta Area Services for the Blind), and Clinical Associate Vision Evaluation (Boshell Diabetes Hospital and Vision Clinic.  Dr. Turrentine will see patients in Asheville Eye’s Sylva office.



MAY 2010 - AEA’s Franklin team has been busy supporting their local community with service events.  On May 21, the team hosted a free glaucoma screening at Ingles markets in Franklin.  Thanks to Kayla Duvall and team for planning and staffing this event for Franklin residents.  Also, on Saturday, June 5th Asheville Eye Associates participated in a fundraiser which benefitted Hospice House Foundation of WNC, Inc in Franklin.  AEA was one of many sponsors of the 2nd Annual Cut-a-Thon, held at Serendipity Salon & Spa with area hair stylists and other vendors donating their fees.  The event also included music and entertainment throughout the day and proceeds will help endow an Inpatient Hospice Facility for Franklin.  Congratulations to our Franklin team for their hard work and community spirit!

MAY 2010 – Dale Garland, OD, has joined Asheville Eye Associates. Dale Garland, O.D. recently joined Asheville Eye Associates and will see patients at AEA’s new Bryson City location (formerly the office of WNC Eye Care Associates, P.A.).  

A native of Robbinsville, North Carolina, Dr. Garland established his private solo optometric practice, Vision Health Optometry, P.A., in Andrews, NC in 1979, which he operated until 1999, when he sold the practice to Andrews Family Eye Care.  Dr. Garland’s extensive optometric experience also includes  service with Sears Optical, Biltmore Vision Center, J.C. Penney Optical, The Focus Group, Wal-Mart Vision Center and Sam’s Club in Asheville during the past 10 years.  

Dr. Garland received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University in 1979.  He earned an AS degree from State University of New York (SUNY) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shaw University in 1979.  He has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry since 1985.  

 
In 2009, the rate for ROP at Mission Hospital was 1.4%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 7.6%.  Each year about 28,000 babies are born in the US; approximately 400-600 of those infants become legally blind from ROP (for example, Musician Stevie Wonder has the disease).
Since ROP can develop over time, a series of appointments to monitor the premature infants’ eyes during the first year of life are critical to their long-term eye health.  “Quote from Dr. Bashinsky importance of follow-up and value of team” Hannah Barlow, head technician for Dr. Bashinsky’s clinic said “It is very rewarding and a great pleasure to work with Dr. Bashinsky and the premature babies…She treats each family with the utmost respect, and makes sure they are fully aware of the importance of the ROP exams.  She leaves each patient and family with the understanding that their child will be given the best eye care possible.”
 
Team member Pam Birt agreed, “I am honored to work with Dr. Bashinsky.  It is gratifying to know that we are participating in the care of these children and helping ensure they have the best care possible,” she said.  The babies and families warm the technicians’ hearts as well:  “I really like working with the kids-they kind of melted my heart,” said Yulia Thomas.  “It’s very rewarding to see these babies when they’re tiny and see them a year later when they’ve grown so much and doing well.  You also kind of bond with the moms,” she said. 

APRIL 2010 - Robert E. Wiggins, Jr., MD, was named Secretary-Treasurer of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and to a three-year term on the board of directors at the Association’s annual meeting recently held in Orlando, FL.  The organization’s goals are to advance the quality of children’s eye care, support the training of pediatric ophthalmologists, support research activities in pediatric ophthalmology, and advance the care of adults with strabismus.  A board certified ophthalmologist with Fellowship training in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Dr. Wiggins has practiced at Asheville Eye Associates since 1991.


 
April 2010 – Jeffery B. Goldstein, M.D. & Asheville Eye Associates is proud to help sponsor the Asheville Jewish Community Center’s Third Annual Falafel 5k and Camp Rauch Kids Fun Run held April 18th, 2010. Proceeds from the event benefit Asheville Jewish Community Center’s scholarships fund.  The AEA team members included (L-R) Shari Schlernitzauer, Denise Fridi, Susie Winterling, Katy Farlow, Andrea Menzel, and John Fridl.

APRIL 2009 - Richard R. Beauchemin, Jr., M.D. has joined Asheville Eye Associates.  Dr. Beauchemin is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the eye, including cataracts, intraocular lens implants and laser surgery.  He will see patients at Asheville Eye Associates’ new offices in Sylva and Bryson City (formerly the offices of WNC Eye Care, PA ).

Prior to joining Asheville Eye Associates, Dr. Beauchemin was in private practice in Sylva , where he established his practice, WNC Eye Care, P.A., in Ophthalmology in 1989.  He has also practiced in Franklin, NC and Bryson City, NC for several years.

Dr. Beauchemin graduated from Loyola College where he earned his B.S. degree and membership in TriBeta Honor Society.  Dr. Beauchemin completed his Masters of Science degree at University of Maryland Graduate School, and his Medical Degree at University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he was president of his Medical School class.   He also received the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Service Award.  Dr. Beauchemin completed his internship in General Surgery and his residency in Ophthalmology at The Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Beauchemin is Board Certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.  

APRIL 2010 – Asheville Eye Associates sponsored an exhibit booth at the Franklin Senior Expo and Health Fair held April 29 at the Macon County Facilities building.  AEA conducted free glaucoma screenings for seniors.  The event featured free health screenings and seminars, entertainment and refreshments for Macon County Seniors, and was the kick-off event for the 2010 Senior Games of Macon County.  The county has the largest senior population per capita in the state.

March 2010 - Alice L. Bashinsky, M.D., AEA Pediatric Ophthalmologist , recently appeared in a WLOS-13 TV “Health Alert” which featured medical treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity at Mission Hospital.  WLOS-13 reporter Jay Siltzer’s segment aired in March and included Dr. Bashinsky in the story on ROP, an eye disease that can lead to retinal detachment and blindness in babies born prematurely.  ROP can be mild and may resolve on its own, but it can lead to blindness in serious cases.  All preterm babies are at risk for ROP, and very low birth weight is also a risk factor.  Dr. Bashinsky performs all ROP examinations at Mission Hospital, and continues the neonates’ care after discharge from Mission Hospital in her AEA clinic.

In 2009, the rate for ROP at Mission Hospital was 1.4%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 7.6%.  Each year about 28,000 babies are born in the US; approximately 400-600 of those infants become legally blind from ROP (for example, Musician Stevie Wonder has the disease).
Since ROP can develop over time, a series of appointments to monitor the premature infants’ eyes during the first year of life are critical to their long-term eye health.  “Infants commonly leave the NICU while still at risk for development or progression of ROP.  It is extremely important to bridge the gap from the NICU evaluation without missing any examinations,” said Dr. Bashinsky.  “My pediatric eye team is fundamental in this process.  They help me educate parents about the importance of continued follow-up.  They have established a ‘safety net’ for identifying babies who miss appointments, and they work tirelessly to get these babies back in to the office for their exams.”

Hannah Barlow, head technician for Dr. Bashinsky’s clinic said “It is very rewarding and a great pleasure to work with Dr. Bashinsky and the premature babies…She treats each family with the utmost respect, and makes sure they are fully aware of the importance of the ROP exams.  She leaves each patient and family with the understanding that their child will be given the best eye care possible.”

Team member Pam Birt agreed, “I am honored to work with Dr. Bashinsky.  It is gratifying to know that we are participating in the care of these children and helping ensure they have the best care possible,” she said.  The babies and families warm the technicians’ hearts as well:  “I really like working with the kids-they kind of melted my heart,” said Yulia Thomas.  “It’s very rewarding to see these babies when they’re tiny and see them a year later when they’ve grown so much and doing well.  You also kind of bond with the moms,” she said. 

Click to view  "Health Alert" newscast aired on WLOS-13.

FEBRUARY 2010 – The AEA “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” team turned in a winning performance February 20 at Star Lanes Bowling Alley.  Team members included (L-R) Michele Hommes, Sheila Mira, Vickie Camp, Barbara Gee and Sam Searcy.  The event, organized by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Asheville, raised over $38,500 to provide mentors for WNC teens.  Way to go team!

JANUARY 2010 – AEA’s Julie Tullock, O.D. and Lisa Cabe, CMA, performed vision screenings on over 150 attendees at a community health fair held January 17 and 18 at Arden Seventh Day Adventist Church.

JANUARY 2010 – Frank A. Killian, MD and ophthalmic technicians Sheila Mira, COA, Kim Gerra, OA, and Kayla Duval, OA, recently volunteered their services at the Franklin Lions Club’s Vision Screening held at the Franklin Wal-Mart on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.  The group provided vision and glaucoma screening to over 70 local Franklin residents.