Students Make SCO History
The first-ever in-vivo Anterior Segment Ophthalmic Laser procedures were recently performed by 4th-year interns in a Southern College of Optometry clinical facility.
While SCO has provided education in these procedures since 2011, under the guidance of faculty member Dr. David Hall, the curriculum underwent two years of enhancement including didactic, laboratory and simulated clinical requirements in preparation for this milestone.
Dr. John Linn, SCO consulting medical faculty member, provided patient care and directly supervised student doctors Brie Hughes, ‘23, performing the first Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Maria Layton ‘23, performing the first YAG Capsulotomy.
The patients undergoing these procedures were cared for in the new Optometric Surgical Service on the lower level of The Eye Center at SCO.
In addition to Dr. David Hall, Drs. Brian Knight, Scott Ensor, and Mary Hoang were other SCO faculty members who helped reach this milestone.