Media Releases

June 1, 2004

MEDIA ADVISORY

International expert to review long-term results of controversial eye surgery in children

Cataracts are a well-known health condition among the elderly population. What most people don't know is that cataracts can also occur at birth. If a child is born with a cataract in one or both eyes, or develops a cataract in early life, the child may develop a severe and permanent loss of vision.

As far back as 1976, Calgary ophthalmologist Dr. Howard Gimbel was one of the pioneers of what was then considered a controversial surgical technique to correct infant cataracts—intra-ocular lens implantation in children. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Gimbel has successfully performed more than 130 pediatric cataract surgeries.

On June 23, 2004, internationally recognized pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Malcolm Ing will be in Calgary to provide an independent clinical assessment of five of Dr. Gimbel's patients, who had surgery in both eyes. These surgeries date back to the 1980s. This assessment will evaluate the success and the long-term benefits of pediatric cataract surgery.

Media are invited to interview Dr. Ing, Dr. Gimbel and the patients and to discuss the study.

Who:	• Dr. Howard Gimbel, Senior Surgeon, Medical Director Gimbel Eye Centre • Dr. Malcolm Ing, pediatric ophthalmologist • Patients who underwent cataract surgery as infants, more than 20 years ago
What:	Interview and photo opportunity
Where:	Gimbel Eye Centre Suite 450, Market Mall Executive Professional Centre 4935-40th Avenue NW Calgary, Alberta
When:	Wednesday, June 23 12:00 pm–1:00 pm

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