News Release: June 10, 1997

Albuquerque, NM -- Last month, Presbyterian opened the Eye Center of Excellence at Presbyterian Northside, 6501 Harper NE. Three eye surgery units consolidated to form the Center which will provide safer and more efficient outpatient surgeries.

"The staff is better trained and is much more efficient at running surgical cases, when they are doing the same procedures all the time. The equipment is very delicate and when you have too many people using the equipment, it's a recipe for disaster. With eye surgeries completed at the same place with the same people, it is safer for the patient," said Peter Beaudette, MD, an ophthalmologist.

Better quality care is hard to identify at times. However, the Eye Center offers several advantages for patients. The specialized medical team will only do eye surgeries.

Therefore, the team is more familiar with the intricate procedures of the eye. The Eye Center can now spend its money on buying advanced equipment for one location rather than equipment for several locations. Patient care will also focus on their individual needs like making sure they have a ride home before hand or gathering all the necessary medical information before the day of surgery. "It's exciting for the team because we're getting new equipment. We are throwing out all the old ways and looking at everything," said Karen Young, Charge Nurse, Eye Center of Excellence.

"Our goal is to be the best Eye Center in the Southwest, said Bob Reel, administrator of the Eye Center. Reel is currently looking at other centers of excellence for Presbyterian such as an ear, nose and throat center and a plastic and cosmetic surgery center.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS), a New Mexico owned nonprofit delivery system, has been providing health care for New Mexicans since 1908. The organization owns, manages, or leases a statewide network of services including hospitals, outpatient centers, a health plan, and physician groups.