VCU news

By Michael Ford and Debra Larkin

Richmond, Va. – A $10 million outpatient surgery center for ophthalmology and otolaryngology, a joint venture of Richmond Eye & Ear Hospital and the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, officially opens Saturday, July 27, at its new location at 8700 Stony Point Parkway.

The Richmond Eye & Ear Surgical Specialty Center, now the largest facility of its kind in the region, is adjacent to the VCU Health System‘s multi-specialty outpatient practice and VCU’s Massey Cancer Center satellite facility.

The state-of-the-art treatment areas are equipped and staffed to offer technologically advanced eye, ear, nose and throat procedures. Leading-edge techniques will be available including refractive surgery, minimally invasive cosmetic surgery and flexible endoscopic sinus surgery, which treats sinus disease without external incisions.

"This partnership brings the best teaching, research and surgical skills together for comprehensive patient care," said VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D. "It’s a wonderful addition that will allow community and university physicians to provide health care services at a suburban location."

The new 25,000-square-foot surgical specialty center has six operating rooms, four of which will be dedicated to ophthalmology and otolaryngology procedures. A 45,000-square-foot medical office building is attached to the surgical center.

"Richmond Eye & Ear Surgical Specialty Center enhances our mission of providing the highest quality health care and preserves the integrity and values that have distinguished Richmond Eye & Ear Hospital for the past 50 years," said Dr. Raymond J. Spence, Jr., chairman, REESSC board of directors.

Richmond Eye & Ear Hospital has moved its entire operation to Stony Point from its Marshall Street site, which was purchased by the VCU Health System.

REEH has been the leading provider of surgical eye care in Central Virginia with a long history of clinical excellence. That expertise now will focus on advanced outpatient services since modern technology now makes it possible to treat most problems of the eyes, ears, nose and throat without lengthy hospitalization.

The new outpatient surgical center is the latest addition to an area that is developing as a major health care delivery site. The VCU Health System’s multi-specialty outpatient center and Massey Cancer Center at Stony Point see more than 100,000 patients annually. VCUHS facilities at Stony Point include an on-site laboratory and 12 specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, radiology and women’s health. VCU’s Massey Cancer opened its $6.6 million, 20,000-square-foot facility in the fall of 2000.

The grand opening celebration will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and feature tours, and several free health screenings for the public including hearing loss, skin cancer and retinal exams. There will also be drawings for complimentary procedures offered by REESSC physicians including a lasik procedure, a botox injection and a facial dermabrasion treatment and consultation.

Visitors may register for several door prizes including bicycles, golf equipment and a color printer.