Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care First in Minnesota to Offer Avellino-GENE Detection System Test to Protect Patients from Blindness

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care, a leading-edge, full service eye care facility, today announced its partnership with Avellino Lab USA, developer of the only commercial genetic test available worldwide for Avellino Corneal Dystrophy (ACD), a disease that can eventually lead to complete loss of vision. Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care, founded by leading ophthalmologist Dr. David Whiting, has performed more than 95,000 LASIK procedures and is considered unmatched in eye care in the state of Minnesota. Dr. Whiting has assisted in the development of the LASIK technology over the past decade and personally chooses each of the technologies and techniques offered in his facility. Now, Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care will be offering the Avellino-GENE Detection System (AGDS™) Test for its LASIK patients to further increase patient safety and success.

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Avellino Lab USA, a CLIA certified molecular diagnostic testing lab, launched in March 2013 and is based in Menlo Park, California. The AGDS Test was developed to detect ACD, a disease that causes cloudiness, specifically grey-white granular protein deposits on the corneas, which can lead to loss of clear vision. While ACD usually develops slowly, carriers of this genetic mutation are at an extremely high risk of accelerated opacity formations should they undergo vision-correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK. Fortunately, the AGDS Test positively identifies with 100 percent accuracy if a person has the genetic mutation. By doing so, the test reduces the risk of patients with the ACD mutation having post-LASIK vision impairment and increases their confidence that they are avoiding unnecessary harm to their vision. 

"Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care was founded by some of the most experienced individuals in the field of laser vision correction, and we strive to make this life changing experience exceptional, comfortable and personalized for each of our patients," said Dr. Whiting. "As such, we are thrilled to be the first in Minnesota to offer patients the AGDS Test, which adds a level of safety to the LASIK procedure that other laser eye centers in the state cannot offer."

The AGDS Test is easy and safe, involving just a simple mouth swab from a patient's cheek. The sample is then sent to Avellino Lab USA's certified molecular diagnostic testing lab. Within 24 to 48 hours, the results are provided to the Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care physician to share with the patient. Based on a negative result, patients are able to proceed with the planned LASIK procedure with confidence. If an individual is identified as positive for the genetic mutation, he or she will be advised against having LASIK surgery and encouraged to take protective measures, such as minimizing exposure to UV light by wearing appropriate protective lenses to help postpone the progression of ACD symptoms.

"Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care's adoption of the AGDS Test truly emphasizes their continuous commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology to their patients," said Scott Korney, chief operating officer of Avellino Lab USA. "By partnering with respected laser vision clinics like Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care, Avellino Lab USA continues to make eye correction surgery safer for patients throughout the country."

About Whiting Clinic LASIK + Eye Care

Having performed over 95,000 laser vision correction procedures, Dr. Whiting has the high honor of being in the top one percent of LASIK surgeons in the United States. Dr. Whiting has dedicated the majority of his career to the field of laser vision correction and is known as a leader in the industry. He has performed over 95,000 procedures to date, putting him among the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the nation. He is continually recognized for the excellence in care he shows to each of his patients. In 2009, Dr. Whiting was inspired to build Whiting Clinic, a surgeon owned and operated clinic where every vision improving procedure is done to his exacting standards.

About Avellino Lab USA

Avellino Lab USA has developed the first and only commercially available testing system for Avellino Corneal Dystrophy (ACD), also known as Granular Corneal Dystrophy type 2. The company's advanced genetic diagnostics system provides fast, safe and affordable evaluations of an individual's genetic predisposition to ACD. Known as the Avellino-GENE Detection System (AGDS™) Test, Avellino Lab USA is able to positively identify, with 100 percent accuracy, a patient's ACD status. Based on the test's results, patients and their physician can make an informed decision when considering vision correction surgery.

SOURCE Avellino Lab USA