Marc G. Odrich, MD
Associate Professor
We are delighted to share news of the opening of a state-of-the-art refractive facility at the Northridge Medical Park in May 2024. This facility represents a significant enhancement to our capabilities, enabling us to offer cutting-edge refractive surgeries and refractive training locally. With UVA’s wide catchment area and our extensive patient base, many of whom previously had to travel to Richmond for such treatments, the facility dramatically simplifies the care journey. By offering these specialized procedures locally, we not only enhance access to essential care but also significantly reduce the logistical burden on our patients and their families.
Associate Professor Dr. Marc Odrich, whose significant role in the FDA approval process for femto and excimer lasers has been pivotal, established the goal of bringing advanced technologies to UVA Ophthalmology. His expertise and dedication ensured that these sophisticated tools, which allow for highly precise surgeries that improve both safety and outcomes, are now available locally. This development is particularly impactful for our residents, who can train with the most advanced tools available in the field, preparing them to become leaders in our field.
UVA Health LASIK’s philosophy of care, strongly influenced by Dr. Odrich, emphasizes a continuous relationship between the surgeon and patient throughout the treatment process. This model ensures high levels of care continuity and personal attention, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes. It also provides residents with comprehensive exposure to patient management, reinforcing the importance of continuity in clinical practice.
The clinic serves as an educational hub, providing our residents and fellows with invaluable hands-on experience. Trainees are exposed to a broad spectrum of clinical cases and the latest surgical techniques under the mentorship of our skilled faculty. This direct experience is critical for developing a deep understanding of advanced surgical methods and patient care.
Grand Opening of UVA Health LASIK
Looking ahead, we are planning further expansions and technological integrations at UVA Health LASIK to continue enhancing our service capabilities. These advancements will ensure that we remain at the forefront of medical innovation and education.
The meticulous planning behind the clinic’s development highlights our commitment to excellence in patient care and education. Under department and clinical leadership, and with the guidance of our project manager, the design of the center was carefully crafted to accommodate both refractive care as well as other subspecialties. Each exam lane within the facility is fully equipped and our diagnostic suite hosts a variety of instrumentation for testing. The versatile design allows for efficient use of space and resources, essential for meeting the diverse needs of our large patient population in our often-limited clinical spaces.
Careful consideration was given to the scheduling of faculty members from different specialties to optimize daily operations and enhance collaborative care. A master schedule aligns specialty combinations strategically, ensuring efficient clinic operations and smooth patient flow each day. This thoughtful organization not only enhances the center’s functionality but also enriches the learning environment for our residents, exposing them to a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
This project was more than an expansion of services; it underscores our commitment to advancing medical technology and education. We hope that, as members of our UVA Ophthalmology community, you feel a renewed sense of pride in our achievements, knowing that we continue to lead in providing top-tier patient care and education.