History of Laser Vision Correction in Hampton Roads

Did you know that Dr. Samuel Garrett was instrumental in bringing the first excimer laser to Hampton Roads in 1995?

At that time, he was one of a handful of eye surgeons in Southeast Virginia performing refractive surgery.  The procedures at that time included refractive keratotomy (RK), astigmatic keratotomy (AK) and automated lamellar keratectomy (ALK).  These were mostly manual techniques, with all surgeons awaiting the promise of a more automated and reproducible technique.

With the impending FDA approval of the first two excimer laser systems, Visx and Summit, Dr. Garrett organized a series of meetings with other eye surgeons and industry representatives which resulted in the creation of the first excimer laser center in Southeast Virginia, The Laser Optic Center (TLOC). This center brought together 23 ophthalmologists and 6 area hospitals as partners in this center (an amazing feat considering the fierce local competition), with Dr. Garrett as the first Medical Director.  He performed PRK on the first day that this procedure was performed in Hampton Roads and performed LASIK again on the inaugural day for this procedure as well.  TLOC was very successful for many years until competition between eye surgeons resulted in most surgeons obtaining their own laser within their respective practices.  The center was a great model of collaboration between competing physicians and competing hospitals/health systems.