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Orbital Disease Center
The Orbital Disease Center, under the direction of
Dr. Robert Alan Goldberg, was founded in 1991.
The Center brings multidisciplinary expertise to the
treatment and study of orbital diseases arising from
trauma, cancer, inflammation, and infection. Care is
organized around a team of experts in ophthalmology,
neuroradiology, neurosurgery, head and neck surgery,
radiation oncology, and craniofacial surgery, bringing
to the treatment of orbital diseases a depth of knowl-
edge and experience not available elsewhere in
Southern California.
The Center provides both medical and surgical management
of orbital diseases; however, surgery is the primary
treatment approach. The team performs procedures in
the Institute’s modern operating rooms that are not
usually available in the community, including orbital
decompression microsurgery for orbital apical tumors,
optic canal decompression, and bony reconstruction
to address traumatic or congenital defects. The Center
has an active program on Graves disease. New surgical
techniques are evaluated for Graves patients and basic
science research is carried out to advance understanding
about the disease.
Vision Genetics Center
Initially established in 1978 as the UCLA Retinitis
Pigmentosa Registry, the Vision Genetics Center, under
the direction of Dr. Michael B. Gorin, is an integrated
clinical and research program that addresses the full
spectrum of hereditary eye disorders. Center members,
representing multiple disciplines, combine their efforts
to understand the underlying molecular basis of a broad
range of ocular conditions, including those involving
the development of the eye, cornea, lens, extraocular
muscles, retina, vitreous, and optic nerve. Areas of
interest include both simple inherited conditions caused
by alterations in single genes, as well as conditions in
which multiple genetic variations and other risk factors
play a role.
The Center offers patients and their family members
state-of-the art diagnosis and care of the hereditary eye
or vision condition. Services include genetic counseling
and, when appropriate, DNA testing either as a clinical
diagnostic service, a research program, or in combination.
The Center’s faculty members collaborate with a
number of genetic research groups around the world
to ensure that patients can participate in the most
advanced research for their particular condition.
Vision Rehabilitation Center
The Vision Rehabilitation Center is under the direction
of Dr. Melissa W. Chun with Dr. Steven D. Schwartz as
medical advisor. The Center was established to provide
rehabilitation to maximize visual function and quality of
life of patients with low vision, defined as best corrected
vision of 20/70 or worse in the better eye. These
outcomes are accomplished with a rehabilitation plan
tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals.
The Center provides assistance in the form of patient
consultation and training, including reading and computer
training, as well as evaluation with the latest
low-vision devices that can help patients adapt to their
visual restrictions. The Center utilizes a wide array of
technologically advanced devices, such as magnifiers,
telescopes, and digital and computer technology.
Customized for each patient’s individual needs, ser-
vices may range from simple solutions to specialized
approaches. One unique feature of the Center is a
special “lending library” of select low-vision devices that
enables patients to try them at home or in the office
prior to purchase. When appropriate, referrals are
provided to assist independent living through occupational
therapy and orientation and mobility training.
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