ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, has become the first hospital in the state to use the Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS), a new surgical platform that combines cataract and retina surgery capabilities. Dr. Ann Ostrovsky, Chief of Ophthalmology Services at ECU Health, led the hospital’s initial procedures with this system.
Dr. Ostrovsky explained that adopting advanced surgical technology is important for serving patients in eastern North Carolina. She said, “As a physician serving eastern North Carolina, it is imperative that we integrate the most advanced surgical technologies into our local care delivery. This technology allows us to offer high-precision ophthalmic procedures, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances. By improving intraoperative stability and reducing energy delivery to ocular tissues, we are enhancing both safety and recovery outcomes while maintaining access to high-quality care close to home.”
The UNITY VCS improves eye stability during surgery, lowers intraocular pressure, and reduces energy used inside the eye. According to Dr. Ostrovsky, these features result in shorter surgeries, less invasive procedures, and faster visual recovery for cataract and retinal patients. She noted that many cataract surgery patients now achieve good vision as soon as one day after their operation—a significant improvement over previous standards.
The new system will also be used by Dr. Peter Jones, ECU Health’s recently appointed vitreoretinal surgeon, who will treat complex retinal conditions such as diabetic and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.
Brian Floyd, chief operating officer of ECU Health, said: “This milestone reflects ECU Health’s deep commitment to bringing cutting-edge care to the communities we serve. Innovative technologies allow us to deliver world-class treatment without requiring patients to travel far from home. ECU Health is meeting people where they are and ensuring that rural eastern North Carolina has access to high-quality care close to home.”
