Eye Consultants of Texas announces the establishment of the Dry Eye Institute of North Texas. This affiliate will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes – the inability of the eyes to produce adequate lubrication, or tears. Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of reasons. These can include an imbalance in the composition of a person’s tears or the inability to produce enough tears to keep the eyes comfortably lubricated. Eyelid problems, medications, and other causes, such as environmental factors, can also lead to dry eyes. To learn more about the Dry Eye Institute of North Texas, please call 817-410-2030.        

In 2009, Dr. Labor made his first medical mission to Duhok, Kurdistan in Northern Iraq, to bring advanced ophthalmic technology, equipment and training to residents and doctors greatly in need. He was the first U.S. Ophthalmologist ever to visit this region, and the first Western Ophthalmologist Northern Kurds had seen in more than 15 years. The mission was such a life-changing experience, he has now returned to this war torn region a second time. As part of this second trip, Dr. Labor was invited to be a presenter at the First Annual Joint ICS/Operation Hope & AHPBA Medical Symposium in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. He was one of 10 esteemed surgeons asked to appear at this global event.

As with his first mission, Dr. Labor was examining local residents and performing surgery in a war torn region that has experienced considerable strife for decades. Despite the apparent risks, he was motivated to venture there again. Dr. Labor sums it up this way: “It's so gratifying to apply my profession to genuinely make a difference. An experience like this is a real gut-check, and makes you realize how fortunate you are in ways that are hard to put into words.”

Premier Surgeon is a national publication devoted to providing definitive information for cataract and refractive surgeons across the U.S. Recently, Premier Surgeon recognized Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD as one of the top 250 leading innovators in the field of premium Intraocular Lens surgery. Referred to as “PS250,” this annual list will be published in an early 2012 issue and currently appears on the Premier Surgeon’s website: www.premiersurgeon.com/index.php/ps250/.

This is not the first time Dr. Labor has been recognized for his leading premium lens expertise. He has been among a select few U.S. eye surgeons chosen by Bausch & Lomb as a clinical investigator for the Toric Crystalens astigmatism correcting lens and Crystalens AO. Bausch & Lomb also selected Dr. Labor as a Crystalens panelist at the 2011 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium & Congress.

“Certainly, I’m honored to be named to the PS250 list,” said Dr. Labor. “To me, it says that I’m putting the patient’s best interest first by continually adopting and specializing in the latest technologies, and by caring for their overall wellbeing. This is what makes any recognition so gratifying.”

Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD was recently named "Number One Favorite Ophthalmologist," which is the second year in a row for him to receive such an honor. This was the result of a Reader's Choice survey by Star Community Newspapers, which publishes several local papers in key communities across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Readers were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite across a number of professions. Although these were readers of The Southlake Times, they were able to vote for any ophthalmologist anywhere in the Metroplex. Reader's Choice balloting took place over approximately 8 weeks with readers completing a mail-in survey or voting online.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is one of the top Crystalens® providers in the U.S., and one of the top two in Dallas/Fort Worth. Recently, manufacturer Bausch & Lomb invited Dr. Labor to share his leading Crystalens expertise at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium & Congress, held in San Diego, March 25-29. Dr. Labor was a featured speaker at the Bausch & Lomb booth, and shared his experiences with doctors and other eye care professionals. The three-day event also featured famous actress Florence Henderson, Crystalens spokesperson and Crystalens patient. Dr. Labor and two members of his staff not only got to meet the actress, she generously took the time to pose for several photos. "It was a real treat for all of us to meet her," Dr. Labor said. "That only added to the excitement and appreciation of being invited by Bausch & Lomb to speak at their booth."

An educational article about LASIK by Phillips Kirk Labor, MD appears in the February 2011 issue of Society Life magazine. The article is part of a series titled "The Doctor Is In" and covers several important aspects of LASIK surgery potential patients should consider. For example, Dr. Labor summarizes how LASIK works, and why today's advanced technology is making LASIK more effective. In addition, he talks about why knowledge of new technology is crucial; possible disadvantages of deeply discounted LASIK pricing related to care; and important questions a patient should ask before choosing to have LASIK surgery performed. The article reflects Dr. Labor's philosophy that patient education, doctor expertise and a trusting relationship are key to the best LASIK outcomes. To read the full article, visit Our Blog.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD will appear as a Crystalens guest panelist at Bausch & Lomb’s booth, October 16, 2010 at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference in Chicago. The panel discussion will focus on the total process for a cataract patient, from exam to surgery and post operative expectations, to help practices manage how they care for patients having a Crystalens procedure performed. Dr. Labor is one of only 5 U.S. ophthalmologists selected for this panel due to his Crystalens expertise and success.

“I continue to be greatly honored that Bausch & Lomb considers me so highly,” Dr. Labor said. Bausch & Lomb has previously chosen Dr. Labor among a select group of U.S. ophthalmologists to evaluate other new products, such as the Crystalens AO intraocular lens.

Eye Consultants of Texas is proud to announce it has relocated to 2201 Westgate Plaza in Grapevine, less than one mile from its previous address. The 15,000 square foot facility reflects a milestone for this growing practice, culminating years of planning and construction. It is fully state-of-the-art with 7 exam rooms, and expanded areas for performing advanced LASIK procedures. Designed for efficiency and comfort, it features a unique interior with high ceilings, well-lit areas, and soothing colors. Founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, notes the intent is for patients to feel less like they're in a medical facility. "We wanted to have more open spaces to enhance how patients flow through here in order to create a more positive experience."

Furthering the innovation this practice is known for, the new location will serve as Eye Consultants of Texas' main address, as well as that of the new LoneStar Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Following being named an International College of Surgeons (ICS) Fellow in 2009, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD was officially inducted at a ceremony held May 6, 2010. With him was Gazi Zibari, MD, a friend and ICS Executive Council member (shown at left with Dr. Labor). Dr. Zibari recommended Dr. Labor for this honor, reserved only for physicians with superior credentials and a well-established international reputation. Said Dr. Labor, “I can’t express how grateful I am to Dr. Zibari and the ICS, and will always strive to live up to this unique honor.” The International College of Surgeons is a global organization whose members include the world's top physicians, with the goal of promoting surgical excellence worldwide.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is one of a select few U.S. eye surgeons sought by leading manufacturers to evaluate their latest advancements. At the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium, April 9-14 in Boston, he was invited by Bausch & Lomb to share his experiences and successes implanting the new Crystalens AO intraocular lens. Crystalens AO is the first aberration-free intraocular lens, allowing greater quality distance and intermediate vision than ever before. Bausch & Lomb also chose Dr. Labor as one of only 6 eye surgeons to evaluate patient outcomes for a study related to its new astigmatism correcting contact lens, awaiting FDA approval. "Achieving the best outcome is most important, but I am very honored a leader such as Bausch & Lomb selected me," Dr. Labor said. "They share the desire of our entire practice to offer the most advanced technologies available."

As part of a Reader's Choice survey sent out by Star Community Newspapers, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD was named "Number One Favorite Opthalmologist" for all of Tarrant County. Reader's Choice balloting took place over 8 weeks, allowing readers to vote their favorites across a number of professions.

Star Community Newspapers created a special Reader's Choice Awards insert in which Eye Consultants of Texas ran a full-page, full color ad. The ad quoted Dr. Labor as saying: "I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for me. I must also thank my superb staff who certainly helped me achieve this honor. This reaffirms our dedication to deliver a total experience - to not only help you see better, but ensure you feel good about how you're cared for in every way. Being voted #1 is something I will always cherish, but putting patients first is far more important. Expect nothing less from all of us at Eye Consultants of Texas."

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD has been named a Fellow by the International College of Surgeons (ICS). This honor is reserved only for physicians with superior credentials and with a well-established international reputation. Dr. Labor's international renown for his work with all-laser LASIK and leading expertise more than met these criteria. In addition, he was recommended by ICS member Gazi Zibari, MD - also important to receiving this honor. "This is a career highlight to be recognized not only by the ICS, but by a respected peer like Dr. Zibari," he said. "I will cherish this honor." The International College of Surgeons is a global organization whose members include the world's top physicians. The organization's goal is to promote surgical excellence worldwide.

Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD recently traveled to Duhok, Kurdistan bringing advanced eye care to residents and doctors greatly in need. Dr. Labor is the first U.S. Ophthalmologist ever to visit this region, and the first Western Ophthalmologist Northern Kurds have seen in more than 15 years.

The idea for this mission came from Dr. Labor's friend Gazi Zibari, MD, a Kurdish native who holds high positions at Shreveport's LSU Health Sciences Center, and who helped secure a sponsorship to fund the entire mission. According to Dr. Labor, "It meant a great deal that Dr. Zibari considered me the most professionally capable to make a difference. This plus his firsthand accounts about the lack of modern eye care in Duhok convinced me I had to go."

In addition to devoting daily hours treating patients of all ages, Dr. Labor performed the area's first no stitch cataract surgery. He donated advanced cataract technology, other modern ophthalmic surgical equipment, microscopes and various instruments. Further, he secured agreements with major eye care companies to donate even more surgical supplies to area hospitals. He also spent considerable time teaching local doctors about modern ophthalmic surgical procedures and advanced technologies.

Focusing on the Duhok region, approximately 265 miles from Baghdad, Dr. Labor made additional humanitarian visits to areas near Turkey and Iran. Mosul and Kirkuk - Iraqi regions known for extremist violence - were just to the south, which Dr. Labor said provided a constant reminder war was always near. "What really hit home was the day a bomb exploded in Kirkuk putting everyone on high alert. It was both an unsettling and humbling experience."

The heartfelt gratitude expressed by local Kurds made a huge impact on the Eye Consultants of Texas founder and chief surgeon. "Patients would descend on the clinic, and I was overwhelmed at how thankful the entire community was to have an American doctor there." He also stated he was treated like a dignitary, at one point given the distinction of being interviewed on Kurdistan satellite TV.

Returning home safely, Dr. Labor said another trip sometime in the future is possible. "You simply can't return from a mission like this without a sense you've accomplished something of great value."

The Ziemer Group, inventors and developers of the FEMTO LDV surgical laser and GALILEI corneal mapping system, tapped Phillips Kirk Labor, MD to speak at the Sixth International Congress on Advanced Ablation and SBK (Sub Bowmans Keratomieusis). Dr. Labor addressed a symposium of international leaders in the area of laser vision correction at the convention held in Fort Lauderdale on May 5. His presentation focused on the "all-laser" blade-free advancements of the FEMTO LDV, as well as the enhanced precision technology of the GALILEI, which measures the shape and thickness of the cornea for more accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Labor is the first Texas ophthalmologist, and the first solo private practitioner in the U.S., to own this revolutionary technology. Dr. Labor is considered by The Ziemer Group to be one of the most knowledgeable on these advancements.

"It was an honor to be selected by such an innovative, world-renowned leader such as The Ziemer Group," Dr. Labor says. "More importantly, it's a privilege to be able to offer our patients now, what is truly the future of laser vision correction."

To learn more, log onto www.ziemergroup.com, or call 817-410-2030.

Eye Consultants of Texas founder, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, is the first Texas ophthalmologist, and the first solo private practitioner in the U.S., to own the FEMTO LDV surgical laser and GALILEI corneal mapping system. Both represent the most innovative laser vision correction technology available today. The FEMTO LDV is the world's first compact mobile surgical laser, offering enhanced "all-laser," blade-free treatment. The GALILEI more accurately measures the shape and thickness of the cornea for more precise diagnosis and treatment of LASIK candidates. While LASIK surgery comes with some risks, the GALILEI enhances safety which helps minimize those risks.

"Both the FEMTO LDV and GALILEI will greatly enhance LASIK treatment, while allowing us to perform simple, affordable procedures right here in our office," says Dr. Labor. "We consider this a valuable investment that will further provide greater outcomes for our patients."

To learn more, log onto www.ziemergroup.com or call 817-410-2030.

The VISX STAR S4 IR (Iris Registration) excimer laser system represents the most advanced laser vision correction technology available today. Eye Consultants of Texas now has its own VISX STAR S4 IR, which adds far more precision to laser vision correction. "The VISX STAR S4 IR has and will continue to be the preferred technology. We found that by investing in this incredible system, not only are we investing in our patients' wellbeing, we can make advanced vision correction simpler and more affordable for them," says founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD. For more information, call 817-410-2030.

Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD is one of the first Metroplex Ophthalmologists to implant the recently FDA-approved VISIAN ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens). Developed to treat Myopia, or near-sightedness, the VISIAN ICL represents a revolutionary achievement for phakic intraocular lenses. It's the first phakic intraocular lens made of Collamer, a material that is very compatible with the eye. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and provides excellent results. Dr. Labor is also offering Collamer intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of Cataracts.

For Dr. Labor this comes on the heels of being the first Texas Ophthalmologist to implant the ReZOOM™ lens, and the first in the Metroplex to implant the Verisyse™ phakic intraocular lens. "Both VISIAN and Verisyse are ideal for any patient who may or may not be a candidate for LASIK, and may provide a superior overall quality of vision when compared with LASIK," says Dr. Labor. "VISIAN gives us more possibilities, and our patients more options as to their treatment."

For more information, log onto www.staar.com, or call 817-410-2030.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, Eye Consultants of Texas Founder, was recently the first Texas Ophthalmologist to implant the new ReZoom™ lens.

The ReZoom™ lens is a permanent artificial lens that affords better near, intermediate and distance vision for people who wear reading glasses. Originally designed for cataract patients, anyone dependent on reading glasses or bifocals is a ReZoom™ candidate.

"This is another example of the amazing advancements that are being made in vision correction. As improvements are made, we're committed to providing only the best for our patients," says Dr. Labor.

To learn more about the ReZoom™ lens, please call Eye Consultants of Texas at 817-410-2030

As part of Eye Consultants of Texas' commitment to provide the latest ophthalmic advancements, patients now have a more sophisticated intraocular lens procedure available: Crystalens.

The first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens, Crystalens is primarily for people over 40 who have near, intermediate and distance vision problems, including cataracts. Crystalens implants move naturally with the eye, further minimizing the possibility of glare, and enhancing vision even more than the multifocal lens.

"Where multifocal lenses are very effective, crystalens goes a step further," says Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, Eye Consultants founder and chief surgeon. "Crystalens is a more advanced, involved procedure that delivers a higher level of multi-focality. Because of this, anyone interested should call us for a complete examination first to determine if crystalens is best for them."

For more information on crystalens, visit www.eyeonics.com.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, is the first doctor to perform the Verisyse™ Phakic Intraocular Lens implant procedure in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

What makes the Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens so beneficial is how it corrects nearsightedness, in patients who may not be a candidate for other types of Refractive surgery - including LASIK surgery.

Unlike traditional introcular lenses that surgically replace the natural lens, the Verisyse lens is placed in front of the natural lens in one simple procedure.

"We're excited to offer this new development to our patients," says Dr. Labor. "Now practically anyone can minimize and reduce their need for glasses regardless if they are a candidate for LASIK surgery or not."

For more information, log onto www.verisyse.com or call any Eye Consultants of Texas office.

Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, Eye Consultants of Texas founder, is currently one of only five doctors in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex now performing Multifocal lens implants.

Traditional Monofocal lens implants offer clear vison without glasses at a single focal point, either near or at a distance. The Multifocal lens implant is an advanced procedure primarily for cataract candidates allowing near, intermediate and distance vision without glasses.

FDA approved since 1997, the multifocal lens implant is a breakthrough in vision correction, gaining popularity with patients and doctors alike. "This is another example of how we are dedicated to offering the latest procedures to our patients," says Dr. Labor. "However, as with all treatments, we carefully examine every candidate to make sure the procedure is right for them."

For more information, log onto www.arraylens.com or call any Eye Consultants of Texas office.