Military ophthalmologists receive Distinguished Service Award Published Dec. 15, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Military ophthalmologists from all branches of service were recently presented a Distinguished Service Award in appreciation for their ongoing service and vision care contributions. The American Academy of Ophthalmology presented the award recognizing all military ophthalmologists, past and present, for their persistent dedication to serving the eye care needs of active duty members, their dependents and retirees. "I know the commitment to excellence in eye care that these physicians bring to our profession, and we are proud to honor them for their dedication at home and abroad," said Dr. Michael Brennan, president of the academy and a former military ophthalmologist. "Literally half of the current active duty ophthalmologists have served in the war," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Charles Reilly, 59th Ophthalmology Flight commander at Wilford Hall Medical Center and consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General on refractive surgery. "I think that is probably the biggest factor contributing to this award." Defense Department ophthalmologists, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, are working to provide the best available surgical and rehabilitative eye care to military personnel. The Vision Center of Excellence experts are tracking serious eye injuries and eye diseases, updating clinical progress in timely and accessible manners and jointly arranging and collaborating on vision research studies. The center's staff is charged specifically to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat and rehabilitate military eye injuries. "In the world of eye surgery there's no truer sense of being a center for excellence than here at Wilford Hall," Dr. Reilly said. The Lackland AFB center uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest level of care to patients. Dr. Reilly recently performed the first Department of Defense Intralase Enabled Keratoplasty, or IEK, using a "top hat" cut which results in a superior cornea transplant. The procedure was the first of its kind in the city of San Antonio, as well. "The IEK is the biggest leap forward in cornea transplant technique in the last two decades," said Dr. Reilly. "It's an honor to be able to provide the best possible service to those who are serving this country. Military ophthalmology is at the forefront -- the world leader in ophthalmology patient care."