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The Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF) is proud to be associated with doctors – such as those in the Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group (RVAMG) – that are on the leading edge of testing to find new treatments for eye disease.

Their Work

Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of retina, retina surgery, laser eye surgery, vitreous and macular diseases. At this time, RVAMG, is conducting roughly 40 clinical studies. The group was a clinical trial center for Lucentis, a drug injected directly into the eye, where it inhibits the growth of the blood vessels that block vision. Lucentis is now the most successful drug targeted for patients with the “wet” form of macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Although it usually affects older patients- retirement age and above, initial signs of macular degeneration may occur when patients are in their 40s and 50s.

In the wet form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow from the outer retinal circulation beneath the retinal pigment epithelium and sometimes into the retina itself. These blood vessels can leak fluid and protein and eventually form a scar. Traditionally, with early diagnosis of these blood vessels, laser surgery can be used to close the blood vessels and prevent further vision loss.

Headed by David S. Boyer, M.D., a member of the DEF Board of Directors since 1999, RVAMG consists of seven eye care professionals who are board certified in ophthalmology and have completed formal subspecialty training in medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous and macula. Each member of the group is nationally recognized for his/her participation in research and educational programs primarily aimed at understanding the causes of retinal diseases and developing novel treatments, leading eye care providers.

Dr. Boyer asserts that “clinical trials are essential for medical progress.” “To best serve our patients,” he adds, “we need to continually explore treatment options.

In addition to being senior partner of the group, David S. Boyer, M.D. has been involved as principal investigator in numerous trials studying age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cytomegalovirus retinitis. Recently presented the Doheny Distinguished Alumnus Award, Dr. Boyer continues to be a clinical associate professor with the University of Southern California.

Dr. Boyer was a driving force behind the development of the Macular Degeneration Partnership Medical Advisory Committee in 1999, identifying and inviting experts in the field of AMD to join the Partnership. Due to his reputation and influence, the Macular Degeneration Partnership (MDP), an outreach program of DEF, continues to successfully attract highly regarded researchers and clinicians.

His expertise in and quest for discovering innovative treatments in the field continue to draw national and international medical communities to invite him to share with them his knowledge and passion for the work.

Dr. Boyer proudly says of his partners and associates, “I am fortunate to work with the outstanding doctors in the group. We are all working towards the same goal – helping our patients.”