☀Summer Newsletter
- capefeareyeassoc
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
What's New This Summer at Cape Fear Eye Associates
This summer, Cape Fear Eye Associates continues to invest in the future of eye care by bringing the latest advancements in technology, diagnostics, and treatment to our community. From innovative vision correction procedures, advanced cataract surgery techniques, and cutting-edge dry eye treatments to aesthetic services and breakthrough surgical technologies, our team remains committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes. As eye care and healthcare technology continue to evolve at a rapid pace, we are embracing enhancements to our electronic health record and phone systems to improve the patient experience, while supporting ongoing growth, expansion, clinical research studies, and surgical innovation. Together, these advancements help us provide the highest standard of care and ensure our patients benefit from the most advanced vision solutions available today.
June is Cataract Awareness Month👁
Cataract Awareness Month is dedicated to educating the public about cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss worldwide and encouraging regular eye exams to help detect and treat cataracts before they significantly impact daily life.
Vision Forward: Advancing the Future of Eye Care
cTAK: Cutting-Edge Technology. Life-Changing Results.
Cape Fear Eye Associates is proud to offer CTAK, an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to improve vision for patients with keratoconus. Dr. Sheel Patel made history by becoming the first surgeon in North Carolina to perform this life-changing procedure in 2025, bringing groundbreaking technology and new hope to patients seeking clearer vision. By reshaping the cornea with remarkable precision, CTAK is helping patients achieve improved visual outcomes and a better quality of life.
🎥 Watch Full Q Switch Conversations Podcast featuring Dr. Sheel Patel.
Key Advantages of CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty)
✅ Improves Corneal Shape
Helps normalize the irregular corneal curvature caused by keratoconus and corneal ectasia.
✅ Enhances Vision Quality
Can improve both uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity.
May reduce visual distortions such as ghosting, halos, and glare.
✅ Minimally Invasive
No corneal tissue is removed.
Small-incision procedure designed to preserve corneal integrity.
✅ Customized Treatment
Tissue segments are tailored to the patient's unique corneal shape and degree of ectasia.
✅ Preserves Corneal Tissue
Unlike some procedures that remove tissue, CTAK adds tissue to strengthen and reshape the cornea.
✅ Can Reduce Dependence on Glasses or Contact Lenses
Many patients experience improved vision and easier contact lens fitting after treatment.
✅ May Delay or Prevent Corneal Transplantation
For some patients with progressive corneal irregularity, CTAK may provide an alternative to more invasive corneal transplant surgery.
✅ Compatible with Other Treatments
Can be combined with procedures such as corneal cross-linking to stabilize and strengthen the cornea further.
✅ Reversible and Adjustable
Because tissue is added rather than removed, the procedure offers flexibility that may not be available with other corneal surgeries.
Not a Candidate for LASIK? You Still Have Options.
Many patients are surprised to learn that LASIK isn't the right choice for everyone. Factors such as age, prescription strength, corneal thickness, dry eye disease, or certain eye conditions may make LASIK unsuitable. The good news? LASIK is just one of several advanced vision correction options available today.
Explore alternative procedures that may help reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses, including:
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
• EVO ICL™ Implantable Contact Lens
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
• Premium Cataract Surgery with Advanced Lens Implants
At Cape Fear Eye Associates, our experienced refractive surgeons take a personalized approach to vision correction, recommending the option best suited to your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals. Schedule a refractive consultation ONLINE TODAY to find out YOUR options.
Alternative Options Video with Sheel Patel, MD
🎥 Watch the video to learn more about your options and discover that even if you're not a LASIK candidate, clearer vision may still be within reach.
What is RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be your long-term solution for clear, dependable vision designed for active lifestyles.
RLE replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium artificial lens to correct your prescription and prevent cataracts before they ever develop. It’s an ideal option for those experiencing age-related vision changes, like difficulty reading up close, who want lasting clarity without compromise.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange:
Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness & presbyopia
Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts
Provides long-term stability - your lens won’t age or cloud
Prevents cataracts from developing
Quick recovery with a proven safety record
Whether you’re running, golfing, playing pickleball, or simply living life on the go, RLE helps you see clearly at every distance. Schedule your refractive consultation ONLINE TODAY and find out if you're a candidate for this life-changing procedure.
Expanding Access to Care - meet our new provider
Cape Fear Eye is excited to welcome Madison Hunt, OD to our growing team in Summer 2026. Her addition will help increase appointment availability, reduce wait times, and enhance access to quality eye care for our patients.
ABOUT
Madison Hunt, OD is a dedicated and patient-focused optometrist committed to providing high-quality, compassionate eye care. A graduate of the Southern College of Optometry and member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, Dr. Hunt developed her passion for optometry while working as an ophthalmic technician and has since gained valuable clinical experience through internships and externships in both private practice and VA settings. She is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best vision through personalized care, strong communication, and a collaborative approach to eye health.
Eye Luxe Aesthetics: Advanced Aesthetic Care
Conveniently located within Cape Fear Eye Associates - Meet our Team
Looking and feeling your best starts with expert care you can trust. Conveniently located within Cape Fear Eye Associates, Eye Luxe Aesthetics offers advanced aesthetic and rejuvenation services provided by a team of Board-Certified Specialists Dr. J. Wayne Riggins and Dr. Xinxin "Steph" Zhang, dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Visit our WEBSITE
Our experienced team specializes in Oculoplastics (Eyelid Rejuvenation) and Advanced Laser Skin Resurfacing, combining medical expertise with the latest technology to help patients achieve a refreshed, natural appearance. Whether you're interested in addressing signs of aging, improving skin texture and tone, reducing sun damage, or exploring eyelid rejuvenation options, Eye Luxe Aesthetics offers personalized treatment plans designed around your goals.
With the convenience of receiving care within a trusted medical practice, patients benefit from advanced technology, clinical excellence, and a commitment to safety and outstanding outcomes. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (910) 672-5015 or visit EyeLuxeAesthetics.com.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) - Treatment for Dry Eye
IPL is the answer for many patients who are still uncomfortable despite their use of multiple modalities to treat dry eye as well as those patients fed-up with expensive and lifetime commitment to drops, pills, ocular appliances, warm compresses and supplements for relief.
This painless, non-invasive outpatient procedure requires no anesthesia, sedation, or pre-operative testing. Patients can drive and return to full activities immediately, including unlimited exercise, swimming, and reading. There is no post-operative discomfort and no decrease in vision. Patients frequently recognize an improvement in symptoms after a single treatment. A permanent change in Meibomian gland function requires four monthly treatments the first year and a maintenance treatment once a year thereafter.
📣 WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING -TESTIMONIALS
At Cape Fear Eye Associates, our patients’ stories speak volumes. We’re honored to share real experiences from individuals who have trusted us with their vision and eye care needs. Their testimonials highlight the compassion, expertise, and advanced technology that define our practice.
From life-changing vision correction to personalized treatment plans, these stories reflect our commitment to helping every patient see — and live — more clearly.
Giving Back: Supporting Our Family and Community
At Cape Fear Eye Associates, caring for our community extends beyond providing exceptional eye care. We are proud to support causes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, employees, families, and neighbors.
During the month of May, our team came together to support Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, helping raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of children and adults across the country. Through community outreach, education, and support initiatives, we joined the effort to bring greater attention to the challenges faced by those living with cystic fibrosis and the importance of ongoing research and treatment advancements.
We are especially grateful for the opportunity to support members of our extended Cape Fear Eye family and community who have been impacted by cystic fibrosis.
Thank you to our physicians, staff, patients, and community partners who continue to support causes that strengthen our community. We remain committed to making a positive impact—both inside and outside our practice.
Together, we can help make a difference 💜
Advancing Eye Care Through Clinical Research
At Cape Fear Eye Associates, we are committed to advancing the future of eye care through participation in clinical research studies that help improve patient outcomes and expand treatment options.
Our team is proud to participate in the CAM360-CS001: Outcomes of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane in Ocular Surface Disease study. This retrospective clinical trial is evaluating the effectiveness of cryopreserved amniotic membrane therapy in the treatment and management of ocular surface disease.
The study aims to assess clinical outcomes and the real-world impact of this innovative treatment approach across participating sites. By contributing to important research initiatives like CAM360-CS001, Cape Fear Eye Associates continues its commitment to bringing evidence-based advancements and leading-edge care to our patients and community.
Clinical research plays a vital role in shaping the future of ophthalmology, and we are honored to be part of efforts that may help improve the quality of life for patients affected by ocular surface disease.
🎵🎥 CAPE FEAR EYE ENTERTAINMENT
What if you could see the world in a whole new light? This month, we're proud to share "Colors of a New Dawn," a heartfelt music video inspired by real patient experiences and the life-changing impact of cataract surgery. Through music and storytelling, this video celebrates renewed vision, brighter colors, and the moments that matter most.
Don't let cataracts dim the beauty around you. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today, helping millions of people regain clearer vision and return to the activities they love.
Upcoming Celebrations
👔💚 Happy Father's Day from Cape Fear Eye Associates! 💚👔
On Father's Day, we celebrate all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who provide strength, guidance, support, and unconditional love.
Thank you for the countless ways you help your families see what truly matters in life. Your wisdom, dedication, and care make a lasting difference every day. Wishing you a wonderful Father's Day filled with love, laughter, and time spent with those who matter most.
❤️🤍💙Happy 4th of July from Cape Fear Eye Associates!❤️🤍💙
On July 4th we celebrate the freedom, courage, and spirit that make our nation so special. As we gather with family and friends to enjoy fireworks, cookouts, and summer traditions, we hope your day is filled with joy, gratitude, and memorable moments. From all of us at Cape Fear Eye Associates, we wish you a safe, happy, and wonderful Independence Day!
As we wrap up our Summer edition of the Cape Fear Eye Digest, we want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read and stay connected with us. It is our privilege to serve you and keep you informed about the latest advancements, technologies, services, and events happening at Cape Fear Eye Associates.
We have many exciting developments, innovations, and community initiatives planned for the months ahead, and we look forward to sharing them with you in our Fall edition. Until then, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
Thank you for trusting Cape Fear Eye Associates with your vision care.