As part of the Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association’s National Ambulatory Surgery Center Open House Day, Eye Associates of South Georgia opened the doors of its own surgery center at its Patterson location to the public from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, August 2.

Refreshments were provided to visitors after touring the only ambulatory surgery center in Valdosta. Representatives from Eye Associates as well as two supporting organizations, The Medicine Shoppe and Vein Centers of South Georgia, were available to answer questions, provide brochures with valuable information and give free gifts such as cleansing cloths, moisturizing eye drops and pens.

FASA holds ASC Open House Day in order to elevate awareness of the role surgery centers play to communities nationwide.

This year’s day was themed “Here when you need us.” The Eye Associates used this opportunity to educate local people about the many benefits their center provides so they would be prepared .

“The surgery center is a simpler, more cost effective option for patients in need of outpatient eye surgery.

They receive effective treatment quickly in a more friendly atmosphere without being put to sleep completely and without the additional hospital fees,” Brenda Powers, of Eye Associates, explained.

More than 100 patients have procedures and surgeries at the center every quarter. The staff has received many positive comments about their treatment.

“Some tell me it feels like home and that they are very comfortable, others tell me it is the best surgical experience they have ever had,” said technician Laquita Willingham.

Many patients who are scared of being put to sleep prefer this option. The opportunity to avoid expensive hospital bills along with one-on-one nursing care are also primary reasons patients frequently choose to use a surgery center.

Open since 1999, the Eye Associates Ambulatory Surgery Center is accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The main surgery performed in the surgery suite at the is to remove cataracts. Lid surgeries are also performed. While minor laser treatments are also performed in the treatment suite, Lasik surgery, which has grown in popularity over the past several years, is still performed at a hospital.

Eye Associates was established more than 30 years ago. Its staff is continually dedicated to providing a wide range of services including general eye care, eye surgery, eye medicine and complete optical dispensing. Ben Moye, M.D., Clifford D. Courtenay, O.D. and Alan Peaslee, O.D., M.S. make up the qualified team of eye care providers.

While the surgery center is only located at 3024 N. Patterson St., two other locations, 3473 Bemiss Rd. and 783 Lakes Blvd., make their services convenient to almost anyone. Operating hours are variable. For more information about Eye Associates or the Ambulatory Ambulatory Surgery Center call 247-4114 (Patterson), 253-8700 (Bemiss) or 559-4114 (Lakes Blvd.).