We will not exaggerate if we say that modern technology in the BEI could give this world even more works of the Great Bach and Handel, that suffered from cataract and the unique chance of successful operation was failed by ambitions of “Ophthalmiater Pontifical, Imperial, Royal.”
Opera singer Ekaterina Kichigina recounted an interesting story – “One and the same doctor, John Taylor, blinded the two main composers of the European Baroque Period once and for all – Bach and Handel.” Both of them suffered from cataracts, and an operation was the only chance of partially restoring vision. The doctor, in essence, embedded a needle into the eye through a small incision and pushed down the clouded lens. Post-operative treatment included enemas and bloodletting, and the eyes were covered in pigeon’s blood and calcined salt. John Taylor traveled in a carriage, the sides of which were painted with eyes and the phrase, “Qui dat videre, dat vivere,” or, “He who gives vision, gives life.” He called himself “Ophthalmiater Pontifical, Imperial, Royal.”
(Wikipedia)
Bach lived for about 4 months after the operation, and Handel a few years”.
***
And that’s the way it was, my friends. By historical standards, that was not that long ago, and since this situation in ophthalmology I’d say things have improved. Pigeon’s blood is no longer needed. Let’s go into a modern office (you already know which one), and look at everything with a fresh set of eyes. And since Dr. Benjamin often mentions any unique equipment that’s there, we will consider each apparatus more closely, as explained by a member of the BEI team. But first, what does it feel like?
***
The first you feel after entering is comfort. There are place where it’s just nice to be, and why should a medical office not be such a place? Furthermore, you (not just me) will be greeted warmly, and from the windows you’ll see a view of Los Angeles worthy of envy – it’s a stunningly beautiful city!
When you look closely at the office itself, you’ll see that everything is sparkling, because we pay attention to every detail.
What will strike you almost immediately is the latest technology that equips the Laser Hall. It will be on the right. Almost everything that American ophthalmology has achieved (but not only American) in diagnosis and treatment will be in reach.
You feel that these people are passionate about everything they do. Here, you won’t feel like you’re in a fast food restaurant, which often happens. All of this is for the sake of the patients. You may think this is an advertising slogan, but your senses don’t betray you; these people stop at nothing and are proud of the fact they have invested in the best.
Well, let’s look at these smart machines and give a short explanation. What makes them so magical, aside from the experience and steady hand of the surgeon and his team?
ZEISS CIRRUS SPECTRAL DOMAIN OCT
This technology allows them to view the smallest details of macular degeneration and glaucoma.
THE WELL-KNOWN OPTOS
A laser ophthalmoscope that allows examination of the retina without using drops to dilate the pupils, using fluorescein angiography, to see signs of macular degeneration at an early stage and other retinal problems.
ZEIZZ IOL MASTER 500
New and phenomenally precise laser interferometer used for calculations related to artificial lenses and cataracts.
ZEISS FORUM PACS SYSTEM
This system allows them to work with pictures – analyze them, compare them, observe them in dynamics, detect glaucoma at an early stage, thus giving a chance to act deliberately and with maximum efficiency. Helpful working with the retina.
DIOPSYS ERG/VEP
Until recently, this thing (or rather technology) has only been available in large research centers. Now it’s at BEI and is used in the early detection of glaucoma, amblyopia, macular degeneration, and much more.
CLOUD-BASED “FILING CABINET”
The computer system uses cloud technology that not only stores patient records in a safe place, but allows you to personally access your data through a secure portal at any time.
(to be continued)
Sebastian Varo
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
