Oklahoma eye surgeon pioneers vision-saving treatments

When people begin to lose their vision, it can affect their entire lives. From their jobs to paying bills and managing a home, good vision makes leading a productive life more attainable.

An Oklahoma eye surgeon, Dr. Steven Sarkisian, founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, is helping give patients a new lease on life by helping restore their eyesight. Specializing in premium cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery, he was the first in Oklahoma to implant the PanOptix trifocal lens and the first to perform the iStent, iStent Inject, the Xen Gel Stent, and canaloplasty. Dr. Sarkisian was also first in the country to use the OMNI device and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI.

He shares that his interest in ophthalmology was sparked during medical school rotations.

“I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that helping restore vision can have on a person’s quality of life,” he recalled. “This experience solidified my decision to specialize in ophthalmology, allowing me to combine my passion for science with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives.”

Dr. Sarkisian founded Oklahoma Eye Surgeons in 2018 after serving on the faculty of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and then the Dean McGee Eye Institute. He said that starting the practice was a calling.

He shared, “Oklahoma Eye Surgeons was born from a desire to curate a truly exceptional, compassionate, and cutting-edge environment for my patients. To me, it’s about more than just treating eye conditions; it’s about providing a personalized, thoughtful experience from the moment someone walks through our doors.”

Dr. Sarkisian shared that glaucoma treatment is undergoing a revolution and he and his team are at the forefront of what’s coming. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has transformed the way doctors manage glaucoma, offering safer and less invasive options to lower eye pressure. They are also looking at sustained release drug delivery systems and as a principal investigator in the iDOSE TR trials, he’s hopeful about a future where patients may not need to use daily prescription eye drops. For cataract treatment, Dr. Sarkisian is a proponent of robotic laser-assisted cataract surgery and was one of the first surgeons to complete ‘low-flow’ phacoemulsification. Oklahoma Eye Surgeons also specializes in identifying and treating anterior segment conditions, such as dry eye, refractive errors, and corneal issues.

The team also cares about increasing access to eye care in rural regions and emphasizes patient education and preventative care. Further, the practice is the first in the state to offer genetic testing to determine a patient’s risk of glaucoma progression – even if there is no diagnosis yet.

“Oklahoma Eye Surgeons is dedicated to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements,” he explained.

Dr. Sarkisian said that it’s important for people to understand that regular eye exams are critical for maintaining eye health – even if there aren’t obvious problems.

“Early detection of eye conditions can prevent significant vision loss down the line,” he stated. “I encourage everyone to prioritize their eye health and seek professional advice if they notice any changes in their vision.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Sarkisian and his team of doctors and specialists are excited about the constantly evolving advancements in the field and how that translates to providing the best of the best in patient care.

He said, “The ability to preserve or restore sight can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, independence, and confidence. My passion comes from a dedication to patient care and science. It’s a balance of helping my patients maintain their vision and the challenge of solving complex ocular issues. I am honored to serve the Oklahoma City community, and I am passionate about helping my patients with their vision.”