Greenville, North Carolina, October 19, 2025
News Summary
ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, has become the first hospital in the state to acquire the Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System, enhancing its ophthalmic surgery capabilities. This innovative technology unifies cataract and retinal surgery, improving patient access and recovery times. Dr. Ann Ostrovsky has successfully conducted the first procedures with this system, which promises significant advancements in safety and efficiency for ophthalmic procedures. The introduction of this technology underscores ECU Health’s commitment to delivering advanced healthcare in rural communities.
Greenville, North Carolina – ECU Health Medical Center has made a significant advancement in ophthalmic surgery by becoming the first hospital in North Carolina to acquire the Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS). This innovative technology merges cataract and retina capabilities into a single integrated platform, democratizing access to high-precision eye surgeries right in the heart of eastern North Carolina.
Dr. Ann Ostrovsky, the chief of Ophthalmology Services at ECU Health Medical Center, has successfully performed the health system’s first procedures utilizing the UNITY VCS. The introduction of this cutting-edge system allows for a dramatic improvement in the safety and efficiency of ophthalmic procedures, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to access specialized care.
The UNITY VCS provides numerous advantages over traditional surgical procedures. It enhances intraoperative stability, minimizes energy delivery to delicate ocular tissues, and contributes to better recovery outcomes for patients. Notably, the system reduces intraocular pressure and energy use within the eye, leading to shorter operation times and enabling faster visual recovery. Patients undergoing cataract surgery often report achieving excellent vision as soon as the day after their procedures, reflecting substantial improvements over previous recovery timelines.
In addition to Dr. Ostrovsky’s pioneering procedures, ECU Health’s newly appointed vitreoretinal surgeon, Dr. Peter Jones, will also utilize the UNITY VCS to treat complex retinal conditions, including diabetic and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. This further exemplifies the commitment of ECU Health to provide advanced care tailored to the needs of its community.
Brian Floyd, the chief operating officer of ECU Health, highlighted the health system’s dedication to bringing cutting-edge care to the rural communities in eastern North Carolina. The deployment of the UNITY VCS indicates a move towards higher-quality healthcare services, maintaining a focus on the accessibility of advanced medical technologies.
This groundbreaking technology is set to revolutionize ophthalmic surgery in this region, ensuring better health outcomes and enhanced patient experiences.
Background Information
The Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System represents a significant step forward in the field of ophthalmic surgery. Historically, patients requiring both cataract and retinal surgeries faced significant travel and logistical challenges to receive adequate care. The integration of these capabilities into one system not only enhances surgical outcomes but also streamlines the patient’s journey through the healthcare system.
As developments in ophthalmic technology continue to evolve, the implementation of systems like the UNITY VCS underscores the importance of healthcare institutions embracing innovative solutions to meet the needs of their communities. By prioritizing advanced systems, hospitals can provide cutting-edge treatment options that were previously unavailable to many patients.
FAQ
- What is the Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System? The Alcon UNITY VCS is a groundbreaking advancement in ophthalmic surgery merging cataract and retina capabilities into one integrated platform.
- Who performed the first surgery using the UNITY VCS? Dr. Ann Ostrovsky successfully performed the health system’s first procedures using the UNITY VCS.
- What are the benefits of the UNITY VCS? The technology enhances intraoperative stability, reduces energy delivery to ocular tissues, and improves safety and recovery outcomes.
- How does the UNITY VCS impact surgery recovery times? Many cataract surgery patients are achieving excellent vision as early as the day after surgery, a significant improvement compared to past recovery times.
- Who else will use the UNITY VCS at ECU Health? Dr. Peter Jones, the newly appointed vitreoretinal surgeon, will also use the UNITY VCS for treating complex retinal conditions.
Key Features of the Alcon UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Integrated Platform | Merges cataract and retina surgery capabilities. |
| High Precision | Enhances intraoperative stability and improves safety. |
| Energy Efficiency | Reduces energy delivery to ocular tissues. |
| Faster Recovery | Minimizes intraocular pressure and allows for shorter operating times. |
| Excellent Vision Outcomes | Patients can achieve excellent vision as early as the day after surgery. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Reflector: ECU Health Performs First Procedures with Cataract System
- Wikipedia: Ophthalmic Surgery
- WNCT: ECU Health Successfully Completes Eye Surgery with New Tool
- Google Search: Ophthalmic Surgery
- Livability: Finding Health and Happiness in Greenville, NC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cataract
- WITN: Watching Eclipse Today? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Google News: Health Technology
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
