Access Batavia
FEI’s vision is that any person seeking eye care should have access to the widest spectrum imaginable of services — regardless of geography, income, race, or access to medical insurance. This tenet is demonstrated through FEI’s population health services, safety net programs, and outreach (like the signature Vision Van).
Recently, Eric Wu, MD, and his Batavia Ophthalmology team joined the Eye Institute through a practice acquisition. The move augments FEI’s ability to deliver ophthalmic services closer to home for many patients who might be referred to Rochester. This brings the number of FEI locations to 11, spanning Geneva to Alden, New York. Wu’s practice includes a main office in Batavia, which was relocated to 45 Liberty Street in downtown Batavia, and a satellite operation west of Batavia in Alden. Both will continue to serve patients.
Wu, who completed his medical degree and ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh, became a solo practitioner when his partner, ophthalmologist Peter Paulus, retired. He started thinking about joining FEI when a contract-employed ophthalmologist working for him decided to leave the area. Ophthalmology Chair[AMC4] David DiLoreto and FEI Senior Administrator Joseph Gabriel were pleased that he did.
“Eric is a perfect fit for us,” DiLoreto said. “He is a highly skilled cataract surgeon who was trained at a top-tier residency program. We’re really excited about what he adds to our faculty through his clinical and teaching skills. We are also happy that his back-office and patient-facing medical staff remained part of the team. Together, they immediately give us a strong reputation for quality care west of Rochester.”
Gabriel estimates that the acquisition will add more than 10,000 annual visits. Some of these patients are ones Wu was already referring to specialists at FEI’s main location for highly specialized treatments not provided by his office. There are already plans to staff the Batavia office with some of these missing specialties, such as pediatrics, retina, and glaucoma, expanding the availability of care closer to home for many. Wu, who is a one of a small number of full-time ophthalmologists in the region, is thrilled to have the company.
“My primary reason for joining Flaum is ensuring continual care for patients in and around Batavia for years to come. The University of Rochester has been caring for eyes for more than 100 years and will be here for generations to come. As the business of medicine becomes more complex and the cost of keeping up with technology increases, this acquisition allows me to do what I love best – practice ophthalmology.”
Stephen Kofron | 9/7/2022
