Pioneering Care Through Teamwork and Innovation: Going In Depth with Associated Retina Consultants
Vision is one of our most cherished senses, and for millions, its loss can profoundly impact daily life. At Associated Retina Consultants (ARC), patients with complex eye conditions benefit from pioneering research, state-of-the-art technology, and an unwavering commitment to personalized care. We sat down with Benjamin Bakall, MD, PhD, Director of Clinical Research and the Inherited Retinal Disease Clinic, to discuss ARC's team of specialists and their dedication to providing advanced treatments while maintaining a patient-centered approach.
A LEADER IN RETINA CARE
Dr. Bakall brings a wealth of expertise to ARC. Originally from Sweden, he completed his medical training and earned a PhD in genetic retinal disease at Uppsala University. His journey led him to the University of Arizona for an ophthalmology residency and then to the University of Iowa for a medical retina fellowship. Today, Dr. Bakall oversees numerous clinical trials and leads innovations in retinal treatments.
SERVING A DIVERSE ARIZONA POPULATION
For over 50 years, ARC has been at the forefront of retinal care in Arizona. Founded in 1974, the practice has grown into the state's largest independently owned retina-only private practice, serving patients throughout the region. Ophthalmology, like many specialties, faces physician shortages, particularly in Arizona. ARC addresses this need by offering treatments for a broad range of conditions, from cataract surgery to retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and uveitis—everything from tears to tumors.
Dr. Bakall specializes in inherited eye diseases, some of which are extremely rare. For example, retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 30,000 people, is one of the most common yet rare retinal diseases. The most common cases at ARC involve age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that blurs central vision as the macula is damaged
by aging. According to the National Eye Institute, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Treating this condition, and others, in Arizona presents a unique challenge due to the state’s significant "Snowbird" population—patients who split their time between Arizona and other states.
This migrating patient base complicates coordination with out-of-state primary care providers, insurance companies, and various administrative tasks. ARC has developed effective communication strategies to overcome these challenges, ensuring patients receive the coordinated care they need in a timely manner.
“I think we are really good at sending out notes,” Dr. Bakall said, noting that receiving notes from other providers is often more challenging.
Associated Retina Consultants (ARC) by the Numbers:
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Founded in 1974
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163 Employees
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12 Physicians
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2 Retina Surgery Fellows
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Services:
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Diagnostic testing, retinal surgery, inherited retinal disease, ocular tumors, eyedaptic glasses, clinical trials​
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13 Locations: ​​
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Phoenix, Casa Grande, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Goodyear, Mesa, Payson, Peoria, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Scottsdale, and Sedona​
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FOSTERING TEAM COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT
Dr. Bakall speaks passionately about the collaborative culture that defines ARC. "We really depend on our whole team," he says, emphasizing that every member plays a crucial role in achieving positive patient outcomes. ARC is physician-led and supported by a team of medical assistants, technicians, photographers, and administrative staff.
"We work together as a team to provide the best care possible, starting when patients are greeted at the front desk, through imaging and testing, all the way to follow-up, scheduling, and surgery," Dr. Bakall explains.
With multiple branches and campuses, ARC works hard to maintain a cohesive culture across its organization. Dr. Bakall describes this as a "one-company" approach, rather than fragmented system of satellite offices. Incoming associates begin their journey at the main Phoenix location, where they undergo a thorough trial period to ensure a solid foundation in training and culture. This initial phase allows both the physicians and practice leadership to ensure a good fit.
Every six months, associates meet with the partners and HR team to discuss clinical progress, professional development, mental health, and patient needs. This open feedback system is in place for all team members.
“We want to support them so they can be great team members, and ultimately patients see that when they come in,” Dr. Bakall said. ARC fosters an "open door" policy, according to Patricia Baeza, Senior Clinical Operations Manager. Everyone knows they can approach any of the partners or physicians for advice and support. This approach creates a multifaceted support system where team members can seek guidance from different physicians depending on the nature of their concern.
“I think that makes them unique,” Baeza said. The practice also fosters a strong culture of mentorship, collaboration, and ongoing education.
“ARC has the only fellowship program in ophthalmology in the state of Arizona, where we provide a two-year surgical and medical retinal training program,” Dr. Bakall said.
“We have multiple medical students that rotate in our clinics, and we have weekly educational rounds.”
These rounds provide an opportunity for physicians to discuss interesting cases, learn from each other’s experiences, and support each other with difficult cases.
“We talk about interesting cases, and that’s a good way for new physicians to learn from more experiences doctors,” Dr. Bakall says. Even senior physicians when they have challenging cases know they can bring it up to the group for feedback and support.
ADVANCING RETINA TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
Ophthalmology, especially retina care, is highly technology-driven, and advancements in imaging have revolutionized the ability to diagnose and treat patients.
“We can really see minute pathology, and that helps us to guide treatment,” Dr. Bakall said. ARC employs dedicated ophthalmic photographers and technicians who manage specialized imaging and testing, including photos, cross-sectional scans, ultrasounds, angiography, and electroretinograms, among others. This comprehensive diagnostic approach allows ARC to deliver precise and personalized care.
Beyond clinical care, ARC is also deeply committed to patient education. Through outreach initiatives, the team provides patients and their families with resources to manage progressive vision loss, stay informed about new treatments, and learn strategies for
coping with reduced vision. Physicians and associates participate in monthly health expos, provide community resources on retinal health, and give talks at assisted living centers. They also host continued medical education events and conduct training for other eye care providers.
A lifelong passion for Dr. Bakall, research is a central focus at ARC. In addition to his role as director of clinical research, he also serves as the president for the Retina Research Foundation of America, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing education and novel research in retinal diseases.
Since Dr. Bakall took on the role of research director, the number of clinical trials at ARC has expanded significantly. “I think this year we’re going to have over 20 active clinical studies for retina diseases,” he says.
These trials include promising gene therapies that are increasingly being explored for conditions like Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD). Wet AMD is a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults, and while current treatments involve monthly injections, ARC’s research into gene therapy aims to offer long-term solutions that could manage the condition with a single injection.
With several new FDA-approved treatments already in use, Dr. Bakall is excited about the rapid pace of advancements in the field. ARC remains at the forefront of these innovations, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in retinal care.
As ARC continues to lead the way in retina care, their dedication to advancing treatments, fostering collaboration, and supporting both their patients and staff remains unwavering. With a forward-thinking approach to research and a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy, ARC is not just shaping the future of retinal care in Arizona—it is transforming the lives of countless individuals.
As they move ahead, their commitment to excellence and innovation promises to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care for years to come, further cementing ARC’s legacy as a pillar of vision health in the community. â–
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dominique Perkins serves as Associate Editor for Arizona Physician.