Our Center
Dell Laser Consultants was established to provide absolute state-of-the-art care in the field of refractive surgery. We realize that you only have one set of eyes, and they deserve the best. From the moment you walk in the door, it will be apparent to you that we take this responsibility seriously. With the very finest technology available, and a caring and professional staff, we are dedicated to surgical excellence. Dr. Dell's consulting relationships with a variety of ophthalmic companies allow us to offer many new technologies, often years before they are available elsewhere. Through these relationships, we are able to offer the widest technological array of different excimer lasers and diagnostic equipment available anywhere in Austin.
Each of our laser treatment suites is equipped with a highly sophisticated Leibert environmental control system. These industrial systems are used in sensitive computer data centers, microchip clean rooms, and industrial settings. They are used to control every aspect of the temperature, humidity and air filtration system in the laser suite. The importance of this might not be immediately obvious until you learn that even small changes in the density of the air in the laser suite can affect the outcome of the 
procedure. You will not find anything resembling this level of technology in most laser centers.
The excimer lasers we use in laser vision correction are incredibly sensitive pieces of equipment. Each one consists of highly sensitive optics, precisely aligned mirrors, sophisticated electronics and computer control systems. Even the slightest movement of the laser requires a factory technician to completely recalibrate the device. Schedule a complimentary screening at Dell Laser Consultants and see for yourself why we believe we offer the finest care available anywhere.
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Our Staff
Dr. Derek Cunningham, Director of Optometry at Dell Laser Consultants, received his undergraduate education from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. He then completed his optometric education at the University of Waterloo. He is also a graduate of the Faculty Development Course at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Cunningham comes to DLC from Mobile, Alabama, where he was the Center Director of an advanced specialty referral and consultative eye care center. In this capacity, Dr. Cunningham specialized in the treatment and management of ocular disease and peri-surgical eye care. He also administered the optometric referral network and continuing education programs of this practice, which provided vision correction surgery, as well as specialty and surgical care for glaucoma, retina, and strabismus. Before joining his practice in Alabama, Dr. Cunningham was a Faculty Associate and Instructor of Clinical Pathology at the Texas Tech School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas. He was also the resident education supervisor and a member of the School of Medicine accreditation board.
In addition to his teaching duties at Texas Tech, Dr. Cunningham also held adjunct professor status at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and University of Waterloo. Dr. Cunningham's research background includes diabetic retinopathy, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma surgery and macular degeneration.
Dr. Cunningham is a nationally recognized educator, having provided continuing education lectures to eye doctors throughout the country. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
Derek has a special interest in Sports Vision and Performance, and is a board member of the American Optometric Association's Sports Vision Section. He has worked with professional and NCAA sports teams, as well as often attending and presenting at the American College of Sports Medicine national meeting.
As Director of Optometry at Dell Laser Consultants (DLC), Dr. Cunningham specializes in the evaluation and management of vision correction surgery patients and coordinates Dr. Dell's clinical research studies. He also coordinates and administers the optometric co-management and education programs for DLC.
Our Technology
The Intralase Femtosecond Laser
Our goal is to offer the very best technology and clinical expertise to achieve the best results possible. A significant technological advance in laser vision correction involves use of the Intralase. For patients undergoing LASIK, there are two ways to create the corneal flap during the procedure, “Traditional LASIK” and “Intralase LASIK”. Traditional LASIK involves the use of a blade to create the flap, and then a laser is used under the flap to reshape the eye and correct vision. Dr. Dell has performed several thousand such procedures with excellent results. Intralase LASIK actually uses a laser to create the flap, with no blade required.
In certain patients, the Intralase may provide an even more precise result with better vision and an increased margin of safety. Dry eye symptoms after surgery may be less significant with the Intralase as well. Intralase combined with Custom Wavefront LASIK has produced some of the best results ever achieved with laser vision correction. Not all patients are candidates for this technology. In a research study of patients treated with one eye using Traditional LASIK, and the other eye using Intralase LASIK, patients stating a preference preferred the vision in their Intralase eye 3 to 1 over the Traditional LASIK eye. Which is best for you? Dr. Dell will provide a recommendation based upon the individual characteristics of your case.
Procyon Infrared Dynamic Pupillometer.
Procyon Dynamic Infrared Pupillometry
Night glare can result from less expensive, older generation lasers. We use the finest lasers available, and always use the Procyon Pupillometer, the most sophisticated method devised to measure maximum pupil size in near total darkness. Dr. Dell was one of the first surgeons in the United States to offer this incredible technology, and in Austin it is still only available from Dell Laser Consultants.
Pentacam
The Pentacam is a highly sophisticated instrument capable of obtaining images of the front portion of the eye by means of a rotating Scheimpflug camera. This rotating process supplies pictures in three dimensions. By measuring 25,000 true elevation points, detailed information about the eye can be obtained in a fashion that is impossible with other technology. The Pentacam helps us better determine the most appropriate method for treating your eyes. This type of instrument is not available at most laser centers, and is yet another example of how we strive to have the very best technology available.
VISX WaveScan Aberrometer
Wavefront Analyzers
At Dell Laser Consultants, we use advanced wavefront analyzers to maps the entire optical path of your eye, including the tiny distortions and imperfections naturally present in all eyes. This is effectively a unique "fingerprint of your vision," and provides us with extremely precise and detailed information about your vision. The technology involved is highly complex, and is based upon mathematical techniques used to improve the performance and image quality of deep space telescopes. This customized unique map of your eye is then loaded into the computer of the excimer laser, which generates a wavefront customized treatment appropriate for the individual "fingerprint" of your eye.
Why We Use So Many Different Technologies
Most laser clinics use one laser to treat everyone, which is understandable considering that they can cost several hundred thousand dollars a piece. Through consulting arrangements with various ophthalmic companies, Dr. Dell is able to offer an extremely wide array of technology. We use multiple laser systems, wavefront analyzers and corneal imaging devices. Each of these devices has its advantages, and Dr. Dell will select the best technology for each patient.
Complimentary Screenings
Take advantage of our complimentary screening and determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. While screenings are not a substitute for an eye examination, you will be able to meet with one of our doctors and determine your options for laser vision correction. Click here to schedule a complimentary screening.
901 Mopac Expressway South - Suite 350 - Barton Oaks Plaza lV -
Austin,TX 78746
Tel - 512.347.0255
Fax - 512.347.0785
