RAF History
Retina Associates of Florida was founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1986 when Dr. W. Sanderson Grizzard joined forces with Dr. Mark E. Hammer to treat diseases and disorders of the retina and macula including macular degeneration, retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, vitreoretinal disease, vascular retinal disease, hypotony, eye tumors, and complications following cataract or corneal surgery.
Drs. Grizzard and Hammer believed that combining superior patient care with ongoing clinical research would provide tremendous benefits to both patients and the field of ophthalmology. They also recognized the importance of teaching and served as voluntary clinical professors at the University of South Florida for more than 25 years.
They were deeply involved in professional organizations dedicated to advancing retinal medicine, including:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Florida Society of Ophthalmology
- Tampa Bay Ophthalmological Society
- Florida Medical Association
- Hillsborough County Medical Society
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Medical Association
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- Ocular Immunology and Microbiology Group
- Societas Internationalis Por Diagnostica Ultrasonica in Ophthalmologica
- American Society of Retina Specialists
- International Society of Ophthalmic Endoscopy, Inc.
- American Uveitis Society
- The Retina Society
- International Ocular Inflammation Society
- Club Jules Gonin
- American Eye Study Club
- Frederick C. Cordes Eye Society
- International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision
- Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
- The Vitreous Society
In 2008, Dr. Ivan J. Suñer joined the practice, bringing 12 years of experience in the treatment of serious eye diseases and a strong academic background from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Duke University. His prior roles included Chief of Ophthalmology at Scott Air Base Medical Center and faculty positions at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Miami and Durham.
In July 2011, Dr. Grizzard retired after 33 years of dedicated practice. His legacy of excellence in research and patient care continues to define Retina Associates of Florida as one of the nation’s premier retina practices.
In January 2012, Dr. Marc C. Peden joined the practice, contributing his expertise in the treatment of complex retinal diseases from his tenure as Assistant Professor and Director of the Vitreo-Retinal Service at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Hammer retired in 2016.
In August 2021, Dr Nadim Rayess joined Retina Associates of Florida after completing his fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at Stanford University. He specializes in complex retinal diseases and ocular oncology. He also has a strong background in clinical research, having completed a 2 year clinical research fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital.
Focus on Research
As long-time advocates for research, the practice has participated in numerous clinical trials over the past 25 years, contributing to groundbreaking treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and other diseases of the retina and macula.
In the 1990s, Retina Associates of Florida took part in the NIH-sponsored COMS study for Choroidal Ocular Melanoma, which proved that patients could preserve their affected eye and maintain better quality of life—a major advancement over the prior standard of complete eye removal.
The practice has continued to lead and participate in major studies such as:
- EVS (Endophthalmitis/Vitrectomy Study): Demonstrated that intraocular infections could be effectively treated with vitrectomy surgery instead of toxic antibiotics.
- PKC Study: Investigated systemic medication treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
- Eyetech DME & AMD: Supported FDA approval of Macugen for wet macular degeneration.
- Allergan Posurdex Study: Tested a slow-release intravitreal implant for treating complications of retinal vein occlusions.
Recent research collaborations have included:
- Genentech: Supported FDA approval of Lucentis for wet macular degeneration.
- Sailor: Compared Lucentis dosing schedules.
- Allergan: Investigated edema secondary to ocular vein occlusions.
- Anchor: Compared Lucentis and Visudyne, helping establish Lucentis as the superior treatment option.
- Alcon I & II: Supported FDA approval of Visudyne as a therapy for wet macular degeneration.
Since joining in 2008, Dr. Suñer has led additional studies, including:
- RASCAL: Advanced individualized treatment plans for diabetic retinopathy using OPTOS imaging and Lucentis.
- Ophthotech: Studied combination therapies for macular degeneration.
- Revolutionary Study: Compared Lucentis dosing regimens for long-term vision outcomes.
- Pfizer: Focused on advanced dry macular degeneration treatment trials using the RNG6 compound.
Retina Associates of Florida continues to identify and participate in innovative research programs aimed at improving outcomes for patients with retinal and macular diseases.
The WOW Experience
In the early 1990s, Drs. Grizzard and Hammer developed “The WOW Experience” — a philosophy focused on exceeding expectations at every patient touchpoint. Their goal was for every person interacting with the practice — patients, referring physicians, vendors, and visitors — to leave saying, “WOW, that was a great experience.”
Since 2007, the practice has conducted semi-annual Patient Satisfaction Surveys to evaluate care quality, staff performance, and overall patient experience. Results consistently show high satisfaction and strong patient loyalty across all service areas.
Marketing and Business Development
As medicine evolved, the founders recognized the importance of marketing and communication in strengthening relationships with referring physicians. They established one of the first ophthalmology marketing programs to educate both doctors and patients about retinal diseases and treatment options.
In the early 2000s, the practice hired its first Marketing Representative to visit referring physicians, share research updates, and promote collaboration. Today, that effort has evolved into a comprehensive educational outreach program — including seminars, printed materials, and patient education initiatives — that continues to enhance awareness and access to advanced retinal care.