
About Near-Real Surgical Systems
Erie Retina Research & The Centers for Advanced Surgical Exploration (CASEx) are committed to pioneering advancements in ophthalmic & vitreoretinal care through cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative research. Originally started in Erie, PA, our network boasts over 50 specialized clinical trials – covering five continents – designed to enhance patient outcomes and address complex retinal conditions, including rare genetic disorders and advanced retinal diseases.
Our Services & Methods
Customized comprehensive training and consulting programs aimed to provide cutting-edge knowledge and insight into the constantly evolving world ophthalmology. Through these programs we can bring new products to surgeons & patients and through our collaborative model, we reduce the time from idea to market. Our commitment ensures that as the world progresses, so does our expertise.
Surgical Training
Comprehensive training programs designed to enhance surgical skills and proficiency, catering to medical professionals seeking continuous improvement.
Specialized Training: Ocular Implant & Drug Delivery Devices
Specialized training programs focused on ocular implant procedures, providing handson experience and expertise in the latest advancements in this specialized field.
Testing of Surgical Devices
Cutting-edge facilities for testing and evaluation of surgical devices, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Consulting on Ophthalmic Robotics
Highly trained professionals provide personalized guidance, navigating the realm of cutting-edge robotic-assisted ophthalmic procedures. Witness the convergence of innovation and specialized care in these expert consultations, shaping a transformative experience in vision health.
Teaching
We offer advanced teaching, training, and can craft specialized courses, programs and both in-person and virtual sessions to convey meaningful information to students, physicians and eyecare professionals. We work with companies to develop, expand, and showcase specific modalities, products, innovations and techniques.
The Kephalos Method
While Case X works with a wide range of tools, we are proud to house The Kephalos Method as our unique and preferred way of exploring realworld developments in the most advanced, realistic platform available.
Patient Centric Approach
Our patient-centered approach prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients throughout their entire experience. Here are key elements that contribute to a patient centered approach at Case X:

Communication and Education

Comprehensive Care

Comfort and Support

Respect for Patient Preferences

Accessible and Timely Care

Post-Operative Follow-Up
By integrating these principles into the operational framework, Case X has successfully created a patient-centered environment that prioritizes the unique needs and experiences of each individual undergoing eye surgery and/or treatment.
“Case X is your results driven playground to take your idea from inception to market in record time.”
Case X Introduces
The Kephalos Method (TKM)
Evaluate the viability of new ideas, devices or techniques through testing in real-world scenarios. Partner with our center for cohesive teaching, consulting and training, all facilitated by our exclusive and meticulously prepared human cadavers. We prioritize patient safety by practicing, learning, teaching and creating in the safe environment of Kephalos-Based Surgery.
With the utmost care, our method of preserving donor cadavers showcases Case X’s proven ability to be at the very forefront of scientific discovery.
There is simply nothing that compares to the life-like possibilities of TKM.

What is TKM?
The Kephalos Method is an advanced method and technique of exploring and teaching the human eye. Human cadavaers are meticulously prepared to showcase the dynamic Utilizing the Kephalos Method, we can explore, grow, learn, and teach, while maintaining complete patient safety.

How is TKM Utilized?
There is no need for virtual surgical experiences. Once considered the future of advanced surgical retina care, these methodologies do not offer the real-world nuances of The Kephalos Method.
Explore the chambers of the human eye like never before utilizing The Kephalos Method!
“Case X is the ONLY surgical incubation center of its kind, with the most advanced equipment in a non-academic center in the USA.

NRSS Training Course
Advanced Ophthalmic Retina and Vitrectomy Techniques: A Unique Training Course using Near Reality Surgical Specimens (NRSS)
Join us for a comprehensive two-day training program for ophthalmologists specializing in retina, ocular injections, vitrectomy, and buckle procedures.
This hands-on course is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in these specialized areas of ophthalmology, equipping you with the expertise needed to excel in your practice. Participants will benefit from the unique opportunity to work with Near Reality Surgical Specimens (NRSS), which are cadavers with eye globes preserved using a proprietary method. This provides the closest-to-reality surgical experience available. This first-of-its-kind experience is now accessible to non-academic institutions.
Meet CASEx Faculty

Dr. David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD
We understand the importance of flexibility and offer options to suit diverse needs:
Our CASExGLOBAL TEAM handles all logistics
With locations in Erie-PA, Miami FL, Philadelphia-PA, Ahmedabad India, Tokyo-Japan & Manilla Philippines, our team can curate events worldwide including coordination of all meeting rooms, catering services and transportation arrangements. promotional event space, and many other options.



