Christopher Antonini founded Antonini Ocular Prosthetics, LLC in 2013 following the completion of his apprenticeship under noted ocularist Walter Tillman. As West Virginia’s only board certified ocularist, Christopher provides the highest quality of custom ocular prosthetics.
Our servicesWe know that selecting an ocularist is important as this is an ongoing partnership. We are a resource for you outside of your appointment and are always available to answer your questions or help educate you on your prosthetic.
Patient resourcesChris’ rigorous training and certifications from The American Society of Ocularists (ASO) and The National Examining Board of Ocularists (NEBO) ensures that his patients receive only the best product and care that the industry offers. As a member of the ocularist community, Christopher serves as a Diplomat of the ASO. Most recently, Christopher volunteered his expertise for the Kids Insight Project at the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association.
Every prosthetic eye is impression fitted and hand painted to best suit you.
The opportunity to complete an apprenticeship with the only ocularist in the state fell in my lap after graduating art school. So, in a way, this career found me.
From Prosthetic eyes and scleral cover shells to ongoing care and polishes, Antonini Ocular Prosthetics is a partner for your ongoing ocular needs.
A custom fit ocular prosthesis is fit over an orbital implant that is placed in the eye socket following surgery for enucleation or evisceration.
A custom fit scleral cover shell is fit over a dysfunctional eye which has not been surgically removed.
Modern ocular prostheses are made of the highest quality acrylic. This material results in a very hard and durable prosthesis that can be easily modified. As sturdy as this material is, your prosthesis may develop scratches or protein deposits over time and will need to be polished for optimal comfort and fit.
Ready for your in-person consult? Or have questions about the process?
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Timothy Elmore
Angi Day (Ivy Day - daughter/patient)
Caring for your prosthesis
If you’re having issues with your prosthesis, reach out to us immediately, so we can help identify and resolve the issue. Our office number is 877-594-0719.
Always wash your hands before handling your prosthesis
Lift Upper Eyelid, and Look Down. Insert Prosthesis under upper eyelid. Push In and Up. Release Upper Lid and Pull Lower Eyelid Down, Push Prosthesis In.
Place Suction Cup On Prosthesis, and pull Lower Eyelid Down. Rock Prosthesis Up In Socket, remove by pulling Prosthesis Out and Down.
Ocular prostheses can develop scratches and protein deposits over time that can lead to discomfort, itching, and pain for the patient. A professional cleaning and polishing will solve most of these issues.
Most insurance companies will provide for a polish every six months. At a minimum, we recommend that you visit for a check-up AT LEAST once a year.
Over time, the tissue in your eye socket changes and your prosthesis will need to be replaced. Most insurance companies will provide coverage for a new prosthesis once every 5 years. Please call our office to determine if you are eligible for a new prosthesis.
Always wash your hands before handling your prosthesis
Once you have removed your prosthesis, wash the prosthesis with your hands. Never use any mechanical rotating polishing equipment.
Place the prosthesis in a wet Terry cloth material and apply gas permeable contact lens cleaner or original Johnson Baby Shampoo (without conditioner). This will help eliminate the protein and salt from the surface of your prosthesis. (Boston, Optimum and some drug store brands make gas permeable contact lens cleaners.)
Gently rub the prosthesis between your fingers to form a lather with the cleaning agent.
Thoroughly rinse your prosthesis with water before re-inserting.
If dryness should occur you may use any over the counter products such as Refresh (artificial tears) or Boston (gas permeable contact lens cleaner) for relief.
Never use alcohol or alcohol based cleaning products to clean your prosthesis
Although it is not recommended, in the event that you need to remove the prosthesis for any length of time, we recommend storing it in a clean container filled with commercial saline.
All appointments are scheduled by calling our office at 877-594-0719. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with scheduling and any questions you have. When scheduling your appointment or leaving a message, please be certain to leave your full name, a working phone number, current address and e-mail address.
Antonini Ocular Prosthetics, LLC accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield and more. Financing is also available. For questions about coverage please call our office staff who will assist you in maximizing your benefits.
In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please call our office at 877-594-0719. As our schedule o ften involves travel, we appreciate 24 hours notice for all cancellations.
Appointments for custom fitted ocular prosthesis and scleral cover shells last approximately 6 or more hours. This is due to the many steps involved in getting your prosthesis properly fitted, colored, and processed. There will be multiple breaks and time allotted for lunch during your appointment, so please plan accordingly.
Appointments for routine check-ups vary in time depending on what type of service your prosthesis requires. A simple polish or reduction may take only 30 minutes, whereas an enlargement may take up to two hours.
For more information about how long your appointment will take, please contact our office at 877-594-0719.
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Contact us directly by completing the form below with your name, contact information, and questions or concerns and a member of our staff will reach out to you as soon as possible.