Get in Touch with Eye Doctors in Summerville, SC

Macular Degeneration • Retinal Solutions

Jonathan Brugger, M.D., MBA is a board-certified vitreo-retinal surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal disorders. He completed his residency at the renowned New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. A ten-year Navy Veteran, having practiced as a military comprehensive ophthalmologist, he went on to complete his retina fellowship with the leader of modern-day vitreo-retinal surgery, Steve Charles, M.D.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brugger has been dedicated to a compassionate and patient-centered approach to the practice of medicine. He understands the impact that retinal disorders can have on a patient’s life and takes the time to listen to their concerns and develop personalized treatment plans to meet their individual needs. As a highly skilled surgeon with years of experience, Dr. Brugger’s expertise encompasses a multitude of conditions including retinal membranes, macular degeneration, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears/detachments, and vitreous floaters.

Committed to staying at the forefront of his field, Dr. Brugger is actively involved in research and has been an investigator on many of the newest treatment regimens for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He possesses expertise and insight on the latest advances in retina surgery, both present and future, to guide his patients through a plethora of treatment options.

As a new resident to the low country region, Dr. Brugger, his wife, and two sons are excited to experience everything that Charleston has to offer.

Locations Served: West Ashley, Belle Hall, Nexton and Mount Pleasant

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Dr. Francisco A. Folgar, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of medical and surgical diseases of the retina. He completed his undergraduate education at Duke University in North Carolina before pursuing his medical degree and ophthalmology residency at New York University and the Manhattan Eye Ear & Throat Hospital.

He also completed a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Duke University Eye Center. In addition, he also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship with the world-renowned experts at Duke University.

Dr. Folgar is active in many local and national professional organizations. He currently is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. 

His work has been nationally recognized with research awards from the Retina Society, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

He is also fluent in Spanish and French.

Locations Served: Mount Pleasant, Walterboro, Summerville & West Ashley

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Dr. Thomas Newland, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon. He completed his undergraduate degree at the College of Charleston and continued to attend medical school locally at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Newland moved to Detroit to complete his residency in ophthalmology at Wayne State University’s Kresge Eye Institute. Returning to Charleston, he completed an internship in internal medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. 

Dr. Newland is the recipient of several prestigious awards and recognitions. During his time at the Kresge Eye Institute, he was named chief resident. Additionally, he has received the Barsky Prize for Best Resident Presentation, first-place recognition for the Third Congress of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Film Festival video entitled “Influence of Optic Style and Haptic Angulation on Area of Contact,” and the Annual Dean’s Award from College of Charleston.

Dr. Newland’s excitement for ophthalmology stems from variation in daily tasks and the ability to incorporate modern technology into his practice. 

He says, “I enjoy ophthalmology, as it offers a combination of medicine and surgery. The surgery aspect is intricate in comparison to most other surgical specialties, and the physics aspect of ophthalmology is fascinating; both allow me to use all the various cutting-edge gadgets to help my patients improve their sight.” 

Of his work with his patients at Carolina Eyecare Physicians, Dr. Newland most values his leadership position as part of an incredible team with one focus: helping patients maintain optimal vision for life. 

He explains, “In the context of team-based care, leadership is the consistent use of a physician’s knowledge, skills, and expertise to identify, engage, and elicit from each team member the unique set of contributions needed to help patients achieve their care goals. Our leadership and our team are dedicated to providing care to families to help keep them healthy and prevent negative visual outcomes.”

When he’s not caring for his patients in the office, Dr. Newland enjoys taking a day off to focus on enjoying quality family time, working on small projects, fishing, sailing, and hunting.

Locations Served: Walterboro, North Charleston

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Dr. Robert Reuther, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon and a United States Coast Guard licensed captain. He completed his undergraduate education at Tulane University in New Orleans before pursuing his medical degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. 

Upon graduating, he completed his internship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago and then his residency at Louisiana State University School of Medicine Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

Dr. Reuther is active in many local and national professional organizations. He currently serves on the South Carolina Board of Medicine, and he is a member of the Charleston Ophthalmologic Society and Aesculapian Honor Society. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 

Dr. Reuther was the Ophthalmology Course Director for the University Family Practice Residency Training Program and an Associate Professor at MUSC, where he was awarded Clinical Instructor of the Year, an honor bestowed upon him by physicians-in-training at the university.

Dr. Reuther is keenly focused on individualized patient care with the most cutting-edge technology available. He explained, “I enjoy offering patients the absolute best eye care with what is available to us today in a caring and compassionate manner. At Carolina Eyecare Physicians, we take the time to help each and every patient navigate through the different options of advanced cataract surgery to best fulfill their individual needs.” This focus on his patients is why he chose the field of ophthalmology. 

“Is there anything more precious than the gift of sight? I felt compelled to study this area of medicine to ensure my patients have access to the latest technologies and procedures to preserve their vision. It is a fulfilling career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help my patients see their best.”

When he’s not serving his patients, Dr. Reuther enjoys volunteering at Operation Sight and spending time with his wife, Karen (of 20-plus years), and his 2 daughters, Hannah and Emma. He also participates in Ironman Triathlons (he’s completed 12!).

Location Served: Summerville

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Dr. Crystal Whittington, OD earned her Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and attended optometry school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. She held an internship at William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC and was a USC School of Medicine assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology.

At Carolina Eyecare Physicians, she performs comprehensive eye exams, ocular disease management, pre-and post-operative care for cataract surgery and LASIK patients, as well as offers family eye care and contact lens fittings for patients of all ages.

She is passionate about developing long-term relationships with her patients and is excited to join the award-winning team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians. Dr. Whittington is active in industry organizations including the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.

Locations Served: Summerville