Physicians in South Carolina

Dr. John Boatwright, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon. After completing his undergraduate degree in biology from Washington and Lee University, Dr. Boatwright attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He then moved to Charleston for his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. 

To specialize in ophthalmology, Dr. Boatwright completed an internship at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta and a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) at the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. 

After medical school, Dr. Boatwright chose to open his own independent practice, making him the founder of Carolina Eyecare Physicians and Physicians’ Eye Surgery Center, both of which have grown significantly since their inception. 

Additionally, Dr. Boatwright works as a medical staff member in the Roper St. Francis Health System. He is active in several professional organizations, including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology, the South Carolina Medical Association, and the Charleston Ophthalmology Society.

Dr. Boatwright finds joy in caring for his patients. 

He explains, “there is personal and professional fulfillment in restoring someone’s vision and working alongside an outstanding team of professionals using the best technology medicine has to offer. My first love is the group of wonderful patients I have had the joy of caring for and getting to know over the last 30 years. Families and multiple generations—I’ve learned more from them than I could ever hope to give in return.” 

This focus on longevity in patient care allows Dr. Boatwright to treat a wide array of ocular illnesses and conditions that can develop through a lifespan.

Dr. Boatwright lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and children. He enjoys traveling, golfing, gardening, reading, learning about history, and spending valuable time with his family. 

He is a member of St. Andrews Church, and he humbly gives back to his community through service on the Charleston Leadership Foundation board, as the organizing director of The First Tee of Greater Charleston, and with Life Resources, a Christian counseling organization. 

Additionally, Dr. Boatwright is an active volunteer for Operation Sight, a local organization he co-founded to provide cataract surgery at no charge to disadvantaged and uninsured citizens of South Carolina.

Location Served: West Ashley

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Dr. Paul Herring, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology (with high honors) at the University of Florida, he attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed an internship at Greenville Memorial Hospital and his residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was named chief resident.

Dr. Herring is currently active in several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology, and the Charleston Ophthalmology Society. He was also inducted into the AOA Honors Society.

Dr. Herring is a Charleston native who attended Porter Gaud. He currently resides in Mount Pleasant. In his free time, enjoys boating, fishing, riding bikes, going to the beach, and playing squash. 

Of his career at Carolina Eyecare Physicians, he explains, “I enjoy being part of a team that is passionately committed to delivering the best possible care to each and every patient.”

Location Served: North Charleston

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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, Summerville, West Ashley

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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. Kerry D. Solomon, MD is a cataract, LASIK, and advanced vision correction specialist at Carolina Eyecare Physicians, which he joined in 2009. He is also the director of the Carolina Eyecare Research Institute, clinical professor of ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and is the former president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS). 

Dr. Solomon completed his fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery and corneal transplantation at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to his fellowship, he completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky and an internship in medicine at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

In addition, Dr. Solomon completed a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received both his doctorate in medicine and bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.

Over his 24 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Solomon has achieved status among the country’s best ophthalmic surgeons. He was one of the first in the country to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery, implant multifocal and astigmatic correcting lenses, and perform topography-guided LASIK. 

He has received dozens of awards, including the Lee Nordan Refractive Surgeon of the Year Award, an award given to the surgeon who has had the greatest impact in the field, by Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. He has been ranked in the top 1% of ophthalmic surgeons nationwide in US News & World Report. 

Dr. Solomon has been ranked as one of “America’s Best Doctors” annually for cataract and refractive surgery since 2003. He has also been voted in the Top Fifty Opinion Leaders in Ophthalmology in the world by his peers since the inception of this award in 2005. He routinely speaks at both national and international meetings and hospitals, and to date has presented more than 600 lectures and live surgical demonstrations worldwide.

Finally, Dr. Solomon’s work has been recognized by multiple popular magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Money, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, The Saturday Evening Post, Redbook, and Reader’s Digest. 

He has also been featured on The Today Show, ABC World News Tonight and in television specials such as PBS’s “Cataract Surgery” as part of the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” series, which aired across the United States and over 140 countries.

Locations Served: Mount Pleasant and West Ashley

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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, Summerville, Belle Hall, Nexton and Bluffton

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Dr. Berdine Burger, MD is board-certified in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. During her undergraduate studies, she attended St. Andrews University in Scotland, where she completed a study of international health systems.

She completed a retina research fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Storm Eye Institute before completing her ophthalmology residency.

Dr. Berdine Burger was the recipient of the R.E. Lee Honor Scholarship, the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Award, the Nabors Service League Honorary Award, and the Patients’ Choice Award. She was also recognized as a National Institute of Health Student Scholar.

She is currently affiliated with several associations, including AAO, UFS, ASCRS, SCMA, and various charitable organizations that provide community outreach efforts including Operation Sight and Eyecare America. She also serves on the Young Eye Surgeons Committee (YES) for the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Her practice provides comprehensive and consultative personalized eye care utilizing the latest technology, including laser-assisted cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Dr. Burger started practicing with Carolina Eyecare Physicians in May 2013.

Locations Served: West Ashley 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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Erik M. Happ, MD, FACS has joined the Facial Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians as an Oculoplastic Surgeon. Dr. Happ has already established an impressive career and is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of Oculoplastic & Orbital surgery. Upon graduation from Hahnemann University, Dr. Happ embarked on a path of excellence beginning with his internship in General Surgery at “the President’s Hospital”, the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He then entered active duty service as a US Naval Flight surgeon garnering multiple awards including the prestigious Navy Commendation Medal and participating in multiple deployments around the world. One of Dr. Happ’s proudest moments was being selected by NASA to provide launch medical support for two Space Shuttle missions, STS 98 and STS 106.

After honorable discharge from the Navy, Dr. Happ continued his training in Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute where he served as the chief resident and was presented with the Jay G. Lynn Award as the most outstanding resident. He then trained under the internationally known, John S. Kennerdell, MD in Neuro-ophthalmic, Oculoplastic, and Orbital Surgery at the Allegheny General Hospital campus of Drexel University School of Medicine in Pittsburgh.

After taking a brief private practice position in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Dr. Happ was offered the opportunity to replace his mentor, Dr. Kennerdell back in Pittsburgh at Allegheny General Hospital. His career has been marked by several innovations in orbital and neuro-ophthalmic surgery culminating in the development of a trans-orbital approach to the skull base to treat aneurysms and tumors. A natural leader, Dr. Happ was named the Director of Neuro-ophthalmic trauma followed by being named the Department Chairman and System-wide division director of Ophthalmology for Allegheny Health Network.

Dr. Happ has always excelled in the area of functional and cosmetic oculoplastics and has pivoted his career in this direction, having started his own solo private practice and stepped away from academic medicine for the last several years. He performs a broad range of surgeries and treatments such as blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, entropion, and ectropion repair, dacryocystorhinostomy, functional botulinum toxin for blepharospasms and management of thyroid eye disease. He is also well versed in facial aesthetics and performs facial cosmetic surgery as well as injections of both Botox and dermal fillers and skin resurfacing procedures.

Dr. Happ enthusiastically accepted the position at Carolina Eyecare Physicians and is poised to provide state-of-the-art facial plastic surgical care in the Charleston area.

Locations Served: Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, Murrells Inlet

Drew Hunter, MD has joined the cataract and refractive surgery team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians, bringing over a decade of experience in advanced cataract surgery and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Hunter specializes in cataract and refractive surgery—including LASIK—as well as the medical and surgical management of glaucoma and the treatment of dry eye disease. He is particularly passionate about helping patients reduce their dependence on glasses following cataract surgery, utilizing laser-assisted techniques and advanced intraocular lens technology to correct astigmatism and presbyopia.

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Hunter attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree from the prestigious Kenan-Flagler Business School while also competing as a Division I football player. He went on to complete his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine and an Ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina.

For the past ten years, Dr. Hunter has dedicated his practice to helping patients achieve their best vision through cutting-edge cataract surgery techniques. Known for his personal approach, he strives to treat every patient like family while delivering the highest level of care through state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Hunter is thrilled to be back in the Lowcountry with his wife, Marsha Wedgeworth Hunter—who was born and raised on Hilton Head Island—and their three boys: Preston, Worth, and Grayson. Outside of the operating room, Dr. Hunter and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, especially at the beach or out hunting and fishing.

Locations Served: Bluffton, Hilton Head & Lady’s Island

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Dr. Lowrey P. King, 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 Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee before pursuing his medical degree at the University of Mississippi. Dr. King then completed his ophthalmology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.

He also completed training in retinal disease at the Washington National Eye Center at Washington Hospital Center. Dr. King maintains an academic affiliation with MUSC as an associate professor at the Storm Eye Institute.

Dr. King is active in many local and national professional organizations. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He has authored and co-authored over a dozen major ophthalmology journal articles, as well as contributed chapters to medical and surgical textbooks on ophthalmic surgery.

In addition to devoting his time and energy to patient care, Dr. King has devoted significant time to providing medical and surgical eye care to patients in developing nations. He has provided both cataract and surgical retina care to patients in need in Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. He is currently an active participant in the charity organization Retina Global.

Learn More Here!

Location Served: Charlie Hall Retina

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Dr. Peter Knowlton, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and surgery, laser procedures, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye exams.

Dr. Knowlton completed his undergraduate education at Duke University, with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He attended medical school at the Vanderbilt University of Medicine and completed an internship at the University of Pittsburgh, Mercy Hospital, followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

In his free time, Dr. Knowlton enjoys marathon running, traveling to interesting places around the world, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and enjoying time with his wife and 3 young children.

Locations Served: Mary Ader and Mount Pleasant

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Cole Milliken M.D. is an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (LASIK, PRK, ICL), Corneal Transplantation, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, and Anterior Segment Reconstruction. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University where he graduated with honors prior to receiving his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed residency training at the Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, SC where he was selected to serve as Chief Resident for his final year. Dr. Milliken then went on to complete a fellowship in corneal, refractive, and complex anterior segment surgery at the prestigious Moran Eye Center, widely recognized as one of the premier surgical training programs in the country. Throughout his education and training Dr. Milliken has received numerous awards including the Presidential Scholar Award for interprofessional and academic achievement, as well as, the Richard A. Saunders Award for Surgical Excellence, and Promise in Surgical Teaching. 

Dr. Milliken is one of the only surgeons in the state whose training includes premium and complex cataract surgery, advanced corneal transplantation techniques, minimally invasive glaucoma, and vision correction procedures. His broad surgical expertise allows him to tailor the latest technology to a range of eye diseases with the goal of achieving the best possible patient outcomes. Dr. Milliken is active in several professional committees and has presented his research on refractive technology and novel surgical techniques at conferences around the country. His research efforts strive toward advancing our understanding of the field, while offering top-tier surgical eye care to residents of the Lowcountry. 

Dr. Milliken is proud to be a member of the Carolina Eyecare Physicians team, and looks forward to welcoming you with a compassionate, patient centered approach.

Locations Served: North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant

Through a love for research, Dr. Sandoval has been involved in a variety of public presentations and published articles about various research projects. She has given oral presentations, been an invited panelist, and authored or co-authored articles on more than 200 occasions. She provides editorial reviews for many of the leading ophthalmic publications in the United States and Colombia.

Dr. Sandoval enjoys being able to see, evaluate, and provide feedback on new technology. She feels it keeps her mind fresh and she’s always learning new ideas and concepts. “It’s always exciting to know that what you are doing not only helps the person in front of you but reaches so many more people.”

She is so appreciative of the patients who commit to participate in these research studies and share her passion for improving medical care.

Location Served: Mount Pleasant

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Dr. Denise Carter, OD is a board-certified optometrist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and had specialty training at the University of Alabama Birmingham College of Optometry Advanced Therapeutics. 

At Carolina Eyecare Physicians, she performs comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma treatment, dry eye care, as well as family eye care and contact lens fittings for patients of all ages.

Dr. Carter is a member of the American Optometric Association and South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. She is passionate about developing long-term relationships with her patients and is excited to join the award-winning team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians. 

In her spare time, Dr. Carter enjoys running, kayaking, fishing, and boating. 

Location Served: Lady’s Island

Kimberly Carter, OD is a board-certified optometrist at Carolina Eyecare Physicians. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Carter is experienced in the areas of vision therapy, specialty contact lenses, and dry eye disease treatments using IPL, Lipiflow and more. At Carolina Eyecare Physicians, she performs comprehensive eye exams, ocular disease management, glaucoma treatment, dry eye care, as well as family eye care and contact lens fittings.

Dr. Carter is a member of the American Optometric Association and South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. She is passionate about providing quality eye care that can improve and enhance her patients’ lives.

In her spare time, Dr. Carter enjoys exploring new restaurants around town and traveling. She is excited to experience the lifestyle and amenities of the Lowcountry.

Dr. Carter will be seeing patients in our Nexton and North Charleston offices.

Dr. Cynthia Charnetski recently joined the Carolina Eyecare Physicians team as a licensed Optometrist. She has over 23 years of experience providing comprehensive eye care to patients, including pre- and post-operative care, glaucoma management, ocular pathology, refractive and contact lens exams, ocular disease treatment, and more.

A native of Pennsylvania, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wilkes University, followed by a Doctor of Optometry degree from Salus University and a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science, also from Salus University.

Dr. Charnetski has received numerous community awards throughout her career, including the Wilkes University Colonel Blazer Award, Times Leader 40 Under 40 Award, and she was a Kosciuszko Foundation Academic Scholarship Recipient. She has also co-authored various papers and studies, as well as presented at national optometry and ophthalmology meetings.

In her spare time, Dr. Charnetski is active with animal rescue and has several rescue dogs! She is also on the Board of Trustees and Alumni Boards at Wilkes University. She and her husband are excited to be moving to the Hilton Head area.

Dr. Charnetski is looking forward to serving the patients of Carolina Eyecare Physicians for years to come. She will be accepting new patients in the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Lady’s Island-Beaufort offices of Carolina Eyecare Physicians.  

Dr. Tessa Clark, OD is a board-certified optometrist who specializes in comprehensive eye care, ocular disease management, pre-and post-operative care for cataract surgery and LASIK patients, family eye care, and contact lens fittings for patients of all ages. 

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Smith College in Northampton, MA, and attended optometry school at the University of Alabama School of Optometry in Birmingham, AL. 

Dr. Clark has worked with The Birmingham VA Medical Center and UAB Eye Care. She was honored with the Gold Key membership in the International Optometric Honor Society and was elected as the vice president and then President of the UABSO Student Ambassador program.

Dr. Clark worked with Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) and volunteered with Remote Area Medical (RAM) during a mission trip to Belize. Free comprehensive eye exams were performed.

She has received several awards, including the Dr. Sternberg Endowed Optometry Scholarship, in addition to being elected to the Marly Pineda All Pioneer Team. She is excited to be a part of the award-winning team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians.

Locations Served: Belle Hall and West Ashley

Dr. James Elliott, OD is a Charleston native who graduated from the College of Charleston in 1991 with a BS in psychology and earned a second degree in physics in 1992. He conducted research in the cell biology department at the Medical University of South Carolina for 2 years before attending optometry school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. 

In the spring of 1999, he graduated with honors and joined his uncle’s practice as a partner. He is a past president of the Coastal Carolina Optometric Society and is a member of both the South Carolina Optometric Physicians and American Optometric Associations. 

Currently, Dr. Elliott serves as a captain in the US Army Medical Reserve Corps. He is excited to now be a part of the award-winning team at Carolina Eyecare Physicians.

Locations Served: Mary Ader and Sam Rittenberg

Dr. Clara Lee is an optometric physician who provides comprehensive eye care at Carolina Eyecare Physicians. She is a Michigan native, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. 

Dr. Lee has gained experience in the areas of ocular disease management, pre-and post-operative care for cataract surgery, dry eye disease, glaucoma treatment, contact lens fittings, and more.

Dr. Lee is a member of the American Optometric Association and South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.

In her free time, Dr. Lee enjoys running, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to experience life in the low country, and she looks forward to serving patients of all ages in her community with care and compassion.

Offices served: Walterboro

Dr. Steve Milella is a licensed optometrist with over 30 years of experience in caring for patients of all ages. Dr. Milella is experienced in providing comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, ocular disease management, pre- and post-operative care, and dry eye treatment including LIPIFLOW, Bleph-ex and punctal plugs. He is also specialized in LASIK post-operative care.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA. He has joined Carolina Eyecare Physicians following a lengthy career as an independent optometrist in New York and South Carolina.

Dr. Milella and his wife reside on Hilton Head Island. In his time away from work, he enjoys all that the low country has to offer and volunteering at the Humane Society of Hilton Head.

Locations served: Bluffton & Hilton Head

Dr. Alexa Rowe, OD is an optometric physician who provides a wide range of primary eye care services to Carolina Eyecare Physicians‘ patients. She attained her undergraduate education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and attended optometry school at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. She then completed a residency at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Clinic.

Dr. Rowe has extensive training in ocular disease, vision testing, eyewear prescriptions, specialty contact lenses and the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. She is involved in pre-operative testing and follow-up care for cataract surgery, corneal transplant, and laser vision correction.

Dr. Rowe is a member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.

Location Served: West Ashley

Dr. Patrick Smith, OD has been practicing in Charleston since 1994. He graduated with Clinical Honors from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he received his specialized training in the treatment and management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma and ocular injuries and emergencies. He also specializes in sports vision training and is a member of the Sports Vision Section of the AOA.

Dr. Smith is a past president of the Coastal Carolina Optometric Society and has served on the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. He is thrilled to have joined the Carolina Eyecare Physicians family! 

Locations Served: Mary Ader and Sam Rittenberg

Dr. Shawn D. Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania, completed his undergraduate studies in Pre-Medicine and Biology at Penn State University. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.  He continued his extensive training at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Medical Hospital at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia and the Katzen Eye Group in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Thomas has devoted his career to the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.  For the last two decades he has treated thousands of patients with advanced ocular conditions including Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration (AMD), Dry eye, and Corneal diseases.  Dr. Thomas was the clinical director at INSIGHT LASIK and Refractive Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he managed over 20,000 refractive and cataract surgery cases during his tenure. He has also published extensively on refractive surgery and has lectured internationally in his over 20 years as a treating physician.  

Dr. Thomas is an avid outdoorsman and his love for the ocean and offshore fishing brought him to the Myrtle Beach area.  He resides in Murrells Inlet with his wife, Corrie, two daughters, Londyn and Vivien, and son Jack Wesley Thomas. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and working on his farm in North Carolina.

Location Served: Murrells Inlet

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

Dr. Abby Vanderah was raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, and found her calling in optometry through a passion for improving people’s quality of life by preserving and enhancing their vision. She was also drawn to the profession’s meaningful social aspect—building connections and providing care to individuals from all walks of life.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. Dr. Vanderah has proudly served as an optometrist in the United States Army for over 18 years and was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Dr. Vanderah is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an active member of the American Optometric Association, Armed Forces Optometric Association, and South Carolina Optometric Association. She has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, providing eye care in Peru, Alabama, and on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Committed to supporting organizations that assist disadvantaged and special needs children, Dr. Vanderah is also passionate about traveling, boating, ballroom dancing, and cherishing time with her son, Noah.

Dr. Vanderah will be seeing patients in our Mt. Pleasant office.