Find a Specialist

Dr. Marius J. Heersink is a cataract, refractive, and laser-vision correction specialist who blends precision surgery with a welcoming, hometown style. He helps patients understand all options for visual freedom—whether that’s laser vision correction or cataract surgery with advanced lens technology—so they can choose confidently. His practice also includes corneal and ocular surface care, allowing him to manage complex front-of-eye problems and optimize outcomes before and after surgery. Patients value his clear communication, meticulous planning, and focus on safety and long-term results. A Dothan native, Dr. Heersink completed ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital (Thomas Jefferson University) after a transitional year at Mount Carmel in Ohio. He earned a dual MD/MBA from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and Collat School of Business, graduating with honors after earlier completing EMSAP undergraduate studies at UAB. His academic work has appeared in leading ophthalmology publications. Away from clinic, he enjoys fitness, flying, and time with family.

Dr. Raymond Rojas is a comprehensive ophthalmologist known for personalized, family-style care and meticulous surgical technique. He specializes in custom cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and also provides broad medical and laser care across comprehensive ophthalmology. Patients value his approachable explanations and the time he takes to match each treatment plan with their visual goals and daily activities. Dr. Rojas earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed both an internal medicine residency and an ophthalmology residency at Tulane University. His experience treating complex eye disease informs a practical, outcomes-focused approach that emphasizes safety and long-term vision. In addition to surgery, he offers diabetic eye care, laser procedures, and minor eyelid surgery.

Dr. Jennifer Michelson is a refractive cataract and lens-implant surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed an ophthalmology residency at Montefiore Medical Center–University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. In clinic, Dr. Michelson provides routine and complex eye care for adults, including evaluation and management of cataracts and glaucoma. She offers modern cataract surgery with multifocal and toric lens options to address distance and near vision as well as astigmatism. Her practice also includes medical, laser, and surgical treatments for diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, along with dry eye and allergy care. Patients value her clear communication, practical counseling on lens choices, and coordinated care at UAB Highlands.

Dr. Alex Wright is a distinguished retina specialist dedicated to providing expert care for complex retinal disorders. He has a strong commitment to his community in Eastern Idaho, where he focuses on improving and preserving vision through advanced treatments. He earned his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine, where his academic excellence led to election into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Dr. Wright completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, receiving multiple resident research awards. He further honed his skills through a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Retina Consultants of Alabama/University of Alabama-Birmingham. Dr. Wright specializes in treating a range of retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases, retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and secondary intraocular lenses. He utilizes techniques such as intravitreal injections, laser therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery to achieve optimal outcomes. Actively involved in academia, he has authored numerous publications and maintains membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Ariana Diamond is a board-certified ophthalmologist who enjoys the precision of microsurgery and the chance to help people see more clearly at every stage of life. She offers a full spectrum of vision correction options—including laser procedures and lens-based solutions—as well as cataract evaluation and surgery. Her style is warm and communicative; she takes time to understand your goals, explain your choices in plain language, and guide you to a plan that fits your eyes and your lifestyle. Dr. Diamond’s medical training includes residency at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Whether you’re exploring freedom from glasses or looking for modern cataract care, she partners closely with each patient to deliver safe, tailored results and a smooth experience before, during, and after surgery.

Dr. Jessica Duddleston is a board-certified ophthalmologist who offers comprehensive care with a focus on cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma, and medical retina. She helps patients understand their diagnosis and options—from LASIK to advanced-technology lens implants—and builds personalized plans that balance clarity, comfort, and recovery. Patients value her warm manner, clear explanations, and attention to detail in both clinic and operating room. Dr. Duddleston completed ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina, where she served as chief resident and received the Resident Teacher of the Year award, after medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She enjoys caring for the Birmingham community and staying active outdoors with her family.

Dr. Robert C. Foster is a board-certified ophthalmologist who combines advanced technology with a friendly, down-to-earth approach. He focuses on cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and functional eyelid procedures, and also provides comprehensive care for a wide range of eye conditions. Patients value his careful counseling on lens options and his commitment to safety, comfort, and excellent visual outcomes. A North Alabama native, Dr. Foster graduated from Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama School of Medicine, then completed ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Since joining The Eye Center, he has earned a reputation for precise surgical technique and clear communication that helps patients feel confident at every step of their care.

Dr. Nikolas (Nik) Hopkins is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and Clinical Instructor at UAB Callahan Eye. He provides full-spectrum medical and surgical eye care with interests spanning cataract surgery, glaucoma management, refractive surgery, and the ocular manifestations of infectious diseases. He also maintains an academic focus in ocular oncology evaluation and the care of patients with complex eye conditions. Dr. Hopkins earned his MD at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, graduating with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He completed ophthalmology residency at the Hamilton Eye Institute (UTHSC) in Memphis, where he gained extensive experience caring for diverse patient populations and presenting his research nationally and internationally. Known for a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making so individuals understand their diagnosis and options. At UAB Callahan Eye, Dr. Hopkins welcomes patients seeking thoughtful, evidence-based care delivered with compassion and attention to detail.

Dr. Bradley Langston is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who cares for patients across northeast Alabama with a focus on restoring clear, comfortable vision. He provides individualized cataract care—from accurate diagnosis through modern surgical options—and treats common conditions such as diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Patients appreciate his steady communication style, attention to detail, and the way he explains options so they can make confident decisions about their eyes. Dr. Langston earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. Before medicine, he studied chemical engineering at the University of Alabama, a background that complements his interest in precision technology in the operating room. Raised in Birmingham, he is glad to serve the communities where he and his family call home. Whether you need a thorough exam, cataract surgery with advanced lenses, or ongoing glaucoma care, Dr. Langston aims to deliver the kind of thoughtful, high-quality care he would want for his own family.

Calvin McNelly, MD, is an ophthalmologist and refractive cataract surgeon who helps patients see—and live—better with thoughtful, personalized care. He provides comprehensive eye exams and delivers surgical and nonsurgical solutions for common vision problems, including advanced cataract options tailored to each patient’s goals. Dr. McNelly grew up in Texas and graduated cum laude from the University of Denver before earning his medical degree at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. He completed a transitional year in El Paso and an ophthalmology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served as chief resident. Patients value his friendly communication style, attention to detail, and commitment to clear, step-by-step guidance before and after surgery. Outside the clinic, he enjoys travel, music, and time with his family. Dr. McNelly is dedicated to delivering safe, modern care while partnering closely with referring optometrists and primary-care providers.

Dr. Ramitha Nyalakonda is an ophthalmologist who provides thoughtful, patient-centered eye care for adults and families in the Cullman community. She offers comprehensive exams and clear guidance so patients understand their diagnosis and options, whether they are managing chronic conditions or planning vision-restoring surgery. Her clinical interests include cataract surgery, glaucoma care, diabetic eye evaluations, age-related macular degeneration management, and laser vision correction. Originally from California, Dr. Nyalakonda graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham before earning her medical degree at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she refined her surgical skills and developed a passion for helping people see more clearly. At Holcomb Laser Center, she also offers LASIK and cosmetic and therapeutic BOTOX® services. Patients appreciate her warm communication style, attention to detail, and commitment to outcomes that fit each person’s goals and lifestyle.

Dr. Jeffrey St. John is an ophthalmologist in Mobile who provides comprehensive eye care with a focus on cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and uveitis. He offers modern cataract surgery with a range of intraocular lens options and helps patients choose the approach that best fits their vision goals. Patients appreciate his approachable style, clear communication, and commitment to long-term vision health. A Mobile native, Dr. St. John completed an internal medicine internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he served as chief resident, after earning his MD from the University of South Alabama. He enjoys caring for patients of all ages and tailoring plans that balance safety, comfort, and visual clarity.

Caroline Watson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at Alabama Vision Center, serving patients in Huntsville, AL. She is a native of Louisiana, a second-generation ophthalmologist, and a third-generation MD. Dr. Watson pursued ophthalmology due to the forward-thinking technology, the challenging nature of the surgical procedures, and the ability to regularly connect with patients in a clinical setting. Dr. Watson specializes in premium cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, ICL, LASIK, PRK, SMILE, ocular surface reconstruction, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, advanced dry eye disease, neuromodulators (BOTOX® & Juveau®), and dermal filler. She is an accomplished surgeon with expertise in performing the most technologically advanced forms of cataract and refractive surgeries, and is dedicated to providing her patients with the most recent technological advances and a tailored patient centered approach. Dr. Watson’s personal time is spent in a variety of pursuits including spending time with her husband and three children, Cajun cooking, offshore fishing, scuba diving, and weightlifting.

Dr. Shae Steward is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract evaluation and surgery. She helps patients navigate the decision to proceed with surgery, reviews lens options in the context of lifestyle and goals, and provides attentive care before, during, and after the procedure. Patients often remark on her calm presence and the way she makes complex topics feel approachable. A native of Alabama, Dr. Steward completed medical school at the University of South Alabama and residency training in comprehensive ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. In practice, she focuses on restoring clear vision through modern cataract surgery and individualized intraocular lens selection. Whether choosing a monofocal lens or exploring presbyopia-correcting options, she emphasizes education and shared decision-making so patients feel confident in their plan.

Dr. Katherine Donnithorne is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist caring for patients across East Alabama. She provides medical and surgical management of cataracts, glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and common retinal conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. When appropriate, she offers in-office laser and injection therapies and partners closely with each patient to match treatment with personal goals and day-to-day needs. A Birmingham native, Dr. Donnithorne completed medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and ophthalmology residency at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital following her internship at Good Samaritan Hospital. She previously served for eight years in Montgomery and has participated in international mission work, including extended service in Bolivia and a school year at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya. Patients describe her care as compassionate, practical, and easy to understand.

Dr. Aric Jason Aldridge is a board-certified ophthalmologist who brings years of experience caring for medical and surgical diseases of the eye. He is known for a detail-oriented, thoughtful approach and for taking time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals so they can make informed decisions about treatment. Dr. Aldridge was born and raised in Folkston, Georgia. He graduated summa cum laude from Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham at Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident. Prior to joining the Dothan community, he practiced for many years in Bainbridge, Georgia, providing individualized care and serving in hospital leadership roles. His clinical interests include cataract and glaucoma surgery as well as neuro-ophthalmic disorders.