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Dr. Holt is a board-certified ophthalmologist who provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care for patients in Hot Springs and the surrounding communities. He has special interests in cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment, and also cares for people with diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, dry eye, and eye infections. Patients appreciate his clear explanations and practical guidance at every step—from preventive eye exams to planning surgery when needed.Born and trained in Arkansas, Dr. Holt completed medical school and ophthalmology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), with an additional year in internal medicine at UAMS that strengthened his whole-patient approach. At Holt Eye Clinic he works closely with an experienced team to deliver efficient, coordinated care, including on-site diagnostics and postoperative follow-up. Whether you are seeking a routine checkup, updating your vision after cataract surgery, or looking for a long-term partner to manage glaucoma, Dr. Holt focuses on individualized care tailored to your goals and daily life.

Dr. Mengarelli is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who offers both medical and surgical eye care, with particular expertise in cataract and refractive surgery. He performs modern cataract surgery with advanced lens options, including premium implants to address astigmatism and presbyopia, and provides all-laser LASIK for appropriate candidates. His practice also includes the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other common ocular conditions.A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Mengarelli completed ophthalmology residency at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, where he served as chief resident. Known for a calm, detail-oriented style, he enjoys helping patients understand their options and choose a plan that fits their goals—whether that means reducing dependence on glasses or protecting long-term vision. He is active in professional societies and has participated in surgical mission work, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving sight at home and abroad.

Dr. Olivia Moharer is an ophthalmologist at Arkansas Children’s, where she cares for kids and teens with a wide range of eye conditions. She creates a calm, kid-friendly environment and takes time to explain each step of an exam so families know what to expect. Whether your child needs a first comprehensive eye evaluation or ongoing care for a known diagnosis, Dr. Moharer partners closely with parents and pediatricians to build a clear, practical plan that fits your family’s needs. Dr. Moharer completed medical school at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri in Columbia. In clinic and in the operating room, she collaborates with the Arkansas Children’s Eye Center team, offering both medical and surgical treatment options when appropriate. Her goal is straightforward: protect vision, support healthy development, and help children get back to doing what they love with comfortable, confident sight.

Ahmed A. Sallam, M.D., Ph.D., FRCOphth, is an Associate Professor at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Sallam is the Director of the Uveitis Service and specializes in the management of ocular inflammation (uveitis) with emphasis on the use of the most advanced systemic and intraocular medications. He is also a retinal specialist with extensive expertise in both surgical and medical expertise and is the Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Program. Dr. Sallam received advanced specialty training in the management of uveitis and retinal disorders following 5 years of fellowship training. This included 2 uveitis and medical retina fellowships at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London as well as 2 further fellowships in vitreoretinal surgery in the UK. He is board certified in Ophthalmology through the UK Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) and has held a prior appointment as a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in the UK. Active in educational speaking, training and research, Dr. Sallam has published over 70 peer reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters and presents regularly at national and international meetings. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the European Vitreoretinal Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Braden Wilson is a board-certified ophthalmologist serving patients across Northwest Arkansas. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care with a special emphasis on small-incision cataract surgery and advanced technology lens implants designed to reduce dependence on glasses. Dr. Wilson completed his undergraduate studies in microbiology at Oklahoma State University, graduating magna cum laude, earned his medical degree from the OU-TU School of Community Medicine in Tulsa, and finished ophthalmology residency at Texas A&M/Baylor Scott & White, where he served as chief resident. In addition to cataract surgery, Dr. Wilson manages common and complex conditions including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eye disease. He has presented original research at national meetings and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Patients value his calm, family-centered approach and clear communication. Whether he is updating a prescription, treating ocular surface issues, or planning surgery, Dr. Wilson tailors care to each person’s goals so they can return to work, hobbies, and the activities they love with confident vision.

Dr. Patrick W. Risch is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in surgical care of the eye with a particular passion for cataract surgery. Raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma and went on to earn his medical degree there. After internship at Saint Raphael’s Hospital in Connecticut, he completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee’s Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis and achieved certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Since joining The Eye Center in 2015, Dr. Risch has performed more than 10,000 cataract operations.Dr. Risch offers modern techniques designed to reduce dependence on glasses, including the use of advanced technology intraocular lenses. He also performs LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange. Patients appreciate his steady, down-to-earth manner and the way he explains options clearly so they can choose a plan that fits their goals and lifestyle. Outside the operating room he enjoys family life in Fayetteville and the mindfulness that comes from his meditation practice—both of which reflect the focus and calm he brings to every visit.