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Dr. Nathan Blessing is an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he provides advanced care for the eyelids, orbit, lacrimal system, and periocular skin. His clinical expertise spans aesthetic eyelid and brow surgery, ptosis repair, thyroid eye disease, lacrimal disorders, reconstruction after skin cancer removal, and complex orbital trauma.Dr. Blessing graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Emory University before earning his medical degree with Special Distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (AOA). He completed ophthalmology residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and an ASOPRS-accredited two-year fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at Bascom Palmer. He has taught and lectured nationally and internationally and is fluent in English with conversational Spanish. Patients appreciate his precise surgical technique and kind, collaborative manner focused on safety, function, and natural-looking results.

Dr. Kevin Clauss is an oculoplastic surgeon focused on functional and cosmetic eyelid, brow, orbit, and tear-drainage disorders. He offers a full spectrum of procedures—from blepharoplasty and ptosis repair to brow lifting, lacrimal surgery, and complex reconstruction after Mohs surgery—always with a careful eye for both vision and aesthetics. He also treats eyelid malpositions and orbital fractures and provides in-office options for benign eyelid lesions and periocular rejuvenation. Raised in Albuquerque, Dr. Clauss graduated with high honors in Neurobiology from The University of Texas at Austin and earned his medical degree at UT Health San Antonio, where he graduated in the top 5% and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed ophthalmology residency at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami and went on to two years of advanced, ASOPRS-accredited oculoplastic and orbital surgery training. He brings a friendly, detailed approach to care, helping each patient understand choices and feel comfortable through recovery.

Dr. Irene T. Lee is a board-certified ophthalmologist with ASOPRS fellowship training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. She specializes in functional and aesthetic surgery of the eyelids, eyebrows, face, tear ducts, and eye sockets, helping patients address concerns that affect comfort, vision, and confidence.Dr. Lee graduated summa cum laude from Rice University and earned her medical degree at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt Eye Institute, where she served as chief resident, and then pursued a two-year, ASOPRS-accredited oculofacial plastics fellowship at Duke Eye Center.Known for a warm, attentive style, Dr. Lee takes time to understand each patient’s goals and builds a personalized plan focused on safety, function, and natural-looking results.

Dr. Sarah Avila is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida, dedicated to aesthetic and reconstructive care around the eyes and face. After medical school, she completed an ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City, followed by a highly competitive two-year, ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. During fellowship she focused on surgery of the eyelids, brows, lacrimal system, orbit, and face. She is one of a select group of surgeons admitted to the American Society of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and has authored publications and delivered lectures nationally and internationally. Dr. Avila offers both surgical and non-surgical options with an emphasis on natural, balanced outcomes. She welcomes patients seeking eyelid rejuvenation, correction of droopy lids, revision eyelid procedures, treatment of tear-duct problems, and reconstruction after skin cancer or trauma. She also manages complex conditions such as thyroid eye disease and orbital tumors. Bilingual in Portuguese and Spanish, Dr. Avila takes time to understand each person’s goals and treats every patient with the same care and attention she would offer her own family.

Dr. Erin Black is an oculofacial plastic surgeon who provides cosmetic and reconstructive care for the eyelids, orbit, and tear drainage system in Gainesville. Board-certified in ophthalmology and fellowship-trained at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute (ASOPRS), she offers upper and lower eyelid surgery, ptosis repair, brow lifting, thyroid eye disease care, and reconstruction after skin cancer removal. Her consultations emphasize education and collaborative decision-making to deliver results that look natural and protect eye health.Dr. Black grew up in Gainesville, attended Dartmouth College, and returned to the University of Florida College of Medicine for medical school and an internal medicine internship. She completed ophthalmology residency at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (Chief Resident) and an ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at UCLA. She has taught cosmetic and orbital surgery courses at national meetings and received recognitions including an American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award. Dr. Black values clear communication, comfort, and safety for every patient—from first visit through recovery.

Dr. Kendra DeAngelis is a fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who cares for conditions of the eyelids, orbit, and tear duct system. After ophthalmology residency at Brown University, she completed a two-year American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship under Drs. Ralph Wesley and James C. Fleming at TN Oculoplastics and the University of Tennessee–Memphis. She provides comprehensive evaluation and clear, personalized treatment plans for both functional concerns and cosmetic goals.Dr. DeAngelis offers upper and lower eyelid rejuvenation, ptosis and brow ptosis repair, correction of eyelid malpositions, tear duct (DCR) surgery for tearing, and care for thyroid eye disease. She is skilled in orbital tumor and trauma reconstruction and in periocular skin cancer reconstruction after Mohs surgery, as well as cosmetic eyelid and periocular procedures. Patients describe her approach as warm, thorough, and detail-oriented, with a focus on natural-looking results and long-term eye health.

Dr. Aliza Epstein is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with experience in cosmetic and functional eyelid and facial surgery as well as lacrimal and orbital disease and management. She provides individualized care for a wide range of concerns, from droopy eyelids and eyelid malpositions to tear-duct obstruction and periocular skin cancers, and also offers cosmetic rejuvenation with precise surgical techniques and laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Epstein was born and raised in Plantation, Florida. She majored in Psychology at Northwestern University and earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. She completed her Internal Medicine Internship in New York City and her ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Epstein then completed a two-year American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship at TOC Eye and Face in Austin, Texas, and an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery fellowship focusing on facial cosmetic surgery. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented at national and international events. Dr. Epstein is committed to providing quality care and individualized treatment plans for her patients at the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute.

Dr. Charles Anthony is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon who focuses on aesthetic and functional surgery of the eyes and face. He offers natural-looking eyelid rejuvenation, brow and facial lifting, and advanced techniques that emphasize precision, safety, and individualized planning. Patients appreciate his approachable manner, clear explanations, and attention to detail from the first consultation through recovery. A Tampa Bay native, Dr. Anthony completed the Medical Scholars Program and graduated with honors from the University of Miami before earning his medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He returned to the area for ophthalmology residency and oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley VA Medical Center, training under renowned mentors. His practice combines minimally invasive options with modern surgical care to restore comfort, function, and confidence.

Dr. Raul F. Hernandez Rubio is an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in functional and cosmetic eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital procedures. He completed medical school and ophthalmology residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he served as chief resident, followed by fellowship training with Cockerham Eye Consultants in San Diego. He provides precise, natural-looking results and works closely with patients to align treatment with their goals and daily life. Dr. Hernandez Rubio’s interests span reconstructive surgery for eyelid malpositions and skin cancers as well as cosmetic enhancements using injectables and laser therapies. He values communication, safety, and staged care plans, taking time to explain options, expected recovery, and long-term outcomes. Outside the clinic, he enjoys culinary arts, photography, and time with his dogs.

Dr. Brandon C. Clair is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery. He provides both functional and cosmetic care of the eyelids and surrounding structures, offering procedures such as upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, brow lift, ptosis repair, eyelid and orbital reconstruction, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments including Botox and fillers. His goal is to achieve natural-looking results that improve comfort, vision, and confidence. Dr. Clair completed medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University, an ophthalmology residency at the University at Buffalo—where he served as chief resident—and advanced fellowships at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in oculoplastic, orbital and reconstructive surgery as well as neuro-ophthalmology. He has authored peer-reviewed publications and remains engaged in innovation across periorbital surgery. Patients appreciate his meticulous technique and clear, compassionate counseling from consultation through recovery.

Dr. Robert J. Applebaum is an oculoplastic surgeon whose practice blends functional eyelid care with thoughtful aesthetic rejuvenation. Patients see him for concerns ranging from droopy or heavy lids to reconstruction after skin-cancer removal, and for minimally invasive treatments that refresh the eye area while preserving a natural look. He is known for clear communication about options, realistic expectations, and recovery timelines so people can choose the approach that best fits their goals. Dr. Applebaum earned a combined MD/MBA at the University of Florida, completed ophthalmology residency at the University of South Florida, and pursued advanced training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the J. Justin Older Eyelid Institute. In the exam room and operating suite, he offers upper and lower blepharoplasty, brow lifts, eyelid reconstruction after Mohs surgery, and cosmetic injectables such as hyaluronic-acid fillers and Kybella. He welcomes adults and children for eyelid and periocular care and coordinates closely with dermatology, oncology, and primary eye care to ensure long-term comfort, vision, and appearance.

Dr. Joseph Licht is an oculofacial plastic surgeon with a special interest in eyelid, brow, orbit, and lacrimal disorders, along with advanced cataract surgery. Patients value his precise surgical technique and clear communication about expected results, recovery, and long-term eye health. He offers a full range of cosmetic and functional eyelid procedures and helps patients with tearing, eyelid malpositions, and reconstruction after skin cancer removal. A native of Ocala, Dr. Licht studied linguistics and mathematics at the University of Florida, later earning a master’s in environmental engineering before pursuing medicine. He completed medical school and ophthalmology residency at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by dual fellowship training in global eyecare and oculofacial plastic surgery through programs at Emory University and the National Institutes of Health. His training included research in Ethiopia on trachoma and exposure to advanced surgical techniques. He is committed to delivering thoughtful, technology-forward care to the communities of The Villages and surrounding areas.

Dr. Sarah Kim is an oculoplastic surgeon who has been part of Ocala Eye since 2018. She specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery as well as functional eyelid repair and reconstruction, helping patients restore comfort, vision, and natural appearance. Her work includes eyelid reconstruction after trauma or skin cancer removal, along with evaluation and removal of eyelid growths, skin tags, and cancer. Dr. Kim earned a B.A. in biochemistry from Occidental College and completed a dual degree in public health and medicine at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University California (D.O./M.P.H.). She completed an internship and ophthalmology residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), then pursued additional fellowship training in Stockton, California to further specialize in eyelid repair and reconstruction. Outside the clinic, she is passionate about medical missions and has participated in service trips to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Ethiopia.

Dr. Jorge Agi is an oculoplastic and orbital surgeon who treats conditions of the eyelids, tear ducts, and eye socket with a blend of precision and compassion. He offers both functional and cosmetic eyelid procedures and has additional training in ocular oncology for tumors of the eyelid, orbit, and ocular surface. Patients value his careful evaluation, attention to safety, and results that restore comfort, function, and natural appearance. At USF Health, Dr. Agi’s practice ranges from repair of eyelid malpositions and blocked tear ducts to reconstruction after skin cancer, orbital fracture repair, and decompression for thyroid eye disease. He also manages complex tumors in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, providing advanced surgical and nonsurgical options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Frances J. Acosta is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive oculoplastic surgery of the eyelids, lacrimal system, and periocular face. She offers careful evaluations and clear guidance to help patients choose the right option—from relief of tearing and eyelid malpositions to functional and aesthetic eyelid procedures—so they can see and feel their best. Dr. Acosta graduated summa cum laude from Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. She completed an internship at Henry Ford Hospital, an ophthalmology residency at the University of South Florida, and a fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is active in the Tampa Bay medical community and is known for compassionate, detail-oriented care. Dr. Acosta welcomes new patients and tailors treatment plans to each person’s goals and daily life.

Dr. Alexander Blandford is a board-certified ophthalmologist with advanced fellowship training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He cares for patients at the Center for Advanced Eye Care in Vero Beach and focuses on cosmetic eyelid and brow surgery, eyelid reconstruction after skin cancer, tear drainage surgery, and orbital disease. Dr. Blandford also offers non-surgical rejuvenation with Botox and dermal fillers and partners closely with patients to choose safe, effective treatments that match their goals.Dr. Blandford completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida (Chief Resident, Resident of the Year) followed by a two-year ASOPRS-approved fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, where he earned the Outstanding Clinical Fellow Award. He has published extensively and lectured locally, nationally, and internationally on oculofacial plastic surgery. His care is detail-oriented and compassionate, with an emphasis on natural-looking results and protecting the health and function of the eyes.

Dr. Stephen Jones is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastic surgery, including functional, cosmetic, and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids, eyebrows, and facial skin. He also provides general ophthalmology care, including comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma treatments, and cataract surgery. Dr. Jones completed fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery at Novus Clinic in Tallmadge, Ohio. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and completed his undergraduate education at Taylor University. In the clinic, he focuses on careful evaluation and clear communication so patients understand their options—whether they are seeking help for eyelid concerns, cosmetic goals, or vision changes related to cataracts or glaucoma.

Dr. Renelle Lim is a board-certified, double fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in surgery of the eyelids, orbit, and tear-duct system. She combines meticulous surgical technique with a patient-centered approach focused on safety, function, and natural-looking results.After earning her medical degree at SUNY Downstate, Dr. Lim completed ophthalmology residency training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and advanced fellowship training at Wills Eye Hospital in both ocular oncology and oculoplastic & orbital surgery. She has held academic leadership roles, including serving as Director of Ocular Oncology at Yale’s Smilow Cancer Center and as an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine.At the Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery, Dr. Lim offers reconstructive and cosmetic care, including eyelid surgery and post–skin cancer reconstruction. She is active in research and education and strives to help patients feel informed and confident at every step.