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Dr. Christopher Areephanthu provides comprehensive ophthalmic care for adults, from routine examinations to surgical treatment. Patients value his straightforward, educational approach and the way he discusses options for both immediate concerns and long-term eye health. His services include diagnostics and medical therapy as well as procedures delivered with modern technology. Dr. Areephanthu earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. At Med Center Health Eye Care, he offers cataract evaluation and surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma procedures when appropriate, and treatment plans for common retinal and ocular surface conditions. He partners with each patient to align care with personal goals and to preserve comfortable, dependable vision.

Dr. Sergei V. Dmitruk is a board-certified ophthalmologist who cares for adults seeking clear, comfortable vision through modern cataract and anterior segment surgery. He offers comprehensive eye care with a special interest in premium lens options and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), pairing up-to-date technology with practical guidance so patients can choose confidently. Dr. Dmitruk studied Integrative Physiology with a certificate in Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned his MD at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He completed internship at Riverside Regional Medical Center and ophthalmology residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he developed interests in cataract outcomes and ocular trauma. His quality-improvement work has included optimizing care for patients at risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome and building laser training curricula for junior surgeons. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and welcomes new patients.

Dr. Guru Pattar is a board-certified ophthalmologist at The Eye Care Institute in Louisville. He provides comprehensive ophthalmology care and performs cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, while also caring for patients with glaucoma and vitreoretinal conditions. Dr. Pattar completed an ophthalmology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine after a transitional year at St. Vincent Hospital. He earned his MD and PhD in Cellular & Integrative Physiology at Indiana University School of Medicine and previously completed an MS in the same field. His background in research supports a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to diagnosing vision problems and tailoring treatment plans. He works closely with patients to explain options and support long-term eye health, from routine concerns to more complex medical and surgical care.

Dr. Lucy Franklin is a board-certified, comprehensive ophthalmologist with UK HealthCare. She provides broad adult eye care and performs cataract surgery, focusing on helping patients see more clearly and stay active in daily life. Dr. Franklin completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia, earned her medical degree at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of Kentucky. In clinic, she emphasizes listening closely, answering questions in plain language, and making sure patients understand their diagnosis and options. Her goal is for each person to feel supported before, during, and after treatment.

Dr. Mark A. Ihnen is a board-certified ophthalmologist with Kentucky Eye Care. He completed his medical training at the University of Louisville and finished residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Louisville. In practice, Dr. Ihnen provides comprehensive eye care, from routine eye exams to evaluation and treatment of common eye conditions. Patients often seek his care for concerns such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, as well as cataract evaluation. He is active in professional medical organizations and has co-authored publications in ophthalmology. Dr. Ihnen values thoughtful, patient-centered conversations so people understand their options and what to expect from treatment.

Dr. Zach Tarter is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers serving patients in Elizabethtown, Louisville, and nearby communities. He cares for a wide range of conditions and offers cataract surgery with modern lens options, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and the medical management of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. He also evaluates and treats corneal and conjunctival problems, partnering closely with each patient to set clear goals for vision and comfort. A Kentucky native, Dr. Tarter graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Human Health Sciences from the University of Kentucky, earned his medical degree with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky. He joined Bennett & Bloom in 2025 as a surgical and consultative ophthalmologist. Patients value his clear explanations, practical guidance, and team-based approach to long-term eye health—whether considering cataract surgery, optimizing glaucoma control, or navigating chronic retinal conditions.

Dr. Brian Bodnarchuk is a board-certified ophthalmologist with The Ophthalmology Group in Paducah, Kentucky. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including diabetic eye exams and retinopathy screening, glaucoma diagnosis and management, and treatment for common vision and eye health concerns. When surgery is the best option, he offers cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses, laser-assisted procedures, and eyelid surgery to help patients see and feel their best. Dr. Bodnarchuk earned a biology degree from Union University and received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed a transitional year internship at Indiana University Methodist Hospital and an ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans. He is committed to clear communication and helping patients understand their options and next steps.

Matthew Pfannenstiel, M.D., is a retina fellow at Retina Associates of Kentucky, serving patients in Lexington, KY. He diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disorders. Dr. Pfannenstiel grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Kansas. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City and remained to complete an internship in Internal Medicine and his residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. During residency, he was awarded the Nellie V. Warren Rising Star Award and was selected by the faculty to serve as Chief Resident during his final year. He has presented his research on vitreoretinal surgery at several national conferences, including AAO, ASRS, and ARVO. Outside of ophthalmology, he enjoys playing guitar in a 1960s and 1970s cover band, golfing, and cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

Fred Chu, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist who serves as the Director of the Glaucoma Service at the Cincinnati Eye Institute and Co-director of the Glaucoma Service at the University of Cincinnati. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he was introduced to medicine by his father, an ophthalmologist, which inspired his career path. Dr. Chu specializes in performing cataract surgery and a wide range of laser and surgical procedures for the treatment of glaucoma, addressing conditions from mild to severe and complex. He sees patients at the Edgewood office in Northern Kentucky, providing personalized and comprehensive eye care. Dr. Chu is dedicated to medical education, teaching residents at the University of Cincinnati and serving as the Director of the Glaucoma Fellowship at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. His expertise is recognized through his certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Outside of medicine, Dr. Chu enjoys sports, particularly supporting his hometown St. Louis Cardinals, and values spending quality time with his family.

Dr. Andrew Fink is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Lexington Clinic East who provides a wide range of adult eye care. He performs small-incision cataract surgery and manages glaucoma medically and surgically. He also screens and treats common retinal conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and helps patients with dry eye disease. Dr. Fink uses advanced diagnostics, including OCT imaging, and offers laser eye surgery when appropriate. He strives to ensure that each patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their decisions. Dr. Fink welcomes new patients in Lexington and collaborates closely with the clinic’s multispecialty team.

Lalita Gupta, MD, is an attending physician at Montefiore Einstein and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She specializes in oculofacial surgery, which involves plastic and reconstructive surgery of the upper face, orbit, eyelids, and lacrimal system. Her expertise focuses on helping patients with complex conditions affecting these delicate areas through advanced surgical techniques. After earning her Bachelor of Science in biology from George Washington University, Dr. Gupta completed her medical degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She then trained in an internal medicine internship at the Mount Sinai Health System, followed by an ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where she was appointed Administrative Chief Resident. She further honed her skills through an oculoplastics fellowship accredited by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Gupta's research interests build on her clinical work, focusing on eyelid reconstruction, orbital disease, and imaging. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and contributes to her field through research projects and peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Zegary Allen is a comprehensive ophthalmologist serving Northern Kentucky with medical and surgical eye care for adults. He evaluates and treats cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration, and partners with primary care and endocrinology to protect vision over the long term. Patients describe his style as steady and informative—he reviews imaging and test results in the room and outlines clear next steps, whether that’s observation, medication, laser, or surgery. Dr. Allen completed medical education and ophthalmology residency at the University of Cincinnati after internship at The Christ Hospital. His practice includes modern cataract surgery and longitudinal care for chronic eye conditions, with an emphasis on patient education and timely treatment to preserve sight.

Dr. Nicholas Fowler is a retina fellow with Retina Associates of Kentucky, caring for patients in Lexington and across the Bluegrass. He treats a full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions and partners closely with referring doctors to deliver timely, evidence-based care. Patients appreciate his clear explanations, practical guidance, and calm bedside manner during what can be stressful, vision-threatening problems. Dr. Fowler completed his medical degree and ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky, where he served as co-chief resident. He earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. At Retina Associates of Kentucky, he is involved in the evaluation and management of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, macular disorders, and retinal tears and detachments, along with the use of retinal laser and injection therapies when appropriate. Outside the clinic, he enjoys running, playing basketball, and time with family, and he brings that same energy and teamwork mindset to patient care.

Justin T. Gagel, MD, is an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, including LASIK. He enjoys the restorative impact of cataract surgery and uses modern technology to achieve precise, consistent results. Dr. Gagel takes time to understand each patient’s visual needs, explaining options such as advanced intraocular lenses and laser vision correction so people can make confident choices. Dr. Gagel earned his undergraduate degree in biology from East Tennessee State University and his medical degree from the Quillen College of Medicine. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky before returning home to East Tennessee to practice. He joined University Eye Specialists in 2021 and sees patients at multiple locations in the Knoxville area.

Dr. Manan Sampat provides comprehensive ophthalmic care with a focus on clear explanations and practical solutions. He evaluates a wide range of eye concerns—from blurry vision and dry eye to cataracts and glaucoma—and helps patients understand when observation, medication, laser, or surgery is the best next step. His goal is to restore comfortable, dependable vision while coordinating care seamlessly with primary and specialty providers. Dr. Sampat graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye Ear Infirmary Inc. He believes regular preventive exams and timely treatment make the biggest difference in long-term vision. Patients can expect up-to-date diagnostics, thoughtful counseling, and follow-through after every visit.

Dr. Christopher Turski is a medical retina specialist dedicated to protecting and restoring vision for people with macular and retinal disease. He is skilled in today’s sight-saving treatments, including office-based injections and laser therapies, and takes time to explain what to expect at each step so patients feel prepared and supported. His care philosophy pairs evidence-based treatment with practical guidance on daily living to help patients maintain independence and quality of life. Dr. Turski earned his MD from Charles University in Prague and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University Eye Hospital Bonn in Germany, where he received German and European Board certification in Ophthalmology. He further expanded his expertise through a PhD from the University of Bonn, involving clinical research on ophthalmic changes in neurological diseases, and he has authored peer-reviewed publications and holds innovation patents. To specialize in retinal care, he completed fellowships in Medical Retina at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and at Duke University. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, and the German Society of Ophthalmology, ensuring he stays current with advancements in eye care. Fluent in both English and German, Dr. Turski can communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.

Dr. Noll is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Cataract Surgery, Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Laser Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. A Covington Catholic High School graduate, he grew up in the greater Cincinnati area. He attended Vanderbilt University on the prestigious McNamara academic scholarship. While at Vanderbilt, he was a member of the basketball team, playing in three NCAA Tournaments and winning an SEC Tournament Championship. After graduating cum laude, he continued his education at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where he was the co-director of the Shade Tree ophthalmology clinic for underserved populations. Dr. Noll completed his internship at Spartanburg Regional Hospital in South Carolina prior to heading south to Gainesville, FL. During his ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida, he undertook multiple leadership roles and was named Resident of the Year by his peers. He then returned to his hometown and joined MidWest Eye Center, where he appreciates the opportunity to provide high quality eyecare and surgery to the local community. Outside of his work at MidWest Eye Center, Dr. Noll participates in global ophthalmology service trips. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, sand volleyball, spending time with family, and cheering on the local sports teams.

Dr. Justin W. West was born and raised in Murray, Kentucky. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Murray State University and his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He then completed an internship in internal medicine and an ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky's Albert B. Chandler Hospital. Dr. West joined Huffman & Huffman in 2020 and provides comprehensive ophthalmic care with a focus on cataract and glaucoma management. His clinical interests include advanced techniques in cataract surgery, refractive cataract surgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He is known for his straightforward explanations and practical plans to protect vision and quality of life, serving patients across southern and central Kentucky.