Find a Specialist

Dr. Aaron Ricca is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at Retina Associates of Kentucky. He specializes in vitreoretinal diseases and has a great interest in the medical and surgical management of retinal disease due to diabetes, which is the leading cause of vision loss in working-aged adults. Dr. Ricca finds that caring for patients with chronic illnesses allows him to build meaningful doctor-patient relationships, which he finds both rewarding and important in good medical care. Dr. Ricca also has an interest in inherited retinal disease. His fellowship experience allowed him exposure to one of the most robust inherited retinal disease clinics in the nation. Medicine has entered the era of gene and stem cell therapies, with ophthalmology at the forefront. As a previous mechanical engineer, Dr. Ricca greatly appreciates the ever-evolving imaging technologies that Retina Associates of Kentucky uses to diagnose and manage patients. Outside of work, Dr. Ricca and his wife have two young kids, a daughter and a son. As a family, they love to cook, bake, and play outdoors. When traveling, they look to the local cuisine to experience different cultures. Depending on the time of year, Dr. Ricca likes to fly fish or hunt as frequently as he can.

Dr. Leanne Clevenger is a fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist at UK Advanced Eye Care, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment and tears, macular holes, and epiretinal membranes. She performs an array of surgical procedures including retina surgery and vitrectomy, and in clinic emphasizes education and shared decision-making to help patients understand their condition and treatment options, which may involve in-office injections, laser procedures, or surgery. A Lexington native, Dr. Clevenger is grateful to provide retina care to the people of Kentucky and surrounding states. She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, where she served as Chief Resident from 2021 to 2022. As an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, she prioritizes her patients’ personal goals while applying the most advanced treatments and surgical techniques, and she is passionate about trainee education and advancing ophthalmology research at UK HealthCare with the goal of protecting and, when possible, restoring vision.

Dr. Romulo Albuquerque is an ophthalmologist and physician–scientist who cares for patients with complex retinal disorders and inflammatory eye disease. He believes that excellent outcomes come from listening carefully, explaining options in plain language, and partnering with patients and their families to choose treatments that fit their lives. In clinic, he uses advanced imaging and evidence-based therapies to preserve sight and reduce the burden of chronic disease. Dr. Albuquerque completed an MS at the University of Kentucky’s Orofacial Pain Center, followed by a PhD in Physiology/Ophthalmology focused on VEGF signaling and lymphangiogenesis. He earned his MD at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and stayed to complete ophthalmology residency at University of Kentucky Hospital, where he later joined the faculty. Patients appreciate his steady approach, clear communication, and focus on coordinated care with referring doctors and primary care teams.

Dr. Osama Sabbagh is a retina specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon who provides comprehensive care for macular, diabetic, and surgical retinal disease. His philosophy is simple: the patient always comes first. He listens carefully, tailors treatment to each person’s needs, and explains every step—from imaging findings to the benefits and risks of injections, laser, or surgery—so patients can make confident decisions. Dr. Sabbagh earned his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine, completed ophthalmology residency at The George Washington University where he served as Co-Chief Resident, and pursued fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Kentucky/Retina Associates of Kentucky. He has presented nationally, authored peer-reviewed work, and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Patients value his clear communication, technical skill, and steady, compassionate approach to complex retinal problems.

Janelle F. Adeniran, MD, PhD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained retina specialist caring for patients at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers in the Louisville area. She treats the full spectrum of retinal disease and enjoys educating patients about their condition and treatment plan. Her clinical interests include diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, ocular trauma, ocular tumors, and uveitis. She is committed to accessible, compassionate care and welcomes new patients across multiple office locations. Dr. Adeniran earned a BS with honors in Neuroscience from Davidson College, then completed a combined MD/PhD program at the University of Louisville. She finished a General Surgery internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, returned to the University of Louisville for ophthalmology residency, and completed a two-year fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery and Uveitis. An active clinician-scientist and educator, she has authored original research, reviews, and book chapters and contributes to the Retina Rocks image library.

Dr. Aditya Bansal is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at UK HealthCare who specializes in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology. He treats common and complex retina conditions alongside adult intraocular tumors such as choroidal melanoma, hemangioma, metastasis, and ocular lymphoma. Dr. Bansal emphasizes a personalized approach that blends medical and surgical expertise with compassion, guiding patients through decisions with clarity and hope. His training spans internationally recognized centers where he completed multiple vitreoretinal fellowships and focused ocular oncology training. In clinic and the operating room, he performs micro-incision vitrectomy, plaque brachytherapy, retinal laser procedures, and a full range of injection therapies. Dr. Bansal also serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and cares for patients across several UK Advanced Eye Care locations.

Dr. Ana Bastos de Carvalho is a retina specialist at UK HealthCare who cares for patients with a wide range of retinal diseases. She practices comprehensive medical retina and performs procedures aligned with modern vitreoretinal care. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and helps lead initiatives that advance access to eye care across Kentucky and abroad. Dr. Bastos de Carvalho’s training spans Portugal and the United States, including residency in Lisbon and a medical retina fellowship at the University of Kentucky. She also co-founded UK Global Ophthalmology (UK GO), which supports clinical service, education, and research in underserved communities. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes careful examination, clear explanations, and collaborative decision-making.

Aditya Verma, MD, is a vitreoretinal specialist who provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for diseases that threaten central and peripheral vision. His areas of focus include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity, as well as complex vitreoretinal surgery. Patients describe Dr. Verma as thorough and approachable; he explains imaging findings, outlines treatment options, and partners with families to build plans that fit real-world needs. Dr. Verma serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and practices at UofL Health – Eye Institute. He completed ophthalmology residency at Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi and advanced vitreoretinal fellowships at Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai. He has also pursued ophthalmic imaging research with the Doheny Eye Institute in California. His work has been recognized with multiple honors, and he remains committed to thoughtful, evidence-based care that prioritizes safety, comfort, and long-term visual function for every patient he sees.

Dr. Blake A. Isernhagen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at Retina Associates of Kentucky. He specializes in vitreoretinal surgery and has additional advanced training in uveitis and medical retina, helping patients manage complex retinal and inflammatory eye conditions. Dr. Isernhagen completed ophthalmology residency training at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and pursued fellowship training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the University of British Columbia. He has been active in teaching and research focused on uveitis and retinal disease. In clinic, he aims to combine careful evaluation with clear explanations, so patients understand their diagnosis and feel supported at every step of treatment.

Dr. Anupa Mandava is a vitreoretinal specialist and the founder of Louisville Retina, PLLC. She provides medical and surgical care for retinal diseases, helping patients protect vision threatened by conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal occlusions, uveitis, and ocular trauma. Dr. Mandava earned her BS in Biology from The George Washington University and her MD from the American University of the Caribbean. She completed an intern year at Flushing Hospital, where she was named Intern of the Year, followed by ophthalmology residency training at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center/NYMC Brooklyn & Queens, serving as chief resident. She then completed a medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases fellowship with the Eye Specialty Group in Memphis, Tennessee. After several years in private practice, she returned to the Louisville area to offer focused retinal care close to home.