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Dr. Tommaso Vagaggini is a retina specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon with Retina Consultants of Minnesota. He cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disorders. Patients can expect careful examination, clear explanations, and a treatment plan that may include advanced imaging, office-based injections or laser, and, when needed, modern retinal surgery. Dr. Vagaggini graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University and earned his medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed internship in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He joined Retina Consultants of Minnesota in 2022 and is committed to delivering accessible, evidence-based retinal care across the region.

Dr. Sahal H. Saleh is an ophthalmologist focusing on diseases and surgery of the retina, macula, and vitreous. He evaluates and treats conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and macular disorders. Patients value his collaborative style, clear explanations, and thoughtful guidance through both office-based treatments and surgical care when needed. Dr. Saleh earned his undergraduate degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan, where he also completed medical school. He completed an internship at Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak and ophthalmology residency training at the Beaumont Eye Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan. In 2025, he joined Retina Consultants of Minnesota to pursue fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Zeeshan Haq is a board-certified retina specialist with Retina Consultants of Minnesota, providing care for retinal and vitreous disorders across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Raised in Rochester, Minnesota, he earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, graduating in the top quartile of his class. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he served as chief resident and received the Teaching Excellence Award for Cherished Housestaff. Dr. Haq joined Retina Consultants of Minnesota in 2021 for his retina fellowship and now practices as a full-time specialist. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of several professional societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. His clinical training began at NorthShore University Health System, where he was selected as Transitional Intern of the Year. As an active clinical researcher, Dr. Haq has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and given numerous presentations at conferences. He is committed to advancing retinal care through research and provides comprehensive treatment for conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments.

Cynthia McClard, MD, PhD, is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Retina Consultants of Minnesota. She graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin’s Plan II Honors Program (English and Economics) and completed the Medical Scientist Training Program at Baylor College of Medicine, earning both an MD and a PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics. Dr. McClard went on to ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Dr. McClard cares for patients with the full range of retinal and macular diseases and emphasizes clear explanations, collaborative decision-making, and careful postoperative follow-through. Her practice includes advanced diagnostics, office-based therapies, and retina surgery for urgent and complex conditions, with the goal of preserving sight and supporting patients and families through every step of care.

Dr. Yevgeniy Sychev is a retina specialist who cares for patients with complex retinal and inflammatory eye diseases. He came to the United States from Russia at age 17, settled in California, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Davis with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He completed medical school at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, followed by an internal medicine internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. During training, he received a Research to Prevent Blindness grant for a year-long research fellowship focused on restoring sight in eyes affected by retinal degeneration. After residency, Dr. Sychev completed a fellowship in uveitis and then pursued a vitreo-retinal fellowship at Washington University in Saint Louis. He has authored peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter, and he enjoys reading and outdoor activities with his family.

Dr. Alex Ringeisen is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in surgical and medical retina. In his care, he emphasizes education and partnership—helping patients and their families understand vitreoretinal disorders and stay actively involved in treatment decisions. His path into retinal surgery was shaped early by a medical mission trip, where he saw how eye surgery can make an immediate difference in a person’s daily life. Today, he focuses on diagnosing and treating complex retinal conditions with thoughtful communication and careful planning. Dr. Ringeisen completed fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery and brings that specialized expertise to the evaluation and management of retina and vitreous diseases, including conditions that may require office-based procedures or advanced surgical care.

Lulwa El Zein, MD, is a pediatric ophthalmologist who believes sight is a precious gift worth protecting. She cares for children with a full spectrum of eye concerns—from strabismus and amblyopia to pediatric cataracts—and tailors care to each child and family. Fluent in English and Arabic, Dr. El Zein values clear communication and a compassionate, whole-person approach to care. Dr. El Zein completed ophthalmology residency at the American University of Beirut and advanced fellowships at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Her clinical interests include pediatric ophthalmology, motility and strabismus, medical retina, and cataracts; she also participates in clinical research.

Dr. Michael Maywood is a vitreoretinal specialist who cares for patients with diseases of the macula, retina, and vitreous. He treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and retinal vein occlusions. His care includes in-office therapies such as intravitreal injections and laser, as well as advanced retinal surgery when needed. Dr. Maywood earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Oakland University and completed medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He finished his internship and ophthalmology residency training at Beaumont Royal Oak/Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and then joined Retina Consultants of Minnesota for a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. He is committed to thorough evaluation, clear communication, and collaborative care with referring doctors to help preserve and restore vision.

Dr. Peter J. Belin is a vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions in adults and children. He trained in ophthalmology at Hofstra Northwell on Long Island, served as chief resident, and completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal disease and surgery at Retina Consultants of Minnesota, where he now practices. Dr. Belin has a special interest in pediatric retina, including retinopathy of prematurity and inherited conditions such as Stickler syndrome, and collaborates closely with neonatal and pediatric teams to support families through diagnosis and treatment. In clinic, Dr. Belin focuses on clear communication and tailored care plans. He offers evidence-based treatments ranging from office-based injections and lasers to advanced retinal surgery. Outside the operating room, he holds an adjunct academic appointment with the University of Minnesota Medical School and stays active in national retina societies. Patients appreciate his calm, thorough explanations and his commitment to helping them understand their options and protect their vision.

Alireza Mahmoudi, MD, is a vitreoretinal specialist at Retina Consultants of Minnesota. He received his medical degree from Ilam University of Medical Sciences and completed ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. He then pursued a two-year retina research fellowship at UCLA followed by a clinical retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Dr. Mahmoudi joined Retina Consultants of Minnesota in 2025. He cares for the full spectrum of medical and surgical retinal disease, from age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease to retinal tears, detachments, and complex macular disorders. His approach combines advanced diagnostics with evidence-based treatments—including injections, laser, and surgery—delivered with clear communication and a focus on preserving function and quality of life.

Dr. Mehdi Roozbahani is a fellowship-trained retina specialist at Minnesota Retina Associates who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for diseases of the macula and retina. He has particular interest in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disorders, retinal tears, and macular edema, and he offers advanced diagnostics, intravitreal injections, and retinal laser treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Roozbahani emphasizes education and shared decision-making so patients understand their condition and the expected course of treatment. Before moving to Minnesota, he completed a medical retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. Earlier, he completed clinical research fellowships at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the Roski Eye Institute at the University of Southern California, producing multiple peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and presentations. He previously completed ophthalmology residency at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and earned his MD from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

Brittni A. Scruggs, MD, PhD, is a board-certified adult and pediatric vitreoretinal surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She treats complex retinal detachments, macular disease, inherited retinal disorders, and vision-threatening complications in children and adults. Dr. Scruggs completed vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the Casey Eye Institute (OHSU) after ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa and an MD/PhD through Tulane’s Physician-Scientist Program. In clinic and the operating room, she prioritizes thoughtful counseling and personalized care plans that may include laser, anti-VEGF injections, vitrectomy, or scleral-fixated IOLs when needed. As a principal investigator with Mayo’s Retinal Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, she participates in clinical trials and translational work focused on safer, more effective gene and cell-based therapies for inherited retinal degeneration, while teaching and mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Guneet Sodhi, MD, is a retina specialist who diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of vitreoretinal disease, from age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to retinal tears and complex detachments. He offers in-office treatments such as anti-VEGF injections and retinal laser, and performs advanced retinal surgery including vitrectomy and scleral buckle when needed. Patients appreciate his thorough explanations and clear plans for protecting and improving vision over time. Dr. Sodhi completed the combined BS/MD program at the George Washington University, an internship in internal medicine at Loma Linda University Hospital, ophthalmology residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School (serving as Chief Resident), an ophthalmic oncology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, and a vitreoretinal diseases and surgery fellowship at Retina Consultants of Minnesota, where he subsequently joined the retina faculty. He is active in national ophthalmology societies and clinical research.