Find a Specialist

Dr. Michael J. Schatz is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who provides medical and surgical care with a special interest in cataract surgery and glaucoma management. He offers modern options for patients with cataracts and performs minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) when indicated, aiming to reduce treatment burden while preserving vision. Dr. Schatz graduated summa cum laude in neurobiology from the University of Pennsylvania, earned his medical degree at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, completed his intern year at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, and finished ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He welcomes new patients in Greenville and works closely with optometrists and primary care clinicians to coordinate care.

Dr. Sara F. Grace is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Pediatric and Adult Strabismus. She is dedicated to making eye exams and procedures a positive experience for children and their families, ensuring that children are comfortable and engaged during visits for accurate diagnosis. Dr. Grace emphasizes the importance of family understanding of eye disorders and the reasoning behind treatments, which is crucial for improving vision. She has special interests in a range of pediatric eye conditions, including amblyopia, retinopathy of prematurity, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, cortical visual impairment, congenital and pediatric cataracts, thyroid eye disease, and genetic diseases affecting the eye. Her clinical research focuses on analyzing and improving strabismus outcomes, using novel electroretinography in children, and participating in NIH-funded projects. Dr. Grace also engages in international ophthalmology, with projects in Nicaragua studying the Zika virus's impact on visual development. In her personal life, Dr. Grace enjoys adventurous activities like skydiving and traveling, and she values spending time with her husband and two children in North Carolina.

Dr. Margaret Ashley Greven is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal conditions and diseases. She provides comprehensive eye care for adult patients and is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Greven practices at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where she is part of a team dedicated to world-class eye care. She has received high patient satisfaction ratings, reflecting her commitment to quality care. Dr. Greven earned her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her internship in internal medicine at the same institution. She then pursued her ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital, followed by a vitreo-retinal fellowship at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Currently, she holds the position of Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Wake Forest Baptist Health. Her clinical expertise includes managing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments. Dr. Greven is also actively involved in research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of retinal diseases.

Dr. Ryan J. Wise is a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed his medical education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He specializes in the medical, laser, and surgical treatment of glaucoma, offering personalized care for this condition. His surgical skills include anterior segment procedures, such as small incision and laser-assisted cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants. Additionally, he provides comprehensive primary eye care, including eye examinations and prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dr. Wise is affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center and holds certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and GPO for Eyes. Patients have rated him 4.1 stars based on 15 reviews, highlighting his commitment to quality eye care in Hickory and Lincolnton, North Carolina.

Dr. Jordan A. Margo is a cornea and external diseases specialist who provides comprehensive eye care and treatment of eye disease. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Following medical school, she completed an internship in internal medicine at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore and then completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Margo further advanced her training with a comprehensive one-year fellowship in cornea and external diseases at the University of Maryland Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Dr. Margo joined Morganton Eye Physicians in August of 2017. She is a Resident Member of the American Board of Ophthalmology and the Eye Bank Association of America. She offers comprehensive eye care including cataract surgery and provides medical and surgical services for the treatment and management of cornea disease for patients in western North Carolina.

Dr. Joel Kaluzny is a cataract and refractive surgeon at Horizon Eye Care in Charlotte. He offers comprehensive eye care with a special focus on cataract surgery, clear lens and refractive lens exchange, and the use of advanced intraocular lens technology to reduce patients’ dependence on glasses. He also manages dry eye, glaucoma, and other common eye conditions, emphasizing customized surgical planning and long-term vision preservation. Dr. Kaluzny graduated at the top of his class in mechanical engineering from the University of California San Diego and earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at UC San Diego before ophthalmology residency at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health and Science University, where he cared for a diverse population with complex eye disease. His background in engineering and experience designing imaging systems at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory inform his precise, data-driven approach to eye surgery and patient care.

Dr. Tate Saurey is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who provides medical and surgical eye care with a focus on modern, sutureless cataract surgery and personalized vision correction. He offers advanced-technology lens options and astigmatism management, and performs minimally invasive glaucoma surgery when it can reduce drop burden or improve pressure control. Dr. Saurey also manages chronic eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, and performs select oculoplastic procedures. Patients know him for clear explanations, efficient care, and a down-to-earth style that keeps visits comfortable and productive. Dr. Saurey attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed internship at Indiana University, and finished ophthalmology residency at the University of South Carolina, where he served as academic chief resident. He is active in community and global service and is fluent in Spanish, which supports his commitment to accessible, patient-centered care.

Dr. Veena Rao is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon specializing in glaucoma and cataracts. A native North Carolinian, she earned her Bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Biology and English literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following college, she completed a Master’s degree in Biology at Oxford University in the United Kingdom before specializing in medicine at Yale Medical School, graduating with Honors. She then returned to North Carolina for her residency in ophthalmology and fellowship in glaucoma at the Duke Eye Center at the Duke University School of Medicine. For her surgical skill during her ophthalmology training, she earned the K. Alexander Dastgheib, MD, Eye Surgery award, which recognizes a Duke ophthalmologist who demonstrates excellence in eye surgery. She has a special research interest in glaucoma surgical technique as well as patient education and medical adherence; she has published and presented her work in these areas nationally. Prior to joining CEENTA, Dr. Rao served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, working primarily at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, Massachusetts. During that time, she also served as a consultant in glaucoma for the Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Dana Farber Cancer Center. Dr. Rao is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where she serves on the Annual Meeting Committee for Glaucoma. She is also an active member of the American Glaucoma society and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Rao is happy to be back in North Carolina. When she isn’t practicing medicine, she enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and gardening. Dr. Rao practices in our Matthews and Monroe offices.

Dr. Aaron Lindeke-Myers is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon at the UNC Department of Ophthalmology. He provides full-spectrum eye care for adults, from routine examinations to surgical treatment of visually significant cataracts. Patients know him for his calm, thorough communication style and for taking the time to ensure every question is answered before, during, and after a visit. Dr. Lindeke-Myers earned his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency at Duke University Eye Center. At UNC, he performs cataract surgery—including advanced technology lens options—and in-office laser procedures when appropriate. He also medically manages glaucoma and common retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. His goal is to match modern treatments with each patient’s visual needs so they can return to the activities they value with confidence.

Dr. Ford is a lifelong North Carolinian whose education began at Elon University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Dr. Ford obtained his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated top of his class and engaged in various activities such as wilderness medicine, rural medicine, and ophthalmology research. Dr. Ford then continued his training at UNC Chapel Hill for both an internship in internal medicine and ophthalmology residency. During residency, Dr. Ford received numerous awards for his surgical skill and academic performance. Dr. Ford joined Morganton Eye in 2025. He provides comprehensive eye care with a focus on cataract and refractive surgery. He has expertise in advanced lens implants, laser treatments for glaucoma, and vision correction. Dr. Ford is committed to delivering individualized, quality care with the highest standards of surgical and clinical excellence.

As a neuro-ophthalmology specialist, I am dedicated to providing high level care to patients suffering from conditions that affect neural pathways connecting the eyes and the brain, such as vision-threatening disorders of the optic nerve and double vision arising from diseases of cranial nerves or the orbit. Making a diagnosis often depends on piecing together clues from a thorough eye exam, ocular imaging studies performed in clinic, and neuro-imaging studies performed by Radiology. I enjoy the challenge of this specialty and providing individualized and multidisciplinary treatment strategies for my patients. In addition to my clinical work, I am involved in basic science research and clinical trials related to optic nerve disease, and I am passionate about translating new findings in the laboratory into ways to improve patient care. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and following Duke basketball.

Dr. Divakar Gupta is a glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Duke Health who sees patients at multiple locations including the Duke Eye Center in Durham and Raleigh. He specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of patients with cataracts and glaucoma, with a particular focus on minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. His goal is to treat each patient as if they were a family member, using the latest imaging techniques and scientific evidence to help patients make the best medical decisions. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Dr. Gupta has spent many years of his medical training at Duke Health. He feels privileged to be a physician and educator at the Duke Eye Center, where he focuses on improving glaucoma detection and management through clinical research. When not at work, he enjoys traveling, playing tennis, watching Duke basketball, and spending time with his wife.

Dr. Meredith R. Klifto is an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist who treats both adults and children, with added expertise in cataract surgery and ocular trauma care. Her glaucoma care spans medical therapy, laser procedures, and surgery, and she tailors treatment plans to protect vision while fitting patients’ goals and daily routines. Dr. Klifto graduated from the New York University School of Medicine in 2013 and completed ophthalmology residency training at NYU. She then completed a glaucoma fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019. In addition to patient care, she is committed to physician education and mentorship, supporting learners in clinic and the operating room. Patients can expect a thoughtful, thorough approach and clear explanations at each step of care.

Dr. Benjamin Wilson is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist and high-volume cataract surgeon practicing in Asheville, North Carolina. He co-founded Pisgah Eye Surgeons to provide streamlined, patient-centered surgical care with modern technology and thoughtful counseling. Dr. Wilson focuses on helping patients see clearly with minimal disruption to daily life, tailoring lens options and treatment plans to individual goals for work, hobbies, and night driving. Originally from Florida, Dr. Wilson earned his bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed an internship at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and graduated from ophthalmology residency at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn in 2021, where he developed expertise in cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Outside the operating room, Dr. Wilson enjoys mountain biking, fishing, skiing, hiking, and walking his Australian Shepherd, Josie.

Dr. Andrew Coggin is a board-certified ophthalmologist providing comprehensive eye care at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic. His practice emphasizes cataract surgery and the use of specialty, premium lenses to improve vision. He also has extensive experience in managing conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, pterygium, and diabetic eye disease, and offers advanced refractive procedures including LASIK/PRK, Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Dr. Coggin completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He then attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for his medical degree. His post-graduate training included an internship and residency in ophthalmology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Coggin sees patients at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic's locations in Southern Pines and Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care to help patients achieve and maintain optimal eye health and vision.

Dr. Kristen Suzich Godwin is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who enjoys caring for adults with a wide range of vision concerns—from routine eye exams to medical and laser care for cataracts and glaucoma. She also manages dry eye, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration, coordinating closely with primary care to support overall health. Patients appreciate her approachable style, practical guidance, and attention to follow-up. Dr. Godwin earned her MD at the University of Maryland and completed a transitional residency in internal medicine at Mercy Medical Center before ophthalmology residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a faculty instructor at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, she uses a teaching-forward approach to help patients understand their options and participate in decisions that protect vision and quality of life.

Dr. Blake M. Hampton is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Alamance Eye Center. Originally from South Florida, he graduated as valedictorian of his high school before earning a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, where he graduated magna cum laude. He went on to attend the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine on a full-tuition academic scholarship. After medical school, he completed an internship in internal medicine at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, building a strong foundation in the care of patients with systemic and ocular conditions. Dr. Hampton then moved to New York for his ophthalmology residency at Nassau University Medical Center, where he served as chief resident in his final year of training. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Refractive Surgery Alliance, reflecting his commitment to high-quality, evidence-based surgical care. At Alamance Eye Center, he practices comprehensive ophthalmology with a particular interest in refractive cataract surgery, helping patients reduce dependence on glasses while addressing vision-limiting cataracts. Having recently relocated to North Carolina with his wife, who is completing otolaryngology training at Duke University, he enjoys nature trails, hiking, travel, and time with family and friends, and strives to make each visit comfortable, informative, and tailored to individual goals.

Dr. Lee A. Wiley is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and cataract surgeon who specializes in traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), cornea and cornea transplants, external disease, and refractive eye surgery including LASIK. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, served as chief resident, and then pursued subspecialty training in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He chose the Charlotte region to work with renowned physicians and enjoys helping patients achieve visual freedom. Dr. Wiley has served on two international surgical mission trips in Central America, treating cataract and pterygium, and has received LASIK surgery himself. He has been published in medical literature and has given numerous local, regional, and national lectures on corneal disease and surgical techniques. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, snowboarding, camping, and spending time with family and friends at Charlotte FC matches.

Zachary A. Lindsey, MD, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with a special focus on cataract surgery. He has performed thousands of procedures and offers advanced options such as laser-assisted techniques, astigmatism correction, and presbyopia-managing lens strategies. Dr. Lindsey customizes each surgical plan to align with a patient’s visual goals, whether that means maximizing independence from glasses or simply achieving the clearest possible vision. Dr. Lindsey earned his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed medical school at Wake Forest School of Medicine, and finished ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He brings a calm, patient-centered approach to clinic and the operating room and enjoys helping patients regain clarity and quality of life.

Dr. Robert van der Vaart is a board-certified ophthalmic surgeon who specializes in advanced cataract and glaucoma surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and performs a variety of minimally invasive glaucoma procedures that utilize surgical techniques to reduce a patient’s dependence on eye drops, improving their daily life. Dr. van der Vaart also provides more traditional approaches to manage severe and uncontrolled disease. In addition, he specializes in bladeless femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with advanced technology intraocular lenses, one of the newest offerings in cataract surgery. A native of Raleigh, NC, Dr. van der Vaart graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He completed medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC and an internship at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Dr. van der Vaart finished his residency training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he was elected by the faculty to serve as chief resident during his final year. He believes in using medicine and, when necessary, surgical procedures to improve the quality of life of his patients so that they can enjoy the beautiful community we live in. Dr. van der Vaart maintains memberships in several professional societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the North Carolina Medical Society. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time outdoors in Wilmington and on Wrightsville Beach with his family.

Dr. Paschall is a board certified eye surgeon with extensive experience performing thousands of cataract surgeries. He partners with each patient to create personalized plans aimed at achieving the best possible visual outcomes, whether that involves restoring clarity, reducing dependence on glasses, or enhancing daily life. He earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he graduated with high academic standing. Drawn to ophthalmology by the profound impact of vision improvement and technological innovation, he remains involved in clinical trials to advance eye care. Originally from Indiana, Dr. Paschall now calls Hickory home, where he lives with his wife and four children. He is active in his local church, enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and sports. Committed to serving underserved communities, he has participated in free eye clinics and sight-restoring surgeries internationally, including in Bolivia.

Dr. Katherine A. Tsamis is an ophthalmologist dedicated to clear communication, patient education, and practical care plans tailored to each person’s goals. She welcomes adults for comprehensive eye evaluations and offers both medical and surgical treatments for cataracts and glaucoma, as well as care for dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Her practice blends evidence-based medicine with the everyday details that matter most to patients—comfort, safety, and vision for work, driving, and the activities they love. Dr. Tsamis completed medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, a transitional residency at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, and ophthalmology residency at Wake Forest, where she trained in modern cataract techniques and the medical–laser spectrum of glaucoma care. She provides lens-based cataract options when appropriate and coordinates closely with primary care and endocrinology for patients with diabetes. Patients can expect clear explanations, sensible follow-up, and an emphasis on maintaining long-term eye health.

Michael W. Evans, MD is an ophthalmologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist providing world-class care across the region. He specializes in comprehensive eye care for adult patients, offering diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors. Dr. Evans is skilled in advanced procedures such as cataract surgery with premium lens implants and laser treatments for glaucoma. Dr. Evans completed his medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and went on to complete his ophthalmology residency there as well. He accepts new patients and provides in-person visits only at his practice location in High Point, North Carolina. Patients have rated Dr. Evans highly for his care, with a 4.9 patient satisfaction rating based on 643 reviews.

Dr. Owen Louis Krueger is an ophthalmologist focused on delivering clear answers and practical treatment plans for adults with a full range of eye conditions. He combines careful examination with advanced diagnostics to explain what he sees, why it matters, and which options—medical, laser, or surgery—fit your goals and daily life. Whether you’re coming in for a routine checkup or a problem like glare, floaters, or changes in vision, he takes time to listen and welcomes your questions. Dr. Krueger completed his ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He partners closely with referring providers and keeps patients informed at every step—from preventive care to cataract surgery planning and long-term management of chronic eye disease. His visits emphasize comfort, education, and continuity, so you leave with a plan that feels right for you.