Find a Specialist

Dr. Dane Slentz, MD is a board-certified oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal (tear duct) system. He treats a full spectrum of oculoplastic conditions, including droopy eyelids and brows, eyelid malpositions (entropion/ectropion), periocular skin cancer with post-Mohs reconstruction, tearing and tear-duct disorders, thyroid eye disease, anophthalmic socket reconstruction, and orbital/periorbital trauma. He also offers neurotoxin (botulinum toxin) therapy for blepharospasm and facial spasm. Dr. Slentz completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)-approved, two-year oculoplastics fellowship at the University of Michigan following ophthalmology residency at The George Washington University, where he served as chief resident. His academic work includes peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, with particular interest in the use of umbilical amniotic membrane for eye-socket reconstruction. He is known for meticulous surgical technique and a warm, patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, function, and natural-looking results.

Faith Birnbaum, MD, is a glaucoma surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist who enjoys helping patients understand their diagnosis and choose a treatment plan that fits their goals and lifestyle. She completed fellowship training in Glaucoma at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear and her ophthalmology residency at the Duke Eye Center, where she received the K. Alexander Datgheib Ocular Surgery award for the best surgical video in her class. During her fellowship, she was awarded a Heed fellowship for her research on quality of life in glaucoma patients. She completed college and medical school at Brown University, graduating with honors. Dr. Birnbaum has over 20 peer-reviewed publications and is passionate about delivering the highest standard of evidence-based care. She is board-certified and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the New England Ophthalmological Society. She is accepting new patients at the Nashua, Milford, and Hudson offices and performs surgery at the Nashua Eye Surgery Center. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, playing piano, cooking, gardening, and hiking.

Dr. Timothy Sullivan is a board certified ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist serving patients in New Hampshire. He brings comprehensive expertise in both the medical and surgical management of eye conditions, with a particular focus on glaucoma care. Dr. Sullivan graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College and earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his ophthalmology residency at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and pursued advanced training through a glaucoma fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Sullivan is actively involved in clinical research, with his articles and findings published in various journals and presented at multiple ophthalmology meetings. He is dedicated to community service and volunteerism within his local communities and maintains memberships in several professional organizations.

Dr. Stephanie Choi is a board-certified ophthalmologist in vitreoretinal surgery who treats patients with medical and surgical conditions of the retina and vitreous. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, then earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a joint master's in public policy degree at Harvard Kennedy School. Her training includes an intern year at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ophthalmology residency at New York University, and a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the New England Eye Center/Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston. Dr. Choi specializes in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, retinal tears and detachments, vitreomacular disorders including macular holes and epiretinal membranes, and cataract complications including dislocated lenses. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, presented at regional and national meetings, and served as a sub-investigator in multiple ongoing clinical research trials. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. In her free time, Dr. Choi is an avid marathon runner, cyclist, and outdoor enthusiast who has run nearly 40 marathons and qualifies for the Boston Marathon yearly. She has served as a sighted-guide for visually impaired athletes in several marathons and triathlons.

Dr. Maxwell D. Elia is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal disease and uveitis. He cares for patients with a wide range of retinal conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, cystoid macular edema, and hereditary retinal degenerations. He also treats infectious and noninfectious uveitis using a variety of modern, state-of-the-art therapies. Dr. Elia earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident. He then completed fellowship training in retinal disease and uveitis with Yale clinical faculty. In addition to retina and uveitis care, he performs cataract surgery when it is part of a patient's overall vision plan. Dr. Elia is active in national ophthalmology societies and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

Dr. Laura A. Gadzala is an ophthalmologist who focuses on conditions of the eyelids, orbit, and tear drainage system. She enjoys helping patients get back to daily life, and she prioritizes clear explanations so patients and families understand the diagnosis and the options for care. She also values collaboration, encouraging questions and working with patients' support networks when planning treatment. Her clinical interests include eyelid, orbit and tear duct surgery; evaluation and management of orbital tumors and eyelid skin cancer; thyroid eye disease; and specialized procedures such as corneal neurotization. She also uses Botox for appropriate conditions, including blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. Dr. Gadzala completed medical school at the University of Michigan, ophthalmology residency at Oregon Health Sciences University, and an oculoplastic surgery fellowship at West Virginia University Hospital.

Dr. Jennifer Ling is a fellowship-trained cornea and external disease specialist who provides advanced surgical and medical care for complex corneal conditions and cataracts. She performs partial-thickness and full-thickness corneal transplants, including DMEK, DSAEK, and PKP, and offers premium cataract surgery options tailored to each patient’s needs. She treats conditions such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, keratoconus (including corneal cross-linking), infectious corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome, and neurotrophic keratitis. Through Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, Dr. Ling also provides refractive procedures such as EVO ICL, bladefree LASIK, and PRK. Dr. Ling completed residency training at UC Davis and advanced cornea fellowship training at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. She has been recognized for teaching and mentorship, including resident teaching and faculty teaching awards, and she focuses on helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

Dr. Purak Parikh is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery. He completed his medical school at Dartmouth/Geisel School of Medicine, where he was recognized with the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine award. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania/Scheie Eye Institute, earning the Resident Teaching Award. Dr. Parikh further advanced his expertise through a fellowship in cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery at the University of Michigan/Kellogg Eye Institute. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Parikh has served as President of the New Hampshire Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. He is actively involved in research and education, having authored book chapters and research manuscripts on corneal transplantation and cataract surgery. He frequently lectures and moderates sessions at national conferences on topics such as LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, and keratoconus. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Parikh was drawn to New Hampshire by the great outdoors. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, tennis, skiing, and hiking in the White Mountains with his wife, Caitlin, and their two children. He is proud to call New Hampshire home and looks forward to providing exceptional eye care to his patients.

Dr. Christiana E. Munroe is the region’s only full-time oculofacial plastic surgeon, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit and tear duct system. She is both a board certified ophthalmologist and board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon. After completing her ophthalmology residency, she did an additional two years of oculofacial plastic surgery fellowship training certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). She specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery, reconstructive eyelid surgery, orbital surgery, and tear duct surgery. Dr. Munroe is originally from Bedford, NH and attended Manchester High School West. After many years away, she is so happy to be back in her hometown raising her own family. She is looking forward to getting back on the tennis court during her free time.

Dr. Thamolwan Surakiatchanukul is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and an assistant professor of surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of diseases of the retina and vitreous, from age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to retinal tears and detachments. Dr. Surakiatchanukul earned her MD at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completed an internship at MetroWest Medical Center, and finished ophthalmology residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York. She then pursued a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She joined Dartmouth Health in 2024. Patients appreciate her clear, calm communication style and her focus on shared decision-making—explaining exam findings, reviewing imaging together, and outlining both surgical and nonsurgical options. She works closely with referring optometrists and primary care teams to ensure timely treatment and seamless follow-up across the Upper Valley.

Dr. Claudia Bartolini is an ophthalmologist who provides medical and surgical care for glaucoma, cataracts, and external eye disease. Raised in Hampton, New Hampshire, she is excited to serve patients on the Seacoast. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Dartmouth College and received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed ophthalmology residency at Tufts New England Eye Center and advanced glaucoma fellowship training with Tufts New England Eye Center and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston. Dr. Bartolini specializes in the diagnosis and long-term management of glaucoma, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and other surgical options when needed. She also performs small-incision cataract surgery, including complex cases, and treats disorders affecting the front surface of the eye. She is board certified in ophthalmology and is active in professional societies. Outside the office, she enjoys time with her family and outdoor activities in New Hampshire.

Dr. Kinley Beck is a retina specialist who treats conditions affecting the retina and vitreous, the delicate tissues responsible for central and peripheral vision. She earned her undergraduate degree at Auburn University and her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. She completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of Texas Health San Antonio and pursued vitreoretinal fellowship training, including the Vitreoretinal Foundation in Memphis. At Eyesight Ophthalmic Services, Dr. Beck provides retinal evaluations and vitreoretinal surgical care for problems such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. She also helps patients understand symptoms like new flashes or floaters and when those changes should be checked promptly. Dr. Beck is committed to careful diagnosis, clear communication, and protecting vision over the long term. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through tennis, hiking, and running.

Dr. Heather Bartels is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon who joined The Medical Eye Center in April 2023. She offers advanced intraocular lens implants, including options for astigmatism and presbyopia, to reduce patients' dependence on eyeglasses. She also provides laser treatments and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for glaucoma management. Originally from Arkansas, Dr. Bartels completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas and earned her medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She then completed a transitional year internship in Virginia and an ophthalmology residency at Texas Tech, during which she received the Outstanding Grand Rounds Award and served as chief resident. She began her career in private practice in Arkansas before relocating to New Hampshire. Dr. Bartels is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Women in Ophthalmology. She is dedicated to building strong doctor-patient relationships to enhance the quality of ophthalmic care through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, travel, and home organization projects, and she looks forward to exploring New England.

Dr. Jason Szelog is a retina physician who specializes in the medical management of retinal disease and in-office laser procedures. A New Hampshire native, he graduated summa cum laude in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed a transitional-year internship at Carney Hospital, ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and fellowship training in medical retina at Tufts/New England Eye Center. Dr. Szelog treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal vascular disorders, and performs laser for diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and select small retinal detachments. He takes time to explain images and test results so patients understand their condition and what to expect from treatment, with an emphasis on convenience, safety, and maintaining functional vision.

Dr. Sara Bozorg is a fellowship-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in the medical and surgical care of corneal and external eye disease. She treats a wide range of cornea and ocular surface conditions and performs advanced procedures including complex cataract surgery, pupilloplasty, sutured intraocular lens fixation, corneal transplantation, and surgery for ocular surface tumors. Her focus is on restoring vision while also improving comfort and long-term eye health. Dr. Bozorg completed undergraduate studies at Amherst College and earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, where she helped start a weekly eye clinic for uninsured patients. She completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of California, San Diego and was selected as chief resident. She then completed a two-year fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Jonathan Chao is a board certified ophthalmologist in cornea and external disease. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye, keratitis, corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, pterygia, cataracts, and other anterior segment diseases. He performs a variety of corneal transplants, as well as advanced cataract surgery with astigmatic and presbyopic correcting intraocular lenses. He also has training in performing laser vision correction with LASIK and PRK, cataract surgery, and dry eye management. Dr. Chao is native from Troy, Michigan. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and his medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Beaumont Eye Institute and was elected as the chief resident his final year. He was also awarded the Robert J. Granadier Resident Teaching Award for his contributions to the residency program. Following residency, he moved to Boston to complete a Cornea and External Disease fellowship at the Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and New England Eye Center/Tufts Medical Center. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In his free time, Dr. Chao enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and exploring his new home in New England.

Dr. Nathaniel Sears is a board-certified ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist who provides both medical and surgical care to help protect patients’ vision. His work includes evaluation and long-term management of glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and glaucoma surgery when more advanced treatment is needed. He also performs routine and complex cataract surgery and treats external diseases of the eye. Dr. Sears earned his undergraduate degree at Case Western Reserve University and completed medical school at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He trained in ophthalmology at the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and then completed a glaucoma fellowship at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. He previously served as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Director in the Perimetry Lab at the University of Iowa before joining Eyesight in July 2024. Dr. Sears values careful monitoring, clear explanations, and practical care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Maxwell Harley is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Dartmouth Health in the Monadnock Region. He enjoys helping patients regain clarity after cataract surgery and prides himself on building meaningful connections through attentive listening and clear guidance. Dr. Harley earned his MD at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, completed a transitional year at Geisinger Medical Center, and finished ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College. His approach blends meticulous surgical technique with straightforward education so patients understand their diagnosis, risks, and choices. From managing dry eye and diabetes-related eye disease to offering cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, he focuses on practical solutions that improve daily life and vision.

Dr. Sabrina K. Khalil was drawn to ophthalmology because she loves helping to protect or restore vision. Her goal is to improve the quality of life and functional independence of her patients. By understanding their needs and goals, she can better individualize care. As someone who is very detail-oriented, she also loves the unique intricacies of the eye. In some ways, the eyes really are "windows to the soul" because they often reveal conditions in the body that otherwise may not have manifested. She finds the field of ophthalmology exciting because of the growing technological advancements that allow her to provide care and treatments in ways never before possible. She considers it an absolute privilege to care for patients and treats them just as she would her own family or friends. She looks forward to building deep, meaningful, and long-lasting connections with her patients in the Dartmouth Health and Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center community.

Suzanne M. Michalak, MD, is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She cares for patients with disorders affecting the macula, retina, and vitreous, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and complex detachments. Dr. Michalak combines advanced diagnostics with medical, laser, and surgical therapies and emphasizes a collaborative, patient-centered approach so treatment plans align with each person’s goals. Dr. Michalak completed a Vitreoretinal Surgery fellowship at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics after an ophthalmology residency at Duke University Medical Center and an internal-medicine internship at Carney Hospital. She earned her MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine. She joined Dartmouth Health in 2023 and welcomes referrals for both routine and complex retina conditions.

Dr. Mohamed Guenena is a board-certified ophthalmologist who provides comprehensive eye care with special expertise in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. He earned his medical education at Cairo University and completed additional training in the United States, including a research cataract and refractive fellowship at the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina and a two-year cornea fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Guenena performs corneal transplant surgery and treats medical corneal conditions, including severe dry eye. He also offers advanced cataract surgery with premium lens options and laser vision correction, including LASIK. As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, he manages a broad range of eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders. He has authored and presented work at national and international ophthalmology meetings and remains active in clinical research. Dr. Guenena speaks English, Arabic, and Spanish.

Dr. Sivashakthi Maeder is a board-certified ophthalmologist and neuro-ophthalmology specialist who provides comprehensive care for patients with vision and eye-movement disorders linked to the brain, optic nerves, and eye muscles. As the Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, she evaluates and manages complex conditions such as optic nerve disorders, pseudotumor cerebri, and ocular myasthenia gravis, helping patients cope with symptoms like double vision. Her clinical expertise extends to thyroid eye disease, orbital tumors, and she offers advanced surgical options including micro-incisional cataract surgery and adult strabismus surgery when needed. Dr. Maeder also utilizes Botox for therapeutic purposes in selected cases. She is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Maeder serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, where she contributes to medical education. She is also the President of the New Hampshire Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, reflecting her leadership in the field. Dr. Maeder joined Dartmouth Health in 2015 and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Dr. Schertzer is a glaucoma sub-specialized and general ophthalmologist with over 25 years of clinical experience, providing care as a consultant and later taking over a permanent practice in Vancouver. He has served on faculty at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and previously directed the West Coast Glaucoma Centre while holding an Associate Clinical Professor appointment at the University of British Columbia's Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Much of his non-clinical time is dedicated to using technology for patient education, including hosting the Talking About Glaucoma podcast, maintaining a YouTube channel, an Instagram channel, and co-founding the Glaucoma Patient Group Facebook page. He also contributes to professional education through speaking engagements on clinical glaucoma care, surgical techniques, ethical issues, and electronic health record implementation.

Dr. William G. Gensheimer is a board-certified ophthalmologist who joined Dartmouth Health in 2021. He holds a faculty position as an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, where he is involved in teaching and surgical education. Dr. Gensheimer completed his medical degree at the University of Rochester in 2010. He then undertook an internal medicine internship at the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2011, followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the Flaum Eye Institute in 2014. His specialized training includes a fellowship in ophthalmology at the University of Colorado Health Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center in 2015. He provides comprehensive eye care services at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, Vermont. Dr. Gensheimer is dedicated to offering high-quality ophthalmological care to his patients.