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Dr. Obinna (“Obi”) Umunakwe is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist who provides both medical and surgical care for glaucoma and general eye conditions. He believes in clear communication and shared decision-making, offering modern treatments that protect vision and fit a patient’s lifestyle. In addition to glaucoma care, he evaluates cataracts and routine eye concerns for adults. Dr. Umunakwe earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Howard University, then completed both his PhD in Pathology and his MD at Vanderbilt University. He went on to ophthalmology residency at Duke University Hospital followed by a glaucoma fellowship at Duke, and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has authored peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and presented at national meetings including the American Glaucoma Society and ARVO. He sees patients at Heritage Medical Associates in Nashville.

Dr. Alexandra May is an ophthalmologist with broad training across clinical care and vision science. She studied Brain and Cognitive Science at MIT, earned a master’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Oxford, and received her medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. May provides comprehensive eye care with an emphasis on clear communication and shared decision-making. She evaluates and treats common and complex conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration, and she helps patients choose advanced lens options when appropriate. Patients appreciate her thoughtful explanations and evidence-based guidance tailored to their daily activities and visual goals.

Dr. Nicholas Hackett is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. He offers modern options for clearer vision, including advanced cataract techniques and laser vision correction, and integrates up-to-date treatments for glaucoma and dry eye when needed. Patients appreciate his calm explanations, attention to detail, and commitment to efficient, high-quality care from consultation through recovery. A Franklin native, Dr. Hackett graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University, then completed medical school and ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he served as chief resident and earned recognition for refractive surgery training and performance on national examinations. Before joining Loden Vision, he practiced at Vanderbilt Eye Institute as a cataract surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist. He remains active in national efforts to improve value in eye care and enjoys partnering with patients to choose the right path for their goals and lifestyle.

Dr. Alina Lou is a board-certified ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree with High Distinction from the University of Michigan and her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She then completed an internship at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, MI, before moving to Tennessee in 2017 to complete her ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt University, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Lou's clinical interests include the diagnosis and management of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and diabetic eye disease. She provides expert care for patients with a variety of eye conditions, offering services such as comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye evaluations, and surgical interventions. Outside of her practice, Dr. Lou enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants, and cooking.

Dr. Nicolaas P. DeRuyter is a retina specialist who cares for patients with conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions. He specializes in advanced treatments for complex retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and secondary lens surgeries. Dr. DeRuyter is interested in ophthalmic imaging and modern surgical techniques to preserve and restore vision. Originally from Yakima, Washington, he earned his undergraduate degree in business economics from Seattle University and his medical degree from the University of Washington. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a surgical retina fellowship at Vanderbilt. Dr. DeRuyter is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has joined Pacific Northwest Retina and provides care in Seattle, Bellevue, and Ellensburg locations. He believes in treating patients like family, offering clear explanations, and creating personalized care plans focused on preserving vision and improving quality of life.

Dr. Sophie Cai is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Southeastern Retina Associates who cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula. She is known for thoughtful explanations, evidence-based recommendations, and a steady surgical hand that helps patients navigate urgent retinal problems as well as chronic conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Cai partners closely with referring doctors and uses advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to personalize care and protect vision. Dr. Cai completed medical school at Harvard Medical School, ophthalmology residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, and a two-year vitreoretinal disease and surgery fellowship at Duke Eye Center, following an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. At SERA, she also participates in clinical research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with complex retinal disease.

Dr. Jacob Cox is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon providing advanced medical and surgical care for diseases of the retina and vitreous. He brings a broad academic background and a patient-first approach to Southeastern Retina Associates, where he treats conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disorders. Dr. Cox completed ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Earlier in his training he earned master’s study at the University of Cambridge, conducted public-health and ophthalmic research internationally, and later received a national Heed Fellowship recognizing promise in academic ophthalmology. In clinic, he takes time to review images, explain options, and tailor care to each patient’s vision goals—whether that involves in-office injections, laser, or surgery—so people can feel confident and supported throughout treatment.

Dr. Brent Aebi is passionate about helping patients improve their vision and quality of life. He takes seriously his responsibility to give patients his full attention and effort, and feels strongly that all are deserving of being treated with dignity and respect. Dr. Aebi has advanced training and experience treating diabetic eye disease, corneal disease, retinal disease, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions. He offers cataract surgery with advanced intraocular lens technology. Dr. Aebi and his wife fell in love with Northeast Tennessee after first visiting in 2018. When he is not in the office or the operating room, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children as they hike and explore the area, watching college football, and traveling.

Dr. Avni Finn is a retina specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with clinical and research interests focused on vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. She cares for patients with a wide range of retinal conditions and is committed to bringing advanced imaging and surgical innovation into everyday care. Dr. Finn’s work includes macular degeneration and other disorders that affect the retina’s structure and function. She has particular expertise in macular hole surgery and the use of intraoperative OCT imaging to guide delicate retinal procedures. Her research explores imaging-based biomarkers of retinal atrophy and scarring, along with retinal image analysis to improve decision-making and outcomes. She completed ophthalmology residency training at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School and a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Duke Eye Center, and she also holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business.

Dr. Cody T. Ott is a board-certified ophthalmologist who provides full-scope medical and surgical eye care for adults. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed an internship in internal medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and finished his ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Dr. Ott believes great vision care starts with listening carefully, educating clearly, and offering treatments tailored to each patient’s goals. From routine exams to advanced surgery, Dr. Ott focuses on helping patients understand their options so they can make confident decisions. He welcomes new patients and collaborates closely with optometrists and primary care clinicians to coordinate care for chronic eye conditions. Patients can expect a friendly, efficient visit and a thoughtful plan designed to protect and improve their sight.

Dr. Sylvia Groth is a glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, where she serves as Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs. She cares for adults across Middle Tennessee and offers the full spectrum of glaucoma care—from precise diagnosis and medical therapy to advanced surgical options such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Dr. Groth also has a special interest in complex cataract surgery for patients with or without glaucoma, focusing on clear communication, shared decision-making, and timely access to care. Dr. Groth earned her MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School, completed internship at Presence St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, and an ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received multiple excellence awards. She then pursued a glaucoma fellowship at Stanford University. In clinic, she pairs evidence-based treatment with thoughtful monitoring and education so patients understand their condition, options, and next steps. Her goal is to protect vision and quality of life with care plans tailored to each person’s needs.

Dr. Samantha Feldman is a pediatric ophthalmologist who cares for children of all ages as well as adults with strabismus. She focuses on making visits comfortable and clear for families, explaining findings in plain language and partnering with parents on treatment plans that fit a child's daily life. In the exam room, she uses kid-friendly techniques to assess vision, eye alignment, and visual development, and offers both non-surgical and surgical options when appropriate. Dr. Feldman trained in ophthalmology at MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center and completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Vanderbilt, building strong experience in the full spectrum of pediatric conditions—from amblyopia and crossed eyes to pediatric cataracts and tear duct obstruction. She also treats adult eye misalignment and diplopia. Patients appreciate her calm, encouraging style and the time she spends answering questions so families leave knowing what to expect and how to support healthy vision at home and at school.

Dr. Andrew Johnson is a native of Athens, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia where he majored in biomedical engineering and was a football letterman. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia and completed a Master of Business Administration at the Terry College of Business during medical school. After medical school, he completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Ophthalmology at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Dr. Johnson has been trained in the latest techniques for cataract and glaucoma surgery, as well as plastic surgery of the eyelids and the treatment of diabetes and macular degeneration. He considers it a privilege to work in eye care and enjoys the long-term patient-physician relationships that ophthalmology provides. Outside of his practice, Dr. Johnson is passionate about medical mission work, having made multiple trips to Haiti, Ecuador, and Honduras. He is active in his church and loves spending time with his three small children.

Dr. Jessica M. Ferrell is a board-certified ophthalmologist at The Jackson Clinic who provides comprehensive care for patients with medical and surgical eye needs. She sees adults for routine exams and helps manage cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other common conditions. When laser or surgery is appropriate, she explains options clearly and focuses on comfort, safety, and recovery. Dr. Ferrell earned her medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri. She partners closely with optometry colleagues and primary care physicians to coordinate care and make visits as seamless as possible. Patients value her approachable style, attention to detail, and commitment to evidence-based treatment.

Dr. J. Brett Farmer is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who cares for patients across Murfreesboro and the surrounding communities. He performs modern cataract surgery—including options for multifocal and toric lenses—and manages glaucoma with medications, laser, and microinvasive procedures when appropriate. Dr. Farmer also treats common medical eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and dry eye. A Murfreesboro native, he trained at the University of Kentucky after earning his medical degree from East Tennessee State University and is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Patients describe his style as thorough and down-to-earth: he reviews test results together, explains choices clearly, and works with each person to design a practical care plan that fits their life. Outside the clinic, he enjoys time with his family, volunteering, and the outdoors.

Dr. Sapna Gangaputra is an ophthalmologist at Vanderbilt’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, where she serves as Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Director for Clinical Trials, and Uveitis Division Chief. Her work connects patient care with clinical research, helping translate new evidence into practical, individualized treatment decisions. Dr. Gangaputra’s background includes medical training in India and public health training at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She completed postgraduate training at Duke University and the University of Wisconsin and then pursued fellowship training at the National Eye Institute (NIH). She is committed to clear, collaborative communication so patients and families feel well informed and supported throughout care.

Dr. David J. Harris, III is a cornea specialist, cataract surgeon, and comprehensive ophthalmologist at University Eye Specialists in East Tennessee. He earned his medical degree from the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University and completed his ophthalmology residency and cornea fellowship at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Harris previously served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, where he trained residents and fellows at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and was Medical Director for Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai West and Morningside hospitals. He provides a wide range of services including comprehensive eye exams, cataract and corneal surgery, LASIK, and other advanced laser eye treatments. Dr. Harris is particularly skilled in laser cataract surgery, refractive surgery, advanced intraocular lens implants, and minimally invasive corneal surgery. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, committed to staying at the forefront of the field to enhance patient visual outcomes.

Eric Sollenberger, MD, is a cornea and anterior segment specialist at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun. An East Tennessee native, he chose ophthalmology early and enjoys helping patients see clearly again with modern surgical and non-surgical care. Dr. Sollenberger completed residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Hamilton Eye Institute, where hands-on experiences like the Cataract-A-Thon reinforced his commitment to excellent outcomes and compassionate communication. He then pursued fellowship training in Cornea and External Disease at Washington University in St. Louis, where he participated in early experience with non-transplant options for Fuchs’ dystrophy. In clinic and the OR, Dr. Sollenberger focuses on refractive cataract surgery, advanced corneal transplantation techniques, and minimally invasive treatments that speed recovery and improve quality of life. He takes time to explain options, align plans with each patient’s goals, and follow progress closely after surgery. Outside of work, he enjoys rock climbing, fly fishing, and hiking in the region he calls home.

Dr. Jonathan Barnett is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute who provides personalized, team-based care for adults with a wide range of eye conditions. His clinical interests include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and common eyelid and ocular surface problems. After graduating with honors in biology from Washington University in St. Louis, he earned his M.D. at Stony Brook School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute. Dr. Barnett initially cared for veterans at the Nashville and Murfreesboro VA hospitals before joining Vanderbilt full-time. He values education and mentorship, and remains active in training residents and medical students. Patients appreciate his thoughtful explanations, attention to detail, and collaborative approach to helping them preserve vision and quality of life.

Dr. Asghar “Abbas” Haider is a vitreoretinal surgeon and ocular oncologist with Southeastern Retina Associates, caring for patients in the Chattanooga region, including Hixson and Cleveland. He treats complex diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula, and provides specialized evaluation and treatment for ocular tumors. Patients value his clear explanations, collaborative decision-making, and focus on preserving and restoring vision through evidence-based medical and surgical care. Dr. Haider completed ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, followed by an ocular oncology fellowship at Duke University Eye Center and a vitreoretinal disease and surgery fellowship at Retina Consultants of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He earned his MD from the University of California, Irvine, where he also completed an MBA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from UCLA. He welcomes new patients and works closely with referring providers to ensure timely, seamless care for retinal disease and ocular tumors.

Dr. Alexis Flowers is a pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus specialist who treats children and adults with eye misalignment and related vision concerns. She earned her M.D. from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and completed internship at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. She then trained in ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute before completing two fellowships: neuro-ophthalmology at Emory and pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Vanderbilt. Dr. Flowers’ practice focuses on patient-centered care for amblyopia, pediatric cataracts, strabismus in children and adults, and complex double-vision complaints. She works closely with orthoptists and the broader care team to offer precise evaluations and a full range of non-surgical and surgical options. Families value her calm, thorough explanations and her collaborative approach to optimizing visual development and daily function.

Dr. Divya Indrakanti is a comprehensive ophthalmologist committed to clear communication, thoughtful treatment planning, and long-term vision care. She welcomes patients for routine exams and the full spectrum of medical and surgical eye conditions, offering evidence-based options that fit each person’s daily life and goals. Dr. Indrakanti completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Hamilton Eye Institute after earning her medical degree from Wright State University. She also brings a strong foundation in science and service from her undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University. In clinic, she takes time to explain diagnoses in plain language, review imaging together, and outline next steps so patients feel comfortable and informed. From cataracts and glaucoma to diabetic eye disease and dry eye, her focus is on preserving sight and quality of life for every age. Patients appreciate her collaborative style and continuity of care from first visit through follow-up.

Dr. Wesley Gillette is a vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions at the Charles Retina Institute. Raised in San Luis Obispo, he studied chemistry at Furman University and later earned his MD from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville, where he was inducted into AOA and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed an internal medicine internship followed by ophthalmology residency at the Texas A&M/Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, serving as chief resident, and went on to a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Charles Retina Institute. Dr. Gillette provides patient-centered, evidence-based care for disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disease. He has participated in global health initiatives and enjoys partnering with patients and families to explain diagnoses and treatment options clearly. Outside of clinic and the operating room, he and his wife, Sarah, stay busy with four young children and share interests in travel, languages, and community service.

Dr. Kyle Vinson is a vitreoretinal fellow at the Charles Retina Institute, where he cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He graduated summa cum laude from Furman University with a degree in psychology and earned his medical degree at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where he finished first in his class, was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, and received the Dean’s Award. He completed an internal medicine internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Virginia, serving as chief resident and being recognized by co-residents for his teaching. At Charles Retina Institute, Dr. Vinson works within a collaborative team that uses advanced imaging, office-based treatments, and multidisciplinary coordination to tailor care for complex retinal disorders. Patients can expect clear explanations, thoughtful counseling about options, and evidence-based therapy designed to preserve sight and quality of life.