Find a Specialist

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. 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. 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.

Dr. Salar Rafieetary is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Charles Retina Institute who treats the full spectrum of medical and surgical retinal disease. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he offers evidence-based care for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusions, pediatric retinal disease, and complex detachments. Patients appreciate his steady demeanor in urgent situations and his careful follow-up after surgery. Dr. Rafieetary trained at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Hamilton Eye Institute, followed by a two-year retina fellowship at Charles Retina Institute where he participated in more than a thousand surgical cases. He enjoys teaching as affiliate faculty and contributes to resident education. His interests also include team-based care for athletes and community outreach. Outside the clinic, he values time with family and service through his church.

Dr. Abdul-Hadi Kaakour is an ophthalmologist at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute who cares for the full spectrum of retinal conditions. He helps patients with retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal diseases, and eye trauma, offering thoughtful guidance on both medical and surgical options. As an assistant professor, he is committed to clear communication and a calm, patient-first approach so you understand your diagnosis, treatment choices, and what to expect at every step. Dr. Kaakour earned his medical degree from the University of Miami, completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Southern California Medical Center, and advanced fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic. He welcomes patients seeking second opinions and works closely with the broader Vanderbilt team to coordinate care when other eye or health conditions are involved. His goal is simple: protect and restore vision while making every visit comfortable and collaborative.

Dr. Paul W. Mallory is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon who treats the full range of medical and surgical retina conditions. He cares for patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, epiretinal membranes, and macular holes, and helps patients navigate long-term treatment plans with clarity and consistency. His practice emphasizes precise diagnostics, thoughtful counseling, and modern techniques tailored to restore and preserve vision. Dr. Mallory completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He now serves patients at SouthEast Eye Specialists in Chattanooga and Cleveland, where he collaborates closely with referring doctors and families to coordinate efficient, compassionate care from evaluation through follow-up.

Dr. Bernard Dib is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions. He is known for a thoughtful, team-based approach and clear communication about diagnosis, treatment options, and expected recovery. Dr. Dib completed ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned multiple honors for teaching and scientific presentations. He previously founded a retina service in Philadelphia and taught surgical trainees while serving as a clinical instructor, and his scholarly work spans retinal inflammation, novel surgical techniques, and outcomes research. Fluent in several languages and active in international outreach, Dr. Dib has provided care and mentorship in diverse settings. At Tennessee Retina, he offers evidence-based therapies ranging from in-office injections and lasers to advanced retinal surgery, with a goal of preserving and restoring vision so patients can return to the activities they love.

Hesham K. Gabr, MD, MSc, is a vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for adults with medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He trained at Duke University Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago, building expertise in complex retinal detachment repair, macular surgery, and advanced intraocular lens solutions. Dr. Gabr has authored numerous publications and speaks nationally and internationally about surgical techniques, instrumentation, and intraoperative imaging, including the use of intraoperative OCT and subretinal delivery of therapeutics. Patients see Dr. Gabr for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, and complications that threaten central vision. He tailors care plans to each person’s needs, explains findings clearly, and coordinates follow-up to protect and improve sight over time. Dr. Gabr joined Tennessee Retina in September 2024 and sees patients in Nashville, Clarksville, and Cookeville.

Dr. Pedro Monsalve is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina specialist who treats diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macular holes, and retinal detachments, using proven techniques alongside new therapies from active clinical research. Patients value his clear explanations, bilingual communication, and steady guidance through complex decisions. Dr. Monsalve completed ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and a surgical retina fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Before training, he conducted research in electrophysiology and ocular pathology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He now cares for patients at SouthEast Eye Specialists in Chattanooga and Cleveland, where he partners with families and referring doctors to coordinate efficient, compassionate care.

Dr. Lauren Rushing is a medical retina specialist at Johnson City Eye Clinic. She grew up in Tomball, Texas, a suburb of Houston, and joined the practice after serving as Chief Resident at University of North Carolina Ophthalmology. She is a board-certified medical doctor of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is also a member of Women in Ophthalmology, the North Carolina Society for Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and is Wilderness First Aid Certified. Dr. Rushing earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, where she also completed her internship. She then completed ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, followed by a medical retina fellowship at the University of Michigan. A medical retina specialist, Dr. Rushing practices ophthalmology with a special interest in cataract surgery. She evaluates and treats conditions that threaten the macula and peripheral retina, and offers patient-centered cataract care when appropriate. She values clear communication, uses advanced imaging to guide treatment, and partners closely with patients and their families to set goals, monitor progress, and protect vision over time.

Dr. Scott Sullivan is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Charles Retina Institute caring for patients with the full spectrum of retinal disease. He earned his medical degree at LSU Health New Orleans, completed a transitional internship at LSU Hospital, and finished ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College, where he served as chief resident. After additional subspecialty training, he joined Charles Retina Institute as a full-time associate in 2023. Patients appreciate his down-to-earth manner, evidence-based recommendations, and focus on preserving vision and quality of life. Dr. Sullivan treats both urgent and chronic retinal conditions, offering office-based therapies and advanced microsurgery. His interests include repairing retinal detachments and macular conditions, managing diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, and caring for retinal vascular disorders. He works closely with multidisciplinary teams and uses state-of-the-art imaging and treatment technologies to tailor care for each patient’s needs.

Dr. Casey J. Lowrance is an ophthalmologist with fellowship training in medical retina who treats patients with retinal disease and cataracts. He specializes in advanced cataract surgery and works with individuals managing conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular disease. He earned his undergraduate degree in music at MTSU and his medical degree at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech. He completed ophthalmology residency at Nova Southeastern University in Miami and then a medical retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. Dr. Lowrance is passionate about mission work and returns to Haiti annually to provide cataract surgery. Outside the clinic, he enjoys time with his wife and five children, playing music, and hiking.

Dr. De La Huerta is an ophthalmologist at Vanderbilt Eye Institute who treats adults and children with retinal diseases. She cares for patients with conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment, and retinopathy of prematurity. Patients also see her for urgent symptoms like flashes and floaters or eye trauma that may signal a retinal problem. Her training includes a medical internship at Harvard Medical School and an ophthalmology residency at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. De La Huerta is also a clinician-scientist whose work explores how photoreceptors may contribute to retinal vascular disease, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment. She is committed to clear communication and shared decision-making, and she can provide care in English, French, and Romanian.

Dr. Jonathan Fuerst is a board-certified ophthalmologist and highly trained medical and surgical retina specialist serving the Knoxville, TN region. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham. He further specialized with a fellowship in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery at Retina Consultants of Alabama and the University of Alabama Birmingham. During his medical training, Dr. Fuerst gained critical experience on staff at a level 1 eye trauma center at the Callahan Eye Foundation hospital emergency room in Birmingham, managing complex eye emergencies. He and his wife Claire enjoy living in East Tennessee and spending time outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains.