Dr. Chandler Mitchell

Dr. Clay Bavinger is an ophthalmologist, retina specialist, and vitreoretinal surgeon with The Retina Group of Washington, caring for patients in Fredericksburg and the greater Washington, DC region. He completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. After an internal medicine internship at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s Scheie Eye Institute. Dr. Bavinger then pursued a vitreo-retinal surgery fellowship at the Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, gaining advanced experience with complex retinal disease and microsurgical techniques. He treats conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and other sight-threatening retinal disorders, and is committed to helping patients and their families understand each step of their diagnosis and treatment. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, presents regularly at national meetings, and has received honors including the Robert I. Goldsmith Ophthalmology Award and a Verizon Foundation grant for a medical device he helped develop. When he is not in clinic or the operating room, he enjoys time with his wife and daughter and is an avid tennis player, cook, golfer, and radio-controlled airplane enthusiast.

Dr. Joseph D. Bogaard, MD, PhD, is a vitreoretinal surgeon who specializes in the medical and surgical care of retinal diseases. He treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and dislocated lenses. Patients value his thorough exams, measured decision-making, and commitment to preserving and restoring sight whenever possible. Dr. Bogaard completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, an internship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Virginia. Having grown up in Chicago, he is glad to care for patients in the Midwest and is passionate about teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists while delivering attentive, evidence-based care in clinic and the operating room.

Dr. Salman Dar is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, glaucoma, and refractive surgery. He is committed to compassionate, high-quality care and takes time to explain findings and tailor treatment to each patient’s goals. Dr. Dar completed his ophthalmology residency at George Washington University, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a glaucoma fellowship at Columbia University. Earlier, he earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota and his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Dar performs micro-incision cataract surgery, including laser-assisted techniques, and helps patients explore advanced intraocular lenses to reduce dependence on glasses. As a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon, he offers laser procedures, traditional surgery, and MIGS, and he provides LASIK and PRK for appropriate candidates. Patients and referring doctors value his surgical experience, easy-to-understand communication, and dedication to safe, effective care across the Metro DC area.