Dr. Jacob Cox

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. 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.