Dr. Joseph Bogaard

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. Chandler Mitchell is an anterior segment fellow at Virginia Eye Consultants, where he evaluates and treats a wide range of cataract and corneal disorders. A native of Indianapolis, he studied chemistry at Butler University before earning his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. During residency at Indiana University, he discovered a particular interest in complex anterior segment disease and chose to pursue focused fellowship training under the mentorship of senior surgeons at Virginia Eye Consultants. Dr. Mitchell works closely with patients to understand their visual goals, explain options in plain language, and tailor care plans that balance safety and clarity of vision. In clinic and the operating room, he emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, meticulous technique, and clear communication with referring providers. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Norfolk area with his family and spending time outdoors.

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.