Dr. Kurt Scavelli

Dr. Farid M. Khan is a vitreoretinal surgeon who treats the full range of medical and surgical retina conditions. He cares for patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment, and has a special interest in improving techniques for macular hole repair and complex retinal surgery. His approach blends precise imaging, thoughtful counseling, and coordinated follow-up to protect and restore vision. Dr. Khan earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, completed internship and ophthalmology residency at Tulane University, and pursued fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before joining Carolina Ophthalmology, he served veterans as a retina specialist at the Omaha VA Medical Center.

Dr. John Bradley Allen is a fellowship-trained retina specialist who cares for patients with both common and complex vitreoretinal conditions. He graduated with highest honors from the University of Georgia with dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology, then earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia. After an internship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he completed ophthalmology residency and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at The Ohio State University. Dr. Allen offers comprehensive retina care—from diagnosis and monitoring to advanced procedures such as intravitreal injections, laser therapy, and vitrectomy. He believes the best outcomes come from clear explanations and shared decision-making, and he takes time to tailor each plan to the patient’s goals and lifestyle. He has participated in clinical trials and remains engaged with new therapies that may expand options for people with retinal disease.

Dr. Lekha K. Desai is a vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions. She completed a seven-year combined BS/MD program at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by an internship and ophthalmology residency at Rutgers NJMS. She then pursued fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the UC Davis Eye Center, gaining extensive experience in advanced techniques and resident education.At North Carolina Retina Associates, Dr. Desai treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular diseases, and urgent symptoms such as flashes and floaters. She performs vitrectomy, scleral buckle surgery, and intravitreal injections, and is known for a compassionate, relationship-based approach. Dr. Desai has been recognized with honors including the Father O’Reilly Resident Award for Compassion and a Women in Retina travel grant, and she volunteers her skills to care for underserved patients, including work at a charity hospital in southern India.