Dr. Samantha Marek

Aditya Kanesa-thasan, MD, is a fellowship-trained cataract, cornea, and anterior segment surgeon with the Wills Eye Cornea Service. He partners closely with patients to understand their goals and to tailor medical and surgical plans, explaining options in clear, practical terms. His surgical practice spans routine and complex cataract care with modern lens technologies, laser vision correction, corneal transplantation, cross-linking for keratoconus, and repair of iris or corneal trauma. Dr. Kanesa-thasan completed undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University (magna cum laude) and earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (AOA). He then finished ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital followed by a cornea, refractive, and external disease fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Beyond patient care, he is interested in device innovation and surgical education, including use of video and simulation to improve outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Dr. Brian Shafer is a cornea, cataract, refractive, and glaucoma surgeon known for meticulous technique and a warm, patient-focused style. After undergraduate studies in molecular genetics at the University of Rochester, he earned his MD from Temple University, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed internship at Pennsylvania Hospital and ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania/Scheie Eye Institute, serving as chief resident, then pursued a high-volume fellowship at Vance Thompson Vision focused on cornea, refractive surgery, glaucoma, and complex cataract care. At Shafer Vision Institute, he offers advanced technology cataract surgery, modern corneal transplantation, comprehensive glaucoma surgical options, and the full spectrum of laser vision correction, along with second-opinion consultations for complex cases. Dr. Shafer maintains academic appointments and regularly contributes to peer-reviewed research and education.

Dr. Sabrina Mukhtar is a cornea, refractive, and ocular surface specialist who helps patients see and feel better with thoughtful, individualized care. As Director of the Dry Eye Center of Excellence, she focuses on accurate diagnosis of the causes of dryness and irritation, then uses evidence-based therapies to restore comfort and vision. She also performs cataract, corneal, and refractive procedures and partners closely with patients to choose the approach that best fits their daily needs. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Mukhtar combines a high-volume surgical practice with academic work in ocular surface disease. Her background in public health supports a whole-patient perspective, and her goal is to provide clear guidance at every step—from initial evaluation and treatment planning to postoperative recovery and long-term prevention.