Dr. Sophie Cai

Dr. Jacob Cox is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon providing advanced medical and surgical care for diseases of the retina and vitreous. He brings a broad academic background and a patient-first approach to Southeastern Retina Associates, where he treats conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and complex macular disorders. Dr. Cox completed ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Earlier in his training he earned master’s study at the University of Cambridge, conducted public-health and ophthalmic research internationally, and later received a national Heed Fellowship recognizing promise in academic ophthalmology. In clinic, he takes time to review images, explain options, and tailor care to each patient’s vision goals—whether that involves in-office injections, laser, or surgery—so people can feel confident and supported throughout treatment.

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.