MUSC Health Ophthalmology at Storm Eye Institute

M. Millicent W. Peterseim, M.D. is a Professor at the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. She is the Bruce Pratt Endowed Chair for International Ophthalmology. Dr. Peterseim's major clinical interests and responsibilities include pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus and international ophthalmology. Prior to receiving her medical degree from Washington University Medical School, Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Peterseim graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Her internship in family and community medicine took place at Duke University Medical Center. Following her internship, Dr. Peterseim completed her residency in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She then returned to Duke to complete her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at the Duke University Eye Center.Prior to joining MUSC in 1999, Dr. Peterseim was assistant professor of ophthalmology at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania and was in private practice at Park Ophthalmology in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. She has given numerous lectures and presentations nationally, published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and made contributions to several textbooks.Dr. Peterseim is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and is actively involved in community outreach efforts to further increase awareness about and support for proper vision screening for all children, especially those in the preschool and early school-aged years. She has collaborated with the National Children's Hospital in Costa Rica to determine genetic determinates of hereditary retinal disease and worked to improve eye care in India, Ethiopia and Belize in collaboration with Orbis International and the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired.

Dr Larissa Gouvea is an ophthalmologist at the Storm Eye Institute with a triple fellowship specialization in both pediatric and adult cornea, cataract, external diseases, and refractive surgery and pediatric ophthalmology. She cares for patients of all ages with a myriad of ocular diseases, including cornea, ocular surface and anterior segment disorders using cutting-edge medical and surgical techniques. She received her medical degree from Brazil, followed by an ophthalmology residency at the Eye Hospital of Parana, also in Brazil. She subsequently completed a Cornea, Refractive Surgery \& External Diseases fellowship, as well as a second dedicated fellowship in Pediatric Cornea \& External Disease at the University of Toronto - Toronto Western Hospital and Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). After completing both adult and pediatric cornea fellowship, Dr Gouvea joined the Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina for a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology \& Adult Strabismus. Dr. Gouvea has received multiple research accolades, including the ASCRS Best Paper Awards twice. She is active in clinical research, having published a number of scientific works including peer review publications, abstracts in society meetings and book chapters. Dr Gouvea has also served as a course instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology laser refractive skills transfer course since 2018. Her clinical practice centers on improving outcomes for pediatric patients, especially those with corneal conditions as well as providing the optimal treatments for corneal and ocular surface disorders for both children and adults. Her research interests focus to advance the surgical treatment options for congenital and acquired anterior segment pathologies in all age groups.

Vanessa Hernandez, O.D., received her Bachelor of Science from The College of New Jersey and earned her Doctorate of Optometry from SUNY College of Optometry in New York, NY. She went on to complete a residency with a focus on primary care and ocular disease at the Bronxcare Health System in New York, NY. She went on to become a clinical instructor at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Hospital and serve as faculty for SUNY College of Optometry before settling in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mauricio B. Pereira, M.D., Ph.D., is a sub-subspecialist in vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Pereira has received several awards and distinctions for excellence in ophthalmology in his over 20 years of Ophthalmology practice. Dr. Pereira is active in clinical research, having published many scientific works at society meetings, including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and abstracts. As a full member of the Brazilian Vitreous and Retina Society and Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology, Dr. Pereira is active in teaching at national and international ophthalmology conferences. Dr. Pereira is a regular reviewer for peer-reviewed journals, such as the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports and Brazilian Archives of Ophthalmology (ABO), and Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia (RBO). Dr. Pereira received his medical degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 1994, one of Brazil's most traditional and oldest medical schools. He completed his training in ophthalmology at Federal Servidores do Estado Hospital and was certified by the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology in 2000. He completed a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship training at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP). He was granted a prize by the BRAVS for a study of "Mechanisms of Retinal Adhesion." Dr. Pereira also completed his Ph.D. with distinction on "Indocyanine green video angiography in blunt traumatic chorioretinopathy" at UNIFESP. In 2009, he joined the Federal Fluminense University (UFF) in Rio de Janeiro as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology for nine years and then as Associate Professor for four years. During his academic career, he was pivotal in helping the Department achieve the top 6 Ophthalmology Residency Programs in Brazil and 8th in Latin America. He also participated as a Federal Fluminense University Medical Board of Ethics Committee member. Dr. Pereira joined the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, in 2023 for a second vitreoretinal fellowship. His contributions to the medical field include directly training more than 200 ophthalmologists as residents or retina fellows. Among his contributions, two publications were the first reports of Susac's Syndrome in Brazil in 2000 and autofluorescence findings in Benign Concentric Annular Macular Dystrophy in 2019. Dr. Pereira has performed thousands of eye surgeries and has significantly contributed to the treatment of eye diseases and blindness prevention in Brazil. His main interests are retina, vitreous, complications of cataract surgery, and surgical treatment of macular disorders.

Andrew S. Eiseman, M.D. has been appointed as a professor of ophthalmology and the director of the ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery service at the Albert Florens Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Eiseman comes to Storm Eye from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he served as the chief of the ophthalmology service, the director of the ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery service, and as an associate professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Eiseman received his BS in chemistry from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was a distinguished cadet. He received his M.D. from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences where he was the class valedictorian. He completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1994 where he also served as the chief resident. He then completed his fellowship training in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in 1998. Dr. Eiseman was the director of the oculoplastics service at Walter Reed for over 14 years as a surgeon performing challenging cases of complex orbital trauma and cosmetic rejuvenation. Dr. Eiseman served as the program director of the ophthalmology residency at Walter Reed from 2005 to 2011 and he is an oral board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He is a journal reviewer for several peer reviewed journals and he has served on several national committees to include the digital media committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Department of Defense joint readiness advisory board, and the Department of Defense vision improvement subcommittee. Dr. Eiseman has published a number of peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and abstracts. Dr. Eiseman performs clinical research and his areas of interest include lacrimal drainage disorders and ocular trauma and he has presented his research findings at national and international meetings. He has received several awards to include the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and the Department of Defense "A" Designator for Academic Excellence. He was elected into the Washington Academy of Ophthalmology and the Order of Military Medical Merit. He is a flight surgeon and his military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Eliza L. Barnwell is a fellowship-trained comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and anterior segment surgery, particularly interested in complex cataract extraction and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Dr. Barnwell is a Charleston native who completed medical school and internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by ophthalmology residency training at Wake Forest University, where she served as chief resident. She went on to complete a fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, focusing on treating blindness in underserved communities at the local and international levels. She then returned to the Medical University of South Carolina, serving as the Director of the Ocular Trauma Service and completing additional training in the management of glaucoma. Throughout her training and career, Dr. Barnwell has been dedicated to global ophthalmology and humanitarian aid, collaborating with various institutions and non-profit organizations to combat eye disease. She has worked in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, India, Peru, Ecuador, and Belize. She enjoys teaching medical students and residents here and internationally and has been a course instructor in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) at numerous ophthalmology meetings.

Dr. Eric L. Berman joined the Storm Eye Institute as a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology in September 2017. He is a specialist in neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery and is the director of the neuro-ophthalmology service at the Storm Eye Institute. He also is currently the Dr. William A. And Sandra F. Johnson endowed chair in neuro-ophthalmology. Dr. Berman relocated here from Sarasota, Florida, where he was in private practice for the previous 18 years. While there he served as a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he regularly gave lectures to the residents. Prior to that, he was in practice in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was clinical associate professor of ophthalmology and neurology at the University of Louisville. He also was a full-time faculty member in the departments of neurology and ophthalmology at the University of Rochester. Dr. Berman graduated with honors from the University of Chicago. He did his medical training at the State University of New York &- Downstate Medical Center. He also completed his ophthalmology residency at the State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center. He did fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology, orbital and oculoplastic surgery at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Berman has been an active fellow in the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. He has spoken at national and international meetings and has authored numerous journal articles and chapters in medical textbooks. He is the co-author of the book MRI and CT, Clinical Neuro-Orbital Anatomy, published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Ethan Joseph, M.D. Ophthalmologist \| Co-Director, Ocular Trauma \& Inpatient Consult Service, Storm Eye Institute Dr. Joseph is an ophthalmologist with deep roots in the Southeast. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he completed his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He went on to complete both his internal medicine residency and ophthalmology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where he received comprehensive training in both medical and surgical eye care. Dr. Joseph currently serves as Co-Director of the Ocular Trauma and Inpatient Consult Service at MUSC's Storm Eye Institute, where he manages complex ocular emergencies and provides specialized inpatient care. In addition to his academic and surgical work, he remains active in the community as a private hospitalist and volunteers monthly at a primary care clinic for the underserved, blending his background in internal medicine with his ophthalmic expertise. Dr. Joseph is dedicated to advancing patient care through interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to medical education. Outside of medicine, Dr. Joseph enjoys playing soccer and tennis, and is an avid fan of Braves baseball.

Tala Kassm, D.O. is a board certified ophthalmologist sub-specializing in the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. She joined the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2018 as a glaucoma fellow, honing her skills as a cataract surgeon while learning the fine details of glaucoma surgical and medical care. During her fellowship, she became femtosecond laser certified on the Catalys laser so that she can offer her patients laser assisted cataract surgery. She then decided to continue her career at MUSC as an attending physician and assistant professor. In her short time as the glaucoma fellow at MUSC, Dr. Kassm created and led the Glaucoma Support Group at the Storm Eye Institute as she has a passion for well-rounded patient care, offering her patients the opportunity to interact with each other as well as their physician in a relaxed environment while learning more about glaucoma. Prior to joining her colleagues at MUSC, Dr. Kassm earned her medical degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona. As a medical student, Dr. Kassm received the Outstanding Student Award and the Robert F. Crawford Scholastic Achievement Award which is only granted to one exceptional student in the graduating class for overall academic and clinical excellence. After obtaining her D.O. degree, she went on to complete her ophthalmology residency training at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky. During her residency, she developed a strong interest in educating fellow physicians about ophthalmology and delivered a wide variety of lectures to fellow physicians and medical students about ophthalmology. However, her greatest passion during her training was for learning and sharpening her skills as a cataract surgeon. During her residency alone, she performed hundreds of cataract surgeries, including surgeries using toric lenses to correct astigmatism and multifocal lenses to help patients gain independence from glasses. She has experience with monovision lenses, limbal relaxing incisions and LASIK. Since completing her training, she has performed over a thousand intraocular procedures.Dr. Kassm has thoroughly enjoyed dedicating her time and services to many community organizations such as the Storm Eye Sight Organization, West End Boys School Eye Screening Campaign, the Leukocoria Campaign in association with the Children's Eye Foundation and Kentucky School for the Blind, Home of the Innocence, and Kendall Optometry Ministry, Inc. organizing and sorting glasses for those who cannot afford them.Not only does she have a robust dedication to both patient and physician education, but she also enjoys spending time with each of her patients in order to thoroughly explain their disease and treatment plan. Dr. Kassm is a precisely skilled surgeon who understands the importance of detail in such a field as ophthalmology.

Dr. Jella An joins the Storm Eye Institute from the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University and Hospitals, where she served as the Medical Director and Vice Chair for the Wilmer Eye Care Network. She also held a faculty position as an Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. As a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, Dr. An brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Her clinical specialties include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and complex cataract surgery, areas where she has earned national and international recognition for her contributions. Dr. An is also highly experienced in the management of ophthalmology clinical practice. Dr. An received her M.D. and B.Sc. degrees from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and completed her clinical fellowship in glaucoma and advanced anterior segment surgery at the University of Toronto. Her research efforts are dedicated to advancing glaucoma treatments, focusing on novel surgical and laser interventions, as well as extended-release drug delivery. Her goal is to personalize treatments, enhance patient quality of life, and prevent blindness through earlier and safer treatment options. She serves as a principal investigator for several clinical trials and has delivered numerous invited lectures worldwide. Dr. An is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for her patients, advancing innovative glaucoma treatment options, and providing top-tier training and mentorship to aspiring clinicians and researchers.

Dr. Jeremy Walz received his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry in 2009. He went on to complete a residency with an emphasis on ocular disease management at the Huntington VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV. He then received advanced fellowship training in traumatic brain injury vision rehabilitation at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center where he directed the Polytrauma Optometric Clinic for three years.Dr. Walz has served on the faculty at the Ohio State and University of California-Berkeley Schools of Optometry. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Blice joined the Storm Eye Institute as a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology in October 2013. He is a specialist in vitreoretinal diseases and practices as a member of Storm Eye Institute's vitreoretinal surgery division. Dr. Blice came from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he served as assistant service chief of ophthalmology, director of the vitreoretinal services, and assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. He was on the staff of the National Naval Medical Center, holding leadership positions in pharmacy and therapeutics, patient safety, health care operations, and information technology. He most recently served as the chief of staff on the Navy's regional command in Washington, D.C. Since 2007, he also served as Walter Reed's residency site director for the Washington National Eye Center. Dr. Blice is widely published on the national level.Dr. Blice graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He received a doctorate of medicine from Temple University, Philadelphia, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Prior to his ophthalmology residency at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, he served as a regimental surgeon for the Marine Corps during Desert Storm. In 1997, he completed fellowship training in diseases of the retina, and vitreous and intraocular tumors at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia.

Dr. Elise Steinberger is a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist and Director of Ocular Trauma Services at MUSC Health. She specializes in clinical and surgical urgent eye care and has a strong foundation in comprehensive clinical practice and medical education. Dr. Steinberger is dedicated to providing expert care. Dr. Steinberger completed her medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine and specialized residency training at the prestigious Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City. She also holds a Master's in Health/Science Journalism from Northwestern University, bringing a unique perspective to her medical practice through clear communication and advocacy. In addition to her clinical role, Dr. Steinberger is deeply involved in leadership and mentorship. She has mentored aspiring surgeons through the Association of Women Surgeons and advocated for key ophthalmic issues at national forums. Her leadership experience extends to serving on multiple committees focused on graduate medical education and residency accreditation. Dr. Steinberger is a recognized researcher with numerous publications in leading ophthalmology journals. Her diverse work has included epidemiologic study of invasive fungal infections and innovative approaches to orbital reconstruction. Through her clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing eye care, Dr. Steinberger is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of ophthalmology.

James F. Hill III is a native of Georgetown, South Carolina and graduated from the Citadel in 2003 with a BS in biology. His first job was as a research specialist at MUSC and he decided during his two years there to pursue a career in optometry. He attended and graduated from the University Of Alabama School Of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation at the Birmingham VAMC and Blind Rehabilitation Center. Upon completion of his residency he completed the Advanced Competency Medical Optometry (ACMO) examination and obtained his Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Over the past five years he has worked with four different private practices, started a weekly low vision clinic at the Storm Eye Institute at MUSC, and provided eye care in many nursing homes in the Charleston area. He is currently on the board of directors of the Palmetto Professional Society, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of SC, and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. In 2016 he was awarded the SCOPA Young Optometrist of the Year and in 2017 accepted a full time faculty position as an assistant professor at the Storm Eye Institute at MUSC. His duties will also allow him to continue to provide cutting edge low vision research and care to those who are visually impaired, as well as provide comprehensive eye care at the highest level to new patients in the Charleston community. When not in the clinic Dr. Hill likes to spend time with friends and family. His favorite thing to do is to be on the water fishing or enjoying the beautiful scenery SC offers or supporting his beloved Citadel Bulldogs at any type of sporting event.

Dr. Susannah L. Brown is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained specialist in oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Brown practices as a member of the Storm Eye Institute's oculoplastic surgery division and previously served as the director of the Ocular Trauma service. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bates College, Dr. Brown attended medical school training at the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her internship at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and her ophthalmology residency training at MUSC's Storm Eye Institute, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Brown continued additional sub-specialty fellowship training in Orbital, Oculoplastic, and Aesthetic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She received the Outstanding Clinical Fellow of the Year Award. Dr. Brown has been recognized for her commitment to patient care with multiple patient-care awards, including the prestigious national Veteran's Association ICARE Aware for Distinguished Resident Physicians. While in residency training at MUSC, she also received the Program Director's Award, given to the resident who exemplifies 'the behaviors and attitudes each of us looks for in our physician.' During her residency, Dr. Brown was selected by her peers and faculty to serve as chief resident and received the Richard A. Saunders Award for 'academic potential, surgical excellence, and outstanding teaching ability.'

Julianne Gant, OD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College in Chesnut Hill, MA. She then attended optometry school at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. She completed a residency in ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses, and low vision at the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC in Charleston, SC.

Karolinne Maia Rocha M.D. Ph.D. is a sub-subspecialist in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery. Dr. Rocha has received awards and distinctions for excellence in ophthalmology including the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Achievement Award in 2012, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation Resident Excellence Award in 2012 and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Teaching Excellence Recognition Award in 2013. Dr. Rocha is active in clinical research, having published over 100 scientific works including peer review publications, book chapters, and abstracts in society meetings. As a member of the executive subcommittee of the International Society of Refractive Surgery International Council, Dr. Rocha is active in teaching at national and international ophthalmology conferences. She has served as a course instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology laser refractive skills transfer course since 2009 and teaches courses on corneal collagen cross-linking and corneal topography. Dr. Rocha is a regular reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Journal of Refractive Surgery, Cornea, and the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Rocha is also an associate editor for the Brazilian Archives of Ophthalmology (ABO).Dr. Rocha completed her postdoctoral fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation in 2009 where she worked intimately with adaptive optics. She published one of the first clinical applications of adaptive optics characterizing the exact amount of higher order aberrations that balances depth of focus with quality of vision -- work that is widely cited in ophthalmic research. Dr. Rocha completed a second postdoctoral fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Emory University in 2010 where she played instrumental roles in the lead investigational study on corneal collagen cross-linking, corneal biomechanics and topography-guided laser ablation. Dr. Rocha received her medical degree from State University of Londrina in Parana, Brazil in 2002. After obtaining her M.D. she completed training in ophthalmology at Federal University of S&~o Paulo and was certified by the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology in 2005. As a second year resident she received the XXXIII Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology Surgical Skills Prize. After completion of a fellowship in anterior segment surgery in 2007, she served as assistant of ophthalmology at the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subsequently, she completed her Ph.D. & "Optical aberrations in pseudophakic and cataractous eyes, &" also at the Federal University of Sao Paulo. Dr. Rocha was the first ophthalmologist to be awarded the highest honor by the Brazilian government for her Ph.D. thesis.Dr. Rocha completed her second ophthalmology residency at the Cole Eye Institute-Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. She joined the faculty of MUSC/Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, South Carolina in 2014 and she is currently the director of the cornea and refractive surgery division.

Joseph M. Lally, Jr. M.D. graduated from Dartmouth College and received his MS degree from Georgetown University. After medical school and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, he completed a fellowship in cornea and anterior segment surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Lally has served as president of the South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology, as well as the Charleston Ophthalmological Association. He also served on the Council of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been the recipient of numerous honors including the Pierre Gautier Jenkins Award for resident education at MUSC. His specialties include cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care.

Dr. Nallely Morales, M.D., is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus and children's visual health. Dr. Morales cares for pediatric patients with a wide range of ocular conditions, including strabismus, refractive errors, pediatric cataracts, and obstructed nasolacrimal ducts, using advanced medical and surgical techniques to provide optimal care. She is highly trained, having completed two fellowships in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus-the first at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and the second at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Morales was awarded the Pan-American Latin American Scholarship/PAAO Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern/Children's Hospital in Dallas, a prestigious award given to only one doctor from Latin America. Dr. Morales graduated with distinction from medical school at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico and completed her ophthalmology residency at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Her dedication to advancing pediatric ophthalmology is evident in her extensive research, which has been published in high-impact journals. She has also contributed as a speaker in meetings and has co-authored several book chapters. Beyond her clinical and academic pursuits, Dr. Morales has a strong commitment to serving the community through her work in the non-profit sector, where she focuses on improving visual health outcomes for children.

Kristen Gayeski Tinkler, OD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and attended optometry school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She then completed a residency in ocular disease, specialty contact lenses (including scleral, RGP, and hybrid lenses), and low vision at Wm. Jennings Bryn Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC. Dr. Gayeski Tinkler is a past president of the Coastal Carolina Optometric Society and serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina. She reviews Continuing Education for the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry and is a Scenario Author for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Gayeski Tinkler has been practicing medical optometry in Charleston since 2011. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She resides in West Ashley with her husband and two sons.