EYECENTERSOFOHIO - Key Persons

Gas permeable contact lenses are rigid lenses made of durable plastic that offers sharp vision and corrects most vision problems. These lenses provide a high oxygen permeability which allows your eyes to breathe and reduces the risk of infection. More durable than soft contact lenses, they can be easier to handle and care for but require a longer adaptation period. Consistent wear is also important to maintain this level of adaptation.

Dr. Jerry Macher is a board-certified ophthalmologist that specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Union College in Schenectady, New York in 1973. He then graduated from medical school at New York Medical College in 1976. After an internship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, he did his Ophthalmology residency from 1977-1980 at University Hospitals of Cleveland where he served as Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Macher has participated in numerous clinical research studies and served as Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association. Dr. Macher has been serving the Northeast Ohio area for over 30 years. His compassionate commitment to his patients guarantees quality of care and the innovative treatment and management of a variety of ocular conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes.

Dr. Laurence Karns received his Bachelor of Science in anthropology and zoology from the University of Michigan where he graduated with High Distinction in 1981. He earned his medical degree at The Ohio State University School of Medicine in 1985 and completed a medical internship at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He subsequently completely his residency in ophthalmology at The Ohio State University Department of Ophthalmology in 1989 where he served as Chief Resident his final year. Dr. Karns is a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in cornea & refractive surgery. His specialties include cataract surgery, advanced technology intraocular lens implants, refractive surgery, as well as management of numerous ocular diseases. He currently holds memberships to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ohio Ophthalmological Society and the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Dr. Karns is a long-time plant-based diet and nutrition advocate whose passion for education of disease prevention is recognized by his patients and peers. He has held numerous lectures and was a featured speaker at the 2017 Natural Health Association Annual Meeting addressing the benefits of a low-fat plant-based diet to both eye and systemic health.

In July 2017, we welcomed Dr. Michael Smit to Eye Centers of Ohio. Dr. Smit received his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo in 1994. After graduation he attended Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and received a Bachelor of Vision Science in 1996 and a Doctorate of Optometry in 1998. After serving the community for 10 years as a board-certified optometrist, Dr. Smit continued to expand his education by enrolling at Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, Washington where he received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013. He completed an internship at SUMMA Health System Akron City Hospital in 2014 and subsequently completed his residency in medical and surgical ophthalmology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center where he served as Academic Chief his final year. While completing his residency, he performed innovative research activities in which he received the Best Clinical Research Award in 2016. We are very excited to have Dr. Smit join us and offer our patients his expertise in cataract and refractive surgery, surgical and medical treatment of glaucoma, medical treatment for retinal disease, and many other ocular eye conditions. He has presented research on various ocular diseases and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Paul Turgeon is a board-certified ophthalmologist, and Medical Director for the Institute for Refractive & Intraocular Surgery Center, who specializes in medical and surgical management of glaucoma and cataracts, as well as complicated anterior segment surgery. He has championed advanced glaucoma, cataract and implant techniques and was the first surgeon in Ohio to perform Endothelial Keratoplasty surgery, being the preferred method of corneal transplant surgery used today. Dr. Turgeon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He earned his medical doctorate at the Medical College of Ohio in 1984 where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed an internship at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, OH and subsequently continued his training with a three-year ophthalmology residency at The Eye and Ear Institute at University of Pittsburgh, where he also completed a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease. He has been a featured presenter at major ophthalmology conferences around the U.S. and has published multiple clinical book chapters. He serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of the Academy of Ophthalmology, is on the Ophthalmology Advisory Committee for Education for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He is also an active member of several renowned ophthalmology associations such as, the American Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Eye Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the International Society of Refractive Keratoplasty, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Voted among the countries Best Doctors 15 years in a row, Dr. Turgeon continues to dedicate his career to enhancing vision correction and strives to provide each patient with exceptional, customized treatment and unparalleled results.

Philip Dickey, OD graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Akron in 2009. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Optometry from The Ohio State University in 2013 where he graduated with honors. Dr. Dickey completed an internship in ocular disease, contact lens fitting, binocular vision and pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He completed externships in several different methods of practice where he gained additional knowledge in the treatment of ocular disease. During his training, he participated in comprehensive eye examinations, cataract evaluations, and pre- and post-operative visits. Dr. Dickey also completed his residency at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Center where he gained valuable experience in diagnosing eye disease pertaining to overall systemic health. He is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Since joining the practice in 2014, Dr. Dickey provides excellent care to our patients in performing comprehensive eye examinations, postoperative care, and the diagnosis and management of most ocular conditions such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and cataracts.