WILTON SURGERY CENTER - Key Persons


Amanda Dinsmore

Dr. Dinsmore is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a passion for providing excellent eye care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with honors. Dr. Dinsmore completed an internship at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital in Denver, CO and her ophthalmology residency at University of Colorado in Aurora, CO. She has published scientific research in publications like Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science and has presented at important industry gatherings. Prior to her time at ReFocus, Dr. Dinsmore provided quality ophthalmic care at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, AL. She is fluent in Spanish and English.

Daniel Southern

Dr. Southern specializes in sports medicine and pain medicine. He is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley and State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn (Downstate). He completed a transitional internship in internal medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center followed by a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the New York-Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Southern received advanced training through a fellowship in spine and sports medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Southern is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Cesar Sierra

Job Titles:
  • Ophthalmologist
Dr. Cesar Sierra is an ophthalmologist, specializing in oculoplastic surgery. He trained at the Yale University School of Medicine, achieving the Marvin Sears Award for Clinical Excellence. He finished a two-year fellowship at the renowned Kresge Eye Institute Wayne State University and William Beaumont Hospital. Dr. Sierra is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Gaurav Ghosh

Dr. Gaurav Ghosh is a gastroenterologist who specializes in diseases of the esophagus and serves as director of esophageal motility. Dr. Ghosh is dedicated to providing thoughtful, individualized, and comprehensive care for his patients by incorporating the latest advances and research in the field. Dr. Ghosh has a special interest in diseases of the esophagus, and is a member of the team at the Stamford Health Heartburn, Reflux, and Esophageal Specialty Center. The center provides a multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motility disorders. Dr. Ghosh performs upper endoscopy, as well as more specialized procedures including esophageal pH monitoring for acid reflux, esophageal manometry and EndoFLIP to assess the motility of the esophagus, and ablation for treatment of Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Ghosh has been published in peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters, and given presentations at national meetings. He continues to serve as an independent reviewer for various publications.

Dr. Glenn Ostriker

Dr. Glenn Ostriker has been known as a pioneer of modern cataract surgery. As Clinical Associate Professor at New York University School of Medicine, he has taught cataract surgery techniques to numerous residents in training, and has served on the faculty of courses teaching cataract surgery at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary to practicing ophthalmologists. He was among the first ophthalmologists in the United States to perform capsulorhexis, a technique which revolutionized cataract surgery, and was the first in Connecticut to perform sutureless cataract surgery. Dr Ostriker completed his undergraduate education at Princeton University, writing his senior thesis in mathematics. He completed his MD, residency training in Ophthalmology, and fellowship in Neurophysiology at the New York University School of Medicine. He is currently Director of Ophthalmology at the Stamford Hospital, and served in the past as Director of Ophthalmology at St. Josephs Hospital in Stamford. He has been named by his peers as "Best Doctor" in New York Magazine, Stamford Magazine, Greenwich Magazine, Connecticut Magazine along with various other publications. He is a board certified fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is an active member of the New England Ophthalmological Society, Fairfield County and Connecticut State Medical Societies.

Dr. Gregory Haffner

Dr. Gregory Haffner is a graduate of The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. While at Yale, he was awarded the Marvin Sears Award for Excellence in Clinical Ophthalmology. He served his retina fellowship with New England Retina. To say his performance was impressive would be an understatement - as Dr. Haffner is now a member of our team. He was voted one of "America's Top Ophthalmologists" from the Consumers' Research Council of America. He is an investigator for several clinical trials on macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions. Dr. Haffner is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, and is board certified in ophthalmology.

Dr. James Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Certified Fellowship - Trained Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. James Murphy is a board-certified fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist with a special interest in laser-assisted and refractive cataract surgery with advanced lens implants as well as interventional, laser, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) techniques, often combining these two disciplines for the best outcomes. Dr. Murphy has extensive experience in cataract surgery, a wide array of new lens implant options for all types of patients, complex cataract surgeries, and a wide array of glaucoma implants, laser treatments, and surgical. He works with companies in the ophthalmic surgery and pharmacology space developing new surgical instruments, devices, implants, and treatment protocols for the advancement of surgical glaucoma care. Dr. Murphy was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He received dual undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish Linguistics from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a varsity letter in Men's Rowing. He volunteered at the Children's Hospital of Oaxaca in Mexico during a year abroad before continuing his medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin. While attending medical school, he worked to improve and strengthen the medical Spanish education curriculum and organized medical missions to Central America. He then moved from Wisconsin to Brooklyn, NY to complete his residency in ophthalmology at The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Murphy made the decision to pursue subspecialty training based on the international patient populations he served in Brooklyn and abroad on missions, so he went on to complete a fellowship in glaucoma and complex anterior segment surgery at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute of the Columbia University-New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Murphy has since worked in the Tristate area from New York City to Westchester to Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. Dr. Murphy is a diplomate of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the New York Glaucoma Society, and the Connecticut Glaucoma Society. He has presented clinical research at international conferences focused on new surgical techniques in glaucoma. Dr. Murphy has a strong interest in international medicine and global initiatives in early glaucoma detection, and the emerging role of telemedicine in ophthalmology and early detection of eye disease. Dr. Murphy is fluent in English and Spanish and continues his involvement in collaborative international ophthalmology. Like a true Wisconsinite, Dr. Murphy enjoys many outdoor activities, including skiing, kayaking, camping, and golf.

Dr. John Huang

Job Titles:
  • Physician
Dr. John Huang, M.B.A, C.P.E. is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Dr. Huang completed his ocular immunology and uveitis fellowship at Harvard University / Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. His vitreo-retinal fellowship was completed at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Huang is Board Certified in Ophthalmology since 2005. Dr. Huang has been a practicing physician since 1999. For seven years, he served as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director, Director of Uveitis Service, as well as Co-Director of Vitreo-Retina Service for Yale University, Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Huang practiced with Eye Disease Consultants in Hartford, Connecticut prior to joining New England Retina Associates in 2016. Dr. Huang specializes in vitreo-retinal disorders and ocular inflammatory diseases. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Uveitis Society and the Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians to name a few. He is also the founder of the Connecticut Uveitis Foundation. Dr. Huang has published several textbooks as well as numerous articles and has conducted many clinical research trials associated with Age Related Macular Degeneration, Retinal Vein Occlusions, Diabetic Macular Edema and Treatment of Non-Infectious Anterior Uveitis. Dr. Huang currently serves on the Committee for Global Burden of Disease for the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and is actively involve in public health of ocular conditions in the United States and Internationally.

Dr. Pamela Sherwood

Job Titles:
  • Certified Specialist
  • Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Dr. Pamela Sherwood is a board-certified specialist in the medical and surgical management of cornea, cataract, and external diseases. In addition to traditional cataract surgery, Dr. Sherwood can perform laser-assisted cataract surgery, as well as state-of-the art refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK. Dr. Sherwood received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University in California where she graduated with Honors. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine. At Tufts, she received the Dublin prize in Ophthalmology, graduating at the top of her class while being accepted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor society. Dr. Sherwood then completed her medical and surgical internship at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx followed by her ophthalmology residency training at New York University in Manhattan. She then went on to complete a fellowship in cornea, external diseases, cataract, and refractive surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. She is now on faculty at Stamford Hospital. Additionally, she serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine where she mentors resident physicians in training in cornea and cataract surgery at Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Sherwood is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. She has presented at ophthalmic conferences and authored a number of peer reviewed ophthalmic publications on a wide array of topics including retinal imaging, conjunctivitis, and oculoplastics. Dr. Sherwood is a hard-working, passionate and personable physician committed to providing an individualized and thorough approach to patient care. She is dedicated to continuing to provide excellent comprehensive ophthalmic medical care as well as a tailored surgical plan for cataract or refractive surgery. She can perform both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery and offers a wide array of lens options including premium lenses for the appropriate candidates. Dr. Sherwood strives to form lasting relationships with her patients while providing exceptional care.

Dr. Sana A. Bautista

Dr. Sana A. Bautista joined Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. after completing a two-year fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery (also known as oculoplastic surgery) at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is double board certified in Ophthalmology and Oculo-facial plastic surgery. Dr. Bautista's expertise include cosmetic surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation, reconstruction of the eyelids and surrounding facial structures, eye socket (orbital) surgery and tear drainage surgery (lacrimal surgery). After graduating summa cum laude from Siena College, Dr. Bautista completed her medical degree and ophthalmology residency training, serving as chief resident, at Albany Medical Center. Following her training as a board certified ophthalmologist, she pursued additional sub-specialty training in one of the few, highly competitive American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) sponsored fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Bautista received extensive training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery involving all aspects of the eyes and face in both the adult and pediatric population. Dr. Bautista has authored numerous journal articles and textbook chapters. Her research has been presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery national meetings. Her fellowship thesis focused on the reconstructive and aesthetic outcomes of eyelid malignancies. Dr. Bautista's area of expertise is in cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery, including blepharoplasty, brow surgery, ptosis or droopy eyelid surgery, and midface/cheek lift. Dr. Bautista is also highly skilled in non-surgical eyelid and facial rejuvenation offering botox, lasers, and dermal fillers for the treatment of eyelid bags, dark circles, wrinkles, facial scars and aging. She also specializes in lacrimal (tear drainage) surgery, facial reconstruction after eyelid/facial tumor removal, and orbital surgery.

Elizabeth Siderides

Job Titles:
  • Ophthalmologist
Dr. Siderides is an ophthalmologist, specializing in small incision, laser cataract surgery and glaucoma. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College. She received her medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Siderides completed an ophthalmology residency at New York University Medical Center where she also did a fellowship in Medical Retina.

Lauren Schneider

Job Titles:
  • Ophthalmologist
Dr. Schneider is an ophthalmologist, specializing in the medical and surgical management of cornea and external diseases, as well as in performing state-of-the-art refractive and cataract surgery. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., where she graduated Cum Laude. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, N.Y. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City and then completed her residency training in ophthalmology at the esteemed New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan. Following residency, she acquired her fellowship training in cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery at the renowned Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Michael Bautista

Michael Bautista, M.D. a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon, earned his Medical Degree at Albany Medical College followed by a Residency in Ophthalmology at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. Dr. Bautista provides cataract surgery & lens implants (IOL) for vision correction, including astigmatism and near vision after cataract surgery at the Wilton Surgery Center in Wilton, Connecticut. Dr Bautista provides eye exams, consultation and treatment for eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic eye disease, age related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface problems such as dry eye. Dr. Bautista is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). Michael Bautista M.D. Sana Bautista M.D. Richard S. Casden M.D. Spiro Combest M.D. Amanda Dinsmore M.D. Leslie Doctor M.D. Marilee Freitas M.D. Gregory Gallousis M.D. Gaurav Ghosh M.D. Larissa Habib M.D. Gregory Haffner M.D. John Huang MBA, CPE Sarah A. Kahn M.D. Neil Kalbag M.D. Richard Kaplan M.D. Mirela Krasniqi M.D., MST Peter Libre M.D. Jacqueline Littzi M.D. Shannon J. Morales M.D. James Murphy M.D. Glenn Ostriker M.D. Frank Sammarco M.D. Lauren Schneider M.D. Pamela Sherwood M.D. John J. Siano D.O. Elizabeth Siderides M.D. Cesar Sierra M.D. Daniel Southern M.D. Erol Verter M.D. Alexander E. Voldman D.O. Yuting Xiong M.D. Shahzad Zafar M.D. Katherine Zamecki M.D., F.A.A.O., F.A.C.S.

Mirela Krasniqi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Mirela Krasniqi, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist in Glaucoma and Anterior Segment surgery from Tulane University. This was followed by years of ophthalmic care and service to the community of central Connecticut, where she earned a reputation for providing thorough and compassionate care with excellent outcomes in well over three thousand surgical and laser procedures. Dr. Krasniqi brings expertise in the treatment of glaucoma and anterior segment conditions, as well as additional expertise in laser-assisted cataract surgery and handling advanced and complex cataract cases. Her subspecialty training is in traditional glaucoma lasers and surgery as well as the latest minimally invasive surgical treatment options. Dr. Krasniqi earned her Medical Doctorate from the State University of New York in Buffalo followed by residency at Summa Health System/Northeast Ohio Medical University. She graduated summa cum laude from St. Francis College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and also earned a Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University. Dr. Krasniqi is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and the Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians. She is presently on staff at Danbury and Norwalk Hospitals. Dr. Krasniqi is thrilled to be serving the community of Ridgefield and surrounding areas. Our team at Ridgefield Eye Physicians & Surgeons is dedicated to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care for the individual patient.

Neil Kalbag

Dr. Kalbag is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized training in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. He has conducted research, authored manuscripts, and has earned several awards for his commitment to ophthalmic knowledge. In his spare time, Dr. Kalbag enjoys creative writing, graphic design, digital animation, music composition, and reading.

Peter Libre

Job Titles:
  • Ophthalmologist
Dr. Libre is an ophthalmologist, specializing in glaucoma and cataract surgery. He is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. After his residency at Columbia University Medical Center, he served his glaucoma fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Richard Kaplan

Richard Kaplan, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY. While in medical school, he was awarded a National Institute of Health (NIH) Research Fellowship and received the Alvin Behrens Memorial Fund Award for outstanding graduate entering Ophthalmology. Additionally, he received the American Glaucoma Society's Bernard Schwartz Memorial Award for Resident Research. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the renowned New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City. He also received the Louis J. Girard, M.D. Award for Resident Research and the Chairman's Award of Academic Honors and Distinction. Dr. Kaplan has authored multiple book chapters and several original scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. He designed a clinical trial to reduce pain after intravitreal injections that were later published in Ophthalmology Retina. His clinical interests include retinal detachment repair, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, management of cataract surgery complications and ocular trauma. Dr. Kaplan is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Richard S. Casden

Michael Bautista Sana Bautista Richard S. Casden Spiro Combest Amanda Dinsmore Leslie Doctor Marilee Freitas Gregory Gallousis Gaurav Ghosh Larissa Habib Gregory Haffner John Huang Sarah A. Kahn Neil Kalbag Richard Kaplan Mirela Krasniqi Peter Libre Jacqueline Littzi Shannon J. Morales James Murphy Glenn Ostriker Frank Sammarco Lauren Schneider Pamela Sherwood John J. Siano Elizabeth Siderides Cesar Sierra Daniel Southern Erol Verter Alexander E. Voldman Yuting Xiong Shahzad Zafar Katherine Zamecki

Shahzad Zafar

Job Titles:
  • Surgeon
Shahzad Zafar is a diligent and caring colorectal surgeon serving the community of Stamford, CT. Dr. Zafar attended King Edward Medical University, where he received his medical degree. He continued his training by completing two residencies, both in general surgery, one at the State University of New York and the other at the University of Connecticut. He also completed his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Northwest Colon and Rectal Clinic. Dr. Zafar is affiliated with Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT. He is board certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Zafar patients for colon cancer screenings, as well as other common and specialized reasons. He is dedicated to helping patients receive the treatment they need so they can enjoy a positive and fulfilling lifestyle.