CAROLINA OPHTHALMOLOGY - Key Persons

A native of Chapel Hill, NC, Dr. Bryan earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. After completing a straight medical internship at Chapel Hill, Dr. Bryan served an ophthalmology residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. Dr. Bryan completed his formal ophthalmology training with a one-year fellowship in glaucoma. It was during this fellowship that Dr. Bryan studied the latest advancements and techniques for treating all types of glaucoma. Dr. Bryan is a specialist in the medical, laser and surgical treatment of glaucoma. Dr. Bryan routinely performs no-stitch cataract surgery, including the new premium lens implants, as well as trabeculectomy and other ophthalmic procedures. Dr. Bryan is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Christina H. Choe is a board certified ophthalmologist and an ASOPRS fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic eyelid and facial plastic surgery, orbital reconstructive surgery and lacrimal (tear duct) surgery. Her specialized training enables her to treat both functional and cosmetic problems such as droopy eyelids, thyroid eye disease, trauma, and excessive tearing. Dr. Choe has a special interest and training in corrective and cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery, including cosmetic facial rejuvenation. As an adjunct to her cosmetic surgery, Dr. Choe also offers BOTOX®, Dysport® and Xeomin® injections, facial fillers, CO2 laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion and prescription strength skin care regimens including Obagi NuDerm®. Dr. Choe also completed fellowship training in ocular oncology and is uniquely qualified to manage a variety of both benign and malignant tumors both in and around the eye. Dr. Choe initially came to North Carolina when she received the prestigious William R. Davie Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She returned to her home state of Illinois to complete medical school at the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, where she graduated with honors. After medical school, Dr. Choe completed her ophthalmology residency at the top ranked Kellogg Eye Center of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She then was selected to a highly competitive oculoplastic fellowship approved by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), an elite group of approximately 500 oculoplastic surgeons nationwide. She completed both her oculoplastics and ocular oncology fellowships at the Scheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where she was also on the clinical faculty before joining Carolina Ophthalmology.

Dr. Jonathan P. Fritz is a comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in custom cataract surgery utilizing state-of-the-art multi-focal and toric intraocular lenses. He also has special interest and experience in the treatment of corneal issues and glaucoma. He routinely implants the latest technology intraocular lenses that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. Dr. Fritz is based in the Hendersonville office and sees a wide variety of patients including those suffering from keratoconus, dry eyes, infections, and those in need of diabetic eye care. He has experience utilizing lasers for the treatment of certain types of glaucoma, as well as for the treatment of post-cataract membranes. His extensive medical and surgical experience makes him an excellent addition to Carolina Ophthalmology and the Western Carolina region. His philosophy of patient focused care, coupled with his compassion, has earned him great respect with his patients. Dr. Fritz received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Adventist College in Keene, Texas, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then completed his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. He went on to complete a year of a transitional internship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas where he was awarded the "Outstanding Transitional Intern" award. After his internship, Dr. Fritz completed his residency training in Ophthalmology at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, in Columbia. Before joining Carolina Ophthalmology, Dr. Fritz was in private practice for the past twelve years in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. Dr. Fritz is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In his free time, Dr. Fritz enjoys spending time with his wife and three children on family outings. He also enjoys mission service, guitar and vocal performance, mountain biking, classic car restoration, and home renovations.

Dr. Pooja Sethi specializes in custom cataract surgery utilizing the most advanced multi-focal, extended depth of focus, and toric intraocular lenses. She has experience in the treatment of corneal issues, glauco ma, eye infections and a myriad of other ocular conditions. She has a special interest in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. Dr. Sethi routinely implants the latest technology intraocular lenses that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery. Dr. Sethi received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. She went on to complete her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed a year of a transitional internship at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Following her internship, Dr. Sethi returned to Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans to complete her residency training in ophthalmology. Dr. Sethi has received numerous honors and awards including being a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha society, receiving the Tulane 34 award, and being honored with the Award of Excellence in Clinical Research from the Tulane University Medical Center in 2014. Prior to joining Carolina Ophthalmology, Dr. Sethi maintained a high volume cataract and general ophthalmology private practice in La Porte, Indiana, previously affiliated with Indiana University. Dr. Sethi enjoys spending her free time with her husband and three little boys. She loves playing tennis and varying types of dance, being outdoors and hiking, and rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL season.

Dr. Joseph received his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1998. He went on to complete an internship at Mercy Hospital at Pittsburgh, PA. This was followed by an ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University where he served as the chief resident. Dr. Joseph completed his formal education with a year of fellowship training in Cornea and External Disease at the Louisiana State University under the renowned leadership of cornea specialist, Dr. Herbert Kaufman. Following his training, Dr. Joseph served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University School of Medicine where he trained residents in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cataracts and corneal disease. Dr. Joseph has a special interest in and routinely performs no-stitch cataract surgery, including the new premium lens implants. He also has experience in the medical and surgical management of a wide array of corneal and external eye diseases. Dr. Joseph has trained to perform state-of-the-art corneal transplant surgery, including the newest procedure DSEK, which utilizes advanced technology to improve outcomes for many patients. Dr. Joseph also possesses expertise in refractive procedures including LASIK and PRK. Dr. Joseph is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Matthew Duggan received his medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2015. He then went on to complete an internship in internal medicine at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, OR. Following his internship, Dr. Duggan completed an ophthalmology residency at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland, OR. He completed his formal training with a year-long fellowship program in Glaucoma at Duke University in Durham, NC.

Dr. Raj Patel specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. He has specialized training in treating and managing eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments. Dr. Patel is also interested in the continued research in the causes of these diseases and new treatment options. Retinal treatments are progressing rapidly and Dr. Patel is committed to providing the highest quality of retinal care and advanced therapy options to his patients. Dr. Patel received his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University. He went on to obtain his Master of Science degree in pharmacology from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He stayed in Louisiana to complete his medical degree at the Tulane University School of Medicine. Following his internship at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Pennsylvania, Dr. Patel returned to Tulane University for his ophthalmology residency. After residency, Dr. Patel went on to complete a fellowship program in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Chicago Dr. Patel's career is quite demanding of his time; however, he enjoys spending his free time with his wife and three boys. He enjoys playing tennis, football, basketball, and tinkering with electronics and computers. In the fall you will find him cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in college football.

Dr. Park earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York in 1996. He received his ophthalmology training at New York University Medical Center where he served as the Chief Resident. Dr. Park completed his ophthalmology training with a two year fellowship in retina and vitreous surgery at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and Tufts University. Dr. Park was awarded the prestigious David Doran Trager Award for excellence in surgery and the Arthur Zitrin Award for excellence in medical ethics. Dr. Park specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. He has a special interest in the causes of and treatments for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. Dr. Park has been a principal investigator in numerous clinical research trials studying new treatments for diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion and age-related macular degeneration. His experience includes a recent series of pivotal clinical trials studying the effects of Lucentis, the newest drug for the treatment of macular degeneration. Using data from his numerous studies and experience with his own patients, Dr. Park often uses combination therapies utilizing drugs and lasers to achieve optimum results for his age-related macular degeneration patients. Dr. Park most recently served as the Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery Service at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Stephen Capps specializes in the treatment of glaucoma, eye trauma and anterior segment eye disease as well as many other common issues affecting the health and well-being of the eyes. Prior to joining Carolina Ophthalmology, Dr. Capps served a wide variety of patients for many years with another local ophthalmology practice. He brings over 40 years of extensive knowledge and experience to Carolina Ophthalmology's existing group of highly skilled physicians. Born at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, Dr. Capps received his medical degree from the University of Arizona in 1974. He then went on to complete a surgical internship at the USC School of Medicine. Following his internship, he worked as an ER physician and an Emergency Department Director in Juneau, Alaska, before completing a prestigious four- year residency at LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. He eventually went into private practice in Covington, Louisiana, with a focus on no-stitch cataract surgery, glaucoma, eye trauma and anterior segment eye disease. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Capps and his family eventually returned to North Carolina after their home suffered extensive damage from the storm. After many years residing in Hendersonville, he and his wife now proudly call this area home. Dr. Capps enjoys spending his free time with his family, and he is also an avid boat builder and fisherman. One of his proudest achievements is the construction of his award-winning 18-foot all-wood Louisiana Lake Skiff, aptly named "Cappseyz".