ROANOKE VALLEY - Key Persons

Dr. Anna Mackin is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in retina services such as vitreoretinal medicine and surgery. After receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Colorado in 2015, Dr. Mackin completed her Internship at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, and her Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2019. She completed the Fellowship in the Diseases and Surgery of the Retina, Macula, and Vitreous as the Snyder Family Endowed Fellow at the University of Chicago in 2021. Dr. Mackin was a finalist of the Ophthalmology Times Research Scholar Honoree Program in 2019 for research focused on Age-Related Macular Degeneration. She also was the first place winner in the Best Fellow Paper Been-Fisher Award Competition at the Chicago Ophthalmological Society in 2021. Background Dr. Anna Mackin grew up in Samara, Russia. She spent her junior year of high school in Tulsa, OK on a foreign exchange scholarship. This most memorable year of her life encouraged her to embark on an academic journey in the United States. She had been interested in Medicine from an early age, learning from her parents' exciting clinical and research work in Russia. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, her growing passion for biosciences coupled with her love for working with people led her to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal to make a difference in people's lives in the field of Ophthalmology. "Ever since I examined the retina for the first time during my Ophthalmology rotation in medical school, I became fascinated with the field of Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery. This highly technical and dynamic field allows us to use state-of-the-art imaging, clinical and surgical technologies to help patients with many vision-threatening conditions. This is a very exciting time in our field, with many new and promising treatment options in the pipeline. I am grateful for the ability to help save vision and improve the quality of life for my patients, while building long-lasting relationships with my patients and colleagues." Outside of work Dr. Mackin enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, yoga, and traveling.

Dr. Bryan Strelow is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology to provide comprehensive ophthalmology and cataract surgery. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Biology at Elon University in 2012, he completed his Master of Arts from Duke University Divinity School in addition to a Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina in 2016. In 2018 he completed an Internal Medicine Internship at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Strelow completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of North Carolina Kittner Eye Center in Chapel Hill, NC, where he was Chief Resident and was awarded honors for Surgical Excellence.

Dr. Chad D. Albright is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology to provide comprehensive ophthalmology care, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery. Albright completed his Doctorate of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, PA, in 1996. He brings his experiences and expertise from an internship at Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, PA, and a residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Background As a young man, Dr. Chad Albright first became interested in medicine as he watched his dad successfully battle cancer. His decision to specialize in ophthalmology was influenced by two experiences - a summer job at an eye bank in Arizona and a research position with an ophthalmologist in medical school. Twenty years later, he is still grateful for his choice. Chad likes to develop a less formal, unrushed, and congenial relationship with his patients. Focused almost exclusively on cataract surgery, he believes in partnering with his patients to help them determine the optimal time for removing their cataracts. Chad has participated in Ironman Triathlons since 2010. The extensive training required for his sport has reinforced for him the value of time management, goal setting, and accountability. He believes these skills also contribute to the success of his practice.

Dr. Frank Cotter is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in glaucoma consulting and glaucoma and cataract surgery. Cotter completed his Doctorate of Medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, DC in 1984. After an internship with Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, he returned to Washington DC to complete his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also completed two fellowships with a focus on glaucoma at the University of Virginia and the Medical College of Virginia. Background One of the things that Dr. Frank Cotter enjoys when working with glaucoma patients, is the opportunity that he has to develop long-lasting relationships with them. He knows that trust between patient and physician as well as an individualized treatment plan is vital in treating this chronic disease.

Dr. J. Stuart Tims is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology to provide comprehensive ophthalmologic care and specializes in cataract surgery, corneal transplants, external diseases, and refractive surgery. Tims completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Virginia in 2007. After an internship at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA and a residency at Wake Forest University Eye Center, he also completed a fellowship focusing on cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery with Eye Consultants of Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital. Background A friend from medical school introduced Dr. Stuart Tims to Dr. Ken Tuck - the man who would become his mentor. He spent a summer shadowing Dr. Tuck in the very building where he currently practices and immediately knew that he had found his specialty. "I wake up every day feeling fortunate that I am able to do something that I enjoy so much and that makes such a difference for people."

Dr. Jonathan Till, MD has been practicing ophthalmology at the Southwest Virginia Eye Center since 2008. He attended undergraduate college at the University of Delaware and Medical School at Emory University, graduating in 1982. Till completed an internship and residency at Wake Forest University and served as Chairman for the Department of Ophthalmology at Lewis-Gale Clinic from 1986 to 2008. He is certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Karli S. Griffeth is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology to provide comprehensive ophthalmology care and specializes in cataract surgery and refractive surgery. Griffeth completed her Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Duke University and pursued her Doctorate of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine. After an internship at Carilion Clinic, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai Ophthalmology in New York City in 2016. Background Dr. Karli Spetzler Griffeth is privileged to return to the town where she was raised in order to practice medicine. She enjoys the Roanoke area for its natural beauty, outdoor opportunities, and its supportive, growing community. Roanoke Center For Sight's proximity to the greenway, Mill Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail provides her with many opportunities to pursue hiking, biking, and running on the weekends. Dr. Griffeth takes great pleasure in adding quality to her patients' lives by restoring or improving their sight and feels it is critical to engage them in their treatment process from the outset. "I love what I get to do every day; it is fulfilling to be able to improve people's vision. And, the eye is the most beautiful organ in the body. It's like scuba-diving and looking into outer space at the same time."

Dr. Michael L. McClintock, Jr. is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in retina services such as vitreoretinal medicine and surgery. McClintock completed his Doctorate of Medicine at University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2009. During his time there, he received the Dean's Award for Scholarship. After an internship at Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2013. He also completed a fellowship at Rush University with Illinois Retina Associates. Background Dr. Michael McClintock Jr. grew up in a small town in Kentucky where his father was an ophthalmologist and his mother worked in the office. As a child, he spent a lot of time there and that firsthand exposure led him to believe that medical school would be a good fit for him. That turned out to be true. He graduated first in his class at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He enjoys ophthalmology and his retina specialty in particular, for its nice mix of surgery, technology, and patient interaction.

Dr. Nicholas A. Ramey is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in oculofacial cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive, orbital, and lacrimal surgery. After receiving a BS in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, he completed his Masters and Doctorate of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After an internship at Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, MD and a residency at Duke University Eye Center, he also completed a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and Dean Clinic focusing on oculoplastic, facial cosmetic, and orbital surgery, sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). Background While obtaining his undergraduate and master's degrees in biomedical engineering and computer science, Dr. Nicholas Ramey became interested in computer and robotic-assisted surgery. A fellow graduate student observed his interest in medicine and encouraged him to switch gears and go to medical school. In reflection, he's been thankful for that shift because of the opportunity it affords him to help people every day. Early in medical school, he had the opportunity to treat a patient whose eye appearance had caused such anxiety that she had difficulty maintaining a job and interacting in social situations. Discovering how eye surgery could transform a patient's function and self-confidence sparked his decision to specialize in cosmetic surgery. He understands that self-image affects many aspects of our lives and that patients seeking cosmetic surgery grapple with similar concerns every day. Today, that same passion uncovered in medical school shines through in his outcome-oriented approach to cosmetic care. Dr. Ramey employs the safest and least-invasive techniques necessary to achieve the patient's desired results. When not treating patients, Dr. Ramey can be found spending as much time as possible with his wife and two daughters. He is a mountain biker and a graphite pencil artist.

Dr. Romulo Albuquerque is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in retina services such as vitreoretinal medicine and surgery. After pursuing his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Pernambuco in Brazil in 2000, Albuquerque attended the University of Kentucky to complete his Doctorate of Physiology, Ophthalmology, and Visual Sciences in 2009. He then completed medical school, graduating with distinction in 2011. Dr. Albuquerque completed both his surgery internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, going on to complete a Vitreo-retinal Surgery Fellowship at Retina Associates of Kentucky. Background Dr. Romulo Albuquerque grew up in Brazil. He planned to join his father's dental practice after completing a master's degree at the University of Kentucky's Orofacial Pain Center. His involvement in clinical research introduced him to the field of ophthalmology in which he found his calling and went on to pursue M.D. and Ph.D. degrees focused on ocular research. He spent four years as a clinician-scientist faculty member at the University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Albuquerque specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. From his research and clinical work, he learned new approaches to treating retinal diseases. He brings cutting-edge knowledge in innovative procedures that can help restore vision and enhance the quality of people's lives. His approach to patient care is embodied in this statement:

Dr. Scott Strelow is Board Certified by The American Board of Ophthalmology and is skilled in comprehensive ophthalmology and various optical surgeries. Dr. Strelow received his education at Vanderbilt University's Medical School and completed his degree in 1987. He remained at Vanderbilt and completed an internship before moving to the University of Florida College of Medicine to complete his residency in 1990. Background Dr. Strelow first recognized his passion for ophthalmology in medical school during an active duty rotation in Air Force medicine. He enjoyed the variety he found in the mix of medicine and surgery and liked the idea of being able to treat people of all ages. Vision is precious and working to preserve what is so important to all of us continues to challenge and excite him today. "I love what I do and love waking up every morning to come to work." His approach to patient care is focused on listening. "Every patient deserves my full attention. I never want to waste their time. Once I establish why the patient is there, and outline the options for treatment, I like to spend the bulk of the time listening carefully and making sure all of their questions have been answered." Dr. Strelow is married and has three grown sons and two granddaughters. He enjoys any activity that gets him outside with his family. He is particularly fond of hiking, golf, skiing, and scuba-diving.

Dr. Tad D. Schoedel is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in cataract surgery and glaucoma. After attending the University of Tulsa and Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica for undergraduate studies, Schoedel completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in 2012. He completed two residencies at Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech and Saint Louis University Eye Institute and pursued a fellowship with a focus on glaucoma at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. Background Dr. Tad Schoedel grew up in a remote, small town in the mountains of Colorado and knew all along that he wanted to be a surgeon. He fell in love with ophthalmology while attending medical school at the University of Colorado. Although Roanoke is far from his roots, he chose this area because there is a great need for glaucoma care, and also because he appreciated the beauty and quality of life that the valley provides. He chose to specialize in glaucoma because he values the enduring relationships he establishes with his patients. He appreciates that all patients are different and his treatment philosophy reflects that.

Dr. Timothy R. Byrnes is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in retina services such as vitreoretinal medicine and surgery. Byrnes completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the State University of New York At Buffalo in 1995. After an internship at Sisters of Charity in Buffalo, NY and a residency at the Washington Hospital Center/Washington National Eye Center in Washington, DC, he also completed two fellowships for vitreoretinal surgery at University of Texas-Houston in 2000 and Charles A. Garcia and Associates, PA in 2001. Background Although he initially intended to pursue a law degree, Dr. Byrnes became interested in his college roommate's pre-med coursework. He changed his major, went to medical school, and today he appreciates the opportunity he has to treat the people of southwestern Virginia as a vitreoretinal surgeon at Roanoke Valley Center For Sight. "Despite the fact that I've been doing this for seventeen years, I don't take any of it for granted. I thank my lucky stars every day that I am part of this unique and honorable group of physicians. An important advantage of this practice is that we have our own surgery center. That enables us to provide our patients with excellent state-of-the-art care that is timely and efficient." Dr. Byrnes is married and has two children. He finds that fatherhood, by increasing his range of life experience, has given him another level of understanding and empathy. In addition to those qualities, his patients value his direct and honest approach.

Dr. Will Griffeth is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology to provide comprehensive ophthalmology care, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, he continued his doctoral studies at Mercer University of Medicine in Savannah, GA. He brings experience and expertise from his internship at Carilion Clinic and his residence at the University of Florida's Department of Ophthalmology to better serve our vision care patients. Background Dr. Griffeth was raised in Georgia where he grew up hunting and kayaking. He competed internationally for the junior national sprint kayak team in events around the globe. He has served as a medical volunteer in the Amazon, Central America and in Ethiopia, and wants to continue to provide eye care to underserved nations through medical missions. When evaluating his patients, Dr. Will Griffeth considers each individual's lifestyle as he determines their best course of treatment.

Dr. Thompson joined Eye Care & Surgery in 2003 after completing his college, medical school, and ophthalmology training at the University of Virginia. He is a native of Roanoke and attended Roanoke Catholic School.