CATARACT & LASER CENTER WEST - Key Persons
Andrew Jusko, MD joined Freeman Botnick, MD at Eyesight and Surgery Associates in 2004. Dr. Jusko graduated from Middlebury College summa cum laude. He then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine and graduated magna cum laude. Furthermore, he achieved the highest honor of joining Alpha Omega Alpha as a third year medical student. Dr. Jusko completed his residency training in Ophthalmology at Cornell University Medical Center in New York City. He is an avid golfer and lives in Longmeadow, MA.
Dr. Shield is a New England native. He completed his medical training and ophthalmology residency at Yale Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut. He received advanced fellowship training in the diagnosis and management of ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases, known as uveitis.
Dr. Shield focuses his clinical practice on tailoring medical and surgical treatments to each of his patients, providing state-of-the-art intraocular lens implants for cataract surgery and the latest minimally invasive glaucoma therapies. In addition, his clinical practice includes comprehensive eye care and a focus on ocular disease prevention.
Dr. Shield completed his undergraduate studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, concentrating on Latin American Studies, and is fluent in Spanish. He lives in Northampton with his wife, two children, one dog, and four chickens.
Dr. Aaron Fay has contributed to over 100 publications, 25 book chapters, and one major textbook of which he is the chief editor. He was full time faculty at MEEI for over 17 years where he directed the oculoplastics and orbital surgery service. He is currently clinical professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Andrew Lam graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as Chief Resident. He remained at Wills Eye Hospital for his two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship.
Dr. Lam joined New England Retina Consultants in 2008. He is an attending surgeon at Baystate Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters on vitreoretinal diseases and has served as a co-investigator for several clinical trials and studies on macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular occlusions. He is also a scientific reviewer for Retina: The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases.
Dr. Lam's clinical interests in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery include: retinal detachment, macular pucker, macular hole, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, and complications of cataract surgery.
Dr. Lam is also the best-selling, award-winning author of two books: Saving Sight (Irie Books 2013) about his work as an eye surgeon and the ophthalmic innovators whose inventions saved the sight of millions around the world; and Two Sons of China (Bondfire Books 2014) a novel of the Second World War in China. Learn more at his website: www.AndrewLamMD.com.
Bio Inspired from a young age: "I became interested in Ophthalmology at a young age as the son of a…
Dr. David R. Lally graduated from Vanderbilt University and received a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and then went on to a fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery at Tufts/New England Eye Center and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston. Dr. Lally is board certified and is an active member of the American Society of Retinal Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is an attending surgeon at Baystate Medical Center and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Dr. Lally has published numerous research manuscripts and book chapters including 20 peer-reviewed articles. He has publications in the distinguished New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and JAMA Ophthalmology. He has lectured at local and national meetings. He has participated as an investigator in over 20 clinical trials for age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and vitreomacular adhesion. He is the principal investigator in multiple enrolling clinical trials. He serves as a manuscript reviewer for several ophthalmic journals including JAMA Ophthalmology, OSLI Retina, Retinal Cases & Brief Reports, Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Lally's surgical interests include complex retinal detachment repair, macular hole and pucker repair, complications of diabetes, and complications of cataract surgery.
Dr. Hari Mylvaganam graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology from Boston University Honors Program, and then attended Boston University School of Medicine. While obtaining his undergraduate and medical degrees, Dr. Mylvaganam pursued basic science research in immunology related to HIV and the anterior chamber of the eye.
Dr. Mylvaganam then went to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. to complete his residency and was awarded the String of Pearls-an award given to the top resident who demonstrates exceptional commitment to teaching students, exemplifies humanism in the care of patients, and serves as a superior role model and mentor for students. Dr. Mylvaganam then completed his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the combined fellowship Cook County/Retina Associates in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Mylvaganam has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific articles during his training and has presented his work at national and local conferences. He and his wife are originally from Western Massachusetts and he looks forward to helping and connecting with the families and patients of his community.
Bio Dr. Hari Mylvaganam graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology from Boston University Honors Program,…
A graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Bouvier completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in public health at University of California, Berkeley, his internship at the USAF Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and completed a fellowship in Ophthalmology at the Albany Medical Center. Dr. Bouvier is board certified in Ophthalmology.
Job Titles:
- Instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine
Dr. Papale is licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and National Board Certified. He is specially trained in the operation of the excimer laser, which is used during LASIK eye surgery, and has completed FDA training for the Summit Autonomous excimer laser, earning full LASIK certification.
In addition to performing laser vision correction surgery, Dr. Papale is a certified lens implant surgeon working with the Visian ICL implant. Dr. Papale also specializes in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma. He was among the first eye surgeons to perform no-stitch cataract surgery in Springfield, Massachusetts, and he leads the way in implantable lens technology - offering ReSTOR® lens implants, the only lens implant to provide better near, far, and intermediate vision for cataracts patients who also suffer from presbyopia.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with the LASIK surgeon at Papale Eye Center, contact our Springfield, Massachusetts eye surgery center today.
Dr. Papale received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, graduating summa cum laude in three years, and remained at the University to complete a year of graduate study in microbiology and virology. He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1979 and interned at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Dr. Papale then accepted a two-year research fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, where his research on eye tumors and viruses earned him a National Research Service Award. After completing an ophthalmology residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dr. Papale entered private practice in Springfield. Since that time, he has performed more than 10,000 eye surgeries, emerging as one of the LASIK eye surgeons of choice in the Springfield community and throughout Massachusetts.
Dr. Papale is also the past president of the Greater Springfield Ophthalmology Society and the Hamden District
Medical Society.
John Frangie is a native of Western Massachusetts, who trained at the Boston University School of Medicine and the University Of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Doctor Frangie's practice and area of specialization include laser vision correction, cataract surgery as well as cornea transplantation.
Doctor Frangie has been on the teaching faculties of both Boston University and the University of Rochester prior to establishing his practices in the Pioneer Valley over 20 years ago. In addition to his private practice, he has published numerous articles and chapters and continues to present papers at regional and national meetings.
Dr. Branchini graduated from Boston University School of Medicine and received further training as a resident in Ophthalmology at Tufts/New England Eye Center. Having a strong interest in ophthalmic imaging, she completed a clinical research fellowship in Optical Coherence Tomography at the Tufts/New England Eye Center and the Research Laboratory for Electronics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. Branchini strives to practice patient-centered comprehensive ophthalmology (Glaucoma, cataract etc.) with a focus on the medical treatment of retinal diseases (Macular Degeneration, Diabetic eye disease etc.). She also has an interest in the refractive use of intraocular lenses in cataract surgery. She very much enjoys spending time with family, gardening, hiking, playing music and visual arts.
Dr. Shatz received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his fellowship training in cornea, cataract and LASIK surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute before settling in Northampton in 2003. Dr. Shatz summarizes his work as "RESTORING, ENHANCING and PRESERVING vision" for all of his patients. He performs modern, no-stitch cataract surgery and employs state-of-the-art lens implant technology to meet each patient's unique visual needs and lifestyle. For LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation treatments, he uses the Wavelight EX500 excimer laser, the fastest refractive surgery platform available in the United States.
Dr. Velázquez has practiced with Dr. Kelly since January 2017, after practicing for 11 years in Dartmouth & Fall River Massachusetts, and Providence Rhode Island. He specializes in modern cataract surgery with state-of-the-art lens implant technology, having performed over six thousand cataract surgeries.
He graduated with Honors from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, followed by his Internal Medicine internship at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham, MA.
Dr. Velázquez completed his Ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School. Additionally, he completed a Glaucoma Research fellowship at the New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, studying the early detection of glaucoma. His research resulted in many published articles and presentations at national meetings.
He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the Massachusetts Medical Society. As a native of Puerto Rico, he is fluent in Spanish and he is also able to communicate with Portuguese-speaking patients. He enjoys sailing, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Dr. Velázquez is a Board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, concentrating in:
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Management
Diabetic Eye Care
Macular Degeneration Management
Ophthalmic Laser Treatment
Job Titles:
- Director of the Balin Eye & Laser Center
Nancy A. Balin, MD, FACS is a board certified ophthalmologist and surgeon. Dr. Balin's expertise and dedication to quality medical care has earned her unprecedented recognition throughout western Massachusetts as a leader in vision correction. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Balin was the first surgeon in western Massachusetts to perform Lasik and has performed over 8,000 procedures.
Dr. Balin's surgical specialties include iLASIK, PRK, Refractive Lensectomy, Refractive Cataract Surgery, and KAMRA Inlay. She is a highly respected Cataract Surgeon performing No-Stitch Cataract Surgery using the latest in lens technology. Dr. Balin remains passionate about vision correction and has performed over 20,000 procedures.
As the director of the Balin Eye & Laser Center, Dr. Balin has created a full service facility that provides the highest quality, most technologically advanced eye care to the residents of western Massachusetts. The Balin Eye & Laser Center's main office is located in Northampton Massachusetts. Patients can also be seen at satellite locations in Ware and Springfield Massachusetts.
Education
Dr. Balin received her medical degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She completed her Ophthalmology residency at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. She was then invited to complete a Fellowship in cornea and anterior segment surgery which she did with highest honors.
Dr. Balin has been recognized over the years by various organizations for her many accomplishments in eye care and has been voted by her peers as one of the Best Doctors in America 2009-2012, 2015-2016.
Memberships
Dr. Balin is Board Certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology and as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is a member of the following:
Job Titles:
- Research Award, University of Illinois
Job Titles:
- Related Staff Member
- Education Princeton University, a.B. 1984 University of Michigan, M.D. 1989 Crozer Chester Medical Center Transitional Internship 7 / 1989 - 6 / 1990 University of Pittsburgh
Education Princeton University, A.B. 1984 University of Michigan, M.D. 1989 Crozer Chester Medical Center Transitional Internship 7/1989-6/1990 University of Pittsburgh…
Dr. Kelly was born and raised in New York State just north of New York City. He attended the University of Notre Dame and was the first member of his family to complete college. He then attended Georgetown University Medical School followed by his Internal Medicine internship in Worcester. He practiced family medicine in Palmer at Wing Memorial Hospital for one year.
Deciding to specialize in Ophthalmology, he then completed his residency at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston where he was Chief Resident in his final year.
He is also past president of the staff of Wing Memorial Hospital.
In his spare time, Dr. Kelly enjoys physical activities such as swimming and bicycling but devotes most of his attention to volunteer mission work in Haiti.
He is President of the board of the CRUDEM foundation which runs a hospital in Northern Haiti, a nutrition center, a mobile clinic and two schools.
He travels to Haiti at least 3 times a year and during one of those trips, brings most of his office staff to provide free care and surgery.
He and his wife Linda have three children who are all entering the medical field. Linda is chaplain at Baystate Medical Center. They reside in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
Dr. Hubbe graduated from the University of Massachusetts Medical School with an MD degree. He completed his residency in ophthalmology and fellowship in cornea and anterior segment disease, both at Duke University in North Carolina. Dr. Hubbe joined the Eye Physicians of Northampton in 1993. Dr. Hubbe dedicates himself to high quality medical eye care and focuses on the patient's individual needs and concerns when making decisions together with the patient about their care and options.
In 2006, Dr. Hubbe became one of the first eye surgeons in Massachusetts to perform Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty. DSAEK surgery is a form of corneal transplant where only the inner portion of the cornea is replaced. Because of this the outcome is much more predictable, the recovery is much quicker and the surgery is much safer.
Dr. Hubbe directs the Nevis Eye Care Program which provides comprehensive medical eye care to many of the people on the Island of Nevis. Dr. Hubbe first joined the program in 2006 and he became the medical director of the program in 2008. He travels to Nevis twice yearly to provide free ophthalmic care with other eye doctor volunteers.
Dr. Hubbe and Dr. Shatz were among the first eye surgeons in Western Massachusetts to offer drop-less cataract surgery to their patients. Administering the medications at the time of surgery (in the case of drop-less cataract surgery), allows patients to recover without having to use eye drops in most cases and using much fewer eye drops in other cases. Although Dr. Hubbe is no longer performing cataract surgeries or corneal transplants, the techniques he has introduced are being widely used by ophthalmologists throughout Massachusetts.
Job Titles:
- Related Staff Member
- Ophthalmologist
Shilpa Gulati, M.D., is an ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained vitreoretinal specialist and surgeon. Dr. Gulati graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Master's in Public Health from the University of California, San Francisco. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School, where she was recognized for her writing and work in public health in Uganda and India.
Dr. Gulati completed her residency in ophthalmology at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary of the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she was selected as Chief Resident by her mentors and received the Norman P. Blair Research Award and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society Beem Fisher Research Award. She went on to a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and the New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center.
Dr. Gulati has authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications and textbook chapters and presented her work at national meetings. She has served as a sub-investigator on numerous clinical trials for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vascular occlusion, and retinitis pigmentosa. She is an active member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Dr. Gulati treats all conditions of the retina and vitreous, including retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases, and macular hole and pucker. She is committed to restoring and maintaining vision to improve her patients' quality of life.