VIRGINIA CENTER FOR SIGHT - Key Persons

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.

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. "No two patients are the same; no two glaucomas are the same. The only way to be sure you're making the right decisions is by individualizing that glaucoma and that treatment for that patient." Throughout every step of his career, Dr. Cotter has been grateful for the opportunity to serve his patients in southwest Virginia. As an owner and the Medical Director of Roanoke Valley Center for Sight, he knows he is fully accountable to his patients and is honored to accept that responsibility. "My partners and I crusaded for this surgery center. And, like anything else that I've worked so hard for, I appreciate it all the more. Not just for me, but for the added value it provides my patients." Dr. Cotter was a co-founder of Project Access which provided medical care for the uninsured for many years before it was folded into the Bradley Free Clinic. He loves being at home with his family but when he gets the chance, he works on improving his tennis game.

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. Outside of work, his interests include skiing, hiking, farming, gardening, construction and research.

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. "They are my patients for life." He appreciates that all patients are different and his treatment philosophy reflects that. "There is the academic way to treat and the practical way to treat and they are sometimes different. I evaluate which course best serves each individual patient. Everyone's made differently and their treatment should reflect that." He is an Eagle Scout, a former Division I middle distance runner, and loves to work with his hands. He is a woodworker, metalworker, and builds his own bicycles from the ground up. Recently, he rode one of his own bikes across the country.

Dr. Tedd Puckett MD, FACS, has been in practice in the New River Valley since 1999. He attended undergraduate college at the University of Denver and Medical School at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda Maryland. He underwent ophthalmology specialty training at Walter Reed Medical Center and then served as Chief of the Winn Army Ophthalmology Clinic for 6 years. Dr. Puckett has offices in Christiansburg an Wytheville. He has received certification by the American Board of Eye Surgeons in cataract surgery (1 of 5 in Virginia to be certified). Interests outside of work include hiking, skiing, and flying.

When evaluating his patients, Dr. Will Griffeth considers each individual's lifestyle as he determines their best course of treatment. "I want to set my patients up for the best vision they can achieve by considering the full range of current options and taking a detail-oriented approach." The moments in his day that give him the greatest pleasure are the ones where he knows he has improved his patient's quality of life. "Cataract and refractive surgeries can bring results that are quick and dramatic, and that's very rewarding for the patient and for me." 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. He has a pilot's license and loves to fly, hunt, hike, bicycle, and play the piano.