Ophthalmic Partners

Dr. Regina Altemus

Comprehensive Eye Care Dr. Regina Altemus has joined Ophthalmic Partners as a skilled optometrist specializing in comprehensive eye care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Her extensive experience and commitment to the field underscore her dedication to exceptional patient care and contributions to the optometric community. She is also actively involved in her local optometric society and is currently the secretary of the Bucks/Mont Optometric Society. Doctor of Optometry Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Education: Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Brandon D. Ayres, M.D.

Cornea and External Disease Anterior Segment, Refractive Surgery Patient Care Philosophy “As the son of a physician, I remember my father going to work all hours of the night and day. In the current state of medicine, it is almost unheard of for an eye physician to practice this way. Efficiency, cost-cutting and less time spent with patients are expected in order to have a successful practice. However, I refuse to compromise on the quality of care for my patients. In order to achieve this quality, coming in early, staying late and spending time with patients is essential. Practicing in this fashion allows me to retain the traditional values of medicine – compassion, respect and trust. While holding to the traditional values, I also strive to stay at the forefront of technology and innovative surgical techniques. The combination of values and cutting edge technology are quintessential to my ability to give my patients the absolute best in medical and surgical eye care.” Dr Ayres Biography Dr. Brandon Ayres has been part of the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital since 2005, and has been part of Ophthalmic Partners since 2007. He serves as an Assistant Surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital and is an instructor at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. He currently has staff privileges at Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Virtua Health System in South Jersey. Dr. Ayres is an active participant in resident and fellow education and in clinical research. In his first year as Attending on the Cornea Service, he became the youngest recipient of the Golden Apple Award at Wills Eye. He continues to lecture nationally and internationally at numerous academic conferences. One of his publications was selected as a “Best of Session” at the American Academy of Ophthalmology for 2013. Dr. Ayres is board certified in ophthalmology and specializes in all forms of corneal transplantation including full thickness corneal transplants, Descemets’ stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and keratoprosthesis. He was the first person at Wills Eye Hospital to perform Descemets’ membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). He also has an interest in repair of traumatic eye injuries and anterior segment. Dr. Ayres performs all types of refractive and cataract surgery including LASIK, phakic lens surgery for myopia, and multifocal intraocular lenses. As a corneal specialist, Dr. Ayres treats all forms of infectious diseases of the eye and ocular surface disease (dry eye) Education Undergraduate Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts B.S., Biology, summa cum laude 1991-1995 Medical Degree University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Piscataway, New Jersey 1995-2000 Transitional Internship Program University of Pennsylvania Health System, Presbyterian Medical Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2000-2001 Residency Program UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology Newark, New Jersey 2001-2004 Chief Resident 2003-2004 Fellowship Program Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Fellowship, Corneal and External Diseases 1978-1979

Education: Eastern Nazarene College , University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey , Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , University of Pennsylvania Health System, , UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School , Wills Eye Hospital

Dr. Jacqueline Benoit

Primary Eye Care (Annual Exams), Post-Operative Co-management, Emergency Care, Diabetic Eye Exams, Management of Ocular Disease and Contact Lens Exams Dr. Benoit is a dedicated primary eye care provider committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered optometric care. She performs thorough eye examinations to help patients maintain optimal ocular health through early detection and management of eye disease. Dr. Benoit earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the SUNY College of Optometry and went on to complete a residency in Contact Lens and Ocular Disease at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS). She has a special interest in fitting specialty contact lenses, including rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses, to offer advanced solutions for patients with complex visual needs. Education Undergraduate Colgate University Doctor of Optometry SUNY College of Optometry Residency Program The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Fellowship Program American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS)

Education: Colgate University , SUNY College of Optometry , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Certifications: American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) , Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS)

Elizabeth A. Dale, M.D.

Glaucoma and Related Disorders | Cataract Surgery Dr. Elizabeth Dale is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma and cataracts. She is recognized for her expertise in complex glaucoma care, including advanced laser procedures, traditional surgical techniques, and state-of-the-art minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Dr. Dale earned her undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 2001 before obtaining her medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year. Following residency, Dr. Dale pursued advanced subspecialty training through a clinical glaucoma fellowship at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. She joined Ophthalmic Partners in 2015. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Dale is an Attending Physician on the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital and serves as a Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson Medical College. In these roles, she is actively involved in the education and surgical training of ophthalmology residents and fellows. Dr. Dale lectures at both local and national levels, speaking on topics such as complex glaucoma management, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery. She also serves as an instructor for the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual trabeculectomy surgery course. Her clinical excellence has been consistently recognized by her peers. Dr. Dale has been named a “Top Doctor” by Philadelphia Magazine, Main Line Today, and other regional publications, and was recently honored by Newsweek as one of America’s leading doctors in glaucoma surgery. Dr. Dale is committed to delivering personalized, patient-centered care. She emphasizes building strong relationships with her patients and tailoring treatment plans that integrate both proven techniques and the latest advancements in ophthalmology. She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Greater Philadelphia Ophthalmic Society, and Women in Ophthalmology. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Dale enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Education Undergraduate College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts B.A., 2001 Medical Degree Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Transitional Internship Program Internship – St. Joseph Hospital Health Center Residency Program Columbia University Medical Center Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute Fellowship Program University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Glaucoma Clinical Fellowship Honors & Distinctions Main Line Today Top Doctors (2020, 2021, 2023-2025) Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors (2024-2026) South Jersey Magazine Top Physician (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Castle Cannolly Top Doctors (2024-2026) Languages English Spanish

Education: College of the Holy Cross , Columbia University , St. Joseph Hospital Health Center , Columbia University Medical Center , Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute , University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Certifications: Castle Cannolly Top Doctors (2024-2026) , Main Line Today Top Doctors (2020, 2021, 2023-2025) , Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors (2024-2026) , South Jersey Magazine Top Physician (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

Dr. Brenton Finklea

Cataract and Advanced Technology Implants, Cornea, Laser Refractive Surgery (LASIK) Brenton Finklea, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in cornea, complex cataract, and refractive surgery. Dr. Finklea attended the University of Florida where he was a student in the honors college, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural and biological engineering with a minor in biomechanics. During this time, he also studied music performance with an emphasis on jazz saxophone. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Finklea was an intern at the Inova Fairfax Hospital and Georgetown University Hospitals. Dr. Finklea’s residency was at the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Academic Global Ophthalmology at Wills Eye as well. He completed his training with a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the Duke University Eye Center. Dr. Finklea is the director of the Center for Academic Global Ophthalmology at Wills Eye. He has taught ophthalmology and eye surgery around the world, including in Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, India, and Haiti. Dr. Finklea lectures and teaches courses in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) and ocular reconstruction to surgeons across the country. At Wills Eye, he is an instructor on the cornea service and oversees Wills Eye residency initiatives abroad. He has been recognized for his work with numerous accolades including Ophthalmology Management’s “40 Under 40” Ophthalmologists in America and Millennial Eye’s “One to Watch”. Dr. Finklea provides a full scope of treatment for corneal disease and cataracts, as well as refractive surgical options including LASIK & PRK. This includes full-thickness corneal transplants, Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK), Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), and keratoprosthesis (KPro). Dr. Finklea performs standard, complex, and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgeries, offering a comprehensive range of lens options including multifocal and light-adjustable intraocular lenses. He also offers intraocular lens exchange and re-fixation for dislocated lenses, trauma, and aphakia. Education Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Florida, Magna Cum Laude Medical Degree Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine Transitional Internship Program Internship at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program Ophthalmology Residency at the Wills Eye Hospital Fellowship Program Fellowship in Academic Global Ophthalmology at the Wills Eye Hospital Fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Duke University Honors & Distinctions Director of the Wills Eye Center for Academic Global Ophthalmology Attending physician on the Wills Eye Cornea Service Associate Professor for the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Member of the Cornea Society

Education: University of Florida , University of Virginia School of Medicine , Georgetown University Hospital , Wills Eye Hospital , Duke University

Certifications: American Academy of Ophthalmology , American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons , Cornea Society

Dr. Anfei Li

Dr. Anfei Li completed most of his training in New York City, where he received his MD and PhD from Weill Cornell Medicine. His graduate research focused on neural circuitries in the brain, contributing to his appreciation of optic nerve as an integral part of the eye and the central nervous system, and eventually guiding him to specialize in glaucoma. Dr. Li stayed at Weill Cornell Medicine to complete his residency in ophthalmology, where he was awarded resident research award and resident academic achievement award. After residency, Dr. Li completed his glaucoma fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center. With several funding supports, including the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship, Dr. Li devoted his spare time on research during his training at Cornell and Columbia, focusing on interpretations of OCT and visual field in the setting of glaucoma. Joining the Ophthalmic Partners, Dr. Li will continue to bring his academic rigor to patient diagnostics and treatments at Ophthalmic Partners and Wills Eye Hospital. Growing up in different parts of Asia, Dr. Li is fluent in both spoken/written Mandarin and Japanese. Education Medical Degree Weill Cornell Medicine Residency Program Weill Cornell Medicine Fellowship Program Columbia University Medical Center

Education: Weill Cornell Medicine , Columbia University Medical Center

Dr. Leonard B. Nelson

Pediatric Ophthalmology, Adult Motility Strabismus and Nystagmus Dr. Nelson received a B.A. in Biology from Columbia University in New York and his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston. He completed his Surgical Internship at The Fifth Harvard Surgical Service at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston and his Ophthalmology Residency at New York University, Bellevue Hospital Medical Center in New York City. He went on to complete a one-year Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology at The Children’s Hospital National Medical Center of George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC, and a one-year Fellowship in Ocular Genetics at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He obtained his M.B.A. at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Leonard B. Nelson Dr. Nelson became a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1981. He is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attending surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital. He is the Director of the Wills Eye Strabismus Center and the Co-Director of The Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the co-editor of the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and has authored over 362 publications and 15 textbooks in pediatric ophthalmology. He belongs to numerous societies including the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and The American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was also listed as a Top Doctor in Ophthalmology in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 in Philadelphia Magazine and Best Doctors in the US. He was the principle investigator of a major grant study on Nystagmus Surgery and is presently the principle investigator on a collaborative national study on the effects of low dose atropine on the progression of myopia. Education Undergraduate Columbia University New York B.A. 1968-1972 Medical Degree Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts 1972-1976 Transitional Internship Program Fifth Harvard Surgical Service New England Deaconess Hospital Boston, Massachusetts 1976-1977 Residency Program New York University Bellevue Hospital Medical Center, New York 1977-1980 Fellowship Program Pediatric Ophthalmology The Children’s Hospital National Medical Center of George Washington University Medical Center Washington, DC 1980-1981 Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland 1981-1982 Honors & Distinctions MBA, St. Joseph’s University Philadelphia., Pennsylvania 1995-2000

Education: Columbia University , Harvard Medical School , Fifth Harvard Surgical Service , New York University , The Children’s Hospital National Medical Center of George , Washington University Medical Center , Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Michael J. Pro

Glaucoma and Related Disorders Cataract Surgery Dr. Pro graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1993 with dual degrees in German literature and Political Science. After graduation he completed a post-baccalaureate pre-med program at Penn State Brandywine. He graduated from MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel College of Medicine) in 2001. Dr. Pro completed his medical internship at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ followed by an Ophthalmology Residency at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where he was Chief Resident, graduating in 2005. He subsequently completed a one-year Glaucoma Fellowship at the New York Eye & Ear. After Fellowship Dr. Pro joined Ophthalmic Partners. He is currently an Associate Surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital and an Assistant Professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Pro is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology Dr. Michael J. Pro Dr. Pro serves as a preceptor in the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Department Fellowship program, where he is involved in the surgical and clinical training of future Glaucoma specialists. Dr. Pro is a frequent lecturer at both regional and national meetings. Dr. Pro is an active member of several medical associations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, and the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He is a past President of the Greater Philadelphia Ophthalmic Society. For over 10 years he has served as the course director and organizer for the annual Glaucoma Update, part of the Saturday Update Courses at Wills Eye Hospital. His research interests include novel glaucoma surgical techniques and devices, and he has published studies in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Pro’s expertise includes the full spectrum of glaucoma treatment and surgeries. He is highly experienced in state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgeries (MIGS) which are frequently performed in combination with cataract surgery. Dr. Pro also performs cataract surgery and is certified in the latest femtosecond laser used in cataract procedures. He has extensive expertise in the expanding range of premium intraocular lenses, allowing for individualized surgical planning and visual outcomes. Education Undergraduate Pennsylvania State University B.A., German Literature B.A., Political Science Phi Beta Kappa 1993-1996 Medical Degree Pennsylvania State University Post Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program Merit Scholarship for Academic Achievement 1996-1998 MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Class President Alpha Omega Alpha 1998-2001 Transitional Internship Program St. Barnabas Medical Center Livingston, New Jersey Transitional Residency Program Abdul H. Islami, M.D. Award for Outstanding Transitional Resident of the Year 2001-2002 Residency Program The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Ophthalmology Residency Program Chief Resident, June 2004 – June 2005 2002-2005 Fellowship Program The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Glaucoma Clinical Fellowship 2005-2006

Education: Pennsylvania State University , MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine , St. Barnabas Medical Center , The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary

Dr. Courtland Schmidt

Glaucoma and Related Disorders A Midwest native, Dr. Schmidt received his undergraduate degree from Yale College and his medical degree (with honors) from Wayne State University School of Medicine, where he was elected to the AOA honor society. He completed an internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois followed by an Ophthalmology Residency at Wills Eye Hospital. He joined Ophthalmic Partners and the Wills Glaucoma Service immediately following the completion of his fellowship. Dr. Courtland Schmidt Dr. Schmidt is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society. Dr. Schmidt is an Attending Surgeon on the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Jefferson/Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Schmidt teaches residents and fellows on the Wills Glaucoma service, has lectured, and taught regionally and nationally, and has co-authored numerous publications. He is routinely listed in the “Best Doctors in America” listings. Education Undergraduate Yale University New Haven, Connecticut Medical Degree Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit, Michigan Transitional Internship Program St. Francis Hospital Evanston, Illinois Residency Program Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, PA Fellowship Program Glaucoma Service, Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, PA

Education: Yale University , Wayne State University School of Medicine , St. Francis Hospital , Wills Eye Hospital

Dr. Marisa Schoen

Cataract and Cornea Surgery Dr. Marisa Schoen received her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and then attended medical school at Thomas Jefferson University. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital, where she was selected as chief resident during her final year. After residency, Dr. Schoen moved to Los Angeles, California to complete a 1-year fellowship in anterior segment surgery. Dr. Marisa Schoen, Philadelphia Ophthalmologist She is excited to return to the Philadelphia area and join Ophthalmic Partners in their commitment to delivering the highest level of care possible to patients. When she isn’t in the clinic or operating room, she enjoys hiking with her husband and dog, yoga, cooking, and exploring new food scenes. Education Undergraduate University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA B.A. 2011 Medical Degree Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA 2016-2020 Transitional Internship Program Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, PA 2018-2019 Residency Program Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, PA Resident in Ophthalmology 2019-2022 Fellowship Program Masket Foundation Los Angeles, CA Fellow in Anterior Segment Surgery 2022-2023

Education: University of Pennsylvania , Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University , Wills Eye Hospital , Masket Foundation , Pennsylvania Hospital