Laura A. Bealer, MD
Education & Training
- B.A., Biology, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, 1988
- M.D., University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, 1989
- Internship in Internal Medicine, Truman Medical Center, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, 1989-1990
- Diplomate National Boards, 1990
- Residency in Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, 1990-1993
- Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease,, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 1993-1994
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology, 1996 www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Past Member of Medical Advisory Board, Georgia Eye Bank
- Board of Directors, Dekalb Medical Society-Present
Medical Society Memberships
- Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery www.ascrs.org
- Dekalb Medical Society
- Medical Association of Georgia www.mag.org
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
Ajeet Dhingra, MD
Ajeet Dhingra, M.D. was born and raised in Midland, Michigan. He completed his undergraduate training in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He then went on to complete his Medical School training in 1999 also from the University of Michigan.After medical school, he did a transitional year of training in medicine and surgery at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois a part of the University of Chicago. From here,Dr. Dhingra went to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH for his Ophthalmology Residency. Here Dr. Dhingra was involved in numerous research projects, surgical training and teaching his junior residents. Dr. Dhingra presented his research at the Academy of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conference in 2001.
Dr. Dhingra finished his residency in 2003 and has been working at EPS since September of 2003 as a comprehensive ophthalmologist. He is also involved in numerous clinical research trials.
Dr. Dhingra and his wife have three children. Dr, Dhingra enjoys traveling, playing golf, gourmet cooking and spending time with his family.
Education & Training
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1995
- M.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1999
- Internship, University of Chicago-Weiss Memorial, Chicago, IL, 1999-2000
- Residency in Ophthalmology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 2000-2003
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology, 2005 www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Medical School Scholarship: Towsley Foundation Award 1996, 1997, 1998
- Summa Cum Laude 1995
- Undergraduate Class Honors 1993, 1994, 1995
- Third Place 1994 American Institute of Chemical Engineers North Central Region Conference research presentation contest
- Undergraduate College of Engineering Dean's List 1991-1995
- MSPE Dow Corning Undergraduate Academic Achievement Scholarship 1991-1995
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery www.ascrs.org
- Georgia Society of Ophthalmology
- Medical Association of Georgia www.mag.org
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
Paul E. McManus, MD
Education & Training
- B.A., Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 1980
- M.D., Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1984
- Internship, Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA, 1984-1985
- Residency in Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 1985-1988
- Fellowship in Glaucoma, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 1988-1989
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Clinical Investigator, Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, 1995-Present
- Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 1989-1995
- Chairman, 3rd Part Payor Committee, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology
- Alpha Omega Alpha, Honor Medical Society, 1982
- UNC Residents Day award for Best Presentation, 1986
- Listed in Top Doctors of Atlanta, "Atlanta Magazine", 1996
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- Medical Association of Georgia www.mag.org
- Georgia Society of Ophthalmology
- Dekalb Medical Society
- Georgia Society to Prevent Blindness
- Atlanta Ophthalmological Society
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
Indira G.M. Menon, MD
Education & Training
- M.D., Osmania University, Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, India, 1987
- Junior Resident in Ophthalmology, R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi, India, 1988
- Diplomate of National Boards & Flex, 1990
- Internship & Residency in Internal Medicine, Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 1995
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, at Birmingham, AL, 1996
- Residency in Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, 1996-1999
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Excellence in Reporting Award, Eye Injury Registry, Alabama, 1996-1997
- Second Place in Medical Jeopardy, American College of Physicians, 1994
- Outstanding Intern, Baptist Medical Center, 1992-1993
- Distinction in Ophthalmology & OB/GYN, 1987
- Ranked 5th in Graduating Class of Medical School, Osmania University, Gandhi Medical College, 1987
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
Pooja Patel, OD
Pooja Patel grew up in Austin, Texas. She discovered her passion for Eye Care through her grandfather's diagnosis of Glaucoma. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Business Administration. She then went on to Optometry school in San Antonio, TX at The University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. She completed her externships at the Community Health Center in Dallas, TX, and Veteran's Affairs in Jacksonville, FL.During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 2-year-old nephew and 13-year-old niece, where she prides herself in defeating both kids in Monopoly and Hide-And-Seek. She also loves Yoga, painting, and pottery/yardwork with her grandmother.
Dr. Patel currently works at Eye Physicians and Surgeons as the first Optometrist in the practice where she offers Comprehensive Eye Exams, Dry-Eye treatments, and Contact Lens Fittings, just to name a few of her specialties. She is on all insurance plans and welcomes all patients!
Ronak Patel, MD
Dr. Patel is a board certified, fellowship trained glaucoma and cataract surgeon. He specializes in both medical and surgical care for glaucoma patients performing a full array of glaucoma and cataract surgery techniques ranging from glaucoma laser procedures, modern state of the art minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), traditional glaucoma surgery, as well as advanced technological cataract surgery involving femtosecond laser and advanced intraocular implants. In addition, he also focuses on dry eye disease, Diabetic eye disease, and general/comprehensive ophthalmology.Dr. Patel was raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He received his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and went on to complete his medical school training at Louisiana Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA in 2015. Here he was involved in multiple volunteer and scholarly programs including the Student Run Homeless clinics and was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After medical school, he completed a transitional year of training in medicine and surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN and returned to New Orleans, LA to complete his ophthalmology residency at the LSU School of Medicine/Ochsner Ophthalmology residency program where he was awarded the Planchard award for the highest board scores amongst the residency program. He then completed an intensive medical and surgical glaucoma fellowship at the Cullen Eye Institute a part of Baylor School of Medicine in Houston, TX.
During his time in residency and fellowship programs, Dr. Patel was involved in multiple research presentations involving modern glaucoma surgical techniques as well as the clinical and surgical training of residents. He remains active in clinical research and continues to be up to date with the newest technologies and clinical trials.
Dr. Patel joined Eye Physicians and Surgeons in 2023 after moving from Washington D.C. where he was a glaucoma specialist at the Kaiser Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He is excited to join EPS and serve his patients glaucoma and comprehensive needs.
Dr Patel lives in Atlanta with his wife Bavana, a general and bariatric surgeon at Emory. While away from work, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing tennis, traveling, and cooking.
Education & Training
- B.S., Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2011
- M.D., LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 2015
- Internship, Methodist Hospital Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 2016
- Residency in Ophthalmology, LSU/Ochsner Ophthalmology Residency Program, New Orleans, LA, 2019
- Fellowship in Glaucoma, Baylor College of Medicine, Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, TX 2020
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Planchard Award for Highest OKAP scores 2017-2018
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Advocacy Ambassador Program, 2017
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, LSU School of Medicine 2015
- Luis Perez Memorial Award, LSU School of Medicine, 2015
- James M. Hill Resident Research Day Award, LSU School of Medicine 2014
- Vanderbilt University Deans List, 2007-2011
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- American Glaucoma Society
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Atlanta Ophthalmologic Society
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
Shalin S. Shah, MD
Dr. Shah's specialty encompasses medical and surgical glaucoma management, cataract surgery with advanced intraocular lens implants, refractive surgery, diabetic eye disease, dry eye disease and general/comprehensive ophthalmologyHe was born and grew up in New Orleans, LA. After completion of high school, he came to Atlanta, attended, and completed his undergraduate work at Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in 2004, Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. He received his Medical Degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, in 2010. In 2011, he completed an Internal Medicine Internship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He completed a Residency in Ophthalmology at LSU/Ochsner Ophthalmology Residency Program and served as Chief Resident 2013-2014. In 2015, he completed a Fellowship in Glaucoma at Ochsner Ophthalmology in New Orleans.
He began private practice at Eye Physicians & Surgeons in August 2015. He is accepting new patients at both locations: 1457 Scott Blvd. in Decatur and 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., D-175 in Atlanta.
Education & Training
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 2004
- M.D., LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 2010
- Internship, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 2011
- Residency in Ophthalmology, LSU/Ochsner Ophthalmology Residency Program, New Orleans, LA, 2014
- Fellowship in Glaucoma, Ochsner Ophthalmology, New Orleans, LA, 2015
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology, 2016 www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Chief Resident at LSU/Ochsner, 2013-2014
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Ambassador Program, 2012
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, V.P. Community Service, LSU School of Medicine, 2006-2009
- Scholarship Recipient for 9th Annual New Cardiovascular Horizons Conference, 2008
- American Medical Student Association, V.P. LSU School of Medicine, 2007-2008
- Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Mentors Program, 2005-2010
- Georgia Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering Advisory Board, 2004-2010
- Medtronic Undergraduate Research Scholars Award, 2003
- Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, 2003
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology
- Louisiana State Medical Society
- American Medical Association
- Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur Hospital
John W. Thomas, MD
John Thomas, MD grew up in Canton, Ohio and is the oldest of six children. He graduated from The College of Wooster in 1982 where he majored in chemistry. While at Wooster he played on the varsity tennis team four years and was a Rhodes scholarship nominee. He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1986. He completed an Internal Medicine residency in 1989 and an Ophthalmology residency in 1992 at Emory University. Following completion of residency, he pursued a fellowship in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, Cullen Eye Institute in Houston, Texas in 1993. Dr. Thomas is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology.Dr. Thomas returned to Atlanta in 1993 and specializes in disease and surgery of the retina. This includes diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and vitreous.
Dr. Thomas is active in professional societies and in the community. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American College of Surgeons, and The American College of Physicians. He is a member and past president of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. He actively participates in local, regional, and national diabetic eye disease projects.
Dr. Thomas has been a volunteer with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, and is active in the Northside Youth organization as a coach in basketball and baseball.
He is married to Patti and they have two children, Brandon and Alexa. He enjoys tennis, athletic conditioning and spending time with his family.
Education & Training
- B.A., Chemistry, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, 1982
- M.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 1986
- Internship, Internal Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, 1986
- Residency in Internal Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA, 1987-1989
- Residency in Ophthalmology, Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, 1989-1992
- Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, TX, 1992-1993
- Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine, 1989, www.abim.org
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 1992-1993
- Rhodes Scholarship Nominee
- Dean's List
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- Medical Association of Atlanta www.maa-assn.org
- Medical Association of Georgia www.mag.org
- American College of Physicians
- Georgia Society of Ophthalmology
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur HospitalSt. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
Christina L. Weeks, MD - Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Christina Weeks, MD is a fellowship-trained, board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist.She provides comprehensive eye care for children. These services include the treatment of amblyopia, infections, trauma, tear drainage problems, cataracts, and eyelid abnormalities such as ptosis. She specializes in strabismus, and performs eye muscle surgery.
Dr. Weeks also treats adults with strabismus, and is successful in treating ocular misalignment and double vision with both prisms and surgery.
Dr. Weeks received her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the same institution. Her ophthalmology training was obtained at the University of Florida, following which she pursued a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.
Dr. Weeks is a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. She also is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She has been in practice since 2000.
Education & Training
- B.A., Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 1991
- M.D., Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1995
- Internship, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1995-1996
- Residency in Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1996-1999
- Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, 1999-2000
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology www.abop.org
Honors & Awards
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Veterans Medical Center Award of Excellence in Patient Care
- American Medical Women's Association, Glasgow Memorial Award
- Merck Scholastic Award
Medical Society Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 2003 www.aapos.org
Hospital Affiliations
Emory Decatur HospitalChildren's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite