About The Doctors

The doctors at Cape Fear Eye Associates are some of the country's most accomplished ophthalmologists, optometrists, and LASIK surgeons. Serving the Chapel Hill, Sanford, and Fayetteville areas of North Carolina, our doctors deliver advanced therapeutic and surgical solutions to problems affecting the health and appearance of the eyes. From LASIK for refractive errors to multifocal (ReSTOR®) lens replacement for cataracts to blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to treat droopy lids, the doctors of Cape Fear Eye Associates help patients of all ages maintain healthy eyes. Meet our esteemed team of doctors — Dr. Wayne Riggins, Dr. Scott Stapleton, Dr. Miles Whitaker, Dr. Gary Copeland, Dr. Edward Kenshock, Dr. Sheel Patel, and Dr. Cynthia Toth — and learn more about their years of training, accomplishments, and professional interests.

Dr. Sheel B. Patel

Professional License, Maryland (2005)
Professional License, North Carolina (2006)
Cornea/Refractive Surgery Specialist (2005)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology
Board Certified (2007)

Dr. Patel was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and raised in Augusta, Georgia. His desire to practice ophthalmology is inspired by the gratification he receives from providing improved sight and a better quality of life for his patients. In his free time, Dr. Patel enjoys traveling as well as playing and watching sports. He is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Education
Dr. Patel completed a six-year, combined B.S./M.D. program at Kent State University/Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. After his medical internship, Dr. Patel obtained his ophthalmology training at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Patel pursued an additional year of fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital/Wilmer Eye Institute, specializing in cornea and refractive surgery. He currently serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Department of Ophthalmology.

Surgical Interests
Dr. Patel’s surgical specialties include cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, and cornea transplants. Regarding his refractive surgery experience, Dr. Patel is fully certified and has been performing custom LASIK with the leading laser system, VISX®. He has experience with IntraLase® technology as well as with the Moria and Amadeus microkeratomes. Dr. Patel also performs various corneal surgeries, including full-thickness corneal transplants (penetrating keratoplasty) as well as the newer partial-thickness corneal transplant, DSAEK, which allows faster visual recovery and avoids stitches.

Associations and Professional Memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO); American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS); Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO); Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society

Dr. J. Wayne Riggins

Professional License, North Carolina (1999)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1995)
Board Certified, Optometry (1981)

Surgical Experience:: LASIK, PRK, and CK (since 1996); Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lens Implants (since 1990)
Education and Training:: Mercer University, B.S., Macon, Georgia (1977); University of Houston College of Optometry, O.D., Houston, Texas (1981); Uniformed Services University of Health Services, M.D., Bethesda, Maryland (1988)
Internships:: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (1988–1989)
Residencies:: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Washington, D.C. (1990 – 1993)
Professional History:: Chief, Optometry, USA MEDDAC, Bremerhave, Germany (1981–1984); Director, Health Services, Ft. Dietrich, Maryland (1989–1990); Chief Resident, Ophthalmology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (1992–1993); Clinical Instructor of Surgery, UNC School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1993–Present); Chief of Ophthalmology, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1993–1997); Assistant Chief, Department of Surgery, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1997–1999); Cape Fear Eye Associates, Fayetteville, North Carolina (1999–Present)
Academic Appointments:: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Clinical Instructor (1993–present); University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH), Clinical Instructor (1993–2000)
Staff Privileges:: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center; HealthSouth Ambulatory Surgery Center
Professional Awards and Honors:: Outstanding Clinical Instructor, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1992); Outstanding Clinical Instructor, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1998)
Lectures and Research:: Established First Treatment Protocol in the United States Army for Photorefractive Correction of Myopia and Astigmatism in Active Duty Soldiers (1998); Presentation, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2000–2004); Presentation, American Optometric Association (2001–2002); Presentation, Virginia Society of Ophthalmology (2003)
Professional Interests:: Cataract Surgery; Refractive Surgery; Strabismus and Eye Muscle Surgery; Glaucoma Surgery; Neonatal ICU Exams; Corneal Transplants; Oculoplastic Surgery
Professional Memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fellow; North Carolina Medical Society; American Society of Military Ophthalmologists; Cumberland County Medical Society; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Public Service:: United States Army Reserves, Colonel, Medical Corps; Historic Resources Commission, City of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Fayetteville Arts Council, Board of Trustees; Southeastern Region of North Carolina Radio Reading Service for the Blind, Board of Directors

Dr. S. Scott Stapleton

Professional License, North Carolina (1981)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1984)

Surgical Experience:: Multifocal Implants (since 1998); Refractive IOL Surgery (since 1996); LASIK / LASEK (since 1995); PRK, AK, and ALK (since 1986); Cataract Surgery (since 1984)
Academic Positions:: Teaching Assistant in Microbiology, Raleigh, North Carolina (1974–1976); Chief Resident in Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center (1984)
Professional Awards and Honors:: One of 13 primary investigators in the FDA study leading to the first commercial approval of LASIK in the United States; One of the original 300 certified Crystalens® surgeons in the United States
Professional Memberships:: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery; American Academy of Ophthalmology; North Carolina Medical Society; Cumberland County Medical Society; American Medical Association; North Carolina Society of Ophthalmology; South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology
Professional Interests:: Refractive Surgery; Small Incision, Multifocal Lenses and Cataract Surgery; Eye Disorders in Artists on Their Effects on the Practice of Art

Dr. Miles W. Whitaker

Professional License, North Carolina (1991)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1993)

Surgical Experience:: Phototherapeutic Keratotomy (PTK) (since 2001); Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) (since 2001); Multifocal Lens Implants (since 1997); Cataract Surgery (since 1988)
Education and Training:: University of California San Diego, San Diego, California (1976–1978); University of California Los Angeles, B.A., Biology, Los Angeles California (1981); Loma Linda College of Medicine, M.D., Loma Linda, California (1985)
Internships:: Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado (1985–1986); General Medical Officer, Womack Ophthalmology, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1986–1987)
Residencies:: Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Denver, Colorado (1987–1990)
Academic Positions:: Chief Resident of Ophthalmology, Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado (1989–1990); Chief of Ophthalmology, 98th General Hospital, Nuremberg, Germany (1990–1992); Chief of Ophthalmology, Kenner Army Hospital, Fort Lee, Virginia (1992–1993); Chief of Ophthalmology, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina (1996); Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, Texas (1997–1999)
Professional Interests:: Cataracts; Glaucoma; Diabetic Retinopathy
Professional Memberships:: American Medical Association; North Carolina Medical Society; Cumberland County Medical Society; Lee County Medical Society

Dr. Edward M. Kenshock

Professional License, North Carolina (2000)
Professional License, Pennsylvania (2000)

Education and Training:: John Carroll University, B.S., Cleveland, Ohio (1996); Pennsylvania College of Optometry, B.S., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2000); Pennsylvania College of Optometry, O.D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2000)
Internships:: Martinelli Eye Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Associates in Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Lebanon Veterans Hospital, Lebanon, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); JFK Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Pediatric Rotation at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania (1999–2000)
Professional Awards and Honors:: Honors Award in Ocular Disease (1999–2000); Honors Award in Hospital Setting (1999–2000); Honors Award in Primary Care and Pediatrics (1999–2000); Madelyn and Leonard Academic Scholarship (1999); Conforma Contact Lens Award of Excellence (2000); Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholarship (2000)
Publications:: Kenshock, E., "Fish Egg Lesion Points to Risk of Tuberous Sclerosis." Review of Optometry: December 15, 2001.
Professional Interests:: Glaucoma Treatment; Dry Eye Treatment; Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations; Contact Lens Fittings, Including Color Contacts and Bifocal Contacts
Professional Memberships:: American Optometric Association, Contact Lens and Cornea Section; North Carolina Optometric Association; Sandhill's District Optometric Association; Optometric Retinal Society

Dr. Cynthia Toth

Professor of Ophthalmology Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery
Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Background
Cynthia Toth, MD, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases. She has pioneered the development of macular translocation surgery for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her particular clinical interests and skills also include the surgical treatment of macular diseases, retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Toth is involved in national studies of treatment for subretinal neovascularization. Her primary research interests include the development and application of micro-surgical instrumentation and diagnostic tools for vitreoretinal diseases. She has been repeatedly honored among the Best Doctors in America.

Medical School

Medical College of Pennsylvania
Residency
Geisinger Medical Center
Fellowship
University of California Davis

Clinical Interests

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Macular Translocation Surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy for treatment of macular diseases such as AMD
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
OCT imaging of retinal pathologies

Research Interests

Spectral domain and high resolution optical coherence tomography
Surgical and medical treatments for macular degeneration
Understanding the early stages of macular degeneration and preventive therapies
Ophthalmic surgical instrument design and implementation

Representative Publications

Toth CA, Morse LS, Hjelmeland LM, Landers MB. Fibrin directs early retinal damage, following experimental subretinal hemorrhage. Arch Ophth 1991, 109:723-729.
Toth CA, Birngruber R, Boppart SA, Hee MR, Fujimoto JG, DiCarlo CD, Swanson EA, Cain CP, Narayan DG, Noojin GD, Roach WP. Argon laser retinal lesions evaluated in vivo by optical coherence tomography. Amer J Ophth 1997, 123:188-198.
Toth CA, Narayan DG, Boppart SA, Hee MR, Fujimoto JG, Birngruber R, Cain CP, DiCarlo CD, Roach WP. A comparison of retinal morphology viewed by optical coherence tomography and by light microscopy. Arch Ophthalmol. 1997, 115:1425-1428.
Toth CA, Freedman SF. Macular translocation with 360-degree peripheral retinectomy: impact of technique and surgical experience on visual outcomes. Retina 2001, 21:293-303.
Ting TD, Oh M, Cox TA, Meyer CH, Toth CA. Decreased visual acuity associated with cystoid macular edema in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002, 120:731-7.
Park CH, Toth CA. Macular translocation surgery with 360-degree peripheral retinectomy following ocular photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascularization. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003, 136:830-5.
Mruthyunjaya P, Stinnett S, Toth CA. Changes in visual function following macular translocation with 360-degree retinectomy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmol. 2004 Sep;111(9):1715-24.
Cahill MT, Stinnett SS, Banks AD, Freedman SF, Toth CA. Quality of life after macular translocation with 360 degrees peripheral retinectomy for age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;112(1):144-51.
Cahill MT, Mruthyunjaya P, Rickman CB, Toth CA. Recurrence of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Changes After Macular Translocation 360 for Geographic Atrophy. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jul;123(7):935-8.
Malek G, Johnson LV, Mace BE, Saloupis P, Schmechel DE, Rickman DW, Toth CA, Sullivan PM, Rickman CB. Apolipoprotein E allele-dependent pathogenesis: A model for age-related retinal degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2005 Aug;102(33): 11900-5.

Dr. Chad Everett Tisdale, OD

Professional License

North Carolina …...(2009)
Georgia …………..(2009)

Education And Training

Education
Dr. Tisdale began his undergraduate studies at Clayton State University before finishing at Indiana University where he earned a B.S in Optometric Sciences. Due to outstanding academic achievement, he was granted early entrance into the Doctor of Optometry program at the Indiana University School of Optometry. He graduated with honors after completing internships at severaladvanced clinics.

Internships

Eye Institute of Utah …………………………......(2008-2009)
University of Nebraska Medical Center …………(2008-2009)
Clinica Oftalmologica, Guanajuato, Mexico …….(2008-2009)
Indiana University Eye Care Center ……………..(2008-2009)

Clinical Interests

Cornea and Contact Lens
Pediatrics
Diabetic Eye Disease
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Ocular Disease

Associations and Professional Memberships

Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society
American Optometric Association
North Carolina Optometric Society

ABOUT OUR STAFF

In addition to having some of the leading LASIK surgeons in the country, Cape Fear Eye Associates employs over 40 of North Carolina's top ophthalmic technicians, assistants, and administrative staff, many of whom have been with our practice for years. All of our highly trained technicians, assistants, and administrative office staff are devoted to providing you and your family with exceptional eye and vision care, along with superior customer service.

Certified Ophthalmic Technicians

Carol Orr: Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Carol has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates for over 20 years. She received certification as an ophthalmic technician in 1996.
Maureen Prior: Certified Ophthalmic Technician, Clinic Manager; Maureen has been a staff member of Cape Fear Eye Associates since 1993 and received her COT certification in 1999.
Heather Mason: Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Heather has been with Cape Fear since 2006 and received her certification in 2002.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistants

Lean Avent: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Lead Technician (Sanford); Lean has been a member of the Cape Fear Eye Associates team since 1999. She received her COA certification in 2001.
Dalila Perez: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Dalila has been with our practice since 2006 and received her COA certification in 2002.
Polly Tatum: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Polly has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2006.
Kimberlee Montes: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Kimberlee has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2006.
Jennifer Lloyd: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Jennifer has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2007.

Office Staff

Our LASIK surgeons, ophthalmologists, and optometrists are supported by a wonderful technical and administrative staff. When you visit our offices, be sure to say hello to:

Teresa McLean-Cox, Practice Administrator
Maureen Prior, Clinic Manager
Leann Avent, Office Manager (Sanford)
Stephanie Haire, Insurance Manager
Tracy Young, Front Desk Manager
Cory Worrell, Refractive Coordinator
Lillian Rosa, Surgery Scheduler
Tammy Bedell, Surgery Scheduler
Lynwood Dowdy, Managing Optician
CaroLee Stapleton
Gayle Lewis, Technology Manager
Philip Brown, Financial Manager

Contact Our LASIK Surgeons Today and Be on Your Way to Better Vision

Cape Fear Eye Associates is comprised of the some of the region's top ophthalmologists, optometrists, and technicians, as well as some of the nation's most esteemed LASIK surgeons. Serving Fayetteville, Chapel Hill, and Sanford, North Carolina, we deliver exceptional eye and vision care to patients of all ages. To learn more about the LASIK procedure or to arrange a consultation, contact our LASIK surgeons today.

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