Our Physicians in Charleston

Areas of Care 

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser cataract surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Refractive surgery

Achievements

• Board-certified in ophthalmology & ophthalmic surgery
• Undergraduate education: Washington & Lee University
• Medical school: University of Virginia School of Medicine
• Internship: Georgia Baptist Medical Center (Atlanta)
• Residency training: Medical College of South Carolina
• Fellowship training: Pediatric ophthalmology & strabismus, Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital (Atlanta)
• Founding member: Carolina Eyecare Physicians 
• Member of the active medical staff of Roper St. Francis Health System

“Striving for excellence with compassion has made my 20 years in medical practice very fulfilling. I am thankful for the God-given opportunity to serve others as their eye physician and for the ability to protect and restore vision.”

Dr. Boatwright provides treatment for: 

• Cataract Surgery (multifocal & astigmatic IOLs)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Urgent (same day) eye problems

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma 
• Laser cataract surgery
• Ophthalmology

Dr. Berdine M. Burger is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon with Carolina Eyecare Physicians (CEP), the premier, state of the art, ophthalmology practice in Charleston and surrounding areas. The physicians at Carolina Eyecare are all board-certified and are known for their expertise in comprehensive and consultative eyecare. They offer the latest, cutting-edge technology and treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Their expertise in cataract, refractive, and oculoplastic (eyelid) surgery is unsurpassed in the Low Country.

Dr. Burger has a sterling reputation for providing the highest quality care to her patients with compassion and integrity. Dr. Burger was a recipient of the R.E. Lee Honor Scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. During her undergraduate studies, she attended St. Andrews University in Scotland, where she completed a study of international health systems. Dr. Burger completed a retina research fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Storm Eye Institute, before completing her ophthalmology residency.

She has been the recipient of countless accolades, including the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Award and the Nabors Service League Honorary Award. Dr. Burger has also been recognized as a National Institute of Health Student Scholar. While at MUSC, she was distinguished as Faculty Excellence Teacher of the Month, as well as a Presidential Scholar. Dr. Burger is a past member of the Chancellor’s List (National Dean’s List), Who’s Who, as well as a past vice president of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Additionally, she has served as a supplemental instructor for MUSC medical students. She is currently affiliated with several associations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Unite for Sight International (UFS), American College of Surgeons (ACS), South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA), and various charitable organizations that provide community outreach efforts. Most recently, Dr. Burger became the recipient of the 2013 Patients’ Choice Award and was recognized as Vitals Top 10 Doctor for South Carolina.

Areas of Care

• Retinal Detachment
• Macular Hole
• Macular Pucker (Epiretinal Membrane)
• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Vascular Occlusion
• Uveitis – Inflammatory & Autoimmune Diseases
• Pediatric Retinal Diseases

Postgraduate Education

• Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship – Duke University
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Duke University
• Ophthalmology Residency – New York University & The Manhattan Eye Ear Throat Hospital
• Medicine Internship – Lenox Hill Hospital Manhattan

Degrees Awarded

• MD. – New York University
• BS Biology, BA Economics, AB Duke Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship – Duke University

Certification

• Board-Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Memberships

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Society of Retina Specialists
• Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology

Foreign Languages Spoken

• Spanish
• French

Areas of Care

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management

Education

• Undergraduate – College of Charleston, 1983
• Medical School – Medical University of South Carolina, 1990
• Residency, Anesthesiology – Medical University of South Carolina, 1994
• Fellowship, Pain Management – Medical University of South Carolina, 2002

Board Certifications

• Pain Management
• Anesthesiology

Professional Memberships

• South Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee – Chairman, Executive Committee
• Charleston County Medical Society Legislative Committee – Chairman, 2009-2015
• Lowcountry Open Land Trust Charleston, SC – Board Member, 2002-2012
• Narcotic Advisory Board for Workers Compensation Board Governor’s Committee – Board Member, 2014-2015

Specialties

• Cervical, Thoracic, & Lumbar Disc Disease
• Compression Fracture
• Extremity Pain
• Facet Syndrome
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• Headaches due to Cervical Spine Disease/Occipital
• Myofascial Pain
• Nerve Entrapment Pain
• Pain from Shingles
• Piriformis Syndrome
• RSD/CRPS
• Sacro-iliac Disease
• Sciatica
• Spinal Stenosis
• Sympathetic Mediated Pain
• Trigger Point Injections
• Whiplash Injuries

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Corneal Surgery
• Corneal Transplantation
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Achievements 

• Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology 1992/2002/2012
• Undergraduate Education: The College of Charleston
• Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
• Internship: Greenville Hospital System
• Residency Training: Storm Eye Institute
• Fellowship Training: Cornea & External Disease, Eye Consultants of Atlanta
• Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
• Member of The Cornea Society
• Assistant Professor MUSC 1999-2013
• Cornea Fellowship Director 2012-2013
• Pierre Gautier Jenkins Teacher of the Year 2011-2012

Dr. Grice provides treatment for:

• Cataract Surgery (Multifocal & Toric IOLs)
• Cornea Transplants (PKP, DSAEK, DMEK, DALK)
• Refractive Surgery (Lasik, PRK, ASA, ICL, RLE)
• Keratoconus (Intacs, Crosslinking)
• Dry Eyes (Tear Lab, LipiView, LipiFlow)
• Rosacea (Lipiflow)

Dr. Grice is available for consultations concerning corneal dystrophies, dry eyes, contact lens-related problems, and corneal infections. She is also happy to see patients on an urgent basis and has appointments available.

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Achievements

• Board-certified in ophthalmology & ophthalmic surgery
• Undergraduate education: University of Florida
• Medical school: Medical University of South Carolina
• Internship: Greenville Memorial Hospital (Greenville, S.C.)
• Residency training: Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia), Chief Resident
• Clinical instructor at Medical University of South Carolina
• Member of the medical staff at several local hospitals
• Charleston native; attended Porter-Gaud

Dr. Herring provides:

• Cataract surgery
• Diabetic eye care
• Glaucoma treatment

Areas of Care

• Oculoplastics

Achievements

• Board-certified in ophthalmology & ophthalmic surgery
• Undergraduate education: Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine)
• Master’s degree in Public Health: Johns Hopkins University
• Medical school: Johns Hopkins University
• Internship (Internal Medicine): Johns Hopkins University
• Residency training: University of Illinois (Chicago)
• Research fellowship: Johns Hopkins University
• Fellowship training (Oculoplastic Surgery & Orbital Oncology): University of Iowa (Iowa City)
• Former MUSC assistant professor (Ophthalmology, Dermatology, & Otolaryngology
• Former MUSC professor of ophthalmology (Stanley & Theodore Feldberg endowed chair)

Dr. Howard is an Oculoplastic surgeon (eye plastic surgery). The services he provides include:

• Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)
• Forehead lift (endoscopic & direct)
• Ptosis repair
• Ectropion/Entropion repair
• Skin cancer repair
• Scar revisions
• Removal of tumors of the eyelid & eye socket
• Eye Socket repair
• Tear duct surgery

Cosmetic services provided by Dr. Howard include:

• Lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)
• Laser resurfacing for wrinkles
• Botox Cosmetic
• Restylane dermal filler
• Radiesse dermal filler

Areas of Care

• Diabetes
• Retina

A South Carolina native, Dr. Jablon brings care to the Lowcountry for the treatment of vision loss, vision impairment, and vision loss prevention. He specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina, vitreous, and macula, with special expertise in the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, ocular trauma, retinal detachment, uveitis, and choroidal melanomas.

After completing his residency at MUSC, Dr. Jablon also was trained in a Vitreoretinal Fellowship at New England Retina Associates at Yale University and Hamden at New Haven, Connecticut. This fellowship provided training for the treatment of tumorous choroidal melanomas—making Eric the only South Carolina retina surgeon with this education.

A member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Charleston Ophthalmological Society, Dr. Jablon received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and then received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He worked intensively at an internship at MUSC and attended his residency at MUSC before completing a Vitreoretinal Fellowship at New England Retina Associates at Yale University and Hamden at New Haven, Connecticut. During this time he served as a co-investigator for multiple Phase II and Phase III clinical trials including the Oculex Study, the ANCHOR study, the MARINA study, and the Eyetech study.

Areas of Care

• Retina

Dr. Michael Johnson is a retinal surgeon. The son of an Air Force officer, he was raised in Virginia. He graduated college from Yale University and then medical school at the University of Virginia. He competed and won a prestigious fellowship as a research scholar at the largest private research organization in the world, the highly regarded Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the NIH doing advanced research on the molecular and cell biology of the retina.

He then completed his clinical eye and retina training at the prestigious ophthalmic training centers—Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Wills Eye Hospital, and the University of Virginia.

Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists.

He is available for clinical and surgical consultation for a variety of retinal diagnoses including retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, macular degeneration, macular pucker, and macular holes.

Areas of Care

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataract surgery
• Diabetic eye disease
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Laser procedures
• Urgent eye problems for Adults & Children

Achievements

• Board eligible in ophthalmology & ophthalmic surgery
• Undergraduate education: BS in Biology, Duke University
• Medical school education: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Internship: University of Pittsburgh, Mercy hospital
• Residency: Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) & the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)

In his free time, Dr. Knowlton enjoys marathon running, traveling to interesting places around the world, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and enjoying time with his wife and two small children. He feels privileged to have the opportunity to care for the wonderful people of Charleston.

Achievements

• Certified Physician’s Assistant
• Bachelor of Science degree (Biology): College of Charleston
• Bachelor of Science degree (Physician Assisting) Cum laude: Medical University of South Carolina
• Former clinical instructor, MUSC
• Adjunct faculty with the MUSC Physician Assistant program
• Member: American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Member: South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants

Malissa LaRoche works closely with Dr. Gene Howard, performing oculoplastic evaluations and assisting during surgical procedures.

Areas of Care

• Oculoplastics

Dr. Mather is board certified in ophthalmology, a fellow in the American Society of Ophthalmic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and a fellow at the American College of Surgeons. He holds a teaching appointment in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina.

He has medical staff privileges at Roper and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, and Ralph H. Johnson Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Dr. Mather has also gained national exposure as a seasoned marathon runner and triathlete.

Dr. Mather has a special interest in eyelid and facial rejuvenation. He has performed over 25,000 blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) procedures and has been injecting Botox since 1989. He offers all the latest developments in facial fillers.

Achievements

• BA in Chemistry – Indiana University
• MD – Indiana University School of Medicine
• Internship – St. Vincent Hospital & Health Care Center, Indianapolis
• Ophthalmic Residency – Medical University of South Carolina
• Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – University of Arizona

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Oculoplastics
• Ophthalmology

Achievements

• Board-certified in Ophthalmology
• Specializes in: Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Oculoplastic surgery
• Undergraduate education: College of Charleston
• Medical school: Medical University of South Carolina
• Internship: Medical University of South Carolina
• Residency training: Kresge Eye Institute (Detroit), Chief Resident
• Additional training: St. Johns Hospital (Detroit)
• Fellowship training: Oculoplastics & neurophthalmology
• Research: Modern cataract surgery, with Dr. David Apple

Dr. Newland provides:

• Cataract surgery
• Oculoplastic surgery
• Diabetic eye care
• Glaucoma treatment

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Eye lift surgery
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration

Dr. Phelan Piehota is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist specialized in treating diseases of the eye, eyelids, and surrounding structures. He is a former member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, in which he was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Combat Medic conducting over 300 combat missions.

Upon returning home, Dr. Piehota completed his undergraduate education with honors at Millersville University and medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He then went on to complete his osteopathic internship and ophthalmology residency at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Piehota enjoys kayaking, fishing, tennis, and spending time with family and friends.

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser cataract surgery
• Ophthalmology

Achievements

• Board-certified in Ophthalmology & Ophthalmic surgery
• Specializes in comprehensive Ophthalmology
• Undergraduate education: Tulane University
• Medical school: Louisiana State University (New Orleans)
• Residency training: Internal Medicine, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital (Chicago)
• Residency & fellowship training: Comprehensive Ophthalmology/Cataract Surgery, Louisiana State University

Dr. Reuther provides consultative ophthalmology services, as well as medical and surgical treatment for:

• Cataracts
• Diabetic eye disease
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Oculoplastics
• Ophthalmology

Achievements

• Board-certified in Ophthalmology & Ophthalmic Surgery
• Specializes in Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Oculoplastic surgery
• Undergraduate education: Louisiana State University
• Graduate degree: Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas)
• Medical school: Medical University of South Carolina
• Surgical internship: Medical University of South Carolina
• Residency training: Medical University of South Carolina
• Clinical Instructor: Medical University of South Carolina

The services she provides include:

• Contact lens fittings
• Diabetic eye care
• Laser treatments
• Eyelid surgery
• Cosmetic procedures, including treatment with Botox, Juvederm, & Restylane

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Lasik Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery

Achievements

• Board-certified in Ophthalmology
• High school: Choate/Rosemary Hall
• Medical school: University of Vermont College of Medicine
• Internship: Yale University, St. Raphael’s Hospital
• Residency training in Ophthalmology: University of Kentucky Medical Center
• Fellowship training: Ophthalmic Pathology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center
• Fellowship training: Cataract & refractive surgery & corneal transplantation: Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, MUSC
• Medical Director, Carolina Eyecare Research Institute
• Chair: FDA Liaison Committee, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons
• President (2016): American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons

Dr. Solomon provides:

• Cataract surgery
• Premium lens implants
• Glaucoma treatment
• Macular degeneration treatment
• Diabetic retinopathy treatment

Areas of Care

• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Dr. Jay Thompson, also known as John E Thompson III, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. He also treats adult patients for conditions including, but not limited to, macular degeneration, infections, eye trauma, dry eye, pterygium, and eyelid disorders. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Dr. Thompson graduated with high honors from Middlebury College in Vermont with a degree in Biochemistry. He was lured to Charleston to attend the Medical University of South Carolina on the prestigious E. Conyers O’Bryan Scholarship, a full merit-based scholarship, awarded for academic achievement. His residency in ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School concluded with him serving as chief resident during his final year. Dr. Thompson received the Frey Award, for excellence in research, from the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology. This award recognizes only one resident in the state every year. He has done extensive research in ophthalmology, has published papers in leading ophthalmology journals, and continues to be involved in clinical studies. The doctor met his wife, Heather, as a medical student and the two have been married for 11 years, currently residing on James Island with their two beautiful daughters.