About Us
Meet Dr. Evans
Centrael Evans, MD; Ophthalmologist
Dr. Evans, who most people call Sonny, is an Athens native. He graduated from Cedar Shoals High School before completing a degree in Biology at Brigham Young University. Dr. Evans received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia where he was named a Global Health Institute Field Scholar for his work with pediatric cataracts in Zambia, Africa.
After completing an internship in Internal Medicine at Emory, Dr. Evans completed his Ophthalmology residency at SUNY – Buffalo where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Evans was nominated by faculty and peers into the Richard Sarkin / Emeritus Faculty Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. The review process of the society is by a Selection Committee for qualities of extraordinary compassion, empathy, altruism, and professionalism. He also received the Evan Calkins, MD, Fellowship for Community-Based Research, to support his research into improving outcomes for patients with ophthalmological emergencies.
Dr. Evans is a comprehensive ophthalmologist trained in the medical, laser and surgical management of a wide variety of eye diseases such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Diabetic Eye Disease, Macular Degeneration, Traumatic Eye Injuries and more. When not at work, Dr. Evans enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, restoring vintage muscle cars and cheering for the Dawgs.
Meet Dr. Lynch
Stephanie Lynch, MD; Ophthalmologist
Medical Retina / Uveitis Specialist
Dr. Lynch graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
After an internship in internal medicine, Dr. Lynch completed residency at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology, ranked as one of the top training programs in the country. She completed a fellowship in Medical Retina and Uveitis at Emory University.
Dr. Lynch’s clinical expertise includes treatment of retinal disease, including diabetes, macular degeneration, and inherited retinal degenerations. She is experienced in performing retina injections and laser surgery. Additionally, she provides medical treatment for uveitis and glaucoma.
Dr. Lynch is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She is originally from Rhode Island. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and 3 dogs.
Meet Dr. Shah
Tirth J. Shah, MD; Ophthalmologist
Dr Shah completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He then completed his internship in Internal Medicine and residency training at one of the top and most prestigious ophthalmology training programs in the country – The University of Iowa. He was honored to serve as Chief resident in his final year.
His areas of interest include cataract surgery and other lens implant surgeries, glaucoma care and micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), laser vision correction surgeries (LASIK and PRK), and eyelid oculoplastic surgery.
Supporting the under-served community is a passion for Dr. Shah. He was one of the leaders of a free health clinic for the under-served population in Phoenix and helped organize Operation HawkEyeSight in Iowa City – a mission to perform free cataract surgery and pan-retinal photocoagulation (preventative treatment for diabetic retinopathy) to those who cannot afford it. He has led cutting edge research and authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts on cataract, refractive, and glaucoma surgery.
Most importantly, Dr. Shah emphasizes treating every patient as though they were his loved ones. He is known by his peers as a driven and compassionate physician who strives to deliver at the highest level for his patients. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports, watching movies, and exploring different cuisines.
Meet Dr. Patel
Sejal Patel, OD; Optometrist
Dr. Sejal Patel earned her doctorate from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where she graduated with a clinical excellence award. She earned her Bachelor’s in Biology from Purdue University in Indiana. She has completed her internships at the VA system in Connecticut and ophthalmology offices in Florida. She has over 10 years of experience in ocular disease management, LASIK, PRK and cataract surgery pre/post-op care, diabetic retinal evaluation, myopia management, specialty contact lens fittings, and IPL for dry eye. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association.
Dr. Patel moved from Chicagoland to Georgia in 2020 with her husband and daughter, and they grew their family with another daughter in 2024. They like going on family hikes and vacations. In her spare time, Dr. Patel enjoys painting, taking on crafty activities, and making new recipes.
Her philosophy is to treat each patient as she would her family. She enjoys getting to know her patients and addressing their individual needs