Jennifer M. Anderson, Pharm. D, M.D., is an ophthalmologist with the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  Dr. Anderson is also an instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

A native of Arkansas, Dr. Anderson received her doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree from UAMS and her medical degree from the Eastern Virginia Medical School.  She completed her ophthalmology residency at UAMS. 

Memberships include the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 

Dr. Anderson’s clinical interests include cosmetic procedures and comprehensive adult and pediatric ophthalmology, including routine eye exams and eye surgery.  She is actively involved in resident and medical student education.  Her research interests include diabetic retinopathy, ocular pharmacology and toxicology, and the role of nutritional supplements in eye disease.

Dr. Anderson sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. 

Laurie Gray Barber, M.D.

Laurie Gray Barber, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  She is also a professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine, and is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Barber received her medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine.  During her ophthalmology residency at UAMS, she received the Raymond and Mary Morris Residency Award for Outstanding Research and Presentation.  She also completed a mini-fellowship in ophthalmic echography at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, making her the only Arkansas ophthalmologist trained to perform standardized ophthalmic echography.  The procedure is critical in detecting, differentiating and documenting characteristics of various eye disorders.  Dr. Barber trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London during her residency.
Dr. Barber has fellowship status in the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).  She is active in the AAO, serves as chairman of the AAO Surgical Scope Fund Committee and is a member of the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society Executive Committee.

Dr. Barber’s clinical interests involve comprehensive ophthalmology, including ultrasound of the eye and orbit, comprehensive eye exams and clinical research in dry eye, blepharitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Dr. Barber sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Harry H. Brown, M.D.

Harry H. Brown, M.D., is an ocular pathologist and associate director of the Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center. Dr. Brown is a professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology and is board-certified by the American Board of Pathology.
He is the only Arkansas member of the prestigious Verhoff Society, one of the oldest subspecialty groups in Ophthalmology.  The Verhoff Society maintains a small membership (about 60 members).  Its influence is felt not only in American but also throughout the world. Dr. Brown attended Duke University and the University of Maryland, and later received his degree in optometry from Indiana University.  He then entered medical school at Vanderbilt University and received his M.D. in 1984.  He completed a pathology residency at the University of Virginia Medical Center and an ophthalmic pathology fellowship at the Center for Health Sciences at the University of California at Los Angeles.  He is an active researcher and his clinical/research interest is the clinicopathologic correlation of ocular disease.

Michael F. Brown, M.D.

Michael F. Brown, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, has been a member of the faculty since 1985.  He is also chief of ophthalmology at the John L. McClellan Veterans Hospital and medical director for the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory.  He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Brown received his medical degree and his residency training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He performed his Cornea/External Disease fellowship at Emory University.

A passionate and compelling teacher, Dr. Brown has had a major influence on all of the residents who have trained under his guidance.  Serving as a mentor and role model for compassionate care, excellence in clinical and surgical techniques, as well as personal and professional integrity, he consistently challenges residents to seek knowledge and to practice ophthalmology at the highest level.

Dr. Brown sees patients at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

 

Thomas Cannon, M.D.

Thomas Cannon, M.D., obtained his undergraduate degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the American University of the Caribbean in the British West Indies.  He completed his transitional year at the University of Oklahoma.
Dr. Cannon completed a Residency program in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of Oklahoma, and subsequently received a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Oklahoma for the work he did in the Medical Examiner's office after the Oklahoma City bombing in April of 1995.  In June, 1998, Dr. Cannon completed service as an Ophthalmic Pathology Fellow at the University of Iowa.  He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Joseph G. Chacko, M.D.

Joseph G. Chacko, M.D., is the director of neuro-ophthalmology at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He is also a member of the Section of Comprehensive Ophthalmology.

Dr. Chacko is an assistant professor for the Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Dr. Chacko received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1991.  He completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 1995, and served a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami in 2004.

To promote better vision worldwide, Dr. Chacko has participated in annual two-week surgical mission trips since 1997 to Ghana, West Africa, sponsored by Christian Eye Ministry and International Aid.  His research interests include diseases of the optic nerve and visual pathway.

Dr. Chacko has been board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 1996 and has been a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners since 1992.  He is a member of both the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies.

Romona Davis, M.D.

Romona Davis, M.D., is an ophthalmologist with the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  She is also a comprehensive ophthalmologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.  Her special interests include cataracts and glaucoma.

Dr. Davis completed her ophthalmology residency and transitional internship at UAMS, where she also completed her medical school education.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society.

Although Dr. Davis has been a resident of Arkansas for more than 10 years, she is a native of southwestern Louisiana, where most of her family remains.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and water exercises.

Dr. Davis is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Inci Irak Dersu, M.D.

Inci Irak Dersu, M.D., is a glaucoma specialist at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  She is also an assistant professor for the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Dr. Dersu received her medical degree from Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey.  She served two residencies in ophthalmology—one at Ankara University and one at the Robert Wood Johnson University of Medicine and Dentistry in Camden, New Jersey.  She also completed a research fellowship at the University of California at San Diego, and a clinical fellowship at the J. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah.

Dr. Dersu's clinical interests are glaucoma and cataracts.  Her research interests include new imaging technology and new surgical techniques for glaucoma and cataracts.  She presents her research findings at national meetings and has authored several papers.  Her idea about patient compliance won her a Patient Care Improvement Project Award from the American Glaucoma Society.

Dr. Dersu is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.  She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.  She sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.  Her hobbies include traveling, hiking and photography.

Richard A. Harper, M.D.

Richard A. Harper, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He is also a professor for the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.  He serves as the Residency Program Director for the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the low vision service.  Dr. Harper is the inaugural recipient of the Sally Boreham Endowed Chair.

A native of Oklahoma, Dr. Harper received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and completed his Ophthalmology residency at UAMS.

Dr. Harper is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.  He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Harper's clinical interests include low vision rehabilitation and comprehensive ophthalmology, including routine eye exams and eye surgery.

Dr. Harper sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Bhairavi V. Kharod, M.D.

Bhairavi V. Kharod, M.D., is an ophthalmologist with the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Kharod is also an assistant professor and director of cornea service in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.  She sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.  Her special interests include corneal and external disease, corneal transplants, refractive surgery, and cataract surgery.

A summa cum laude graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Kharod completed a preliminary year in Internal Medicine from Emory University.  She completed her ophthalmology residency at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and served a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Service at Duke University Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina.  Dr. Kharod is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of both the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies.

Nicola M. Kim, M.D.

Nicola M. Kim, M.D., is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.  She specializes in cataract treatment and eyelid surgery.

A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Kim completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Her research experience includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University and she has participated in projects at Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, New York, and at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.

A mother of three, Dr. Kim is also fluent in German.

Dr. Kim is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and she sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute.

R. Scott Lowery, M.D.

R. Scott Lowery, M.D., is an assistant professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in the College of Medicine.  His primary office is located at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

After receiving a B.A. at Baylor University, Dr. Lowery obtained his M.D. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, followed by a fellowship at Emory University in Pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus.
               
Dr. Lowery was certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2006 and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

Dr. Lowery was appointed by former Governor Mike Huckabee as a Governor’s Representative of the Arkansas Commission on Eye and Vision Care of School Age Children in April 2006. 

He sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Gissur J. Petursson, M.D.

Gissur Petursson, M.D., a native of Iceland, is a retired professor of Ophthalmology and co-directed the Glaucoma Service at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute.  He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and has served on the UAMS faculty since 1974.  He retired June 30, 2000, but continues to participate in departmental activities as well as staffing a resident clinic once a week.

Dr. Petursson received his medical degree from the University of Iceland Medical School where he completed a rotating internship.  He then moved to Little Rock where he also completed an internship at St. Vincent Infirmary.  At UAMS, Dr. Petursson completed residencies in neurology and ophthalmology, and went on to complete an ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri.  Dr. Petursson specializes in the treatment of patients who have glaucoma.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Petursson was honored when a named lectureship was established in his honor by a grateful patient.  He is a fellow in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society.  In addition, he is active in the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Sigma Xi, a respected research society.

Paul H. Phillips, M.D.

Dr. Phillips joined the faculty in September 1997, and is a professor of ophthalmology.  In addition, he holds the position of chief of ophthalmology at Arkansas Children's Hospital.  He sees patients at the Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  He has also completed a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the Emory University Eye Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  His subspecialties include pediatric ophthalmology & strabismus and neuro-ophthalmology.

A native of New York, Dr. Phillips was graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York (S.U.N.Y.) at Buffalo Medical School.   After interning in Hartford, Connecticut, he completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida Eye Center in Gainesville.

Dr. Phillips has been certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 1995.  He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and numerous other organizations.

Dr. Phillips sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the Arkansas Children's Hospital.

John P. Shock, M.D., Chair

John P. Shock, M.D., is a distinguished professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology and retina diseases.
 
Dr. Shock received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and attended Duke University School of Medicine.  He completed an ophthalmology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and a fellowship in retinal disease and surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

A talented physician and surgeon, Dr. Shock holds three patents for surgical instruments he designed.

Dr. Shock has served as chief of staff of UAMS Medical Center.  He chaired the national Residency Review Committee for Ophthalmology from 1993 to 1996.  He served as president for the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) in 2002-2003, a past board member from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a board member.  He is the first holder of the John P. Shock, M.D., Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, an honor with which he was vested in 1995.

Dr. Shock sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute.

Deepa Thayi, MD is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and staff physician at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital and an instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology.  She joined the Department of Ophthalmology in 2007 after completing her residency at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  During her residency, she received the Raymond and Mary Morris Award for Outstanding Research and Presentation as well as the Academic Achievement Award.

Dr. Thayi came to UAMS, having completed a residency in ophthalmology at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.  She obtained her medical degree and graduated with honors from Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, India. 

Dr. Thayi is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmologists and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Her clinical interests include comprehensive eye care, cataract surgery, glaucoma and eyelid surgery.

Dr. Thayi sees patients at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital and the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute.

A. Henry Thomas, M. D.

A. Henry Thomas, M.D., received his undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas and his doctor of medicine degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  Dr. Thomas completed a surgical internship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.  He served two years in the U.S. Army and was with the Air Cavalry in Vietnam.  He completed an ophthalmology residency at UAMS and a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, California.

Dr. Thomas is a clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.  He is also a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  

Dr. Thomas sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Arkansas Children's Hospital, and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. 

Sami H. Uwaydat, M.D., is an ophthalmologist with the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  Dr. Uwaydat is also an instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine.  He sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute. 

Dr. Uwaydat received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.  He completed his ophthalmology residency at UAMS and is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Raymond and Mary Morris Residency Research Award, having received both first and second place in the competition.  In addition, he completed a residency in the Department of Ophthalmology and an internship in the Department of Surgery, both at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.

Fellowships include a Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship in the Department of Ophthalmology in Galveston, Texas; and a Medical Retina Fellowship at the New York University in New York.  Professional memberships include the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. 

Dr. Uwaydat’s clinical interests include repair of retinal detachments, treatment of age related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and diagnosis and treatment of retinal infections and inflammations.  

Christopher T. Westfall, M.D.

Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., F.A.C.S., is professor and vice chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the inaugural recipient of the Pat Walker Endowed Chair.  He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, specializing in plastic surgery of the eyelids, orbit, tear drainage system and the supporting structures of the eye.  He sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. 

Dr. Westfall received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his doctor of medicine from the Ohio State University College of Medicine.  He completed a residency in general surgery at Keesler Medical Center, was certified by the American Board of Surgery and awarded fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (FACS).  Dr. Westfall went on to complete a residency in ophthalmology at Wilford Hall Medical Center.  He specialized further, accomplishing a two-year fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, in Boston.

Dr. Westfall served as chairman and residency program director for the Air Force Department of Ophthalmology at Wilford Hall Medical Center, retiring at the rank of Colonel, as Chief Consultant in Ophthalmology to the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General.

Michael N. Wiggins, M.D.

Michael N. Wiggins, M.D., is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract and refractive surgery at the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.  He is an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in the UAMS College of Medicine and in the College of Health Related Professions.  He serves as the medical director of the Ophthalmic Medical Technology (OMT) program and as the associate residency program director at the Jones Eye Institute.

A native of Booneville, Ark., he received his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and his medical degree at UAMS.  Dr. Wiggins completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

Dr. Wiggins is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the Arkansas Ophthalmology Society and the Arkansas Medical Society.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Wiggins also teaches ophthalmology residents, medical students and ophthalmic medical technology students.  His primary area of research is medical education.  For his work in this field, he received the 2007 UAMS Educational Research award, as well as the UAMS Chancellor’s Faculty Teaching award.

Dr. Wiggins sees patients at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. 

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