Zach R. Balest, M.D.

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Ophthalmologist in Gainesville, Clayton, Murphy, & Toccoa, GA

Zach R. Balest, M.D. graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Georgia and earned his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia/University of Georgia Medical Partnership in Athens, Ga. Dr. Balest then completed his transitional internship at Baptist Health Systems and his ophthalmology residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Balest is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. His professional interests include cataract surgery with premium lens options, medical and surgical management of glaucoma, diabetic eye care and eyelid rejuvenation.

In his spare time, Dr. Balest enjoys playing golf, traveling the world, watching UGA football and spending time with his loving wife.

Castle Connolly Rising Star, Dr. Zach Balest.

Our Doctors

Jack M. Chapman

Jack M. Chapman
M.D.

Dr. Chapman’s primary areas of focus are cataract refractive surgery, laser cataract surgery and treatment for eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, astigmatism, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Matthew B. Kaufman

Matthew B. Kaufman
M.D.

Matthew B. Kaufman, M.D., a leading ophthalmologist in Northern Georgia, is the director of refractive surgery at North Georgia Eye Clinic.

Clayton G. Blehm

Clayton G. Blehm
M.D.

Dr. Blehm was among the first in Georgia to perform laser cataract surgery and has taught this technique to surgeons across the country.

Lori C. Lebow

Lori C. Lebow
M.D.

A board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Lebow has done research for both the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland and Harvard Medical School’s Joslin Diabetes Institute.

Matthew W. Hollar

Matthew W. Hollar
M.D.

Dr. Hollar is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He holds a hospital appointment at North Georgia Medical Center and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association.

Bhairavi Dholakia

Bhairavi Dholakia
M.D.

Dr. Dholakia is a board certified ophthalmologist with extensive clinical and surgical experience in the field of corneal disorders, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery.

Brent Hayek

Brent Hayek
M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Hayek’s research interests involve improvements and innovative drug therapy for thyroid eye disease, as well as more predictable facial fat transfer techniques for peri-orbital rejuvenation.

Mark M. Novotny

Mark M. Novotny
O.D.

Dr. Novotny has a wide range of experience in the field of optometry and specialized in contact lens fittings and general eye exams. Prior to his current position with North Georgia Eye Clinic, Dr. Novotny spent two years working for Envision Eyecare in Clearwater, Florida.

Elizabeth F. Ellison

Elizabeth F. Ellison
O.D.

Dr. Ellison’s professional interests include dry eye disease and fitting specialty lenses.

Stephen S. Ellison

Stephen S. Ellison
O.D.

Dr. Ellison’s professional interests include dry eye disease and fitting specialty contact lenses.

Jason Gabrels

Jason Gabrels
O.D.

Dr. Jason Gabrels grew up in Norcross, Georgia. Graduating from Norcross High School. He went on to the University of Richmond where he graduated with honors. He earned his doctorate of optometry at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.

Julie Pan

Dr. Xiaowen (Julie) Pan is a highly skilled optometrist with a passion for delivering exceptional eye care. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Emory University and graduated with honors from Southern College of Optometry in 2022.

Philip Shaffer

Philip Shaffer
O.D.

Dr. Philip Shaffer is a fellowship-trained optometrist who specializes in medical and comprehensive eye care including the diagnosis and management of diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, anterior segment disorders and the fitting of contact lenses.

Jeffrey Crowder

Jeffrey Crowder
M.D.

Dr. Jeffrey Crowder is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in premium cataract surgery.

Sheetal M. Shah

Sheetal M. Shah
M.D.

Dr. Sheetal M. Shah, a board certified Ophthalmologist, attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York graduating with honors in biological sciences and applied economics and management and then received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical College in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Somi Kwon is an experienced optometrist with a commitment to delivering top-quality eye care across all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric patients.

John Thomas

John Thomas
M.D.

With nearly 20 years’ experience, Dr. Thomas is a leader in the field of vitreoretinal disease and surgery. Dr. Thomas has extensive skill in managing severe diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal disorders.

Christina Weeks

Christina Weeks
M.D.

Dr. Weeks specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus (improper ocular alignment) at the North Georgia Eye Clinic and has broad experience treating children.

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