Speaker Bios

Dr. Alice Sterling, O.D. is a board-certified optometrist practicing at the Florida Eye Clinic in Orlando, Florida. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 1979. Recognizing her passion was in the medical field Dr. Sterling returned to school and earned her degree in Optometry from the University of Alabama in 1984.

Dr. David A. Kostick, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1989.  He then went on to complete his internship and ophthalmology residency at the Cleveland Clinic in 1993, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at West Virginia University.

Immediately following his training, he joined the ophthalmology department at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida where he served as Assistant Professor and Consultant of Ophthalmology for 16 years. In 2012, he partnered with Dr. Rajesh Shetty at Florida Eye Specialists. Dr. Kostick performs surgery of the eyelids, eye socket and lacrimal system including cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Since 2005, Dr. Kostick has been consistently selected to the Best Doctors in America©️.

Dr. Jason F. Miles, M.D. is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and graduate of Florida State University College of Medicine. He was inducted as a medical student into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for his medical school academic achievement, teaching, leadership, demonstration of humanism, and service to others. He completed his internship in internal medicine, residency in ophthalmology, and fellowship in cornea and external disease at The University of Florida / UF Health in Gainesville. During his fellowship at the University of Florida, he was inducted into the UF Chapman chapter of The Gold Humanism Honor Society for being an exemplar of compassionate patient care while serving as a role model and mentor for practicing patient-centered care. Dr. Miles has a clinical interest in the medical and surgical management of corneal infections, cataracts, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy, pterygium surgery, and corneal transplantation. It is his goal to form connections with his patients on a personal level and to serve the community by providing excellence in eye care. In addition to patient care, Dr. Miles is passionate about continued education, clinical trials, and studies to continue improving his skill to best treat his patients.

Joanne Francis, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea and external diseases, specializing in cataract surgery, intraocular lens placement, and corneal transplantation. Dr. Francis graduated Summa Cum Laude from the accelerated 6-year combined BS/MD program at the University of Akron, majoring in Natural Sciences. She then received her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. Her journey continued with an internship at Hurley Medical Center, followed by a residency at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Dr. Francis’s passion for cornea led her to complete a fellowship at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where she practiced advanced skills and techniques to address various eye diseases. 

As a cataract specialist, Dr. Francis has contributed significantly to the field by presenting at educational symposia for local optometrists and ophthalmologists and teaching a course for technicians. Her expertise lies in cataract surgery with intraocular lens placement and DMEK corneal transplants, focusing on Fuchs dystrophy. In 2023, she earned recognition on the esteemed Top Doctors List in Fort Worth. Dr. Francis remains at the forefront of ophthalmology and cornea advancements through active participation in Board Certification and maintenance, continuous journal updates, attendance at national conferences, and engagement with leading organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Her commitment ensures she delivers the most innovative and effective treatments.

Dr. Kathryn Freidl, M.D.  is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma and cataract surgery. She trained at the prestigious Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia, the largest glaucoma diagnosis and treatment center in the country.

Dr. Freidl is very experienced with glaucoma and cataract treatment, and was one of the first doctors in the region to perform laser cataract surgery. Dr. Freidl is also involved in several research studies in glaucoma and is a frequent contributor to the literature on surgical treatment of glaucoma and cataract.

Compassionate, patient-centered care is very important to Dr. Freidl, and she is dedicated to not only providing superior care but also to patient education.

Dr. Kimberly Riordan, O.D. is originally from northwest Indiana having graduated magna cum laude from Ball State University where she obtained her B.S. in Biology in 2005. Following graduation, she attended the Illinois College of Optometry and earned her Doctorate of Optometry. She then went on to complete a residency in Primary care at the William Chappell Jr. VA in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she met her husband, Jason. She is a Florida Board Certified Optometric physician able to treat and manage ocular disease and provide post-operative care. Her professional interests lie in both primary care and ocular disease. She heads up the Florida Eye Specialists Dry Eye Center in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra. She is also passionate about contact lens fittings for patients who have corneal degenerations, such as keratoconus, who cannot function with glasses or regular soft contact lenses.

Dr. Kenzo J. Koike, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who welcomes the opportunity to take care of patients with a wide array of general eye conditions. In addition, he is specialized in the medical and surgical management of complex cataracts and glaucoma, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Dr. Koike graduated with a degree in biology from Davidson College, and then continued his education at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. During medical school, he was inducted into both the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical University of South Carolina, where he served as Chief Resident, and received the Program Director’s Award, given to the resident who most exemplifies the qualities of a great physician. He then completed a glaucoma fellowship at the Cullen Eye Institute of Baylor College of Medicine. Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Koike has come to know and love the southeast coastline after marrying his wife, a Florida native. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors and frequenting the beaches with their three children. He also particularly enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and hiking.

Mary-Kate Wilson, M.D., is an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and oculoplastic surgeries. Currently an oculoplastics fellow under the mentorship of renowned surgeon Dr. David Kostick.  Dr. Wilson is dedicated to working collaboratively with her patients to meet their goals. 

Dr. Wilson dual-enrolled at the University of Florida in chemistry classes before majoring with distinction in biomedical sciences. She was accepted into UF’s accelerated 7-year Medical Honors Program, where she completed both her B.S. and received her medical degree.  During medical school, she served as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society and later completed her ophthalmology residency at UF.

Dr. Nick Bruns practices in Milwaukee, WI, with a focus on refractive/cataract surgery and ocular disease. Dr. Bruns graduated with honors from Central Michigan University prior to completing his graduate training at the Michigan College of Optometry.

A Michigan native, Dr. Bruns joined John Vukich, MD in Milwaukee to help open Summit Eye Care in January 2020. With a focus on the latest innovations in surgical and medical eye care, Summit as a practice has established itself as a leader in cataract/refractive surgical technologies in the Midwest. Dr. Bruns currently acts as Senior Optometrist and Director of Practice Development. He is also an adjunct faculty at the Michigan College of Optometry and consults for many industry partners. He has written several articles, lectured at national meetings, and has been heavily involved in clinical trials.

In his spare time, Dr. Bruns enjoys spending time with his wife Elyse (also an OD), two children Emmett and Carmen, and yellow lab Oakley. His hobbies include being an avid sports fan (Go Lions!), spending time outdoors, downhill skiing, and golfing.

Mark Paauw, M.D., is an ophthalmologist specializing in Cataract and Glaucoma treatment.

Dr. Paauw’s academic journey began at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, followed by a transitional year internship at Spectrum Health Hospital. He completed his residency at the Kresge Eye Institute of Wayne State University and is undergoing a prestigious glaucoma fellowship at Florida Eye Specialists. Passionate about advancing glaucoma treatment, Dr. Paauw is interested in minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) and tube shunt procedures. His dedication to research is emphasized by his contributions to the paper “Glaucoma Surgery Shifts Among Medicare Beneficiaries After 2022 Reimbursement Changes,” published in the Journal of Glaucoma and presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He values the opportunity to serve others through ophthalmology, both locally and globally, integrating community service into his career.

Nathaniel B. Rieveschl, M.D. is an Ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and external diseases.  His expertise includes medical and surgical management of conditions affecting the cornea and anterior segment of the eye, Dr. Rieveschl graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology, he earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Health.  Following his residency, he pursued a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at the University of Florida.

Dr. Rieveschl has contributed to the field in several ways including authoring multiple academic publications and editorials, presenting at meetings, and teaching ophthalmology residents. During residency, he was awarded for excellence in ophthalmology research two successive years for his research addressing quality improvement in the realm of surgical training.   He earned the Academic Achievement Award for three consecutive years during his residency, recognizing his performance in the Ophthalmology Knowledge Assessment Program Test (OKAP) where he consistently scored in the 90th percentile.  These are a few examples that exhibit his enthusiasm to continue advancing the field as well as improving patient care. Additionally, he is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Omar Gayasaddin, D.O.  is a board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist. Most recently he was serving as an assistant professor in the Ophthalmology department at the University of Florida. Duties included running the glaucoma clinics and conducting glaucoma and comprehensive surgery. Being at an academic institution allowed him to oversee and teach ophthalmology residents in both the clinic and operating room.

Dr. Gayasaddin graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine and was consistently on the Dean’s List. He was accepted into the Ophthalmology program at Touro University/Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. After 4 years of residency and working with great Ophthalmologists of all specialties he graduated and went into private practice. After a year in private practice and noticing a growing population of glaucoma patients with increasing needs for specific treatment Dr. Omar Gayasaddin applied for a glaucoma fellowship and was accepted by the University of Florida. He learned specific treatments and techniques for better treating glaucoma patients. In addition, Dr. Gayasaddin was fortunate enough to work with several cornea specialists allowing him to gain surgical skills in corneal procedures as well.

Dr. Rajesh Shetty, M.D. is a board-certified, double fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and glaucoma surgeries. A pioneer in cataract and glaucoma surgery, he was the first surgeon in Florida to perform the minimally invasive Trabectome procedure, the first in the region to perform canaloplasty, and one of the first in the region to perform laser cataract surgery. He was previously Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Vincent’s Southside Hospital. Since founding Florida Eye Specialists in 2009, he has served as the CEO and Managing Partner of the practice and the surgery center.

Dr. Shetty is a frequent lecturer at national and international meetings and annually hosts the largest eye education meeting in North Florida, FinalEyes CE. He has also authored numerous research papers and book chapters over the last 20 years and continues to pursue clinical research in several trials. These include being a Principal Investigator in an Aerie Pharmaceutical FDA study of one of the first novel glaucoma drops in 20 years, a Principal Investigator for the Glaukos FDA trial for an implantable glaucoma medication device, as well as being involved in several studies for cataract implants.

Dr. Susan Frick, O.D. received her undergraduate degree in Finance at the University of Tampa in 1987. Recognizing her passion was in the medical field Dr. Frick returned to school and earned her degree in Optometry with Honors from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in 1997.

Dr. Frick returned to Optometry after staying home full time to raise her children and is currently working at Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons. As a primary care Optometric Physician, patient care is of the utmost priority.

Shareef Mahdavi has been a leader in the eyecare community for over 30 years. Early in his career, he had sales and marketing roles at Allergan Humphrey (now Zeiss) and led the US marketing launch of LASIK for VISX (now JnJ Vision). In 2001, he started SM2 Strategic and has been advising companies on new product launches while helping practices embrace self-pay elective procedures as a way to grow in an era of declining reimbursement.

A certified expert on the Experience Economy, Shareef’s first book, Beyond Bedside Manner, has become a must-read for doctors wanting to improve the patient experience. Shareef also manages a leading refractive surgery practice, Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. The knowledge he has gained has been translated into an online training program called PX Ninety, providing a playbook for practices that want to differentiate their practice by delighting their patients with an exceptional customer experience.

More information:  www.pxmovement.com