Speakers
Joseph J. Pizzimenti, O.D., F.A.A.O., FORS, FNAP
Dr. Joseph J. Pizzimenti is a full-time faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO). He received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Low Vision and Ocular Disease at the University of Houston. Dr. Pizzimenti is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the Optometric Retina Society (ORS), serving as ORS President from 2012-2014.
Dr. Pizzimenti’s areas of research interest include diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, vitreomacular adhesion, and low vision. His scientific articles have appeared in a host of peerreviewed journals. Dr. Pizzimenti was awarded a Fellowship by the World Council of Optometry in 2006, resulting in an appointment to teach and evaluate optometric education programs in Central Europe. He is involved in the both the didactic and clinical education at UIWRSO and the UIW Eye Institute.
Carlo J. Pelino OD, FAAO
Carlo J. Pelino, OD, is a 1994 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In 1995 Dr. Pelino completed a PCO ocular disease residency at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, where he concentrated in retina and neuro-ophthalmic disease. Dr. Pelino is currently a full time Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he serves as the director of the optometric retina service at The Eye Institute and chief of the Chestnut Hill satellite clinic. In 2005 he completed a one year retinal fellowship emphasizing medical and surgical treatments under the direction of vitreo-retinal surgeons at Crozier-Chester and Riddle Memorial Hospitals in suburban Philadelphia. Dr. Pelino is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry where he completed his two year term as the chair of the retina special interest group (SIG) in December 2020. He is one of the chief optometric advisors to Web MD as well as a strategic advisor to multiple industry companies. Dr. Pelino has worked with the University of Pennsylvania on two retinal research projects and recently completed a third project with the Vimetrics corporation. He regularly lectures about ocular disease domestic and international programs.
Anthony DeWilde, OD, FAAO
Anthony DeWilde, OD, FAAO is a graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, College of Optometry. In 2008, he completed a residency at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, where he trained in ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation.
Dr. DeWilde is passionate about education and has taught in a variety of settings including educating residents at the VA, students at University of Missouri – St. Louis, College of Optometry, and optometrists at state, national, and international meetings.
Michael A. Terrell, CPCU, RPLU, CIC
Michael A. Terrell, a highly accomplished professional in the insurance industry, embarked on his career journey in 1983 as a commercial underwriter with The Cincinnati Insurance Company. With over three decades of experience, Michael has made significant contributions and earned a reputable position within the company. Currently holding the title of Assistant Vice President and serving as the National Program Director for the Optometrist Program, he plays a pivotal role in driving program success and ensuring the highest level of service to clients.
Michael's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business, which he obtained from Wilmington College of Ohio in 1981. His commitment to professional growth and excellence is evident through his notable designations, including the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) earned in 1990, the Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) achieved in 1997, and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation earned in 2002. Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael actively contributes to the community as a board member of the Cincinnati Dental Society's Oral Health Foundation. He also maintains active membership in prominent industry associations, including the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and The Society of CPCU.
Rahul Komati, MD
Dr. Rahul Komati was born and raised in the California Bay Area. His career in medicine began when he enrolled in an accelerated medical program; he earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he was a member of the Hobart Amory Hare Honor Society.
Dr. Komati completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan where he served as Chief Resident in his final year and was awarded the David Barsky Research Award. He then completed a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of Chicago.
He aims to help patients understand their eye conditions to maximize their vision and health.
Dr. Komati has authored several peer-reviewed publications and has presented at national and international conferences. He is board-certified and participates in numerous professional organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Dr. Komati enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures and cuisines. Otherwise, he enjoys exploring Atlanta with his wife, Isabella, and their pet corgi.
Gagan Sawhney, MD
Dr. Gagan Sawhney is a board-certified, highly respected, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery as well as the medical and surgical management of glaucoma from early to advanced disease.
His clinical expertise includes evaluation of patients suspicious for glaucoma, laser surgery for glaucoma, management of coexisting cataracts and glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage device implantation. He is also trained in all disciplines of comprehensive ophthalmology.
Dr. Sawhney was one of the first glaucoma surgeons in Atlanta to incorporate minimally invasive glaucoma surgery into his glaucoma-surgical practice. He specializes in the iStent inject, Hydrus microstent, Kahook Dual Blade, and the Xen gel stent. He performs surgery at Eye Surgery Center of Georgia, our state of the art ambulatory surgery center, as well as Marietta Surgical Center and Emory Midtown Hospital. He also serves patients at our Northside, Midtown and Woodstock locations.
After completing his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Sawhney completed both his ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship at the prestigious Emory Eye Center.
Dr. Sawhney is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. He performs surgery at Eye Surgery Center of Georgia and Marietta Surgical Center.
Kiran Sajja, MD
Dr. Kiran Sajja is a Board-Certified ophthalmologist who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyelids, face, orbit, and lacrimal system. At Milan Eye Center, Dr. Sajja has dedicated his practice to reconstructive and aesthetic oculofacial plastic surgery.
Dr. Sajja completed his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan with a concentration in biopsychology and cognitive sciences. He earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Sajja completed a highly competitive transitional internship at Northwestern University, followed by an ophthalmology residency at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Following residency training, Dr. Sajja was chosen to pursue a highly selective two-year fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. During his fellowship, Dr. Sajja continued to publish on medical and surgical techniques related to functional and cosmetic eyelid/facial conditions, as well as, delivering presentations at national symposia. Dr. Sajja has been designated, by his peers, as one of the “Best Doctors in America” since 2013.
When not caring for his patients, Dr. Sajja enjoys spending time with his wife, Anila, and his family. He also enjoys playing/watching sports, traveling, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.
Krystin Keller, CPC
Krystin Keller is a Certified Professional Coder and owner of Keller Consulting Connection, LLC, based out of Georgia. She has been in the ever-changing health care environment for over 20 years working directly with doctors, practice managers, staff, and other healthcare professionals to educate and optimize the medical practice. As CEO of Keller Consulting Connection, LLC, she offers a hands-on approach to vital staff education on management, coding, billing, and compliance concerns. She offers auditing and reporting solutions as well as compliance and credentialing services. She has presented at national events including SECO and other national organizations. Krystin is very involved in the coding and billing profession and is a member of the AAPC, having held office for her local AAPC chapter. In addition to her senior roll as a consultant, she is also the coding and billing contact for the Georgia Optometric Association. Krystin currently lives in Georgia with her husband and son.
Brianna Hamby, CPOC, CPC-A
Brianna Hamby, CPOC is a Practice Management Consultant located in the Metro- Atlanta area who specializes in Optometric / Ophthalmic Care and Practice Management. She is certified through the American Optometric Association as a Paraoptometric Coder since 2020 and is currently pursuing further certification through the American Association of Professional Coders. Brianna Hamby is CEO of Qlick Medical Consulting, LLC operating since 2022, offering Revenue Cycle Management, Educational and Consultative services to providers in Georgia and across the country. Brianna is a Georgia native and currently lives in Atlanta with her fiancée.
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