L. Jeffrey Payne, M.D.

Dr. Payne is currently one of the most experienced ophthalmologists in Northern Georgia and is the medical director of the North Georgia Eye Clinic and Laser Center.

Dr. Payne graduated magna cum laude from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biology. Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Payne enrolled in the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia where he received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. While attending medical school, Dr. Payne was the Desiree Franklin Scholar, received the Shepherd Award for Outstanding Research, and received a pathology research fellowship. After he received his medical degree, Dr. Payne completed his internship at the Medical College of Georgia Hospitals and Clinics and a residency in ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia. During his residency, Dr. Payne was named chief resident.

Dr. Payne is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has appointments with the following hospitals: Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Credentials and Library Committee; Lanier Park Regional Hospital; Ridgecrest Medical Hospital Advanced Surgery Center; and the North Georgia Eye Surgery Center.

Contact Dr. Payne – Gainesville, Ellijay, Clayton

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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. Fellowship trained to sub-specialize in LASIK and refractive surgery, corneal disorders and treatments, and cataract surgery, Dr. Kaufman received his education and training from some of the most advanced medical facilities in the nation.

Dr. Kaufman graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Kaufman enrolled in the Vanderbilt University Medical School and received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Dr. Kaufman completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia and a residency in ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. During his residency, Dr. Kaufman was Baylor’s first resident physician ever to perform LASIK surgery.

Dr. Kaufman elected to further his training by accepting a fellowship in cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery at the University of California. While in California, Dr. Kaufman had the privilege to train directly with Dr. Peter McDonnell, the current chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, widely regarded as the premier ophthalmology program in the world.

Dr. Kaufman has served as a clinical instructor at the University of California and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach, California. He was also a faculty instructor for the University of California Residency Microsurgery Course. Dr. Kaufman has published articles in several medical journals, with topics including LASIK and cataract surgery. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his professional and academic careers. These honors include a fellowship with Diabetes Research and Training Center at Vanderbilt University, the Phi Beta Kappa award, membership in the College Scholars Program, and membership in the Mortar Board Honor Society.

Dr. Kaufman is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is board certified in ophthalmology, and has several hospital appointments including Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Lanier Park Regional Hospital, North Georgia Medical Center, Union General Medical Center, and the North Georgia Eye Surgery Center.

Contact Dr. Kaufman – Gainesville, Cumming

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John W. Thomas, M.D.

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

A native of Ohio, Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry from The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and later completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. After residency, Dr. Thomas completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal disease and surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Thomas has been a clinical instructor in ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He currently has hospital appointments at Saint Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Decatur Hospital in Decatur, Georgia, Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia, and Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia.

Dr. Thomas is currently a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Thomas is board certified in ophthalmology and has served as president of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology.

Contact Dr. Thomas – Gainesville

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Christina L. Weeks, M.D.

Dr. Weeks specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus (improper ocular alignment) at the North Georgia Eye Clinic. Dr. Weeks has broad experience treating children and offers eye care and vision correction to our young patients.

Dr. Weeks graduated as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry, with a specialization in biological chemistry. Later, she graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Weeks continued her training with an internship in Internal Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She then completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital.

Dr. Weeks has been the recipient of many professional and academic awards including the Veterans Medical Center Award for Excellence in Patient Care, election into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow Memorial Award, South Carolina Medical Association Auxiliary Scholarship, and the Southern Medical Association Scholarship. Dr. Weeks is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. She is board certified in ophthalmology.

Contact Dr. Weeks – Gainesville

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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.

Dr. Novotny holds degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, and Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. His training has included a contact lens rotation under Dr. Chrycy at Miami Eye Care and an ocular pathology rotation at the Ft. Lauderdale Eye Institute.

Contact Dr. Novotny – Gainesville, Ellijay, Clayton

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Practice News and BOTOX® Cosmetic

Our practice often runs specials on LASIK and BOTOX® Cosmetic, so please call to discuss current savings. We occasionally run seminars, so please call to get updates on times.