ABOUT US
At Kentucky Eye Institute, we are committed to providing our patients and our referred in patients with the highest quality service, most compassionate care, and seamless transitions between healthcare settings.
Kentucky Eye Institute is comprised of ophthalmologists, primary care optometrists, and a dedicated supporting staff of roughly 60 employees. As one of the region’s premier eye care providers, we take great pride in caring for our patients. Please take a moment to get to know our doctors below.
Our Doctors
Our doctors are here to serve you
with the best care in the commonwealth!
David L. Blandford, M.D.
David Blandford, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist, with specialization in cataract/implant and refractive surgery. A Kentucky native, he has an accomplished career in both medical and surgical eye care. Dr. Blandford earned his undergraduate degree with distinction from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and his medical degree with distinction from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
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At the University of Kentucky, he completed his ophthalmology residency and a research fellowship with Dr. Thomas Smith, where he developed sustained drug release devices for delivering medication to the eye—marking the beginning of his career in clinical ophthalmology research.
Dr. Blandford has contributed to over twenty-five medical papers and abstracts and co-produced a patented medication delivery system for eye medications, which has been used in the treatment of certain eye infections.
A diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Blandford is an active member of several esteemed pharmaceutical, medical, and ophthalmic associations.
When he’s not with patients, Dr. Blandford enjoys biking, gardening and chasing his grandkids.
Specialties: Cataract, LASIK
Locations: Maysville, Cynthiana, and Lexington
William J. Curtis, M.D.
William (Bill) Curtis, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist, with specialization in cataract/implant surgery. Born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, he has performed over 25,000 procedures throughout his career. Dr. Curtis earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland before receiving the United States Army Health Professions Scholarship to attend Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.
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After completing his medical training, Dr. Curtis was placed on active duty and stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he completed his transitional internship.
Dr. Curtis was then stationed in Germany, where he served as the surgeon for the First Brigade of the Third Armored Division, the largest tank brigade in Europe. He proudly served as a combat surgeon in Kuwait and Iraq during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Following his military service, Dr. Curtis returned to the United States to complete his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Center for Sight at Georgetown University. He was selected for a fellowship in advanced cataract surgery at the Kentucky Eye Institute.
Dr. Curtis has practiced at the Kentucky Eye Institute since 1995, specializing in cataract and implant surgery. He has been consistently named one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists by the Consumer Research Council of America. Dr. Curtis is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a board-certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology.
In his free time, Dr. Curtis enjoys traveling with his family, performing live music, and competing in open-water swimming competitions.
Specialties: Cataract
Locations: Corbin, Lexington, and Middlesboro
Johannes C. Evans, M.D.
Johannes C. Evans, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, refractive and oculoplastic surgeries. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., before attending medical school at University of Graz in Austria, following in his father’s footsteps. Dr. Evans returned to Washington, D.C. to complete his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Center for Sight at Georgetown University Medical Center, where his father served as chairman of the Ophthalmology Department.
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During his senior year, he was selected Chief Resident at the VA Hospital and D.C. General Hospital. Following his residency, Dr. Evans pursued a fellowship in anterior segment surgery at the Kentucky Eye Institute, where he specialized in small incision “Rapid Recovery Micro Cataract Surgery” to better meet the needs of his patients.
Following his fellowship, he was invited to join the staff at The Kentucky Eye Institute, where he has been a partner ever since. Dr. Evans remains dedicated to the institute’s mission of providing state-of-the-art eyecare, extending services not only in Lexington but also to surrounding communities, including Paintsville, Morehead, and Mt. Sterling.
Dr. Evans is proud to have been named the first eye surgeon to join the non-profit organization “Surgery on Sunday,” which offers free eye surgeries to the uninsured and underprivileged.
Outside of work, Dr. Evans enjoys heli-skiing, traveling and spending time with family.
Specialties: Cataract, Refractive Errors, Oculoplastics
Locations: Lexington, Paintsville, Morehead, Mt. Sterling
Bryant C. Evans, O.D.
Bryant Evans, O.D. is a highly dedicated optometrist who has been part of the Kentucky Eye Institute team for over a decade. His clinical focuses include comprehensive eye care, dry eye, myopia control, fitting specialty contact lenses, and using advances in technology to monitor early retina changes.
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Dr. Evans earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. His clinical training included rotations at medical centers, clinics, and private practices across Kentucky and Alabama.
Prior to joining the Kentucky Eye Institute team as a full-time optometrist, he served as both an ophthalmic technician and a member of the administrative staff. He is actively involved with the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA) and the American Optometric Association (AOA).
When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Evans enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking at Red River Gorge, snowboarding, and scuba diving.
Locations: Mt. Sterling, Morehead, Lexington, Versailles
Specialties: Specialty Contact Fits and Ocular Surface Disease
Paul Karpecki, O.D.
Paul Karpecki, O.D. is a nationally recognized optometrist with over three decades of experience specializing in cornea and external disease, particularly dry eye disease. He currently serves as Director of Cornea and external Disease at Kentucky Eye Institute. He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry where he teaches on corneal disease, infectious disease and anterior uveitis.
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Dr. Karpecki began his academic journey at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with studies in science and business. He went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry degree with honors and Beta Sigma Kappa distinction at Indiana University. During his training, he completed several externships, including at the Pensacola Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Florida and Commonwealth Eye Services in Lexington, KY, followed by a residency at the Lexington Veterans Administration Medical Center.
He then pursued a postgraduate fellowship in medical cornea and refractive surgery at the Hunkeler Eye Clinic in Kansas City, affiliated with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and the University of Kansas Department of Ophthalmology. There, he gained advanced experience in diagnosing and managing corneal disease, postoperative refractive care, and ocular surface disease protocols. Most recently, Dr. Karpecki completed a two-year preceptorship in advanced retinal disease management at Retina Associates of Kentucky, focusing on diagnostics and complex retinal pathology.
Dr. Karpecki is widely regarded as a pioneer in dry eye research and clinical care. He has served on the National Eye Institute’s Dry Eye Committee, co-chaired the Optometric Dry Eye Summit, contributed to the TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology subcommittee, TFOS DEWS III Treatment subcommittee and is a member of the Delphi International Society Wilmer-Johns Hopkins. He has also helped develop national guidelines and education protocols for dry eye disease management. Dr. Karpecki has served as co-chair of the last two TFOS Symposia and the upcoming symposia.
A prolific speaker and author, he has delivered more than 1,000 lectures across four continents and published extensively in journals, books, and clinical publications. He is the Chief Medical Editor of Review of Optometry and Director of Clinical Content. He also chairs the New Technology and Treatment Conferences and serves on the board as well as the position of Treasurer for the charity Optometry Giving Sight.
Outside of his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Karpecki values his faith, his wife Chandria, and their three children.
Locations: Lexington
Specialties: Dry Eye, Cornea, Blepharitis, Uveitis, Infectious keratitis
Emily Meister, O.D.
Emily Meister, O.D., is a highly skilled optometrist and Eastern Kentucky native, specializing in primary care optometry, contact lens fitting—including scleral lenses—and the management of ocular conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry after completing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Morehead State University. Dr. Meister also completed the Kentucky Optometric Association’s Leadership Program, with a focus on advocating for optometrists across the state.
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Before joining Kentucky Eye Institute, Dr. Meister gained experience in private practices in Mount Sterling and Stanton, KY, where she managed a range of eye diseases and provided routine eye exams. Her clinical training includes externships at the Tanana Chiefs Conference Eye Clinic in Fairbanks, AK, and Helderman & Jacobs Vision Center in Mount Sterling, KY, where she gained hands-on experience in routine exams, foreign body removal, and minor surgical procedures.
Dr. Meister is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA), where she currently serves as the Southeast Board Trustee.
Outside the office, Dr. Meister enjoys hiking with her husband, two goldendoodles—Bentley and Tucker—and spending time with their young son, Benjamin. She remains actively involved in her local church and community.
Specialties: Optical Services
Locations: Middlesboro, Corbin
Brent M. Kramer, O.D.
Brent M. Kramer, O.D. is an optometrist with a strong foundation in primary eye care and clinical practice.
Originally from Greenfield, Indiana, Dr. Kramer completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO).
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Dr. Kramer’s optometric training included rotations at a variety of medical centers, clinics, and private practices throughout Eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Indiana. His clinical interests include pre and post-operative surgical care, dry eye disease, and using the latest technology to monitor retinal disease, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Kramer has been recognized with several honors and awards, including serving as a Student Fellow at the American Academy of Optometry and receiving the Earlham College Presidential Honors Scholarship. He is currently a member of the Kentucky Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Kramer actively volunteers with the Special Olympics and has previously volunteered at local nursing homes and with the Pikeville Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, skiing, fishing, and outdoor activities with his Labrador Retriever, Boone.
Specialties: Optical Services, Dry Eye Disease, Retina Services
Locations: Versailles, London
Peter J. Blackburn, M.D.
Peter J. Blackburn, M.D. is an accomplished board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in vitreoretinal diseases. He is currently an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky, where he has been a faculty member since 2004. He also holds a joint appointment as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. With a strong background in clinical care, research, and education, Dr. Blackburn has dedicated his career to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions such as ocular tumors, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis.
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He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Union College in Lincoln, NE, where he was recognized as the Division of Business Graduate of the Year. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center, followed by a transitional internship at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, OH. Dr. Blackburn then completed his ophthalmology residency at the Rocky Mountain Lion’s Eye Institute at the University of Colorado. He advanced his training with a retina and vitreous diseases fellowship at the University of Kentucky.
Over the years, he has been involved in numerous clinical trials and research studies, and his work has been featured in leading journals such as Archives of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He regularly presents at national conferences, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. The Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons recognized him as Ophthalmologist of the Year.
Dr. Blackburn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Colorado Ophthalmologic Society, and the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Blackburn enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.
Specialties: Retina
Locations: Morehead, Corbin
Sara Eldridge, O.D. is a compassionate optometrist focused on providing patient-centered care to rural communities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in English from Campbellsville University before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville. Her clinical interests include contact lens fitting, dry eye management, and pre- and post-operative care.
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Dr. Eldridge has trained in a variety of clinical settings, developing a well-rounded background in comprehensive eye care. Her hands-on experience includes managing diabetic and glaucoma patients at Martin County Community Health and Vision Center and providing cataract care and spectacle fittings for geriatric populations at Appalachian Regional Health Care. She also worked as an ophthalmic technician at Central Kentucky Optometric Associates, where she trained in diagnostic testing and contact lens procedures. During her externships, she gained additional experience at Commonwealth Eye Surgery, where she focused on cataract evaluations, refractive surgery consultations, and glaucoma management, and at McPeak Vision Partners, where she treated a diverse caseload of diabetic eye health, glaucoma, and geriatric patients. She also completed an internship at 20/20 Eye Care, managing cases including diabetic eye exams, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Dr. Eldridge is an InfantSEE® provider, offering no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants aged 6–12 months, regardless of a family’s income or insurance status. She is an active member of the Kentucky Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists. She is certified in Orthokeratology and Corneal Refractive Therapy and holds Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
When not with patients, Dr. Eldridge enjoys spending time with her husband, Blake, and their two dachshunds, Franklin and Finley, as well as baking, listening to podcasts, and reading.
Locations: London, Corbin
Specialties: Optical Services, Ocular Surface Disease
Michelle Abou-Jaoude, M.D.
Michelle Abou-Jaoude, M.D. is a dedicated and accomplished ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care and surgery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Florida. Dr. Abou-Jaoude then went on to earn her medical degree from the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University, graduating with honors.
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After medical school, Dr. Abou-Jaoude completed a general surgery internship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, followed by an ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Abou-Jaoude has contributed significantly to ophthalmology research, with several peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences. Her research interests include ophthalmic drug delivery, retinal conditions, and neuro-ophthalmology. She has presented her work at prestigious meetings such as the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Abou-Jaoude is committed to community service and global health. She has volunteered with the Jamaica Medical Mission, providing medical care to underserved populations in Kingston and St. Mary, Jamaica. She also co-founded the Mammography ART Initiative, a program that uses art shows to fund free mammograms for women in need.
Dr. Abou-Jaoude is fluent in French and Lebanese Arabic, and she holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Abou-Jaoude enjoys hiking, cooking, adventuring, choir, strategy table-top board games, and trivia.
Locations: Corbin
Specialties: Retina
Miranda Koehler, O.D.
Miranda Koehler, O.D. is an optometrist specializing in cornea and ocular surface disease. She completed her residency at the Kentucky Eye Institute (KEI) in Lexington, KY, where she worked closely with Dr. Paul Karpecki, contributing to both patient care and research in ocular surface disease.
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Dr. Koehler earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Business from the University of Kentucky, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville. Her extensive clinical experience includes externships at Bennett and Bloom Eye Centers, the Kentucky College of Optometry, and the Kentucky Eye Institute, where she has gained valuable experience working with specialists in retina, cornea, and oculoplastics.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Koehler has co-authored articles in the Review of Optometry, including a piece on matching patients with dry eye treatments. She is an active member of the Kentucky Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association.
When she’s not working with patients, she enjoys traveling, skiing, going to the lake, and playing with her Doberman.
Locations: Lexington
Specialties: Optical Services, Ocular Surface Disease, Primary Care, Diabetic Exams, Ocular Disease, Clinical Research
COME VISIT US
Our doctors and staff are excited to serve you!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. If you are seeking vision care services in Lexington, Kentucky and the surrounding areas, you have come to the right place. Kentucky Eye Institute has locations throughout Kentucky to make access to eye care more convenient. Our doctors are dedicated to creating the best possible outcomes. We are here for you!
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