Our Doctors
Paul H. Ernest, M.D. - Surgeon
After receiving his medical degree at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Ernest continued his education completing his internship at Detroit's Grace Hospital. He completed his ophthalmology residency program and a fellowship in Cornea and Anterior Segment Surgery at Wayne State University, Kresge Eye Institute.
In 1978, Dr. Ernest founded an ophthalmology practice in Jackson, which is now known as TLC Eyecare of Michigan. Dr. Ernest was the innovator of the No Stitch Cataract Surgery in February, 1990 and has performed over 30,000 cataract operations including surgery overseas in more than 30 countries. The instrumentation used today for cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation has been developed using Dr. Ernest's expertise. Dr. Ernest has been the primary investigator on several intraocular lens designs and has assisted through animal and laboratory studies in the development of many advancements in Phacoemuisification equipment.
Dr. Ernest also specializes in refractive surgery. He was involved in the original investigations of Epikeratophakia, Laser Thermal Keratoplasy (LTK), and Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL implant). Dr. Ernest currently uses the excimer laser to perform the LASIK procedure, the Sunrise Technology to perform the LTK procedure, and is performing the PRL implant procedure.
Dr. Ernest was voted one of the top 100 physicians in the nation in 1994-1995, 1998-1999, and 2000-2001. He was the first recipient of the distinguished alumni award from Kresge Eye Institute. Dr. Ernest is now a Clinical Associate Professor at Wayne State University, Kresge Eye Institute, where he teaches resident physicians.
Dr. Ernest is a member of the American Medical Association, American Board of Ophthalmology, American Intraocular Implant Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Michigan State Medical Society, Jackson County Medical Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American College of Eye Surgeons and the Michigan Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Ernest has lectured in over 30 cities, and has over 70 publications in ophthalmic textbooks and journals.
Kevin T. Lavery, M.D. - Surgeon
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I became a doctor because...
It is easy to have a true love and passion for the field of ophthalmology. I am a member of one
of the most fulfilling professions in the world. I have the opportunity to work with great patients,
the best trained staff anywhere, and use the latest in technology--all in the name of sight!
Through surgeries like Cataract and True CustomLASIK, we are currently able to perform
seemingly miraculous surgeries, not only restoring sight, but also improving vision. We are still
challenged by certain eye diseases, but there is tremendous hope. New developments allowing
us to treat macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and even eliminate the need for reading
glasses are on the horizon.
My vision is making a difference to those around me
Vision is clearly one of the most precious senses. It is such a joy
maintaining and restoring sight, especially in patients who have been
told elsewhere, Nothing can be done. Throughout my career, I have
been given the great honor and responsibility of treating many patients
with only one sighted eye, as well as performing surgery on dozens of
doctors and colleagues who have chosen me to correct, enhance or
restore their vision. My goal is to treat every patient as an individual
and help them to maximize their visual potential to meet those needs.
You have entrusted us with your sight and we are committed to
providing you with the ultimate in quality care. I am blessed with the skill
and expertise to treat the most challenging of cases. I also strive to
have the humility to understand that I do not have all of the answers,
and will seek consultation when necessary.
Innovation leads to better care
Our group of doctors consists of extremely dedicated individuals. We
are constantly asking, How can we do this better? - researching new
techniques and pioneering new procedures, in order to offer our
patients the best quality care and experience anywhere. We are involved
in many clinical trials, and major ophthalmology companies seek our
advice and input when developing the next generation of technology. We
are often asked to provide education to the ophthalmology community,
presenting our research and demonstrating our techniques in many
forums. We are not, however, just teachers and researchers, but
students too, as we constantly seek to learn and grow.
- Certification:
American Board of Ophthalmology - Fellowship:
Cornea and Anterior Segment Surgery, Kresge Eye Institute; Wayne State University, Detroit, MI - Residency:
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, N.Y. - Internship:
Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, N.J. - MD:
UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J. (Top 20/160) - College:
Rutgers College, Biochemistry (Class rank 10/2600) - Teaching Appointments:
Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Ferris State University, Visiting Faculty, Orbis International - Founding Chairman:
Blake Woods Medical Park 1997-1999 - Awards:
Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout; Michigan State Medical Society, Community Service Award 2000; National Registry of Whos Who, Lifetime Membership; American Medical Association, Physicians Recognition Award - Civic Organizations:
Jackson Community Foundation Trustee and Chairman of the Distribution Committee; Jackson YMCA Board; Fitness Council of Jackson (past president and race director); Patent Holder; National Instructor for LASIK - FDA Clinical Investigator
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