MEET OUR PHYSICIANS
MEET OUR PHYSICIANS
Retina Specialist, Associate Medical Director
Dr. Amram joined Meadows Eye after completing a Surgical Retina Fellowship at the University of Iowa, which consistently ranks among the top Ophthalmology training programs in the nation. Dr. Amram began his medical career at the Oregon Health & Sciences University where he earned his M.D. degree. He completed his Ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where he served as Chief Resident in his senior year. During his residency, he was awarded the Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Ophthalmology Leadership Award, as well as the Ophthalmology Research Award.
He has been involved in many outreach, advocacy and mentorship activities both nationally and internationally. He has a strong dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community and we are thrilled to have Dr. Amram’s passion and enthusiasm here in the Las Vegas valley.
Dr. Amram is an active participant in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. When he is not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and young son, photography, and exploring the culinary scene and beautiful outdoors of Southern Nevada.
Retina Specialist, Director of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Program
Dr. Bodnar joined Meadows Eye after completing a Surgical Retina Fellowship at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He brings wide range of experience to Meadows Eye. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and began his career in the software industry after receiving his undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT. He later chose to focus his career in Medicine, and went on to complete his M.D. degree at Dartmouth College and his ophthalmology residency training at St. Louis University. He completed an Ocular Pathology Fellowship at the prestigious Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he gained invaluable experience in understanding ocular diseases.
Prior to beginning his Surgical Retina training, he completed an Ophthalmology Innovation fellowship at Stanford University where he was directly involved in the design of new technologies for diagnosing and treating ophthalmic diseases. Dr. Bodnar has authored numerous scientific papers and is an active reviewer for various Ophthalmic Journals.
When he is not in the office, Dr. Bodnar enjoys home-brewing beer and exploring the outdoors with his family and his dog.
Retina Specialist
Retina Specialist
Dr. Elkins joined us after serving thirteen years as the senior vitreoretinal surgeon at Tidewater Eye Centers in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Dr. Elkins grew up in Idaho and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. She obtained her Medical Degree (M.D.) from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. She stayed on at Tulane to serve as chief intern after medical school. Dr. Elkins elected to pursue a career in ophthalmology, and completed her ophthalmology residency training at the prestigious Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She was then accepted to the Retina Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, which consistently ranks among the top 10 ophthalmology training programs in the country.
After her fellowship training, she joined Tidewater Eye Centers in Portsmouth, Virginia. During this time, she served as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA, where she taught ophthalmology residents and was awarded the “Ophthalmology Professor of the Year” award in 2018. During her time at Tidewater, she gained extensive experience in all aspects of retinal disease and retinal surgery, and was voted “Top Doc” multiple times due to her excellent patient care.
Dr. Elkins recently decided to relocate to Las Vegas to be closer to family, and to enjoy the beautiful Mojave Desert. When she is not working she enjoys skiing, biking, running, reading and cooking.
Pediatric and Adult Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dr. Firl is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology, adult comprehensive ophthalmology, and strabismus surgery. Dr. Firl earned his undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, graduating cum laude. He went on to complete a medical (M.D.) degree at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. During this time, he took a hiatus in his studies to pursue an interest in public health research, earning a graduate degree (Master of Science; M.S.) in epidemiology from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and acting as a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration.
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Firl was accepted into the Ophthalmology Residency Program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he served as a chief resident and was proud to receive the Zimmerman Award for excellence in patient care. During residency, Dr. Firl developed an interest in ocular diseases in children and the complex and intricate surgical procedures in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. He was accepted into and trained for 1 year in the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Fellowship Program at the renowned Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan which consistently ranks among the top 10 eye centers in the nation.
Dr. Firl has a calm and gentle demeanor which puts adults, children, and parents at ease. He grew up in the midwest, and has extended family scattered throughout the United States and the world. Having been exposed to many cities and cultures, he is thrilled to call Las Vegas his home. When Dr. Firl is not working, he enjoys camping, hiking, and playing the cello.
Comprehensive Medical Optometrist
Dr. Dennis Giang has been caring for the eyes of Southern Nevada since 2019, and we are pleased to have his experience and expertise with Meadows Eye!
Dr. Giang grew up in San Diego, and obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from San Diego State University. He went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton, California. During his studies he developed an interest in ocular diseases, and went on to complete a residency training program in Ocular Disease at the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System. At the VA he had the opportunity to examine and treat patients with a wide variety of ocular diseases. Throughout his training he has been involved in teaching aspiring optometrists, and has earned numerous awards including an Allergan Travel Fellowship Award.
Dr. Giang enjoys working alongside ophthalmologists, and has extensive experience in all aspects of ophthalmic care including preoperative counseling, post-operative management, as well as urgent and emergent ophthalmic issues. Dr. Giang enjoys interacting with patients and his competence, kindness and experience puts patients at ease during the examination. In addition, Dr. Giang speaks Vietnamese and Cantonese.
When he is not at work, Dr. Giang enjoys photography, snowboarding, paddle boarding, basketball, hiking, and spending time with his wife, who is also an optometrist in the Las Vegas Valley.
Retina Specialist
Dr. Gunn is a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained retinal surgeon who has been part of the Meadows Retina team since 2017. He received his MD degree from the University of Tennessee, Health Sciences Center. He continued on at the University of Tennessee for his Ophthalmology Residency Training. He completed fellowship training in several subspecialties of ophthalmology including anterior segment and refractive surgery. He then elected to focus his career on diseases of the retina, and completed his retina fellowship at the Foundation for Retinal Research in New Orleans, LA.
He has practiced ophthalmology both nationally and internationally, and his broad life and work experience gives him an unparalleled perspective in treating patients and their retinal diseases. When Dr. Gunn is not taking care of patients, he enjoys the beautiful outdoors in Southern Nevada, and crafting hand made stringed instruments.
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dr. Madeline Hay is a dedicated and academically accomplished comprehensive ophthalmologist committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, graduating in the top 10% of her class, and completed her residency through the HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine program. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Human Physiology and a minor in Chemistry.
In addition to her clinical and academic accomplishments, Dr. Hay is deeply committed to public service. She has volunteered with local community-based eye clinics as well as international outreach programs, including medical mission trips to Thailand and Honduras, where she provided surgical and medical eye care to those who could not afford treatment. Dr. Hay is dedicated to continuing to provide eye care to underserved populations.
Dr. Hay’s clinical approach is grounded in precision, compassion, and a strong belief in equitable access to care. She is proud to be part of the next generation of ophthalmologists focused on advancing both science and service in the field of eye health. Outside of work, Dr. Hay enjoys playing racquetball, cooking, and traveling.
Retina Specialist, Medical Director
Dr. Krispel founded Meadows Eye (formerly Meadows Retina) in 2015 with a goal of creating a medical practice that first and foremost prioritizes patients, and provides excellent medical care as well as exceptional customer service. These principles have allowed Meadows Eye to expand and attract some of the best Eye Physicians and Surgeons in the nation to care for our patients.
Dr. Krispel earned both her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Davis as a member of the Physician Scientist Training Program.She developed a passion for the retina while working on her Ph.D. thesis, which focused on photoreceptors, the light sensitive cells in the retina. She stayed on at UC Davis to complete her ophthalmology residency training. She completed her retina fellowship at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins University, where she received cutting edge training in medical retina, surgical retina, and uveitis.
She is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Society for Retina Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She speaks English, German, and Spanish.
Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon
Dr. Lee is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cataract and glaucoma surgeon who shares his expertise with the Las Vegas valley. He has joined Meadows Eye as one of only a handful of fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons in the Las Vegas valley. He chose to become a glaucoma specialist to save vision. Dr. Lee is a compassionate clinician and skilled surgeon who offers complex cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and traditional glaucoma surgery. He has a kind and calming demeanor, putting his patients at ease with his excellent bedside manner.
Dr. Lee earned his M.D. at Meharry Medical College, before completing his ophthalmology residency training at the Louisiana State University New Orleans Eye Center of Excellence. He then completed his glaucoma fellowship training at the world renowned Roski Eye Institute of the University of Southern California. At Roski Eye, he trained with world class glaucoma specialists and had the privilege of caring for the indigent population in Los Angeles, California. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Glaucoma Society.
Dr. Lee speaks English and Mandarin. When he is not in the office, he enjoys reading about the world and traveling.
Comprehensive Medical Optometrist
Dr. Isaac Ortiz is a comprehensive eye care provider who has been caring for patients of southern Nevada for over five years. Dr. Ortiz grew up here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He went on to earn his Optometry Doctorate from the Illinois College of Optometry. After completion of his O.D. degree, Dr. Ortiz wanted to expand his knowledge of ocular diseases, and returned to Las Vegas to complete an Ocular Disease residency program at the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System. During his residency Dr. Ortiz had the opportunity to work with specialists from all areas of ophthalmology to manage and treat a wide variety of ocular diseases. Dr. Ortiz enjoys providing truly comprehensive eye care to his patients.
Dr. Ortiz is an active leader of the Optometric community in Las Vegas. He enjoys working with optometry students, and frequently gives educational presentations to his peers. His active involvement and excellent clinical abilities lead him to receive the Young Optometrist of the Year Award for Nevada in 2017. He is an active member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Nevada Optometric Association. He is licensed by the Nevada Board of Optometry, and has earned his Glaucoma and Therapeutic Pharmaceuticals certification. Dr. Ortiz speaks Spanish, and has participated in many Optometry Mission trips to Mexico and Central America.
When he is not working, Dr. Ortiz enjoys watching the Dallas Cowboys, playing soccer, and traveling.
Cornea and Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Jonathan Peterson is a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the University of California, San Diego (2024–2025).
He brings a deep foundation in academic research, surgical excellence, and compassionate patient care to every clinical setting.
Dr. Peterson completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he was elected Chief Resident and recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and clinical acumen. He earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed a Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. Prior to medical training, he studied Mathematics and Genetics at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Peterson has contributed to over a dozen peer-reviewed publications across ophthalmology, hematology, epigenetics, and neuroscience. His recent research includes investigations into LASIK outcomes and bacterial keratitis presentation, diagnosis, and resistance patterns. He has shared his work nationally at conferences including ASCRS and continues to explore how clinical insights and molecular mechanisms intersect in vision science.
Dr. Peterson’s research roots run deep. From exploring enhancer RNA biology and transcriptional regulation in pediatric cancer to imaging innovations in migraine and neuroblastoma, his scientific curiosity has spanned multiple disciplines. He has conducted research at leading institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Blood Center of Wisconsin.
Throughout his career, Dr. Peterson has been recognized for academic excellence, receiving the Amgen Scholars Research Fellowship, a National Merit, and selection to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. During his chief residency year, he was also honored to serve as a mentor and advocate for his peers, helping guide program initiatives and strengthen residency culture.
He holds active medical licenses in California and Nevada and is an engaged member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
Dr. Peterson is passionate about surgical innovation, patient education, and expanding access to high-quality eye care. Whether in the operating room or the clinic, he strives to deliver thoughtful, personalized treatment that restores vision and improves lives.
Retina Specialist
Dr. Matthew Pezda has been caring for the Las Vegas community since 2014, and we are thrilled to have someone with his expertise, talents, and prominence in the community to Meadows Eye.
Dr. Pezda graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a double major, earning both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a B.S. degree in Psychology. He then earned a Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Medical Sciences from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He remained at Wayne State to obtain his Medical Degree (M.D.) during which time he developed an interest in Ophthalmology. Dr. Pezda then accepted a position in the Ophthalmology Residency program at the Kresge Eye Institute at the Detroit Medical Center at Wayne State University. After his residency training, Dr. Pezda went on to pursue subspecialty training and completed a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at St. Michael’s Hospital at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Pezda began his career as a vitreoretinal surgeon in Florida, before relocating to Las Vegas in 2014. During his ten years in Las Vegas, Dr. Pezda has developed a sincere commitment to Southern Nevada and a deep understanding of the Las Vegas medical community. Over the years he has fostered strong relationships with referring doctors, patients, and colleagues alike, developing a reputation for providing thoughtful, high quality medical care with the highest of ethics. Dr. Pezda has participated in numerous pivotal clinical trials which shaped the standards for current and future retinal treatments. Dr. Pezda is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Pezda is dedicated to his patients and his profession, and his calm and professional demeanor puts his patients at ease. In his spare time Dr. Pezda enjoys traveling, tennis, golf, and spending time with his friends and family.
Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon, Director of Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Services
Dr. Saboori is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cataract and glaucoma surgeon who has been caring for patients in the Las Vegas valley since 2017. Dr. Saboori is a skilled cataract surgeon who has performed thousands of surgeries and uses the latest technologies in Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS) and offers his patients the most advanced intraocular lens technologies. He is one of only a handful of fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons in the Las Vegas Valley, and offers cutting edge Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgical (MIGS) options as well as traditional glaucoma surgeries. Dr. Saboori is an active speaker on the topics of surgical and medical management of glaucoma.
Dr. Saboori earned his M.D. at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, before completing his ophthalmology residency training at the Kresge Eye Institute. As a senior resident he was elected to be co-chief resident. He completed his glaucoma fellowship training at the world renowned Case Western Reserve University. At Case Western he had the privilege of training with some of the top glaucoma specialists in the world, and is able to care for the most complex and challenging cases. He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Saboori speaks English and Farsi. When he is not in the office he enjoys spending time outdoors, cycling, and traveling.
Comprehensive Optometrist
We are thrilled to have Dr. David Vander Veldt at Meadows Eye! Dr. Vander Veldt was born and raised in Southern Nevada, and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the Southern California College of Optometry. Upon completion of optometry school, Dr. Vander Veldt returned to southern Nevada to begin his Optometric career.
Dr. Vander Veldt has been taking care of the eyes of Pahrump since 2004 when he first joined Dr. Leaks at G Dennis Leaks, OD, LTD. His excellent and consistent care, and his commitment to the Pahrump community has resulted in him being one of the best known and most well-respected eye care providers in Pahrump. In addition to providing general eye exams and refractions, Dr. Vander Veldt is experienced in all aspects of ophthalmic care, and treats a wide variety of ocular conditions and diseases.
When Meadows Eye acquired G Dennis Leaks, OD, LTD in 2023, we were delighted to have Dr. Vander Veldt join the Meadows Eye team and continue providing top notch care to the Pahrump community.
When Dr. Vander Veldt, “Dr. V” is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and traveling.
Comprehensive Medical Optometrist
Continuing the Chicago to Las Vegas training pipeline, Dr. Villena joined Meadows Eye after having completed his Ocular Disease Residency program at the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System. During this residency program, Dr. Villena had the opportunity to examine and treat Veterans with a wide range of eye conditions, and has developed expertise in all aspects of ocular disease.
Dr. Villena grew up in South Florida. He graduated Cum Laude from Florida International University in Miami with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During his time in college, Dr. Villena worked as an Optometric Technician, where he
developed a passion for patient care and eye health. He went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from the prestigious Illinois College of Optometry. As a fourth year intern at OMNI Eye Services of Atlanta and the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System, Dr. Villena developed an interest in treating medical diseases of the eye which led him to pursue residency. He also has experience in recognizing binocular vision disorders with an interest in evaluating visual dysfunction in post-traumatic brain injury populations.
Dr. Villena enjoys getting to know his patients, and provides cutting edge medical care with compassion and empathy. He values providing mentorship and teaching those willing to learn. When he is not working, he enjoys supporting the Miami Heat, learning film photography, drinking Cuban coffee, and improving his overall fitness and health. Dr. Villena speaks conversational Tagalog and enjoys connecting with the Filipino community, as well as, all members of the greater Las Vegas area.
Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmologist
Dr. Warner is a board certified, fellowship trained pediatric and adult ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience.
Dr. Warner grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree at Des Moines University, School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Ophthalmology residency training at Michigan Sate University, where she also completed a fellowship training program in Neuro-Ophthalmology. Her passion for improving healthcare drove her to concurrently pursue and earn a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration.
She then decided to pursue subspecialty training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and was awarded a fellowship position at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wills Eye hospital consistently ranks among the top 3 ophthalmology training programs in the country, and is widely recognized as a global leader in Ophthalmology. Throughout her training, Dr. Warner participated and held leadership positions in numerous overseas mission trips, local health screenings, educational programs, and medical organizations, underscoring her commitment to improving access and care globally and locally.
Following her training, she accepted a position at the Mayo Clinic Health System at the Eau Claire, Wisconsin campus, where she spent three years prior to relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Warner has been practicing in Las Vegas since 2018, and has developed a reputation in the community for compassion and excellence among her peers and within the community. Dr. Warner specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and surgery, as well as adult ophthalmology and strabismus surgery. Additionally, she provides neurotoxin injections (botox) for medical and cosmetic patients.
Dr. Warner is passionate about the Las Vegas community, and is a Board Member at the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation. She also serves as a faculty member for Southern Hills Hospital, working to train family medicine physicians in pediatric eye care. When she is not working, Dr. Warner enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Meadows Eye is thrilled to welcome Dr. Nicolas Uzcategui to the team. Dr. Uzcategui is a fellowship trained, board certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in functional and cosmetic eyelid, orbital, and facial surgery.
Dr. Uzcategui earned his medical degree at the Universidad Central De Venezuela. After completion of his internship at Maryland General Hospital, he completed his ophthalmology residency training at the University of Louisville, Kentucky Lions Eye Center, in Louisville, Kentucky.
He completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at University of Southern California (USC) / Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He was then accepted to the prestigious Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Doheny Eye Institute at the University of Southern California (USC). This is a highly competitive program and one of only a few ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) accredited fellowship programs across the nation.
Dr. Uzcategui has practiced in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice and academics, most recently serving as the Chief of Ophthalmology at Valleywise Health Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Uzcategui is unique in the Las Vegas valley with the breadth of his expertise, which includes complex facial trauma cases, cosmetic facial plastic surgery, thyroid eye disease, and pediatrics oculoplastics cases. Dr. Uzcategui is passionate about providing excellent patient care, and approaches each patient’s unique situation with compassion, experience and wisdom in order to achieve the best possible experience and outcome.
Dr. Uzcategui speaks English, German, and Spanish. He is an active member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
When Dr. Uzcategui is not beautifying the faces of the Las Vegas Valley, he enjoys horseback riding, travelling with his wife, and spending time with his family.
Comprehensive Medical Optometrist
Meadows Eye is pleased to have Dr. Elaine Xin on our team of comprehensive medical
optometrists!
Dr. Xin obtained her bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Integrative Biology from the renowned University of California, Berkeley. She developed a passion for health care and chose to pursue a career in Optometry. She was accepted to the prestigious Marshall B. Ketchum Southern California College of Optometry, which consistently ranks among the top 10 optometry training programs in the country.
After earning her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, Dr. Xin elected to pursue additional
training, and completed a residency in ocular disease at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. During her residency, Dr. Xin gained experience and expertise in all aspects of eye care, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, pre-operative and post-operative eye care, as well as ocular emergencies.
Dr. Xin is caring and personable, and enjoys putting her patients at ease with her expertise, competence, and excellent bedside manner. Dr. Xin speaks English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), and sees patients in our East Desert Inn office, North Las Vegas office, and Southwest office.
During her free time, Dr. Xin enjoys baking desserts, playing tennis, hiking National Parks, and exploring Las Vegas.
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