Meet Our Doctors - Newton Wellesley Eye Associates

Dr. Amita Bhatt
MD, Senior Partner

Amita Bhatt, M.D., senior partner at NWEA, serves as our pediatric ophthalmologist. She is available to treat all types of visual impairments that affect children, and strives to tailor her exam to each individual child’s needs. Her area of interest includes pediatric and adult strabismus for the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of misaligned eyes.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Chatham College and Alpha Omega Alpha from Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Tufts New England Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident. Her fellowship training was completed at Children’s Hospital, Boston. Boston Magazine has recognized her in 2002, 2003, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 as one of Boston’s leading ophthalmologists in her specialty. From 2011-2021 she was awarded by Castle Connelly with Best Doctors in America and by Boston Super Doctors as a Top Boston Physician. Dr. Bhatt also remains active in the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She continues to teach Tufts medical students rotating at Newton Wellesley Hospital.

Dr. Jill Smith
MD, Senior Partner

Jill Smith, M.D., partner at NWEA and Chief of Ophthalmology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, is a glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon. She tailors the management of each glaucoma patient, using the most advanced diagnostic tools. Her surgical expertise includes small-incision cataract surgery, glaucoma filtration surgery, and glaucoma/post-cataract laser procedures. She graduated Summa cum laude from Canisius College and received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed both her ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship at Harvard’s Massachusetts Eye and Ear, where she was awarded fellow of the year by the residents for her outstanding dedication and contribution to resident education. Dr. Smith is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, AMA, Chandler-Grant Glaucoma Society, and New England Ophthalmologic Society where she serves on the Public Health and Education Committee. She serves on the NWPHO Surgical Council and Partners Healthcare Specialty Advisory Committee. Recognitions include top Boston Ophthalmologist by Top Doctors, Best Doctors, and Boston Consumers’ Checkbook. Dr. Smith has been an editor for the online database Healthwise Inc., and is the ophthalmology editor for The Language of Medicine.

Dr. Jill Carmody
MD, Partner

Jill Carmody, M.D., partner at NWEA, serves as one of our full time comprehensive ophthalmologists and cataract surgeons. Dr. Carmody is available to perform annual eye exams and focused problem visits for all age groups. Her areas of interest include cataract surgery, anterior segment lasers, medical and laser management of glaucoma, diabetic eye exams, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. She uses the latest advancements to diagnose and treat ophthalmic disease. After graduating cum laude from Connecticut College, Dr. Carmody went on to complete her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. She pursued her medical internship at Harvard’s Mount Auburn Hospital followed by an ophthalmology residency at New England Eye Center/Tufts Medical Center where she was awarded the Charles J Preefer Award for outstanding resident research. She joined NWEA upon completion of her residency in 2012. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, New England Ophthalmological Society, and Massachusetts Medical Society.

Dr. Pallavi Ojha
MD

Pallavi Ojha, M.D. serves as our comprehensive ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist. She is available for routine eye exams, diabetic screenings, and treatment of all eye conditions including dry eyes, cataracts, and glaucoma. Her area of expertise includes cataract and glaucoma surgery utilizing the most advanced techniques. Dr. Ojha’s research focus is in medical device innovation to improve medication adherence. Prior to starting at Newton Wellesley Eye Associates, Dr. Ojha was a faculty member in Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Glaucoma at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) and Harvard Medical School. She completed her fellowship training in Glaucoma at MEEI, where she received the Ruthanne B. Simmons Award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Ojha completed medical school and residency in Ophthalmology at Drexel University College of Medicine. There she served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Resident Teaching Award. Dr. Ojha is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Chandler-Grant Glaucoma Society, New England Ophthalmologic Society, and American Glaucoma Society.

Dr. Caroline Baumal
MD

Caroline Baumal, M.D., our retina specialist, is available for consultation in all areas of medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases. Her surgical interests include management of complicated retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and ocular trauma. She has a special interest in macular degeneration, diabetes, uveitis, ocular manifestations of systemic disorders, ocular imaging, retinovascular diseases and pediatric retinal disorders. She is assistant professor of ophthalmology at New England Eye Center/Tufts Medical Center. She graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School, where she also completed her ophthalmology residency. Her fellowship training was completed at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, after which she conducted laser research at New England Eye Center. She is an investigator in several multi-center studies evaluating new therapies for macular degeneration and macular edema.

Dr. Melina Morkin
MD

Melina I. Morkin, M.D., our cornea specialist, is available for consultation in all areas of medical and surgical management of ocular surface diseases, as well as anterior segment, cataract, and refractive surgery. Her areas of interest include:
-Corneal transplants, including penetrating keratoplasties and partial transplants such as DMEK/DSEK
-Standard, complex, and premium cataract surgery, including multifocal lenses, astigmatic correction and femtosecond laser technology
-Secondary intraocular lenses and lens exchanges
-Anterior segment reconstruction
-Ocular surface pathology (including tumors and pterygia)
-Advanced treatments for dry eye disease and blepharitis, such as IPL and meibomian gland probing
-Anterior segment OCT and confocal microscopy
-Refractive surgery (such as LASIK and PRK)
She holds an academic position as assistant professor of ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed a Cornea, External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, which is ranked the number one eye hospital in the country. Previously, Dr. Morkin had completed an ophthalmology residency at the New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center, Boston. She graduated number one of her medical school class at Favaloro University Faculty of Medical Sciences in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Catherine S. Choi
MD

Catherine S. Choi is a pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus specialist. Her interests include the treatment of adult and pediatric strabismus, amblyopia, congenital cataracts, and lacrimal disorders. Her advanced surgical techniques include the use of adjustable sutures for complex strabismus. She graduated summa cum laude from Washington University, St. Louis and completed medical school and her ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida, Gainesville, where she was awarded Exemplary Service as Chief Resident and the Resident Research Award. She went on to complete her pediatric ophthalmology fellowship at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology on the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Service at Tufts Medical Center, where she teaches students and residents.

Dr. Choi is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member in the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Alison Callahan
MD

Alison Callahan, our oculoplastics surgeon, is available for consultation in all areas of cosmetic and medical oculofacial surgery including surgery of the eyelids, orbit and lacrimal (tear drainage) system. Her surgical interests include eyelid reconstruction due to malposition or after skin cancer removal, orbital tumors and reconstructions, and tear duct disorders. She is also available for aesthetic consultations in cosmetic eyelid surgery or minimally invasive facial rejuvenation including Botox and filler treatments.

After graduating summa cum laude from Princeton University, Dr. Callahan went on to complete her medical degree at Columbia University where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Harvard University and then went on to complete her subspecialty fellowship training in Manhattan at Columbia, Cornell, New York University and Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. She currently serves as an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine.

She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Michael Goldstein
MD, MM

Michael Goldstein, M.D., M.M., our cornea and anterior segment specialist, is available for consultation in medical and surgical management of cornea and external disease. His special interests include laser correction of refractive errors, cataract surgery, cornea transplants, and wound healing. He is co-director of the cornea service and assistant professor at New England Eye Center/Tufts Medical Center. He is a graduate of Williams College and Northwestern Medical School. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Boston University Medical Center followed by fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Eye and Ear Institute. He received his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Dr. Goldstein has authored 8 textbook chapters and has over 30 peer-reviewed publications. He has given over 50 presentations across the United States and internationally. Committed to quality eye care, he has served as President of the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physician and Surgeons and President of CLAO. Dr. Goldstein has served as Team Ophthalmologist for the Boston Celtics and was recently named Team Ophalmologist for the Boston Breakers. Dr. Goldstein also consults to the biotechnology sector in the development of new drugs and devices.

Dr. Alyssa Tulipano
O.D.

Alyssa Tulipano, OD serves as a general optometrist at Newton Wellesley Eye Associates. She is available to perform comprehensive eye exams, problem focused visits, refractions, and contact lens fittings. Dr. Tulipano received a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors in biology, as well as a minor in chemistry and psychology, from Assumption College in Worcester, MA. She went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in Philadelphia, PA, where she graduated with honors. During her time at Salus University, Dr. Tulipano achieved clinical honors focusing on contact lens fittings and ocular disease, as well as pediatrics and binocular vision. In her free time, Dr. Tulipano enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and reading.

Dr. Michael Smookler
O.D.

Michael Smookler, O.D., practices general and pediatric optometry. Along with providing routine eye care, refractions, contact lens evaluations and fittings, Dr. Smookler also specializes in working with children who have vision-related disorders which affect learning due to deficits in convergence, tracking and focusing. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the New England College of Optometry, and completed a residency at the Brockton and West Roxbury VA Medical Centers. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Massachusetts Society of Optometry, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Optometric Extension Program and The Northeast Congress of Optometry Planning Committee.

Jasmin Geevarghese
O.D.

Jasmin Geevarghese, OD serves as a general optometrist at Newton Wellesley Eye Associates. She is available to perform comprehensive eye exams, problem focused visits, refractions, contact lens fittings, and post-op cataract surgery co-management. Dr. Geevarghese received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, as well as a minor in Health Disparities in Society, from the University of Florida. She went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry. She completed her residency in Ocular Disease and Primary Eye Care at VA Boston Hospital West Roxbury, MA. Dr. Geevarghese is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA). In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, doing peloton rides, reading, and hiking.