Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Jason K. Darlington, MD, stands as a distinguished figure in ophthalmology, boasting unique expertise in both glaucoma and cornea. He serves patients at Atlantic Eye Consultants, located in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge, Florida.
As the sole surgeon in Brevard County with fellowship training in both specialties, he has left a significant mark on the field. With a remarkable record of over 25,000 successful incisional anterior segment surgeries under his belt, encompassing procedures like LASIK, cataract surgeries, corneal transplants, and trabeculectomies, Dr. Darlington epitomizes excellence in eye care.
Dr. Darlington is also the primary investigator in the finished FDA study of IDose and the FDA study of Elios excimer laser goniotomy, which is still ongoing.
His commitment to precision and patient well-being has earned him the esteemed reputation of being one of the most trusted eye specialists in Florida. Patients seek out his expertise not only for his unparalleled surgical skills but also for his compassionate approach to care.
Dr. Darlington's dedication to advancing the field through his clinical practice and research endeavors reflects his unwavering commitment to improving vision and enhancing the quality of life for his patients.
Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Darlington married his wife, Elizabeth, in 2008. They now have three sons together, Aiden, Alexander and Asher and a Golden Retriever named Coconut. In his spare time, Dr. Darlington enjoys biking, snowboarding, golfing and playing at the beach with his sons.
Physician & Surgeon Dr. Hetal Vaishnav is a fellowship trained Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, specializing in treating complex diseases of the eye. He is a Diplomate and Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Vaishnav is a Member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, a by-invitation-only society whose members include 57 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Dr. Vaishnav holds professional memberships in the American Medical Association and the American Society of Retina Specialists, and is the only ophthalmologist in Brevard County to be a member of the American Society of Preventative Medicine. Dr. Vaishnav graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Science prior to attending and graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Vaishnav performed his General Surgery Internship, his Ophthalmology Residency and pursued Advanced Fellowship Training in Vitreoretinal Surgery at University of Florida-Gainesville. Academician & Professor Dr. Vaishnav is an adjunct lecturer and instructor at both the University of Florida and the Florida Institute of Technology. He has also been invited to speak at various meetings including the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Lions Club, Doctors Goodwill Foundation, Aging Matters Symposium, One Senior Place Symposium and BIMDA. He has also appeared on a popular radio show called Your Visual Health on AM1060, and on Helping Seniors Television. Clinical Scientist, Author and Innovator In addition to teaching, Dr. Vaishnav is a clinical scientist with research experiences and collaborations at world renowned institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the University of Florida and the Diabetes Clinical Research Center (DRCR.net). He has also been a scientific investigator for some of the latest medications used to prevent blindness. Dr. Vaishnav has created innovative patient centered programs such as Healthy Eye, Healthy I TM Integrative Eye Care and Retain Independence of SEniors (RISE) TM Fall Prevention Program to serve the patients of Brevard County. He is currently working on a series of educational books for patients. Humanitarian Through his involvement with Non-Profit Organizations like the Lions Club International, BIMDA, Doctor’s Goodwill Foundation, and the Brevard Health Alliance, Dr. Vaishnav works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his many patients and for the Brevard County Community, in general. His efforts include raising awareness of preventable diseases and encouraging patient participation in their health care. His contributions to the community include participating in health screenings, volunteer work, fund raisers, education, providing medical care on a pro bono basis, and other grass roots efforts. Dr. Vaishnav was recently awarded the Melvin B. Jones Humanitarian Fellowship Award by the Lions Club International for his many contributions towards the prevention and treatment of blindness. Extracurricular Activities Dr. Vaishnav enjoys spending time with his family, and writing books on medical and non-medical topics. Additionally, he enjoys traveling, sports and the great outdoors.
Specializing in Diseases & Surgery of the Retina & Vitreous, Diabetic Eye Care, Treatment for Macular Degeneration, Ophthalmic Vascular Disorders, Retinal Holes, Tears & Detachments Dr. Ganiban graduated from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Biology prior to attending and graduating from Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia. Dr. Ganiban performed his medical internship at the University of Arizona – Tucson, and his ophthalmology residency at the Friedenwald Eye Institute at Maryland General Hospital – Baltimore, where he served as Chief Resident.
After completing his residency, Dr. Ganiban pursued advanced Fellowship Training in Diseases and Surgery of the Retina and Vitreous at Louisiana State University – New Orleans, where he served as Chief Fellow and as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the Sigma Xi National Research Society, the American Society of Retina Specialists, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and he is a member of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ganiban’s ophthalmic research projects have included studies involving intraocular drug delivery systems, the use of silicone oil in retinal detachment repairs and various vision restoration therapies for patients with Macular Degeneration.
Dr. Ganiban is an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology, where he performs extensive research with an emphasis on creating new medical devices. Dr.Ganiban recently developed a new device that enhances efficiency in retinal surgery and comprehensive eye examinations, by enabling hands-free scleral depression, known as the Ganihand. In conjunction with the world’s largest ophthalmic medical, pharmaceutical and surgical device company, this cutting edge device is being developed for use by eye physicians in the United States and all over the world.
Along with his colleagues at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, in 2005, Dr. Ganiban was one of the first Retina Specialists in the U.S. to begin treating Macular Degeneration patients with intraocular Avastin, a cutting edge treatment that has improved the vision and lives of many patients who suffer from the “wet” form of Macular Degeneration.
Dr. Ganiban was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA, where his father practiced internal medicine for over forty years. His wife, Patricia LaFleur, M.D., is also an Ophthalmologist, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, Restylane Skin Treatments, and Botox Injections. The Ganibans have two sons and they regularly attend church. Although they have varied interests and commitments, the Ganibans make family time a top priority.
Dr. Ganiban makes time for tennis, swimming and competitive sports. He is a triathlete and has competed in seventeen marathons, including two Boston Marathons and four Florida Iron Man 70.3 mile events– a grueling endurance race where participants swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles.
The Ganibans enjoy gourmet cooking – particularly French, Creole and Cajun cuisine. Dr. Ganiban is an avid reader of history books and fiction, and he is presently writing a medical/thriller novel, that he hopes to complete in the next couple of years.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Surgeon who has been in private practice in Morristown and Bayonne New Jersey for the past 38 years. He recently moved to Vero Beach in June 2018 and is now practicing general ophthalmology as a member of the medical staff of The Center for Advanced Eye Care.
Dr. Benedetto received his BS from Rutgers University in New Jersey, his MS in Immunology and Medical Microbiology and his MD from The University of Florida College of Medicine. He served as an intern in internal medicine at The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and as a resident surgeon at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. He remained on the staff at the Wills Eye Hospital as an Associate Attending Surgeon on the Cataract and Primary Eye Care Service for 12 years following his residency.
Dr. Benedetto is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
His research fellowships include a training grant from the National Institutes of Health, a student research fellowship from The University of Florida College of Medicine and The Delaware Valley Eye Bank.
He has published research in peer-reviewed journals and medical textbooks and has been a guest speaker at national and international symposia in the areas of surface chemistry and biomaterials used in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery.
Board certified by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and then graduated from Downstate Medical Center. Following an internal medicine internship at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Branigan served as a flight surgeon at Patrick Air Force Base. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Virginia. Dr. Branigan has been practicing ophthalmology in Vero Beach for more than 30 years. His stellar reputation in the community speaks for itself.
Eric R. Straut, OD, is a dedicated optometrist with specialization in retinal diseases demonstrating a profound commitment to enhancing the vision and well-being of his patients. He offers compassionate care to patients at Atlantic Eye Consultants, with offices in Melbourne, Rockledge and Palm Bay, Florida.
With a comprehensive focus on conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye diseases, and low vision, Dr. Straut brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. In addition to his proficiency in managing retinal disorders, Dr. Straut possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses contact lens fitting, dry eye management, and providing post-surgical and emergency eye care.
His approach to patient care is marked by personalized attention and tailored treatment plans, reflecting his unwavering dedication to meeting the unique vision needs of each individual.
Dr. Straut's blend of technical proficiency and compassionate demeanor has earned him widespread admiration among his patients and peers alike. He is revered for his ability not only to diagnose and treat complex eye conditions but also to provide comfort and reassurance throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Straut's unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care, empowering them to achieve optimal visual health and quality of life.
Dr. Straut was born in Virginia and enjoys camping, hunting and playing soccer. He and his wife moved to Melbourne in 2012 where the enjoy raising thier son, Luke.
Jason K. Darlington, MD, stands as a distinguished figure in ophthalmology, boasting unique expertise in both glaucoma and cornea. He serves patients at Atlantic Eye Consultants, located in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge, Florida.
As the sole surgeon in Brevard County with fellowship training in both specialties, he has left a significant mark on the field. With a remarkable record of over 25,000 successful incisional anterior segment surgeries under his belt, encompassing procedures like LASIK, cataract surgeries, corneal transplants, and trabeculectomies, Dr. Darlington epitomizes excellence in eye care.
Dr. Darlington is also the primary investigator in the finished FDA study of IDose and the FDA study of Elios excimer laser goniotomy, which is still ongoing.
His commitment to precision and patient well-being has earned him the esteemed reputation of being one of the most trusted eye specialists in Florida. Patients seek out his expertise not only for his unparalleled surgical skills but also for his compassionate approach to care.
Dr. Darlington's dedication to advancing the field through his clinical practice and research endeavors reflects his unwavering commitment to improving vision and enhancing the quality of life for his patients.
Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Darlington married his wife, Elizabeth, in 2008. They now have three sons together, Aiden, Alexander and Asher and a Golden Retriever named Coconut. In his spare time, Dr. Darlington enjoys biking, snowboarding, golfing and playing at the beach with his sons.
Michael N. Mandese, OD, is a distinguished leader in optometry, renowned for his expertise and extensive experience spanning over 25 years. He works out of Atlantic Eye Consultants, located in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Rockledge, and Palm Bay, Florida.
As a fellow of the esteemed American Academy of Optometry and the sole optometric physician to be admitted into the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, Dr. Mandese stands at the forefront of his field. With a specialized focus on neuro-optometry, Dr. Mandese possesses a comprehensive understanding of complex visual conditions such as double vision, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and optic nerve diseases. His adeptness extends to various facets of optometry, including contact lens fittings, dry eye management, and low vision rehabilitation.
Dr. Mandese's commitment to excellence is evident in his dedication to advancing the understanding and treatment of vision-related neurological disorders. His compassionate approach to patient care, combined with his unparalleled expertise, has established him as a trusted authority in the field of optometry, providing invaluable support and guidance to patients seeking solutions for their visual health needs.
Dr. Mandese was raised on Merritt Island. His wife of over twenty years, LeAnn, is also an Optometric Physician. They have two beautiful daughters, one son and their Standard Poodle, Barney. Dr. Mandese enjoys sailing, gourmet cooking, skiing, and plays the piano.
Physician & Surgeon Dr. Hetal Vaishnav is a fellowship trained Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, specializing in treating complex diseases of the eye. He is a Diplomate and Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Vaishnav is a Member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, a by-invitation-only society whose members include 57 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Dr. Vaishnav holds professional memberships in the American Medical Association and the American Society of Retina Specialists, and is the only ophthalmologist in Brevard County to be a member of the American Society of Preventative Medicine. Dr. Vaishnav graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Science prior to attending and graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Vaishnav performed his General Surgery Internship, his Ophthalmology Residency and pursued Advanced Fellowship Training in Vitreoretinal Surgery at University of Florida-Gainesville. Academician & Professor Dr. Vaishnav is an adjunct lecturer and instructor at both the University of Florida and the Florida Institute of Technology. He has also been invited to speak at various meetings including the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Lions Club, Doctors Goodwill Foundation, Aging Matters Symposium, One Senior Place Symposium and BIMDA. He has also appeared on a popular radio show called Your Visual Health on AM1060, and on Helping Seniors Television. Clinical Scientist, Author and Innovator In addition to teaching, Dr. Vaishnav is a clinical scientist with research experiences and collaborations at world renowned institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the University of Florida and the Diabetes Clinical Research Center (DRCR.net). He has also been a scientific investigator for some of the latest medications used to prevent blindness. Dr. Vaishnav has created innovative patient centered programs such as Healthy Eye, Healthy I TM Integrative Eye Care and Retain Independence of SEniors (RISE) TM Fall Prevention Program to serve the patients of Brevard County. He is currently working on a series of educational books for patients. Humanitarian Through his involvement with Non-Profit Organizations like the Lions Club International, BIMDA, Doctor’s Goodwill Foundation, and the Brevard Health Alliance, Dr. Vaishnav works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his many patients and for the Brevard County Community, in general. His efforts include raising awareness of preventable diseases and encouraging patient participation in their health care. His contributions to the community include participating in health screenings, volunteer work, fund raisers, education, providing medical care on a pro bono basis, and other grass roots efforts. Dr. Vaishnav was recently awarded the Melvin B. Jones Humanitarian Fellowship Award by the Lions Club International for his many contributions towards the prevention and treatment of blindness. Extracurricular Activities Dr. Vaishnav enjoys spending time with his family, and writing books on medical and non-medical topics. Additionally, he enjoys traveling, sports and the great outdoors.
Specializing in Diseases & Surgery of the Retina & Vitreous, Diabetic Eye Care, Treatment for Macular Degeneration, Ophthalmic Vascular Disorders, Retinal Holes, Tears & Detachments Dr. Ganiban graduated from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Biology prior to attending and graduating from Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia. Dr. Ganiban performed his medical internship at the University of Arizona – Tucson, and his ophthalmology residency at the Friedenwald Eye Institute at Maryland General Hospital – Baltimore, where he served as Chief Resident.
After completing his residency, Dr. Ganiban pursued advanced Fellowship Training in Diseases and Surgery of the Retina and Vitreous at Louisiana State University – New Orleans, where he served as Chief Fellow and as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the Sigma Xi National Research Society, the American Society of Retina Specialists, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and he is a member of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ganiban’s ophthalmic research projects have included studies involving intraocular drug delivery systems, the use of silicone oil in retinal detachment repairs and various vision restoration therapies for patients with Macular Degeneration.
Dr. Ganiban is an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology, where he performs extensive research with an emphasis on creating new medical devices. Dr.Ganiban recently developed a new device that enhances efficiency in retinal surgery and comprehensive eye examinations, by enabling hands-free scleral depression, known as the Ganihand. In conjunction with the world’s largest ophthalmic medical, pharmaceutical and surgical device company, this cutting edge device is being developed for use by eye physicians in the United States and all over the world.
Along with his colleagues at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, in 2005, Dr. Ganiban was one of the first Retina Specialists in the U.S. to begin treating Macular Degeneration patients with intraocular Avastin, a cutting edge treatment that has improved the vision and lives of many patients who suffer from the “wet” form of Macular Degeneration.
Dr. Ganiban was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA, where his father practiced internal medicine for over forty years. His wife, Patricia LaFleur, M.D., is also an Ophthalmologist, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, Restylane Skin Treatments, and Botox Injections. The Ganibans have two sons and they regularly attend church. Although they have varied interests and commitments, the Ganibans make family time a top priority.
Dr. Ganiban makes time for tennis, swimming and competitive sports. He is a triathlete and has competed in seventeen marathons, including two Boston Marathons and four Florida Iron Man 70.3 mile events– a grueling endurance race where participants swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles.
The Ganibans enjoy gourmet cooking – particularly French, Creole and Cajun cuisine. Dr. Ganiban is an avid reader of history books and fiction, and he is presently writing a medical/thriller novel, that he hopes to complete in the next couple of years.
Dr. Naddia Barrios is originally a Florida native having completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Florida International University Miami, FL in 2005. She received her Doctorate in Optometry from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2009 where she earned numerous awards for clinical excellence and scholarship. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
She completed internships at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute and Eye Centers of South Florida. In 2010, Dr. Barrios successfully completed a one-year optometric residency in Ocular Disease at Aran Eye Associates, Coral Gables, FL.Upon completion of the residency, she joined the staff at Aran Eye Associates specializing in surgical patient and disease managment, and advanced glaucoma care. She remained at Aran Eye Associates until her move to Central Florida early 2018.
Dr. Barrios joined Ramirez & Poulos MD, PA in January of 2020 where she has been providing our patients with excellent care. She is our in house dry eye specialist providing specialized evaluation and treatment of dry eye disease.
Dr. Manuela Gutierrez Velez, originally from Medellin, Colombia, and raised in Central Florida, is a dedicated ophthalmologist committed to delivering compassionate care and community service. She completed her Ophthalmology residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, following her Doctor of Medicine degree from the same institution. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Florida.
Active in professional societies like the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Women in Ophthalmology, Dr. Gutierrez Velez has been recognized for her academic achievements, receiving awards such as the Brian Sloan Medical Student Award and Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholar.
Her research contributions include presentations and peer-reviewed publications on topics like cataract outreach and endophthalmitis. Dr. Gutierrez Velez is passionate about teaching and mentoring, participating in programs like the American Academy of Ophthalmology Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program.
Dr. Gutierrez Velez will be joining Ramirez & Poulos MD, PA, in August 2024, where she will continue to provide exceptional eye care.
Margaret K. Poulos, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Ramirez & Poulos MD, PA, in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida. With over 30 years of experience as an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, Dr. Poulos is trained in the latest techniques of the industry, enabling her to provide patients with the best service possible.
Dr. Poulos attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she studied biology. She went on to complete her medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She did her internship at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and her residency training in ophthalmology at Washington University’s visual sciences department.
After completing her medical training, Dr. Poulos worked in private practice at Eye Care Associates in Clayton, Missouri. During this time, she also served as an assistant clinical professor at Washington University’s visual sciences department.
In 1996, Dr. Poulos moved to Florida and became a named partner at Ramirez & Poulos, MD, where she continues to work to this day. She is affiliated with the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida, and is a fellow at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Poulos is passionate about providing ophthalmological care to everyone regardless of their financial status. Along with her private practice, she volunteers to run monthly ophthalmology clinics at Grace Medical Home a nonprofit organization for the underserved residents of the community.
In her personal time, Dr. Poulos enjoys gardening to relax and cycling and lifting weights to keep fit.
“It's very difficult to find a good doctor and even more difficult to find a good doctor with good qualified assistance. From the beginning to the end it was a pleasure. We only rate medical patient service with three standards ( poor/average/good) . Patricia's office visit was a good five-star visit, very thorough examinations/tests explained in layman terms of the findings/results of the examination to include future requirements. Thank you, and I agree with Dr." the best part was leaving without any prescriptions".”
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