Cataract Treatment & Surgeons

Cataract Surgeons at North Georgia Eye Surgery Center

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. Caused by the clumping of protein in the lens, cataracts cause blurry vision and may continue to grow until treated or removed. Common treatment methods include stronger eyeglass prescriptions or the surgical removal of the cataract with intraocular lens implantation.

Usually performed on an outpatient basis, the cataract surgery we provide is virtually painless. This state-of-the-art procedure requires only a very small incision and generally does not require stitches. Most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities the day after surgery.

Technologically Advanced Cataract Surgery

Technologically advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including the ReSTOR® Lens and Crystalens®, are now available that provide patients with a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate, and distance). These new multifocal IOLs are particularly well-suited for patients who wish to reduce their dependency on reading glasses and bifocals in addition to maintaining good distance vision once their cataract is removed.

For more information about treating your cataracts with these premium intraocular multifocal lenses or to schedule an examination, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.

Video: Laser Cataract Surgery

Information on the benefits of laser cataract surgery

Our Cataract Surgeons

L. Jeffrey Payne, M.D.Cataract Surgeon, Ophthalmologist

Location: Gainesville

Dr. Jeffrey Payne is one of the most experienced ophthalmologists in North Georgia. Currently he is the Medical Director of North Georgia Eye and its’ affiliated businesses, North Georgia Optical, North Georgia Aesthetics, North Georgia Hearing and North Georgia Eye Surgery Center. Dr. Payne graduated magna cum laude from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, with a B.S. in biology. Following completion of his undergraduate work he enrolled in the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Dr. Payne was the Desiree Franklin Scholar, received the Shephard Award for Outstanding Research and a pathology research fellowship. After earning his Doctorate of Medicine (MD), he completed his internship at the Medical College of Georgia hospitals and clinics followed by a residency in ophthalmology, where he was named Chief Resident.

Dr. Payne is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), and the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology (GSO). He serves as Chairman of Health Partners Board at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Dr. Payne is a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a board member of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jeffrey Payne has privileges at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and North Georgia Eye Surgery Center. Jeff Payne and his family are members of Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Georgia.

Matthew B. Kaufman, M.D.Cataract Surgeon, Refractive Surgeon, Ophthalmologist

Locations: Cumming, Hamilton Mill & Gainesville

Matthew B. Kaufman, M.D., a leading ophthalmologist in Northern Georgia, is the director of refractive surgery at North Georgia Eye Clinic. Fellowship trained to sub-specialize in LASIK and refractive surgery, corneal disorders and treatments, and cataract surgery, Dr. Kaufman received his education and training from some of the most advanced medical facilities in the nation. He graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University; following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Kaufman enrolled in the Vanderbilt University Medical School and received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Dr. Kaufman completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia and a residency in ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. During his residency, he was Baylor’s first resident physician ever to perform LASIK surgery. Dr. Kaufman elected to further his training by accepting a fellowship in cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery at the University of California. While in California, he had the privilege to train directly with Dr. Peter McDonnell, the current chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, widely regarded as the premier ophthalmology program in the world. Dr. Kaufman has served as a clinical instructor at the University of California and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach, California. He was also a faculty instructor for the University of California Residency Microsurgery Course.

Dr. Kaufman has published articles in several medical journals, with topics including LASIK and cataract surgery. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his professional and academic careers. These honors include a fellowship with Diabetes Research and Training Center at Vanderbilt University, the Phi Beta Kappa award, membership in the College Scholars Program, and membership in the Mortar Board Honor Society. Dr. Kaufman is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is board certified in ophthalmology, and has several hospital appointments including Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Lanier Park Regional Hospital, North Georgia Medical Center, Union General Medical Center, and the North Georgia Eye Surgery Center.

Matthew W. Hollar, M.D.Cataract Surgeon, Ophthalmologist

Locations: Gainesville, Ellijay and Clayton

Dr. Matthew Hollar is the newest member to the team of comprehensive ophthalmologists at North Georgia Eye Clinic, specializing in medical and surgical care of the eye. A native of western North Carolina, he and his family have lived north of Atlanta since 1999. For his undergraduate studies, Dr. Hollar graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where he was awarded a full academic scholarship and was named the 2003 male United States Presidential Scholar for the state of Georgia. Afterwards, Dr. Hollar enrolled in the Duke University School of Medicine where he received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and was also awarded a full academic scholarship. During his time in medical school, Dr. Hollar devoted two full-time years to research at the Duke Eye Center studying age-related eye diseases. Following medical school, Dr. Hollar returned to Nashville where he completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He then began residency training in Ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute and Veteran’s Administration Hospital. He has published multiple articles in medical journals with topics including healthcare disparities in ophthalmology, macular degeneration, ocular oncology, infections of the eye, and congenital ophthalmic disease.

Dr. Hollar holds a hospital appointment at North Georgia Medical Center and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association. His clinical interests include dry eye syndrome, medical management of glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology and cataract surgery. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, running, and classical piano. He welcomes new patients to his clinic and looks forward to meeting you.

Bhairavi Dholakia, M.D.Cataract Surgeon, Ophthalmologist

Locations: Cumming and Hamilton Mill

Dr. Dholakia is a board certified ophthalmologist with extensive clinical and surgical experience in the field of corneal disorders, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery. Dr. Dholakia completed her undergraduate studies at Emory University. She completed her medical education at the Medical College of Georgia, followed by internship at Emory. She did her residency at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital and completed a fellowship at Duke Eye Center in corneal disorders, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery. After completing her training, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and at Emory University. While at the University of Arkansas, she also served as the Director of Corneal and External Disease and Director of Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Dholakia has been the recipient of many Honors and Awards throughout her professional career. While in medical school, she was inducted in Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society and was awarded the American Medical Women’s Association Janet Glasgow Memorial Award. She also received the Physician’s Physician award, an honor given to the individual that peers and faculty would choose as their physician. While at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Dholakia was honored for her excellence in teaching with the Teacher of the Year award. She received the Dean’s Outpatient All Stars Award on multiple occasions for her commitment to excellence in patient care. Dr. Dholakia has published articles in multiple medical journals and has contributed chapters to various textbooks.

Her clinical interests include cataract surgery, partial and full thickness corneal transplantation, clinical and surgical treatment of corneal disorders, management and treatment of ocular surface disorders such as dry eyes and blepharitis, and refractive surgery.