Blake Woods Medical Park
2775 Blake Road
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-2906
Fax: (517) 787-3039
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide you with world-class medical and surgical services using state-of-the-art equipment in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment, where we pride ourselves on treating you as if you were family.
Ophthalmologists
Charlie Chai, M.D.
Dr. Charlie Chai, MD, is a highly accomplished ophthalmologist with an academic background and extensive experience in the field of eye care. Driven by a passion for helping patients and advancing medical knowledge, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Chai consistently goes above and beyond to put patients first by providing the highest quality and most advanced care.
Dr. Chai completed his Bachelor of Science degrees with honors in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, as well as Psychology, from the University of California, San Diego. He then obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree with honors from The George Washington University School of Medicine, where he ranked in the top 5% of his class and was awarded a near full tuition scholarship. He was recognized for his exceptional academic achievement and excellent character and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism societies. Dr. Chai then completed an internship in General Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, followed by a rigorous residency in Ophthalmology at the renowned Vanderbilt Eye Institute where he went beyond the standard curriculum to learn advanced clinical and surgical techniques.
Throughout his career, Dr. Chai has been actively engaged in translational and clinical research, focusing on medical and surgical retinal diseases. He has collaborated with industry leaders such as Roche-Genentech and obtained seed innovation grants from the National Science Foundation, contributing to advancements in the treatment of retinal conditions. Dr. Chai's commitment to research excellence is further evident in his extensive publication record, featuring a combined over 50 peer-reviewed abstracts, journal articles and book chapters in ophthalmology and molecular medicine. He aims to expand the available treatments to patients by continuing to participate in research and clinical trials.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Chai actively contributes to his community. He has helped teach biological sciences at UC San Diego and served with the UC San Diego Police. Dr. Chai has also extended his involvement to various charitable organizations, including free clinics, inner city children’s mentorship programs, and anti-human trafficking organizations.
His exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and comprehensive experience make him an outstanding ophthalmologist committed to providing exceptional eye care services to his patients.
Languages: Mandarin Chinese (fluent)
Professional Societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Refractive Surgery Alliance, American Society of Retina Specialists
Michael Chames, M.D.
Dr. Chames is a graduate of Wayne State University Medical School. He completed his Ophthalmology training at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Joseph A. Crapotta, M.D. - Vitreoretinal Specialist
Dr. Crapotta received his Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University in New York, New York and his Medical Degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. He completed his Residency in Ophthalmology at Catholic Medical Center in Jamaica, New York and his Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery Preceptors at University of California, School of Medicine in San Diego, California.
Mahmoud El-Yassir, M.D. - Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. El-Yassir earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis, and received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. He went on to complete his ophthalmology training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where he received advanced training in the medical and surgical treatment of ocular disease and conditions.
Luis C. Gago, M.D. - Cataract & Refractive Specialist
Dr. Gago received his Doctor of Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at William Beaumont Hospital. Dr. Gago is board-certified and is a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Medical Association.
Carmelina Gordon, M.D. - Vitreoretinal Specialist
Dr. Gordon specializes in the treatment of Macular Degeneration and other retinal diseases. She actively pursues new treatments to help improve and restore patients' vision through the participation of clinical trials and studies. Dr. Gordon received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines and completed her residency at the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA; Dr. Gordon completed her fellowship training for vitreoretinal at Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI and Vitreoretinal Research at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
Surendar Purohit, M.D. - Retina Specialist
Dr. Purohit is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his specialty training in Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Purohit is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.
Marcus Rhem, M.D. - Cataract and Refractive Specialist
Marcus N. Rhem, M.D., cataract and refractive specialist, has been practicing eye care since 1992. Dr. Rhem favors a patient-centered approach with special attention to making sure his patients completely understand your eye condition and treatments offered. He believes that sometimes technology oversteps what may be best for the patient, but his patient-centered approach ensures that the best technology is used each individual patient, whether it be the latest technology or not. He specializes in the following areas: cataract surgery, vision correction surgery, glaucoma, and infectious diseases.
Anthony Sensoli, M.D. - Cataract and Refractive Specialist
Dr. Sensoli is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his specialty training in Ophthalmology at the University of Texas. Dr. Sensoli is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Michigan Ophthalmological Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Chelsea Lions Club.
Clint Simpson, M.D. - Cataract and Refractive Specialist
Clint D. Simpson, M.D., graduated from Wayne State School of Medicine with high honors and completed his residency at the Detroit Medical Center’s Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, MI. He specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma and other eye disease. During Dr. Simpson’s residency training he was voted by his faculty to receive the Outstanding Clinical Excellence Faculty Award and Most Compassionate Physician Award.
Alexander Cherry, M.D. - Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist
Dr. Cherry comes to Specialty Eye Institute after training to specialize in glaucoma at the University of Kentucky. He grew up in the Toledo area and was excited to return home and join SEI. With improving technology, we are better able to detect glaucoma. The need for doctors to treat glaucoma has expanded as a result of it being more prevalent than once thought. With all of the new developments in glaucoma therapies, there are many more options for patients now. The use of invasive surgery has been minimized in addition to new medications and laser treatments available. Dr. Cherry is focused on developing many long-term relationships with his patients to best understand their goals and needs in treating their glaucoma.
Before coming to SEI, Dr. Cherry spent eight years at The Ohio State University earning his medical degrees. He is most definitely a die-hard Buckeyes fan. Following OSU, Dr. Cherry spent five years completing his specialty training in Ophthalmology and Glaucoma in Lexington, Kentucky.
Neal A. Tolchin, M.D. - Opthamologist
Neal A. Tolchin, M.D. specializes in cataract and intraocular lens surgery, including no-stitch cataract surgery and YAG Laser surgery and has been practicing ophthalmology for over 20 years.
Over the years, Dr. Tolchin has seen new techniques and innovations improve surgical recovery time and results. For example, he can now offer cataract surgery patients many new options for optimal near vision and glasses independence – and these improved results are often immediate. In addition, new innovative treatment options for glaucoma have vastly improved the ability to manage this disease and prevent vision loss. Dr. Tolchin enjoys person-to-person contact with his patients and feels that it is the most important aspect of his career.
He is excited to see what’s in store for the future in the treatment of each form of eye disease. Dr. Tolchin is passionate about providing the right treatment for each patient as he treats cataracts, glaucoma, and other diseases in the eye. With the recent advancements in technology and eye care, he appreciates that he can offer his patients many different options to enhance their vision and looks forward to interacting with each of his patients.
“I became a doctor because I feel that practicing medicine is very rewarding on a personal level. While I enjoy both the surgical and academic aspects of my field, it is my interaction person-to-person that is the most important to me. There are also many intellectual challenges which always make providing eye care both interesting and challenging.” – Neal Tolchin, M.D.
