Charles Retina Institute

11/17/2025

3 generations of vitreoretinal surgery systems developed through engineering collaborations between Dr. Steve Charles and Alcon

01/29/2025

Rachel Steele, OD, and Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, (of Charles Retina Institute) present a case report of a patient with hydroxychloroquine maculopathy and discuss screening protocols for limiting risk.

While hydroxychloroquine (HQC) has demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation in individuals with autoimmune disorders, the risk for HQC maculopathy is a very real threat — one that necessitates careful adherence to dosing guidelines and monitoring protocols. Retinal toxicity due to long-term HQC therapy is a well-documented complication with the potential to cause irreversible vision loss, which may progress for years after ceasing the drug.

Although the overall incidence of retinal toxicity is low with appropriate dosing, a combination of subjective and objective tools during eye examination can detect functional and structural changes indicating HQC maculopathy. Advances in imaging modalities allow earlier disease detection and improved visual outcomes for these patients.

Read here: https://bit.ly/3VAOVrS

01/29/2025

Tennessee’s ‘Young OD of 2023’ shares her love of learning and professional insights with other young optometrists.

With fewer than 8 years of practice experience, Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, (Charles Retina Institute) may still be a professional newcomer, but her achievements have earned her the distinction of ‘TAOP Young Optometrist of the Year Award’ — an honor bestowed upon her by the TAOP (Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians). And while this accolade may boost her professional credibility, Dr Haynes’ focus is on continuing to learn, teach, and grow as an optometrist, and she urges other young optometrists to do the same.

“As a new grad, you have to keep in mind that the degree you just earned means that you are minimally competent to do your job and not be a threat to the public,” she explained. “If you want to be great at your job or excel in a niche area, you are going to either have to pursue additional structured training such as residency or find a way to achieve these skills in a more self-taught or unstructured manner. The big take home here is that you have to keep learning in some way, and that is going to need to continue for the rest of your career.”

Read the full Feature here: https://bit.ly/3VAq2fO

10/25/2024

One week ago Dr. Charles received the Charles L. Schepens award at the annual AAO meeting in Chicago, IL.

This award is to recognize a vision scientist who has contributed new knowledge of the visual process of vitreoretinal diseases and/or has made special contributions to prevent and decrease blindness.

The recipient is chosen by a special committee formed from the Retina Society, Macula Society, American Society of Retina Specialists, Club Jules Gonin, and the Retina Research Foundation.

His lecture was titled "Systems Engineering at the Intersection of Technology and Technique"

Congratulations Dr. Charles!

07/03/2023

Congratulations to both Dr. Rafieetary and Dr. Sullivan for completing their Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Charles Retina Institute.

CRI is excited to announce that they are joining the clinic as Attending Physicians.

09/17/2021

𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, is an up-to-date, comprehensive how-to guide to all vitreoretinal procedures.

Written by world-renowned pioneer in vitreoretinal surgery, Dr. Steve Charles, along with Drs. Stephen Huddleston and Jonathan Brugger. Features illustrations and photographs by CRI's renowned graphic artist, Byron Wood.

Available now on Amazon.

Vitreous Microsurgery

03/30/2021

Happy National Doctor's Day to our physicians at Charles Retina Institute. We are thankful for each and every one of you!

02/18/2021

Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all locations for Charles Retina Institute will be closed on Friday, February 19.

For emergencies, please call 901-767-4499 or 800-423-0404.

02/17/2021

Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all locations for Charles Retina Institute will be closed on Thursday, February 18.

For emergencies, please call 901-767-4499 or 800-423-0404.

02/15/2021

Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all locations for Charles Retina Institute will be closed on the following days:

Monday, February 15
Tuesday, February 16
Wednesday, February 17

For emergencies, please call 901-767-4499 or 800-423-0404.

02/14/2021

Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, all locations for Charles Retina Institute will be closed Monday, February 15, 2021.

For emergencies, please call 901-767-4499 or 800-423-0404.

06/25/2020

This week, CRI says goodbye to Dr. Jonathan Brugger as he finishes his Vitreoretinal Surgical Fellowship.

We at CRI wish Dr. Brugger the best as he begins his career in Sarasota.

As a parting gift tradition, we like to present the Fellows with a framed Memphis print from Midtown Framer and Art to remember their time in Memphis!