Doctors

Dr. Dan P. Montzka, a board-certified ophthalmologist, specializes in diseases of the vitreous and retina. His area of sub-specialty includes the medical and surgical management of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachments and complications of intraocular surgery.

Dr. Montzka received his bachelor’s degree with honors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology in 1985. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1989, receiving the Charles A. Oliver award for outstanding achievement in the field of Ophthalmology. After serving his ophthalmology residency at the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, Dr. Montzka completed his fellowship training in retina and intraocular tumors at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

Dr. Montzka has authored numerous papers on retinal vascular disease and retinal electrophysiology. He edited the popular Wills Eye Hospital Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology on CD-ROM and served as the medical consultant on the classic ophthalmology reference Duane’s Clinical Ophthalmology on CD-ROM. Dr. Montzka has developed his own electronic medical software for use in his practice. In April 2001, he earned a United States Patent for the apparatus, system and method for securing scleral tissue during certain forms of retina surgery.

Dr. Montzka maintains an active interest in the latest research and treatment of retinal disease. He recently served as an investigator for the Visudyne Photodynamic Therapy Study and Rheopheresis Clinical Trial.

Dr. Montzka and his wife, Marianne, have four children and reside in Tarpon Springs.

Medical and Professional Memberships

• • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Medical Association
  • American Society of Retinal Specialists
  • Association for Research In Vision and Ophthalmology
  • Pasco County Medical Society
  • Pennsylvania Medical Society

I am a Fellowship trained, Board Certified Vitreoretinal Disease Specialist and Surgeon. For the last 14 years I have been providing the highest quality vitreoretinal care. This includes the accurate diagnosis and management of Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Eye Disease, Retinal Vein Occlusions, Retinal Tears and Detachments, Macular Hole Treatment, Epiretinal Membrane Surgery and many other less common conditions. It is our goal at Gulf Coast Retina Specialists to customize our treatment plan to your needs as an individual and unique patient.

We utilize the most current technology in our practice. This is the cornerstone of a modern medical practice because it enables accurate diagnosis, measurement of response to treatment and long-term ongoing management.  This combined with professional skill and surgical excellence enables my patients to have the best chance for optimal outcomes.  My staff and I provide this care to you in a professional yet personal and caring environment. We utilize state of the art electronic health records (EHR) to facilitate your visit while accurately documenting your history, exam findings, diagnostic testing results and treatment interventions.  This can be shared in an efficient way with other medical professionals that you see so they can be completely current on your ocular health, medicine use and treatment plan.  This not only provides you with the highest quality of medical care, but also minimizes redundancy and medical errors.

I am actively involved in research as a Principal Investigator in multiple studies. These include trials for Non-exudative (Dry) Macular Degeneration, Exudative (Wet) Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Eye Disease, Retinal Vein Occlusion and Vitreoretinal Interface disorders.

Education:

2003-2004 

• Vitreoretinal Fellow (Medical/Surgical)
• University of South Florida Eye Institute
• University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida

2000-2003

• Resident in Ophthalmology
• Kettering Medical Center/Grandview Hospital – Dayton, Ohio

1999-2000

• Transitional Year Resident, ACGME/Internship, AOA
• Saint Francis Medical Center – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1995-1999

• Doctorate (D.O.)
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1991-1995

• Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
• University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Academic Positions:

2017 – Present

• Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator
• Clinical Research Center – Pinellas Park, Florida

2007 – Present

• Clinical Associate of Undergraduate Teaching
• University of Waterloo; Ontario, Canada – Pinellas Park, Florida

2002-2003

• Chief Resident
• Department of Ophthalmology
• Kettering Medical Center/Grandview Hospital – Dayton, Ohio

Research:

Principal Investigator,  Apellis Pharmaceuticals Protocol APL2-303, “ A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Controlled Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal APL-2 Therapy with Sham-Injections in Patients with Geographic Atrophy (GA) Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)” 2018. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator, DRCR Protocol AG, “Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Pneumatic Vitreolysis on Vitreomacular Traction ” 2018. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator,  Clearside Biomedical Protocol CLS1003-302, “ Topaz: A Randomized, Masked, Controlled Trial To Study The Safety And Efficacy Of Suprachoroidal Cls-TA In Combination With An Intravitreal Anti-Vegf Agent In Subjects With Retinal Vein Occlusion” 2018. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator, DRCR Protocol AD, “ PROMINENT- Eye Ancillary Study: Diabetic Retinopathy Outcomes in a Randomized Trial of Pemafibrate versus Placebo” 2017. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator, DRCR Protocol AC, “Randomized Trial of Aflibercept versus Bevacizumab for Treatment of Central-Involved Diabetic Macular Edema.” 2017. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator, DRCR Protocol AB, “Intravitreous Anti-VEGF vs. Prompt Vitrectomy for Vitreous Hemorrhage from Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.” 2017. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Principal Investigator, DRCR Protocol W, “Intravitreous Anti-VEGF Treatment for Prevention of Vision Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy in Eyes at High Risk. ” 2017. Eye Associates of Pinellas, Pinellas Park, Florida.

 Co-Investigator, Genentech Protocol #FVF2587g (ANCHOR), “A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Active Treatment-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of rhuFab V2 [Ranibizumab] Compared with Verteporfin (Visudyne^TM) Photodynamic Therapy in Subjects with Predominately Classic Subfoveal Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”  2003-2004.  University of South Florida Eye Institute, Tampa, Florida.

 Co-Investigator, Genentech Protocol #FVF2598g (MARINA), “A Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Sham Injection-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of rhuFab V2 [Ranibizumab] in Subjects with Minimally Classic or Occult Subfoveal Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”  2003-2004.  University of South Florida Eye Institute, Tampa, Florida.

 Co-Investigator, Genentech Protocol #FVF2508g (Extended), “An Extension Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Multiple-Dose Intravitreal Injections of rhuFab V2 [Ranibizumab] in Subjects with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Who Have Completed the Treatment Phase of a Genentech-Sponsored Phase I or Phase I/II rhuFab V2 Study.”  2003-2004.  University of South Florida Eye Institute, Tampa, Florida.

 Co-Investigator, Genentech Protocol #FVF2428g (FOCUS), “A Phase I/II, Single-Masked, Multicenter Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Multiple-Dose Intravitreal Injections of rhuFab V2 [Ranibizumab] in Combination with Verteporfin (Visudyne^TM) Photodynamic Therapy in Subjects with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”   2003-2004.  University of South Florida Eye Institute, Tampa, Florida.

Co-Investigator, Eli Lilly Protocol #B7A-MC-MBCM, “Protein Kinase C β Inhibitor – Diabetic Retinopathy Study 2 (PKC-DRS2) A Phase 3 Clinical Trial.” 2003-2004.  University of South Florida Eye Institute, Tampa, Florida.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Oren Plous is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He specializes in the medical and surgical management of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, simple and complex retinal detachments, and uveitis.

Dr. Plous earned his Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Plous completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Kresge Eye Institute and a fellowship in vitreo-retinal medicine and surgery at the University of Kentucky. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Plous has a passion for clinical research and has been a principal, or co-investigator, on many FDA-approved clinical trials. He has presented numerous lectures to medical students, residents and medical professionals on topics in vitreo-retinal disease and uveitis. Dr. Plous has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Archives of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, and Retina.

Dr. El‑Jabali is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is fellowship trained in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, with emphasis on macular degeneration and diabetic eye care. Dr. El‑Jabali brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice, utilizing the most modern technology in both surgical and medical treatments of retinal disorders.

Dr. El‑Jabali enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. He played intercollegiate water polo while attending college, and likes to watch sports and participate in soccer, basketball, and tennis. Dr. El‑Jabali speaks English and Arabic fluently, and speaks conversational French and American Sign Language (ASL).

EDUCATION

• Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship, Retina Institute, Honolulu, HI
• Ophthalmology Residency, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and Interfaith Medical Center, Far Rockaway and Brooklyn, NY
• General Surgery Resident, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway, NY
• General Medicine Traditional Internship, St. John Health System, Madison Heights, MI
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Magna Cum Laude, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Retina Journal, ‘Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Nonproliferative Group 2A Idiopathic Juxtafoveal Retinal Telangiectasis’
• New England Journal of Medicine – Images in Clinical Medicine, ‘Talc Retinopathy’
• ARVO ‘Specular Photomicrographic Assessment of the Effect of Anti-VEGF lntravitreal Injections on Corneal Thickness and Endothelial Cell Density (CD) and Morphology’
• ARVO ‘ F/A and ICG Guided, Sub-Threshold, Reduced Fluence Focal Laser Photocoagulation Treatment (SRFLPT) in Patients with Diabetic Clinically Significant Macular Edema (CSME)’
• ARVO ‘Transcutaneous Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation (MCS) in the Therapy of Previously Untreatable Retinal Diseases’

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology
• Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology
• Florida Osteopathic Medical Association
• Tampa Bay Ophthalmology Society

EDUCATION

University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands University Hospital  – 2003-2005 Jacksonville, FL

• Vitreoretinal Fellowship. Chairman: KV Chalam, M.D.,Ph.D.
• Consultant for the Veterans Hospital Ophthalmology Service 2003-2005
• Consultant for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind 2004-2005
• Research Day First Place Winner, Platform Presentation

Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Center/New York Medical College – 2000 – 2003 New York, NY

• Residency in Ophthalmology. Chairman: Robert D’amico, M.D.
• Chief Resident July 1, 2002- June 30, 2003

Mount Sinai Medical Center – 1999 – 2000 Miami Beach, FL

• Internship in Internal Medicine. Chairman: Frederico Justiniani, M.D.

University of Miami School of Medicine – 1995 – 1999 Miami, FL

• Doctor of Medicine, June 1999

Emory University – 1990 – 1994 Atlanta, GA

• Bachelors of Science in Biology, May 1993

Peer Reviewed Journal Publications

Rachitskaya AV, Reddy AK, Miller D, Davis J, Flynn Hwjr, Smiddy W, Lara W, Lin S, Dubovy S, Albini TA. Prolonged Curvularia endophthalmitits due to organism sequestration. JAMA. 2014 Sept;132(9):1123-6.

Schiller JD, Lin S, Neigel JM. Deepening of the superior sulcus after isolated lower transconjunctival blepharoplasty. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Nov; 20(6):433-5.

Shah VA, Phillips WW, Lin S, Chalam KV. Effect of Elevated Pressure on Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Viability: An In Vitro Study. Molecular Biology of the Cell Supplement 2003; Nov 14

Phillips WW, Shah VA, Lin S, Chalam KV. The Effect of Elevated Atmospheric Pressure on the In Vitro Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Molecular Biology of the Cell Supplement 2003; Nov 14

Peer Reviewed Poster/Paper Publications

Reddy AK, Rachitskaya A, Miller D, Flynn H, Smiddy W, Lara W, Lin S, Albini TA. The Incidence of Curvularia Keratitis and A Case Series of Curvularia Endophthalmitis.
May 2013 Seattle, WA ARVO Poster

Rachitskaya AV, Reddy AK, Miller D, Davis J, Flynn Hwjr, Smiddy W, Lara W, Lin S, Dubovy S, Albini TA. Prolonged Curvularia endophthalmitits due to organism sequestration. American Society of Retina Specialists 31st Annual Meeting.
August 2013 Toronto Canada ASRS Poster

Gupta SK, Lin SJ, Chalam KV. Screening at Birth Weight of 1250 g Identifies All High-Risk ROP for Early Treatment and Avoids Unnecessary Examinations. American Academy of Ophthalmology 109th Annual Meeting. Scientific Paper: PA032.
October 2005 New Orleans, LA AAO Paper

Lin SJ, Chalam KV. Birthweight ≤ 1250 grams(g) identifies all high risk Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) for early treatment. American Society of Retina Specialists 23rd Annual Meeting. p160
July 2005 Montreal, Canada ASRS Poster

Lin SJ, Chalam KV. Comparative evaluation of toxic effects of indocyanine green and trypan blue on survival of retinal ganglion cells. American Society of Retina Specialist 23rd Annual Meeting. p.149
July 2005 Montreal, Canada ASRS Poster

Peer Reviewed Abstract Publications

Shah VA, Lin SJ, Shah GY,Chalam KV. Normal Values for Fundus Perimetry Using Liquid Crystal Display Microperimeter. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005; 45:ARVO E-Abstract 4316
April 2005 Ft Lauderdale, FL ARVO Poster

Lin SJ, Shah VA, Shah GY, Wludyka P, Chalam KV. Evaluation of Modified Retinopathy of Prematurity(ROP) Screening Guidelines Using Birth-Weight(BW) as Sole Inclusion Criteria. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005;45:ARVO EAbstract 4100
April 2005 Ft Lauderdale, FL ARVO Poster

Tripathi RC, Lin S, Philips W, Tripathi BJ, Chalam KV. Effects of Trypan Blue on Cell Viability and Gene Expression of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005;45:ARVO E-Abstract 5419
April 2005 Ft Lauderdale, FL ARVO Poster

Lin S, Shah VA, Gupta SK, Chalam KV. Evaluation of Screening Criteria for Retinopathy of Prematurity. American Society of Retina Specialist 22nd Annual Meeting. p104
November 2004 San Diego, CA ASRS Paper

Shah VA, Lin SJ, Phillips WW, Chalam KV. Normal Values for fundus perimetry using liquid crystal display microperimeter. American Society of Retina Specialists 22nd Annual Meeting. p146
November 2004 San Diego, CA ASRS Poster

Chalam KV, Lin SJ, Phillips WW, Shah VA. Liquid Crystal Display Microperimeter for Various Retinal Pathologies. American Society of Retinal Specialists 22nd Annual Meeting. p142
November 2004 San Diego, CA ASRS Poster

Lin SJ, Shah VA, Phillips WW, Chalam KV. Correlation of Retinal Sensitivity to Visual Acuity Using Liquid Crystal Display Microperimetry. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2004;45:ARVO E-Abstract 5452.
April 2004 Ft Lauderdale, FL ARVO Poster

Schiller JD, Lin S, Neigel JM. Changes in the Upper Eyelid after Lower Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. Annual Scientific Symposium of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
October 2002 Orlando, FL ASOPRS Poster

Community Journal Contribution

Chalam KV, Lin SJ, Mostafa S. Management of Diabetic Retinopathy in 21st Century. Northeast Jacksonville Medical Journal. Volume 56, Number 2.

Study Coordinator

“A multi center randomized, double masked, controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an Intravitreal Flucinolone Acetonide (0.5 or 2 mg) Implant in Patients with Noninfectious Uveitis Affecting the Posterior Segment of the Eye. Sponsor: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Project BL 415-004
July 2004-July 2005 Jacksonville, FL

“A Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Chimeric Ribozyme to PCNA to Prevent Recurrence of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy”. Sponsor: Immusol Corp. Project IM-VIT 100.
August 2003- July 2005 Jacksonville, FL

Memberships

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Society of Retina Specialists
• European VitreoRetinal Society