Intern Year Resident
Azraa Chaudhury, MD
College: Harvard College, Cambridge, MA
Med School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Dr. Chaudhury graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She completed her medical degree at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, Dr. Chaudhury was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, where she worked on projects in medical devices, biopharma, and value-based health care. Her research interests include health economics, quality improvement, and patient-reported outcome measures. In her free time, Azraa enjoys exploring coffee shops with her husband, doing Peloton classes, and traveling to new places.
Jungah Huh, MD
College: Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
Med School: Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Huh earned her medical degree and PhD from Korea University in Seoul, where her research focused on the effects of topical glaucoma medications on the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. Following a residency in Ophthalmology at Korea University Hospital, she pursued research at Weill Cornell, contributing to projects on Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Dr. Huh’s research interests include optics, with a focus on developing new intraocular lens designs, as well as advancements in ocular surface treatments, such as innovative eye drop formulations. In her free time, Jungah enjoys working out, meditating, and spending time with her family at the park.
Peyman Razavi, MD
College: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Med School: Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, NY
Dr. Razavi earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, graduating summa cum laude from UCLA with a minor in biomedical research. He went on to obtain his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Peyman has collaborated with distinguished research mentors, leading to numerous research awards, publications, and presentations. His work includes investigations into the outcomes of keratoprosthesis surgeries, advancements in retinal imaging, cutting-edge contrast sensitivity tests, and three-dimensional systems in ophthalmic procedures. Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Razavi is also an experienced teacher with years of tutoring experience. He has mentored students from diverse backgrounds—both within the field of medicine and beyond—while also contributing to curriculum improvement efforts in medical education. In his downtime, Peyman enjoys hosting gatherings for friends and family, as well as sketching landscapes. An avid sports fan, he rarely misses watching a game from his favorite football team.
Madhura P. Shah, MD
College: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Med School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Dr. Shah studied Neuroscience and Spanish Language and Literature at the Johns Hopkins University, where she became interested in the visual system. At the Boston University Avedesian and Chobanian School of Medicine, she led research and advocacy efforts for the Study Exceptional Vision Service that provides cataract surgery under general anesthesia to patients with special needs. Dr. Shah completed a research year with funding from Research to Prevent Blindness at Mass Eye and Ear investigating Non Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy(NAION) and epigenetic drivers of optic neuropathy, evaluating potential therapies in non-human primates. In her free time, Madhura enjoys calligraphy, card-making, and dinghy boat sailing.
PGY2
Sruti Akula, MD
College: Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY
Med School: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Dr. Akula completed a combined B.S./M.D. program and received her undergraduate degrees in biomolecular science and biology from Clarkson University. She received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University where she was recognized as President of AOA and a Gold Humanism Honors Society inductee. During her medical training, Sruti developed a strong interest in technology innovation and spearheaded organizing international TEDx events. Clinically, her research on the role of Tbx3 in retinal development contributed to NIH grant funding. In residency, she is actively involved in leadership roles, serving as Vice Chair for the Department of Ophthalmology for the NYP campus-wide Quality Improvement Council. Outside of her clinical responsibilities, Sruti is an FAA licensed drone pilot and enjoys exploring the world from a different perspective: with drone photography. She is passionate about mentorship and continues to contribute to educational and mentorship initiatives.
Quillan M Austria, MD
College: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Med School: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
Dr. Austria was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his college years in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Basis of Brain and Behavior. He then moved to New York City where he received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Austria’s research interests include ophthalmic outcomes of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery and novel dry eye treatments. In his free time, Quillan enjoys being active, particularly playing basketball and golf, exploring New York’s vast food scene, and traveling.
Michael G Boachie-Mensah, MD
College: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Med School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Born in Virginia and raised in Texas, Dr. Boachie-Mensah completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. He then matriculated to the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he found his interest in ophthalmology and established himself as a compassionate and dedicated leader. He is a self-driven learner and has conducted research in age-related macular degeneration, for which he was awarded the Burroughs Wellcome Fellowship. Dr. Boachie-Mensah is passionate about mentorship, improving the health care of underserved populations, and expanding access to the field of Ophthalmology. In his free time, Michael enjoys basketball, football, live music, playing piano, and weightlifting.
Evguenia (Jane) Ivakhnitskaia, MD, PhD
College: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Med School: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dr. Ivakhnitskaia received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her MD and PhD at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She calls Chicago and Virginia home and is interested in building a career combining direct patient care with research. In her free time, Jane she loves exploring and participating in new experiences, big and small, from hiking in national parks to trying new coffee and bubble tea spots.
PGY3
Asante R. Quintana, M.D.
College: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Med School: Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
Dr. Quinta, a proud Virginia native, received his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society with a concentration in Business from Cornell University. He then obtained his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Quintana’s dedication to the field is reflected in his notable honors, including induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and receipt of the Manhattan Eye and Ear Ophthalmology Alumni Foundation Research Grant. Beyond medicine, Asanté is passionate about music production and fashion. He also cherishes quality time with family and friends. As he embarks on his career in ophthalmology, he is committed to making a meaningful impact on both his patients and the broader community.
Richard Polo, M.D.
College: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Med School: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School- Piscataway, NJ
Dr. Polo was born and raised in Los Angeles and studied Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Engineering Biology at Princeton University. Following his undergraduate studies, he spent two years conducting clinical research at an ophthalmology practice, focusing on clinical trials in vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Polo then attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he served as president of the Biomedical Entrepreneurship Network, fostering meaningful connections between medical innovation and patient care. Outside of medicine, Richard enjoys testing the limits of all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and sushi spots, petting every dog he meets, and soaking up as much sunshine as possible.
Gabriella Schmuter, M.D.
College: Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, NY
Med School: City University of New York School of Medicine (CUNY), NY
Dr. Schmuter graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education and earned her MD from the City University of New York School of Medicine, where she was awarded the Dean’s Award for Academic and Clinical Excellence. Her academic and research interests focus on oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, medical education, and healthcare quality improvement. She has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented her work at national conferences. In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Schmuter holds leadership positions, serving as executive co-chair on the House Staff Quality Council and as a liaison to medical students in her department. She is passionate about mentoring future ophthalmologists and fostering their growth within the field. In her free time, Gabby enjoys traveling, writing, downhill skiing, collecting shoes, and exploring everything New York City has to offer.
Tobin Thuma, D.O.
College: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Med School: Touro College of Osteopathic - New York (TouroCOM-NY)
Dr. Thuma grew up in St. Helena in the heart of the Napa Valley. He attended college nearby at UC Berkeley, where he studied biochemistry, molecular biology, and Spanish. After college, Dr. Thuma taught English on the island of Mallorca in Spain. He received his medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, where he graduated with the highest academic standing in his class. He was then selected for the prestigious Bradway Research Scholar pediatric ophthalmology research fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he published numerous journal articles and other scholarly works. Outside of work, Tobin enjoys being active outdoors, hiking, golfing, reading, playing table tennis, snowboarding, and spending time with his friends and wonderful fiancée.
PGY4
Sayyada Hyder, MD
College: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Med School: U Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
Internship: New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Dr. Sayyada (Maela) Hyder grew up in Pakistan and moved to Kentucky at the age of 18 with her mom and younger sister. She completed her undergraduate and medical studies at University of Kentucky. After residency training, she plans to pursue a clinic fellowship in glaucoma. Dr. Hyder is passionate about global ophthalmology and has been fortunate to join the Syrian American Medical Society for their Ophthalmology mission to Jordan, serving the local refugees camps. During residency her research was focused on inter-departmental QI projects, diversity and inclusion trends within ophthalmology trainees. Outside of work, Maela’s interests include traveling and exploring new restaurants in the city with her coresidents.
Wyatt Lombard Smith, MD
College: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Med School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Internship: New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a focus on social determinants of health from the University of Notre Dame. Afterward, he worked at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine performing vision screenings and providing free glasses for children at KIPP Baltimore. He received his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA with an emphasis on providing care to underserved patient populations through the Charles R. Drew University Medical Education Program and the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic. Dr. Smith’s current research interests focus on developing models of healthcare delivery to vulnerable and underserved communities to promote health equity through the Kress Vision Program. In his free time, Wyatt enjoys singing, playing basketball, attending concerts/festivals, and making playlists for friends and family.
Bethlehem Wole, MD
College: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Med School: University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
Internship: New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Dr. Wole received her bachelor’s degree in cell biology from the University of Kansas and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She has a strong passion for global health, which led her to participate in a research project at a hospital in Ethiopia while in medical school. This experience deepened her commitment to addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Originally born in Ethiopia, Beth spent part of her childhood in Southern California before moving to the Midwest. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring New York City.