ReFocus Eye Health

Dr. Richard Gilbert is a general ophthalmologist with many years of experience practicing in Waterbury. He graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Boston University Medical Center. Dr Gilbert resides in Middlebury with his wife and two children. His hobbies include sailing, hiking, biking, and golf. 

Dr. Nancy A. Bui received her optometry degree from MCPHS University, where she received extensive training in refractive conditions, glasses and contact lenses, ocular diseases, and co-management of patients. Her clinical experiences include working in private practices, the Northampton VA Medical Center, and community health centers in Massachusetts. Outside the clinic, Dr. Bui enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is fluent in English and Vietnamese. 

Dr. Burens, originally from Cleveland, OH, earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at The Ohio State University, graduating with magna cum laude honors. She then went on to complete a dual degree program at Ohio State, earning both her Master of Science in Vision Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees with the highest honors, summa cum laude. During her optometric training, she received several awards recognizing her accomplishments in research, clinic, and academics, including earning the top national board score.

Dr. Burens has extensive training in surgical co-management (including cataract, LASIK, and PRK) at Davis Eye Center in Cleveland, OH. She completed her ocular disease training at the White River Junction VA Center in Vermont and manages several diseases, including diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. She is particularly interested in ocular surface disease and takes a holistic approach to managing dry eye.

At Ohio State, she held various leadership roles in organizations such as Ocular Disease, Lions Club, Low Vision Rehabilitation, AOSA, and SVOSH. She was also a Beta Kappa Sigma Honor Society and American Optometric Association Leadership Society member, earning Student Fellow distinction through the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Burens is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Connecticut Association of Ophthalmologists, and the Norwalk Lions Club. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors hiking.

Dr. Erika Wandel is a dedicated and board-certified ophthalmologist renowned for her expertise as a glaucoma specialist.

After graduating with honors from the University of Chicago, Dr. Wandel's passion for humanitarian work led her to Brussels and Eastern Europe, where she collaborated with the United Nations, establishing essential healthcare services in underserved regions of Chicago. Her commitment to compassionate patient care was recognized during her internship at Greenwich Hospital, where she received accolades for her empathetic approach.

Dr. Wandel's academic journey took her to New York Medical College, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the field of ophthalmology. Following this, she completed her residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, solidifying her expertise. Dr. Wandel's pursuit of excellence led her to a prestigious glaucoma fellowship at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Having shared a glaucoma practice with her father in New York, Dr. Wandel's legacy of compassionate care continues in Connecticut, where she now resides with her family. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Wandel enjoys spending quality time with her family, pursuing her passion for rowing and piano, and actively volunteering.

Locations

• Waterbury, CT

Education

Medical School

New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY

Internship

Preliminary Medicine – Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT

Residency

Ophthalmology – John Stroger Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL

Fellowship

Glaucoma – Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY

Dr. Michelle L. White is a board-eligible ophthalmologist focusing on anterior segment disorders, cataracts, cornea transplant surgery, and laser vision correction. Dr. White’s journey in medicine began at Drexel University College of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree and later served as Chief Resident during her ophthalmology residency training.

Driven by a passion for understanding the intricacies of the cornea, Dr. White pursued a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, delving into cutting-edge corneal advancements. Further honing her skills, she completed a clinical cornea fellowship at the esteemed Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

Dr. White’s expertise shines through her scholarly contributions, with numerous papers published in respected peer-reviewed journals. Notably, she authored the Treatment Guideline of HSV Keratitis for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, showcasing her leadership in the field.

Dr. White finds joy in the rhythm of her feet hitting the pavement during runs, embracing the thrill of travel, and cherishing moments with her family.

Locations

• Cheshire, CT
• Waterbury, CT

Specialties

• Cataracts
• Comprehensive eye exams
• Cornea cross-linking
• Cornea injuries and conditions
• Cornea transplant
• Laser vision correction

Education

Medical School

Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Categorical Surgery – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Cabrini Medical Center, New York, NY
Categorical Surgery – University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
Ophthalmology – Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA
Ophthalmology – Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship

Clinical Fellow, Cornea – Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Research Fellow, Cornea – Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA

Meet Dr. Angela L. Bosjolie, a distinguished ophthalmologist and surgical retina specialist with over a decade of transformative practice. Renowned for her expertise, Dr. Bosjolie has transitioned her focus exclusively to retinal care, where her passion and proficiency truly shine.

Her commitment to advancing the understanding of retinal disorders is unparalleled. Dr. Bosjolie has shared her insights with the medical community through numerous enlightening lectures. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum, including diabetic eye health, age-related macular degeneration, and the complexities of flashes and floaters.

Dr. Bosjolie specializes in treating conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic and hypertension retinopathy, macular holes, macular puckers, retinal tears, and retinal detachments.

Locations

• Waterbury, CT

 

Meet Dr. Caroline N. DeBenedictis, a compassionate board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric eye care and strabismus. With a wealth of experience and surgical expertise, she is dedicated to the well-being of young patients, addressing a range of conditions from pediatric cataracts to ocular trauma and genetic ocular disorders.

Dr. DeBenedictis' passion for pediatric ophthalmology is evident in her holistic approach. She provides comprehensive care, diagnosing, treating, and managing various eye conditions from birth and beyond. Her expertise extends beyond the realms of ophthalmology, often collaborating with other medical specialists to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex disorders.

Dr. DeBenedictis is also an author, her insights gracing the pages of numerous esteemed medical journals. Most recently, she contributed as a section editor and author to the 3rd edition of Pediatric Ophthalmology in the Wills Eye Institute Atlas Series, a medical publication from the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital.

Locations

• Waterbury, CT
• Bloomfield, CT

Specialties

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Pediatric ophthalmologic disorders and diseases from birth through adulthood
• Pediatric cataracts
• Amblyopia
• Pediatric strabismus
• Adult strabismus
• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (Blocked tear duct)
• Chalazion
• Congenital anomalies
• Pediatric uveitis
• Pediatric ocular genetic disorders
• Ocular trauma

Education

Medical School

Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA

Internship

Internal Medicine – Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Ophthalmology – North Shore-LIJ Health System, Great Neck, NY

Fellowship

Pediatric Ophthalmology – Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Certifications

• American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Societies

• American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Women in Ophthalmology

Introducing Dr. Karen Nipper, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery. She combines comprehensive ophthalmology services with a focus on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and surrounding tissues.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Nipper is a respected author, her research gracing the pages of esteemed journals like Archives of Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Nipper's dedication to global eye care is evident in her volunteer work. From the sun-kissed shores of Pangasinan, Philippines, to the historic landscapes of Arequipa, Peru, she has generously donated her skills to international medical missions, leaving a trail of improved vision and grateful smiles.

In addition to her surgical prowess, Dr. Nipper is embracing aesthetics, offering services like Botox and chemical peels. Her commitment to enhancing not just the vision but also the confidence of her patients defines her as a remarkable oculoplastic lid specialist.

Locations

• Hamden, CT
• Waterbury, CT

Specialties

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Dry eye disease
• Eyelid drooping
• Lower eyelid malposition (ectropion, entropion)
• Reconstruction post-periocular skin cancer
• Eyelid lesions
• Tearing disorders
• Blepharospasm
• Cosmetic eyelid surgery
• Botox
• Chemical peels

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Phi Beta Kappa)
Vassar College – Poughkeepsie, NY

Medical School

University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine – Philadelphia, PA

Internship

Albert Einstein Medical Center – Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Ophthalmology – Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship

Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery – Marc S. Cohen, M.D., Philadelphia, PA

Certifications

• American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Societies

• American Academy of Ophthalmology