Meet Your Eye Care Team
Jay Thompson, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Practice Owner
Dr. Thompson is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, including astigmatism-correcting and advanced technology intraocular lenses. He also diagnoses and treats glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration. As the owner of Lowcountry Eye Specialists, he is committed to maintaining an independent, physician-owned practice focused on personalized patient care.
Meet Jay Thompson, MD
Rachel Ellyn, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Ellyn is a board-certified ophthalmologist with advanced fellowship training in glaucoma and cataract surgery. Her expertise includes minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), traditional glaucoma procedures, and cataract surgery with advanced technology intraocular lenses. She also provides comprehensive medical eye care and ongoing management of various eye conditions.
Meet Rachel Ellyn, MD
Phelan Piehota, DO
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic Surgery
Dr. Piehota is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, advanced technology intraocular lenses, and the diagnosis and treatment of eyelid conditions. His surgical expertise includes blepharoplasty and eyelid lesion removal. He also evaluates and treats a variety of medical and surgical eye conditions
Meet Phelan Piehota, DO
Tanner Semones, OD
Optometrist
Dr. Semones provides comprehensive medical eye care for patients of all ages. He evaluates and manages conditions such as dry eye disease, eye infections, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration. He also provides evaluations for changes in vision, including double vision, and medication-related ocular monitoring, including Plaquenil screening. Dr. Semones works closely with our ophthalmologists to coordinate patient care, provide follow-up evaluations, and support ongoing eye health.
Meet Tanner Semones, ODWhich Provider Should You See?
If you are unsure which provider is right for your needs, our team can help guide you. Each provider has particular areas of expertise, and our team works together to coordinate care when additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
As a general guide:
- Cataract evaluations and surgery: Dr. Thompson, Dr. Ellyn, or Dr. Piehota
- Glaucoma care and glaucoma surgery: Dr. Ellyn, with medical monitoring and follow-up support from Dr. Semones
- Eyelid conditions and blepharoplasty: Dr. Piehota
- Diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration: Dr. Thompson or Dr. Semones
- Dry eye disease and eye infections: Dr. Semones
- Double vision and changes in vision: Dr. Semones or one of our ophthalmologists, depending on the symptoms and evaluation needed
- Plaquenil and medication-related eye screening: Dr. Semones
If you are experiencing sudden double vision or a sudden change in vision, seek prompt medical evaluation. Sudden double vision accompanied by other concerning symptoms may require emergency care.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit begins with a review of your medical history, medications, and eye-related concerns, followed by an appropriate eye examination. Your provider will discuss the findings, answer your questions, and explain recommended treatment or follow-up.
Depending on your condition, you may receive care from an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or both as part of your treatment plan.
Please bring your insurance cards, photo ID, current glasses, medication list, and any relevant medical records or referral information.
One Team, One Plan
At Lowcountry Eye Specialists, our ophthalmologists and optometrist work together to provide coordinated medical and surgical eye care. Our providers share access to your medical records and work together when additional evaluation, treatment, or follow-up is needed.
This collaborative approach helps maintain continuity throughout your care, whether you are being monitored for an ongoing eye condition, referred for a surgical consultation, or returning for follow-up after treatment.
Why Choose Lowcountry Eye Specialists?
Experienced, qualified providers.
Our team includes three board-certified ophthalmologists and an optometrist with residency training in ocular disease and primary care.
Specialized expertise.
Our providers offer advanced care in cataract surgery, glaucoma, eyelid conditions, and comprehensive medical eye care.
Independent, physician-owned practice.
Our practice is owned by a practicing ophthalmologist and remains focused on individualized patient care.
Coordinated care.
Our ophthalmologists and optometrist work together to support diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
Convenient access to medical eye care.
Our optometrist expands appointment availability and provides evaluation and management of a variety of medical eye conditions.
For Referring Providers
We value our relationships with optometrists, primary care physicians, rheumatologists, endocrinologists, and other healthcare professionals throughout the Lowcountry and Tri-County area.
We welcome referrals for comprehensive medical eye care, cataract evaluations, glaucoma management, eyelid conditions, diabetic eye disease, medication-related ocular monitoring, and other eye health concerns.
Our secure online referral form makes it easy to submit patient information and coordinate care with our team.
FAQs
Yes. Our three ophthalmologists, Dr. Jay Thompson, Dr. Rachel Ellyn, and Dr. Phelan Piehota, are board-certified. Our team also includes Dr. Tanner Semones, an optometrist who provides comprehensive medical eye care and works closely with our ophthalmologists.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and performing eye surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide comprehensive eye examinations, diagnose and manage many medical eye conditions, prescribe medications and corrective lenses, and monitor ongoing eye health. Our optometrist and ophthalmologists collaborate to provide coordinated care.
Yes. You are welcome to request a particular provider when scheduling your appointment. Our team will do its best to accommodate your preference based on appointment availability and the type of care you need.
Please bring your insurance cards, a photo ID, your medication list, your current glasses, and any records from your referring doctor.
We accept many major medical insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Lowcountry Eye Specialists focuses on medical and surgical eye care. We do not participate in routine vision insurance plans or provide routine contact lens fittings.
Schedule a Visit With Our Eye Care Team
Whether you need a comprehensive medical eye examination, cataract evaluation, glaucoma care, treatment for an eyelid condition, or ongoing monitoring of an eye condition, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Lowcountry Eye Specialists in Ladson, South Carolina, to schedule an appointment with the appropriate provider.