Meet Our LASIK Surgeons Serving Chapel Hill, Sanford, and Fayetteville, North Carolina

The doctors at Cape Fear Eye Associates are some of the country's most accomplished ophthalmologists, optometrists, and LASIK surgeons. Serving the Chapel Hill, Sanford, and Fayetteville areas of North Carolina, our doctors deliver advanced therapeutic and surgical solutions to problems affecting the health and appearance of the eyes. From LASIK for refractive errors to multifocal (ReSTOR® and ReZoom™) lens replacement for cataracts to blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to treat droopy lids, the doctors of Cape Fear Eye Associates help patients of all ages maintain healthy eyes. Meet our esteemed team of doctors — Dr. Wayne Riggins, Dr. Scott Stapleton, Dr. Miles Whitaker, Dr. Gary Copeland, Dr. Edward Kenshock, Dr. Sheel Patel, and Dr. Jarett Mazzarella — and learn more about their years of training, accomplishments, and professional interests.

Dr. Gary B. Copeland
Dr. Sheel B. Patel
Dr. J. Wayne Riggins
Dr. S. Scott Stapleton
Dr. Miles W. Whitaker
Dr. Edward M. Kenshock, Jr.
Dr. Jarett A. Mazzarella
Our Staff

Dr. Gary B. Copeland

Professional License, North Carolina (1966)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1988)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1968)

Dr. Gary B. Copeland grew up in Beaufort, North Carolina, and attended Wake Forest University followed by medical school training at Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. After a one-year rotating internship and four months of training in eye, ear, nose, and throat surgery, he became chief of the EENT Clinic at the US Army Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he fell in love with ophthalmology. This led to a residency program at UNC Hospitals at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and McPherson Hospital in Durham where he was Chief Resident his last year.

Dr. Copeland moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1966 and began the practice of comprehensive ophthalmology performing all types of surgery and handling all aspects of eye problems and diseases. Over the last forty years, he has made great efforts to stay current with the latest technology and surgical techniques regarding the surgical and medical treatment of eye disorders.

Dr. Copeland voluntarily gave up surgery five years ago but maintains an active, busy office practice continuing to examine and treat patients with a wide variety of medical and refractive problems. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of numerous professional organizations.

His hobbies include vacationing at his and his wife’s (Joanne) second home in Beaufort, RV and foreign travel, boating, kayaking, and gardening. He is an active member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church were he is a deacon. Joanne and he have been on numerous medical mission trips to places such as India, Antigua, Honduras, and Armenia.

Dr. Copeland feels very blessed to have been able to practice for many years, enhancing his patients’ lives by helping them to see better and protecting their vision. He feels that his patients are part of his extended family and they should be treated as such.

Dr. Sheel B. Patel

Professional License, Maryland (2005)
Professional License, North Carolina (2006)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology

Dr. Patel was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and raised in Augusta, Georgia. His desire to practice ophthalmology is inspired by the gratification he receives from providing improved sight and a better quality of life for his patients. In his free time, Dr. Patel enjoys traveling as well as playing and watching sports. He is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Education
Dr. Patel completed a six-year, combined B.S./M.D. program at Kent State University/Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. After his medical internship, Dr. Patel obtained his ophthalmology training at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Patel pursued an additional year of fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital/Wilmer Eye Institute, specializing in cornea and refractive surgery. He currently serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Department of Ophthalmology.

Surgical Interests
Dr. Patel’s surgical specialties include cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, and cornea transplants. Regarding his refractive surgery experience, Dr. Patel is fully certified and has been performing custom LASIK with the leading laser system, VISX®. He has experience with IntraLase® technology as well as with the Moria and Amadeus microkeratomes. Dr. Patel also performs various corneal surgeries, including full-thickness corneal transplants (penetrating keratoplasty) as well as the newer partial-thickness corneal transplant, DSAEK, which allows faster visual recovery and avoids stitches.

Associations and Professional Memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO); American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS); Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO); Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society

Dr. J. Wayne Riggins

Professional License, North Carolina (1999)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1995)
Board Certified, Optometry (1981)

Surgical Experience:: LASIK, PRK, and CK (since 1996); Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lens Implants (since 1990)
Education and Training:: Mercer University, B.S., Macon, Georgia (1977); University of Houston College of Optometry, O.D., Houston, Texas (1981); Uniformed Services University of Health Services, M.D., Bethesda, Maryland (1988)
Internships:: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (1988–1989)
Residencies:: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Washington, D.C. (1990 – 1993)
Professional History:: Chief, Optometry, USA MEDDAC, Bremerhave, Germany (1981–1984); Director, Health Services, Ft. Dietrich, Maryland (1989–1990); Chief Resident, Ophthalmology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (1992–1993); Clinical Instructor of Surgery, UNC School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1993–Present); Chief of Ophthalmology, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1993–1997); Assistant Chief, Department of Surgery, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1997–1999); Cape Fear Eye Associates, Fayetteville, North Carolina (1999–Present)
Academic Appointments:: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Clinical Instructor (1993–present); University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH), Clinical Instructor (1993–2000)
Staff Privileges:: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center; HealthSouth Ambulatory Surgery Center
Professional Awards and Honors:: Outstanding Clinical Instructor, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1992); Outstanding Clinical Instructor, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1998)
Lectures and Research:: Established First Treatment Protocol in the United States Army for Photorefractive Correction of Myopia and Astigmatism in Active Duty Soldiers (1998); Presentation, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2000–2004); Presentation, American Optometric Association (2001–2002); Presentation, Virginia Society of Ophthalmology (2003)
Professional Interests:: Cataract Surgery; Refractive Surgery; Strabismus and Eye Muscle Surgery; Glaucoma Surgery; Neonatal ICU Exams; Corneal Transplants; Oculoplastic Surgery
Professional Memberships: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fellow; North Carolina Medical Society; American Society of Military Ophthalmologists; Cumberland County Medical Society; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Public Service:: United States Army Reserves, Colonel, Medical Corps; Historic Resources Commission, City of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Fayetteville Arts Council, Board of Trustees; Southeastern Region of North Carolina Radio Reading Service for the Blind, Board of Directors

Dr. S. Scott Stapleton

Professional License, North Carolina (1981)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1984)

Surgical Experience:: Multifocal Implants (since 1998); Refractive IOL Surgery (since 1996); LASIK / LASEK (since 1995); PRK, AK, and ALK (since 1986); Cataract Surgery (since 1984)
Academic Positions:: Teaching Assistant in Microbiology, Raleigh, North Carolina (1974–1976); Chief Resident in Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center (1984)
Professional Awards and Honors:: One of 13 primary investigators in the FDA study leading to the first commercial approval of LASIK in the United States; One of the original 300 certified Crystalens® surgeons in the United States
Professional Memberships:: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery; American Academy of Ophthalmology; North Carolina Medical Society; Cumberland County Medical Society; American Medical Association; North Carolina Society of Ophthalmology; South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology
Professional Interests:: Refractive Surgery; Small Incision, Multifocal Lenses and Cataract Surgery; Eye Disorders in Artists on Their Effects on the Practice of Art

Dr. Miles W. Whitaker

Professional License, North Carolina (1991)
Board Certified, Ophthalmology (1993)

Surgical Experience:: Phototherapeutic Keratotomy (PTK) (since 2001); Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) (since 2001); Multifocal Lens Implants (since 1997); Cataract Surgery (since 1988)
Education and Training:: University of California San Diego, San Diego, California (1976–1978); University of California Los Angeles, B.A., Biology, Los Angeles California (1981); Loma Linda College of Medicine, M.D., Loma Linda, California (1985)
Internships:: Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado (1985–1986); General Medical Officer, Womack Ophthalmology, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina (1986–1987)
Residencies:: Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Denver, Colorado (1987–1990)
Academic Positions:: Chief Resident of Ophthalmology, Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado (1989–1990); Chief of Ophthalmology, 98th General Hospital, Nuremberg, Germany (1990–1992); Chief of Ophthalmology, Kenner Army Hospital, Fort Lee, Virginia (1992–1993); Chief of Ophthalmology, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina (1996); Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, Texas (1997–1999)
Professional Interests:: Cataracts; Glaucoma; Diabetic Retinopathy
Professional Memberships:: American Medical Association; North Carolina Medical Society; Cumberland County Medical Society; Lee County Medical Society

Dr. Edward M. Kenshock

Professional License, North Carolina (2000)
Professional License, Pennsylvania (2000)

Education and Training:: John Carroll University, B.S., Cleveland, Ohio (1996); Pennsylvania College of Optometry, B.S., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2000); Pennsylvania College of Optometry, O.D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2000)
Internships:: Martinelli Eye Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Associates in Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Lebanon Veterans Hospital, Lebanon, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); JFK Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1999–2000); Pediatric Rotation at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania (1999–2000)
Professional Awards and Honors:: Honors Award in Ocular Disease (1999–2000); Honors Award in Hospital Setting (1999–2000); Honors Award in Primary Care and Pediatrics (1999–2000); Madelyn and Leonard Academic Scholarship (1999); Conforma Contact Lens Award of Excellence (2000); Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholarship (2000)
Publications:: Kenshock, E., "Fish Egg Lesion Points to Risk of Tuberous Sclerosis." Review of Optometry: December 15, 2001.
Professional Interests:: Glaucoma Treatment; Dry Eye Treatment; Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations; Contact Lens Fittings, Including Color Contacts and Bifocal Contacts
Professional Memberships:: American Optometric Association, Contact Lens and Cornea Section; North Carolina Optometric Association; Sandhill's District Optometric Association; Optometric Retinal Society

Dr. Jarett A. Mazzarella

Professional License, North Carolina (2005)
Professional License, Pennsylvania (2005)

Dr. Jarett A. Mazzarella is a graduate of Shippensburg University, in Shippensburg Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in 2001. Dr. Mazzarella went on to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Visual Science Degree and his Doctorate of Optometry Degree in 2005.

Dr. Mazzarella has completed internships at Brandi and Saad Eye Associates, Altoona, PA; Laurel Eye Clinic, Brookville, PA; Seidenberg-Protzko Eye Associates, Havre De Grace, M.D.; Kirman Eye Associates, Hummelstown, PA; and The Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, PA. During his time at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Dr. Mazzarella received the following merit, clinical scholarships and awards: Clinical Excellence Citation for the Lynch Pediatric Unit, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Alumni Association honorable mention for highest cumulative grade point average, 2005. He was a four year Merit Scholarship recipient, and received the Pennsylvania College of Optometry: Honors Award in Pediatric and Hospital Care.

In 2006, Dr. Mazzarella completed his residency certification in ocular disease at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, an affiliate of the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently, at Cape Fear Eye Associates, Dr. Mazzarella’s interests include vision correction and contact lenses, pediatric eye care, and the treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the eye.

Dr. Mazzarella is currently involved in the following organizations: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, (NAVAO) National Association of Veteran Affairs of Optometrists, American Optometric Association, Sandhill’s District Optometric Association, Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Fraternity, and a member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club.

Dr. Mazzarella currently resides in Hope Mills, North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his fiancée Leslie and dog Bubba. On Sunday afternoons, you may find him near a television, rooting on his favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dr. Mazzarella’s greatest role model was his grandfather George who served in the U.S. military during World War II.

About Our Staff

In addition to having some of the leading LASIK surgeons in the country, Cape Fear Eye Associates employs over 40 of North Carolina's top ophthalmic technicians, assistants, and administrative staff, many of whom have been with our practice for years. All of our highly trained technicians, assistants, and administrative office staff are devoted to providing you and your family with exceptional eye and vision care, along with superior customer service.

Certified Ophthalmic Technicians

Carol Orr: Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Carol has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates for over 20 years. She received certification as an ophthalmic technician in 1996.
Maureen Prior: Certified Ophthalmic Technician, Clinic Manager; Maureen has been a staff member of Cape Fear Eye Associates since 1993 and received her COT certification in 1999.
Heather Mason: Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Heather has been with Cape Fear since 2006 and received her certification in 2002.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistants

Lean Avent: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Lead Technician (Sanford); Lean has been a member of the Cape Fear Eye Associates team since 1999. She received her COA certification in 2001.
Dalila Perez: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Dalila has been with our practice since 2006 and received her COA certification in 2002.
Polly Tatum: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Polly has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2006.
Kimberlee Montes: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Kimberlee has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2006.
Chrissy Vock: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Chrissy has been a member of the Cape Fear Eye Associates team since 2004 and was certified 2005.
Shanell Washington: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Shanell has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2006; she also received her certification in 2006.
Jennifer Lloyd: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Jennifer has been with Cape Fear Eye Associates since 2003 and received her certification in 2007.

Office Staff

Our LASIK surgeons, ophthalmologists, and optometrists are supported by a wonderful technical and administrative staff. When you visit our offices, be sure to say hello to:

Teresa McLean-Cox, Practice Administrator
Lata Chugani, Office Manager
Cory Worrell, Refractive Coordinator
Lillian Rosa, Surgery Scheduler
Lynwood Dowdy, Managing Optician
CaroLee Stapleton
Gayle Lewis, Technology Manager
Barbara Teachout, Financial Manager

Contact Our LASIK Surgeons Today and Be on Your Way to Better Vision

Cape Fear Eye Associates is comprised of the some of the region's top ophthalmologists, optometrists, and technicians, as well as some of the nation's most esteemed LASIK surgeons. Serving Fayetteville, Chapel Hill, and Sanford, North Carolina, we deliver exceptional eye and vision care to patients of all ages. To learn more about the LASIK procedure or to arrange a consultation, contact our LASIK surgeons today.

Questions? Talk To Us.

To schedule an appointment with one of our accomplished LASIK surgeons, contact our North Carolina eye centers serving Sanford, Fayetteville, and Chapel Hill.

When searching for our doctors, people sometimes use the following spellings: Dr. Wayne Wriggins, Dr. Wayne Riggings, Dr. Wayne Riggens, Dr. Miles Witaker, Dr.Gary Kopeland, Dr. Scott Stapelton, Dr. Scott Stapleten, Dr. Sheil Pattelle, Dr. Sheel Pattel, Dr. Jaret Mazzarelli, Dr. Jarret Mazarela, and Dr. Edward Kenchock.