Welcome Back: Three Physicians with Local Roots

The Cincinnati Eye Institute is pleased to welcome three new physicians to its practice and expand its ophthalmic care offerings for patients in the Greater Cincinnati region. They began work on August 1.

Dr. Laura Hanson is a comprehensive ophthalmologist, and sees patients with many of the most common eye disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and complications related to diabetes. She has a special interest in neuro-ophthalmology, and taking care of people with double vision, optic nerve disorders and vision loss related to neurologic diseases like stroke.

She practices at the Clifton and Blue Ash offices.

A Columbus native, Dr. Hanson graduated from Miami University and earned her medical degree from the University of Toledo. She completed her residency in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati, serving as chief resident in her final year, and completed a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

"I loved living in Cincinnati," she says. "I met my husband here, and we had the best time going to restaurants, museums and other events around town. We knew that we wanted to come back to Cincinnati to live and work after the fellowship because the people are grounded and friendly, there is so much to do here and our family and friends are nearby.

"We live in an area with great walkability, and have enjoyed getting to know the neighborhood again."

Dr. Brian Marek practices medical and surgical comprehensive ophthalmology at the Blue Ash, Anderson, Clermont and Hyde Park/Red Bank offices. He provides comprehensive eye care that addresses common medical disorders of the eye and performs surgeries such as cataract removal.

Diabetic screenings make up a significant portion of his practice, and he works closely with other CEI physicians who handle disorders of the retina if referrals are needed.

Dr. Marek is from Northwest Indiana and received his undergraduate degree and medical degree from Indiana University. After an internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Cincinnati, serving as chief resident in his final year.

"CEI was a big part of what attracted me to doing my residency at the University of Cincinnati," he says. "Over the years I’ve been here, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the physicians here, and it’s hard to find a better group of people working together in one dedicated place."

Although he’s been back in Cincinnati for a few years, Dr. Marek and his wife enjoy discovering the area’s attractions and taking in all the region has to offer.

"We’re still exploring the area and checking out the different neighborhoods here," he says. "We live in Hyde Park, so we enjoy visiting the Farmers’ Market often."

Dr. Jonathan Pargament has a practice specialty of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, a subspecialty that deals with diseases of the eyelids, mid-face, tear drain system and orbit (eye socket).

"My practice is a blend of functional and cosmetic, meaning I treat patients for disorders that cause visual or functional impairments and also perform periocular (brow, upper and lower eyelids) cosmetic surgeries," he says.

He sees patients at the West Side, Good Samaritan, Blue Ash and Northern Kentucky offices, as well as at the Face and Eye Aesthetic Center in Blue Ash.

Dr. Pargament treats disorders ranging from skin cancer removal near the eyelids and eyebrows to orbital fractures and thyroid eye disease affecting the eye socket, among others. While he sees a range of patients, the most common groups include those with age-related eyelid changes or tearing issues and patients with cosmetic interests in rejuvenating the areas around the eyes.

A native of Toledo, Dr. Pargament graduated from the University of Michigan and received his medical degree and ophthalmology residency training from the University of Cincinnati.

"I spent eight years in Cincinnati prior to moving to Utah for three years for my oculoplastic surgery fellowship training," he says. "I loved it here and my wife and I were eager to return. We really enjoy the thriving downtown food scene, the collection of close-knit neighborhoods, the blend of southern, northern and Appalachian cultures and the excellent public schools."

It’s not a coincidence that both Dr. Hanson and Dr. Pargament spent time in Cincinnati and Utah. The two physicians are married, and are happy to again call the area home.

"We are especially lucky to have both landed positions at the Cincinnati Eye Institute," Dr. Pargament says. 

Cincinnati Eye Institute’s main campus is located at 1945 CEI Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For more information, call 513.984.5133 or visit www.cincinnatieye.com.