Our Doctors and Staff

The staff at LaHaye Total Eye Care is dedicated to treating you with the most advanced and successful methods available in the world today. This means staying current with continuing education classes and monthly training sessions with Dr. LaHaye himself. Every member of our medical staff proudly wears and displays their specific degree, license, and expertise. It's not just for the records, it's for your peace of mind.

Leon C. LaHaye, M.D.

View Dr. LaHaye's CV

Doctor of Ophthalmology, Principal Eye Surgeon, Medical Director

Clear Memories

“I was severely nearsighted while growing up. It was just me and another kid sitting up front in class, straining to read the lesson. I’ll never forget the day I was finally fitted with glasses. It was the first time I could see the leaves on the trees. Green was never so green before.

“I wore contact lenses later in high school. This was especially important to me as an athlete. You feel less bound, less weighed down, less inhibited. I think being
able to identify with the limitations of less-than-perfect eyesight really helped spur me on toward my profession.”

A Clear Purpose:

“I learned early on in medical school what an incredible impact ophthalmology especially groundbreaking procedures has on people’s lives. That’s part of my motivation for developing technology like the “LAHayeSIK,” which improves the accuracy and safety of refractive surgery. I really strive to improve in some way all the procedures I perform to increase my patients’ chances for perfect vision from cataract surgery to LASIK.

“I’ve seen gradual blindness destroy more than eyesight. It destroys people’s will to live. When you’re able to help restore that sight, you’d be amazed at the change in a person’s disposition. Take cataract surgery, for example. I honestly believe it makes people feel ten years younger at least! People are driving, fishing, cooking, doing all the things they had abandoned with failing eyesight.”

A Constant Inspiration

“I think what I love most about my work is that every day, something a little miraculous happens. Older people walk in blinded by cataracts and leave being able to see again. Younger people gain more confidence from corrective procedures that free them from glasses or contact lenses. I feel privileged to be a part of this.”

Special Recognition

• Pioneered Free Conjunctiva Graft Technique for Pterygium Surgery
• Designed Special “Refractive” Intraocular Lens for Cataract Surgery
• Co-Pioneered the Initial Development of the Laser Internal Sclerostomy Procedure for Glaucoma
• First Surgeon in Louisiana to Perform Sutureless Cataract Surgery  
• First Surgeon in United States to Perform ALK (automated lamellar keratotomy)
• Designed and Developed Custom Excimer Laser for LASIK
• Designed and Developed Excimer Laser Failsafe System
• Designed and Developed LAHayeSIK Surgical System and Method
• Designed and Developed Multidirectional Surgical Instrument Cleaner

Zvi Aviner, M.D.

From Theory to Practice

“I always knew I wanted to work with people, to help them. However, a background in math and physics does not necessarily lead you down that path. When it came to choosing between the lab and medical school, the choice was clear. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to improve God’s gift of sight when it becomes damaged or defective.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked all over the world, from Africa to Arkansas, and the joy expressed by the people I’ve helped needs no translation. I’ve never once regretted leaving the lab behind.”

From Practice to People

“Joining Dr. LaHaye and his exceptional medical team has been a very nourishing experience. We’re in an environment where iron sharpens iron. As a published glaucoma specialist, I feel I’m enabled here to put into practice the latest research and technologies to treat this devastating disease. “This is especially significant here in Louisiana, where the prevalence of blindness
due to glaucoma surpasses the national average. We have patients here who are actually losing their vision as early as age 35. The good news is that we own some of the most advanced equipment in the country to detect this disease in its earliest stages. That’s no surprise, knowing that everything Dr. LaHaye is involved with is state-of-the-art. With all of this talent and technology available to our patients, there’s no reason to be a victim.”

From Medicine to Memories

“I remember one older gentleman who was legally blind because of a severe eye disease. With God’s help, we were able to restore his sight. He was able to see his wife of 20 years for the first time after surgery. This ‘unveiling’ was truly something to witness. It was a moment I’ll never forget. Just knowing that this procedure has changed both of their lives for the better reassures me of my calling.”

Specialties

• Glaucoma Management
• Diabetic Retinopathy

Bill Hemeter, M.D.

I love the South.  I am originally from Mississippi, but have spent some of my happiest years in Southern Louisiana.  I completed medical school and my residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, and loved it so much that I stayed.  For over 25 years I had my own private practice in Gretna.

When the opportunity to join Dr. LaHaye’s team came up, I jumped at the chance to return to South Louisiana.  I missed the culture, the food, and most of all, the people.  I have always dreamed of living in the Acadiana area, and enjoy taking day trips out to Cameron Parish for bird and nature watching.

I am driven by curiosity.  I strive to stay intellectually attuned to disease problem solving, and am constantly amazed at the incredibly rapid advances in technology.  One of the things that attracted me to LaHaye Total Eye Care was Dr. LaHaye’s commitment to have the most state-of-the-art equipment and technology available for all of his patients.  I also enjoy the monthly Medical Staff Meetings, where all the doctors get together to discuss new advancements in ophthalmology.  It’s a great team, and I am proud to be a part of it.

M.D.                       
University of Mississippi Medical School, Jackson, MS

B.S.
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Mixed Medicine Internship
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA

Residency
Tulane University Hospital, New Orleans, LA

Board Certified in Ophthalmology

Special Interests: Diabetic Retinopathy, Pediatric Ophthalmology

Anika S. Michael , M.D.

I knew I wanted to go into eye care having seen the devastating effect of untreated eye diseases firsthand when visiting India during college.  I became even more interested when I was able to do an Ophthalmology rotation during medical school.  I saw how I could really help people here in the Louisiana as well.  The prevalence of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy is extremely high in south Louisiana.  Both diseases can be treated, especially when they’re diagnosed early.  As an ophthalmologist, I knew I would be able to make a great impact in patients’ lives by simply providing preventative eye care as well as dedicated medical treatment when necessary.

The most rewarding part of my career is when I can take a frightened patient, worried about losing his sight, and then treat him thus allaying his fears.  Clear vision is often taken for granted until it is taken away and when it is regained patients are extremely grateful.  It is equally gratifying for the doctor!

One 50 year old woman was so scared that she was going blind irreversibly that she avoided going to the eye doctor for over ten years.  One night she was finally convinced by her family to come in.  She was only able to see shadows and had had to have her family lead her around and care for her 24 hours a day.  When I examined her, I saw how simple her diagnosis was and how quickly it could be treated.  Within one month, after bilateral cataract surgeries, she was able to see almost 20/20 and was independent once again! 

I wanted to join the LaHaye Total Eye Care team because I knew of their good reputation.  I wanted to work with a group that gave exceptional care and expertise.  I also liked the idea of having multiple doctors in one facility which allows for many “second” opinions and discussion to ensure the best medical care for each patient.

It has always surprised me whenever I reflect on how eyecare has improved over the last 30-40 years.  We are now able to treat various eye infections and diseases much better.  The eye is a very delicate organ, so the innovation has allowed the treatments to be much less invasive and therefore provide better results. 

M.D.                       
Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA

B.S.
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Research Fellowship
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL

Fellowship
Belmont Eye Center, New York, NY

Residency
State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY

Member
National Medical Association
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Robert Blem, M.D.

I have performed over 2000 surgical cases including diabetic and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, trauma, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and pediatric cases including PHPV. I am also trained in medical Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Before joining the LaHaye team, I was associate partner in two man retina-only practice specializing in diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, retinal detachments, uveitis, trauma, and other diseases of the retina and vitreous.

April 1, 2006 - Present position

Retina Physician and Surgeon
Louisiana Retina Center
1000 West Pinhook Rd, Suite 301
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 264-1011

Solo retina practice specializing in diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration retinal detachments, uveitis, trauma, and other diseases of the retina and vitreous.

I have performed over 2000 surgical cases. These have included diabetic and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, trauma, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and pediatric cases including PHPV. I am trained in medical Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Licensure and Certification Information:

             Board Certified American Academy of Ophthalmology November 10, 2002

             Texas Medical License: Active
             Louisiana Medical License: Active

Education:

Fellowship in Medical and Surgical Retina
          University of Texas Medical Branch – Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery
          Galveston, TX                                                                      July 2001- June 2003        

          Clinical professor appointment (part-time faculty attending)
          University of Texas Medical Branch – Dept. of Vitreoretinal Surgery
          Galveston, TX                                                                      July 2002 – June 2003
         
          Fellowship Instructors:
       
          Frederikus van Kuijk, MD
          Helen K. Li, MD
          Vince Vann, MD      
          Edward H. Thall, Md

Residency
          Medical College of Virginia – Department of Ophthalmology
          Richmond, VA                                                                    July 1998 – 2001

Internship
          University of Tennessee- Chattanooga, Department of Transitional Medicine
          Chattanooga, TN                                                                 July 1997 – June 1998

Education
           Medical College of Virginia
           Richmond, VA                                                                   August 1993 – May 1997

           Virginia Commonwealth University               
           Richmond, VA                                                                  August 1990 – May 1993
           B.S. Biology, Magna cum laude
            
            

Sue Ellen Myers, O.D.

Doctor of Optometry

A Purpose

“Nothing fulfills one’s sense of purpose more than being able to help people. I began early in my career working overseas in Kenya, Mexico, China, Guatemala, South Korea, and elsewhere. My family eventually moved to Nigeria to continue our  desire to be of service to others. My second child was even born there. It was not unusual to see people blinded from cataracts travel by foot miles to the clinic, then walk home being able to see that very same day. A difference was made in their lives. I’ll never forget that first time I got out of our Land Rover and walked to the village. There were hundreds of people from newborns to the very old who needed somebody to help. I felt humbled that God had enabled me to be a part of a team that could make a difference. Not just physical needs were met: the door was opened to give them hope in the overall sense. Our role was not just eye care, but life care.”

A Passion

“It  is a privilege to be a part of the LaHaye Team. I have as much personal satisfaction now as I did working overseas. That’s because we have a team that is passionate. Passionate about giving our patients the very best ophthalmology care we can provide. As the leader of our team, Dr. LaHaye has a great passion for excellence in making sure all of our patients receive the eye care they deserve. He is always seeking to improve on what we do, and there is no stopping point. LaHaye Total Eye Care allows me everything I need to practice the highest level of optometry possible. I am proud of the many accomplishments of our team. It is a privilege to come to work everyday. You, our patients, make our day. We have the best patients here at LaHaye!”

And A Promise

“Our team has promised to work together to give you the very best eye care available. Ophthalmology is always changing with new technology and new treatments and we promise to keep ahead because our team will work together to help you “change the way you see the world.” We want to improve the quality of your life by enhancing your vision by providing you with the most advanced and successful treatments available in the world today. From treating  corneal ulcers to determining if you are a great candidate for LAHayeSIK, to  screening your 6-month-old for retinoblastoma to treating your 90-year-old grandmother for macular degeneration, we are here for you. We strive to have a level of skill unparalleled  and a commitment to excellence in  our state-of-the-art facility. Purpose, passion, and a promise. That’s the LaHaye way.”

Continuing Education

• Pre/post-surgical eye care
• pharmacology
• neuro-optometry
• pediatrics
• systemic/ocular disease
• glaucoma
• visual science and contact lens

Phillip Pearce, M.S., Clinical Audiologist

The Hearing Health Connection

I have always been involved in speech and hearing all the way back to my high school days.  Even then, I could appreciate the impact clear and understandable speech was to the general public.  This led me to attend UL-Lafayette to pursue a degree in Speech Pathology-Audiology and General Speech Education.  While at UL, I became very interested in the field of Clinical Audiology and saw the need to help people with hearing problems, ranging from infants to our senior citizen population.  I then pursued my Masters degree in Clinical Audiology at the University of Southern Mississippi.  I knew then that I could make a difference in people’s lives through the field of Audiology.  After graduation, I practiced Audiology throughout the state of Louisiana, but loved Acadiana and settled in Lafayette, which will always be home to me. 

Advanced Hearing Health Care—with a heart

Over the years since I began my work in Audiology, I have seen unbelievable improvements in hearing instruments.  These devices are virtually invisible, and more comfortable than you would believe.  Getting to know you and understanding your needs is of utmost importance.  The doctors and staff here at LaHaye share this philosophy with me—they actually care about the well-being of our patients.  That’s what drew me to join this amazing team.  Dr. LaHaye has invested in the latest diagnostic testing equipment and we stock a large selection of digital hearing instruments at every price point and design.

Hearing and Vision—we help them both!

I had the wonderful opportunity to join the team at LaHaye Total Eye Care to develop and run the Hearing Health Program.  Dr. LaHaye and his staff saw the overwhelming need to help their vision patients with their hearing problems.  Dr. LaHaye’s passion was to not only offer premium eye care to our patients but also a hearing health program that would enhance your quality of life.  He saw the need to offer professional dedicated services for both vision and hearing in one location.  Dr LaHaye’s patients had asked for this, and he responded to their request.

Our passion is providing state of the art clinical diagnostic testing and counseling.  I will find you the hearing device that will fit your daily needs.  We want you to “Hear Like You Remember”. 

M.S.
Master of Science
University  of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

B.A.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Major: Speech Pathology-Audiology/Speech Education
Minor: Psychology

Licensure
Audiology/Hearing Aid Dispensing
Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Member
American Academy of Audiology

Sean J. Daly, C.O.M.T., N.C.L.C., A.C.

Helping It Come Together

“Basically, all those letters mean I’m the guy who helps everything come together smoothly for our patients. From the moment they walk through the door to the moment they grab a cup of free frozen yogurt on the way out, I’m here to make sure they leave here feeling better, seeing better, and better-informed. “Whether they’ve been fitted for contact lenses or just had LASIK done, I make sure all their questions are answered. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, so I hope that’s the very least I can do for them.”

Working It Out Together

“Working with Dr. LaHaye’s team has been the most challenging and most rewarding job I’ve ever had — and that includes ‘being all that I could be’ in the army! Dr. LaHaye is firm, stern, and painfully detail-oriented. He makes sure all our ‘i’s are dotted and all our ‘t’s are crossed. “He entrusts all of us with a lot of responsibility, because he believes in every member of this team. He even helps finance our continuing education to ensure we stay on top of the advancements in eye care. But I hope my patients don’t just feel cared for. I want them to have fun. In fact, I tell them to sit back and enjoy the ride. That’s what it’s all about here. Making it more than a procedure. It really is an experience.”

Reaching the Final Outcome — Together

“When I say we treat patients like family, I mean it. It’s not just for looks. I remember one young girl. She was about twelve. She had congenital cataracts and was legally blind. She wore thick, heavy glasses that really didn’t help matters much. We knew she had no money and no Medicaid benefits. Everyone here chipped in to buy her contacts. They radically improved her vision. Now, that’s what family does. And that’s something I’m very proud to be a part of.”