Our Doctors
Medical & Surgical Expertise
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Board-Certified Specialists
Dr. Victor Gonzalez
Dr. Victor Gonzalez graduated with a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Completed his residency at Doheny Eye Institute at Los Angeles County Hospital in Los Angeles, California, and completed a rigorous vitreoretinal fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Gonzalez has been in practice since 1995, founded Gulf Coast Eye Institute in 2007, which serves the Rio Grande Valley region, here in Texas. Dr. Gonzalez specializes in ophthalmologic diseases of the eye and specializes in the surgery of the vitreous body of the retina. This subspecialty is sometimes known as vitreoretinal medicine and includes the diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Gonzalez is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Is a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and is an active researcher in blindness prevention.
Dr. Gonzalez has worked closely with the under-served population within Mexico as well as consulting with Mexican Public Officials to enhance and provide quality care to those so greatly in need. Dr. Gonzalez has established a comprehensive retinal fellowship program for the training of international retina specialists. His surgical team has trained nine retina fellows, successfully from Latin American countries, who are today, serving patients in their countries of origin.
Dr. Gonzalez and family reside in the Rio Grande Valley area. Is a beacon for continuing education by advocating, and being involved with the local ISD’s, technical schools , as well as universities. Including being a faculty member of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Gonzalez maintains a healthy lifestyle which supports his joy of running half marathons.
Dr. Nehal Patel
Dr. Patel grew up in Western India, completed early medical training in India before moving to the United States. Once stateside, Dr. Patel took on an intensive glaucoma fellow internship in general surgery, as well as an ophthalmology residency in vitreoretinal at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Today, Dr. Patel’s focus is in retina, glaucoma and refractive surgery at Gulf Coast Eye Institute, using all the latest laser technology, where in he has been practicing over 13 years. Dr. Patel comes from a long line of physicians. His grandfather was a Cardiologist, and his father is an Ophthalmologist. Growing up in Western India, Dr. Patel recalls joining his dad for what he called “eye camps”. They would travel to small villages once a year to provide much-needed care to individuals who had no access to healthcare, let alone eye care.
Dr. Patel is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Patel currently resides in the Rio Grande Valley area. Dr. Patel’s area of expertise and practice is Retina/Vitreous medically and surgically.
Dr. Sanjeeb Bhandari
Dr. Bhandari is an ophthalmic surgeon at the Gulf Coast Eye Institute who specializes in vitreo-retinal disease, its surgery, and research. The subspecialty, to name a few, includes diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy – common causes of blindness, as well as flashes/floaters, retinal detachments, and inherited retinal diseases. He enjoys caring for patients with diseases of the vitreo-retina, performing cataract surgeries, including complicated cataracts, and helping patients with other eye conditions.
Dr. Bhandari has an accomplished educational and professional background. He received his medical degree from B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Nepal, and completed his residency in ophthalmology at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal. He completed further training in clinical ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, the United Kingdom. He undertook clinical research training at the University of Sydney in Australia and was awarded a PhD for his research in evaluating treatment outcomes of retinal diseases in routine clinical practice. He specialized in retinal diseases and uveitis at the National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Bhandari is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), EURETINA, and the Nepalese Ophthalmic Society. He has contributed to numerous publications and presented his works at the annual meetings of the AAO, ARVO, EURETINA, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Bhandari has current affiliations with the Save Sight Institute of the University of Sydney, Australia. He was a faculty member at the internationally renowned Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Nepal. He speaks English, Nepali, and Hindi.
When he isn’t working, Dr. Bhandari takes care of his sons, Sachu and Yash, with his wife, Cherina. He enjoys reading books close to real life.
Dr. Alireza Ghaffarieh
Dr. Alireza Ghaffarieh is an ophthalmologist with more than 27 years of medical and surgical experience, specializing in corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, cataract surgery, and external eye disease, with a primary interest in refractive and premium cataract surgery. His cataract surgery experience spans the full spectrum—from routine cases to advanced and complex presentations—allowing surgical planning to be tailored to each patient rather than limited to a single technique.
He completed advanced clinical fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, the teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston. He previously served as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, and has practiced across multiple U.S. states, including Texas, California, and Illinois, as well as internationally. Dr. Ghaffarieh pursued advanced training in neuro-ophthalmology and ocular pathology through specialized programs and fellowships at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Indiana University, and the University of Southern California (Los Angeles), further strengthening his diagnostic insight and clinical judgment. He graduated in the top 1% of his medical school class and completed ophthalmology residency training in 2002. He pursued advanced international training in keratoprosthetic surgery at the Fyodorov Eye Institute and visual rehabilitation at the Krasnov Vision Center in Moscow.
Dr. Ghaffarieh has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, three book chapters, and holds U.S. patents related to vision science, biomechanics, and biomedical engineering. He believes technology is most effective when guided by sound judgment, experience, and individual patient needs. His research interests include ocular biomechanics, visual performance, and refractive outcomes across routine, extreme, and microgravity environments.
Dr. Ghaffarieh previously served patients in the Rio Grande Valley and is pleased to return to continue caring for individuals and families in the community he has come to know and value. He approaches vision care with responsibility and confidence, applying modern medical science with precision, intelligence, and genuine care. His focus is not volume or sales, but thoughtful evaluation, clear guidance, and achieving the best possible visual outcomes for each patient.
Dr. Ghaffarieh is fluent in English, Persian, Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Arabic, and speaks basic Spanish.
Dr. Rageh
Dr. Rageh earned his medical degree from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, in 2006, followed by an internship from March 2006 through February 2007. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the National Eye Center in Cairo from November 2009 through October 2015. Later that year, he relocated to the United States to further advance his training and career.
From July 2019 through July 2021, Dr. Rageh completed a Medical Retina Fellowship at the Joslin Diabetes Center, where he served as senior fellow during his second year. He then pursued an Ocular Oncology Fellowship at the Duke Eye Center from July 2021 through July 2022. After serving patients in Illinois for approximately three years, he made the decision to relocate to the Rio Grande Valley.
Dr. Rageh is passionate about serving the RGV community and is deeply aware of the growing need for specialized retinal care in the region. He is committed to improving access to high-quality ophthalmologic services and providing advanced care to patients who need it most. He has successfully passed all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, holds certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, and is fully licensed in multiple states.
In his free time, Dr. Rageh enjoys playing ping pong and video games.
Dr. Mohammed Tawfik
Dr. Tawfik specializes in medical and surgical glaucoma treatment, as well as the management of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, with a particular interest in femtosecond-assisted cataract phacoemulsification.
He graduated from Al-Mustansiriyah University and the University of Baghdad College of Medicine, and became a Board-Certified Diplomate in Ophthalmology. He later joined the Royal College of Ophthalmologists at University College London, earning recognition as both a Diplomate and Member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, England, UK.
Dr. Tawfik continued his advanced training at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital, Glaucoma Service Foundation, where he completed a glaucoma fellowship under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. George Spaeth, MD.
He comes from a family with deep ties to the United States—his father earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Santa Monica, California, before returning to Iraq to manage the family’s import/export business.
Dr. Tawfik takes pride in having worked across three continents, including underserved areas in North Africa, and with Doctors Without Borders. He is deeply committed to preventing blindness and improving access to eye care for underserved populations.
He is an Active Member in good standing of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Glaucoma Society. He is also a Candidate for the American Board of Ophthalmology through the Internationally Trained Ophthalmologists Program.
Additionally, Dr. Tawfik is a member of the European Glaucoma Society, the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery.
In his free time, Dr. Tawfik enjoys reading and outdoor activities, including tennis, table tennis, and jogging.
Dr. Rogelio Cantu
Born in Illinois, Dr. Cantu ended up in Texas where he grew up. Dr Cantu graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with a Bachelor of Science Biology and received a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Houston’s College of Optometry.
Dr. Rogelio Cantu is a Gulf Coast Eye Institute optometrist specializing in primary eye care vision services. Dr. Cantu conducts comprehensive eye exams, treats common vision problems, and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. He also offers management of ocular diseases.
Dr. Cantu awarded Exemplary Clinician of the Year Award UHCO in 2003. Dr. Cantu currently resides in the Rio Grande Valley with his wife and child. In times of leisure, Dr. Cantu can be found outdoors either running, biking, or swimming – training for his next triathlon or Ironman competition.
Dr. Fatme Elsayed
Dr. Elsayed grew up in Michigan. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry in 2021.
After graduation, Dr. Elsayed began her career in San Antonio, where she practiced primary eye care with a focus on diagnosing ocular disease, fitting contact lenses, and providing post-operative care for refractive and cataract surgeries. She later returned to Michigan to continue practicing before deciding to make San Antonio her home once again by joining the Eye Institute of Texas.
Outside of the office, Dr. Elsayed enjoys exploring local coffee shops, journaling, traveling, and pursuing her creative interests in photography, videography, and collecting VHS tapes.
Dr. Juan Farias
Dr. Juan Jose Farias, Jr. is a residency trained optometrist, born and raised in Laredo, TX. He obtained his Bachelors of Science in Biology at Texas A&M International University and continued on to earn his degree as a Doctor of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas. After finishing optometry school, Dr. Farias pursued a thirteen-month residency with emphasis in Ocular Disease and post-operative management at Virginia Eye Consultants in Virginia Beach, VA.
Dr. Lauro Guerrero
Dr. Lauro Guerrero, III, is a Gulf Coast Eye Institute optometrist specializing in primary eye care vision services as well as dry eye disease management. He sees patients at the Harlingen location and has been with Gulf Coast Eye Institute since its earliest days.
Dr. Guerrero conducts comprehensive eye exams, treats common vision problems and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. He also offers management of ocular diseases and is a dry eye specialist. He teaches other optometrists about dry eye disease treatment options at continuing education seminars.
Dr. Guerrero received a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston’s College of Optometry. He has been a licensed optometrist since 1995 and is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Texas Optometric Association.
Dr. Guerrero is an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburgh, where he enjoys serving his parish and his community. “I enjoy being part of the team at Gulf Coast Eye Institute,” said Dr. Guerrero. “It’s like family and we all work together to help our patients enjoy, restore and preserve their vision.”
Born In Anaheim, CA and grew up in south Texas. Graduated from University of Texas Pan American in 1991 and received his Doctor of Optometry from University of Houston College of Optometry in 1995.
A member of the American Optometric Association since 1995 as well as a member of the Texas Optometry Association since 1995. An active member of Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society also since 1995. Valley Eye Center 1995 Ophthalmic Consultants of Texas Gulf Coast Eye Institute. Member of Knights of Columbus St Joseph Edinburg#15262.
Reside in Edinburg, Tx Wife Michelle and children- Lisa and Diego. Enjoys playing golf and traveling when possible.
Dr. Stephen Larsen
Dr. Stephen Larsen was born in England. Dr. Larsen received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Dr. Larsen has experience in refraction, contact lenses, LASIK post operative care, and co-management of numerous ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, keratoconus and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Larsen has a background that includes private optometric practice, optometric and ophthalmic software development consulting, providing optometric care on a Native American reservation in Idaho. Dr. Larsen was a volunteer firefighter for the United States Forest Service.
Dr. Larsen resides in the Rio Grande Valley, speaks Spanish, is fluent in Italian and is a dedicated father of seven children.
Dr. Nitya Murphy
Dr. Nitya Murthy is a board-certified Glaucoma specialist practicing full-scope optometry, emphasizing cornea, specialty contact lenses, ocular surface disease, and myopia management. Her specialties include scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, orthokeratology, and dry eye treatments.
Dr. Murthy is a native of Miami, Florida, and graduated from the Kentucky College of Optometry in 2020. She has worked in primary care, tertiary care, and corporate settings in primarily under-served communities. In addition, Dr. Murthy served as a clinical instructor and research associate at the Indiana University School of Optometry, where she conducted clinical trials and research studies related to clinical optics and contact lenses. She has given several talks relating to myopia control, dry eye, and corneal abnormalities and has presented her research widely at several national and international conferences. She continues to engage in scholarly work alongside her clinical practice and has special interests in retina and glaucoma.
In her free time, Dr. Murthy enjoys event planning, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and child. She has also authored children’s books and is passionate about access to education.
Dr. Homero Perez
Dr. Perez was born in Mexico and raised in Houston Texas since early childhood. He completed a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Business Administration and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston in 2018. Thereafter, he completed a Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2022.
Dr. Perez completed his optometric clinical rotations at NSU/Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah Oklahoma, VA Texas Valley Health Care Clinic in McAllen/Harlingen Texas, and Houston community clinics with the University Eye Institute.
Dr. Perez is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. He therapeutically treats eye diseases and conditions, such as; dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Fits medically necessary and therapeutic contact lens, and is certified in myopia control. In addition, he co-manages postoperative care after cataract surgery and other procedures.
During his free time Dr. Perez likes to run and workout. Lives for the adventure, he rides horses, goes off-roading, and hiking when possible.
Luis Barrera P.A.
Luis D. Barrera is a nationally certified physician assistant proudly serving the Rio Grande Valley, where he was born and raised. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he later completed his Master of Physician Assistant Studies, graduating in 2021.
Before transitioning into ophthalmology, Luis spent nearly three years practicing internal medicine, where he developed a strong clinical foundation and a comprehensive understanding of chronic disease management. Prior to becoming a PA, he also worked as a medical scribe and at a veterinary hospital–experiences that helped shape his commitment to compassionate, detail-oriented care.
Luis is passionate about protecting and preserving vision. He values the precision and evolving technology of ophthalmology and enjoys building strong relationships with his patients while helping them better understand their eye health.
Outside of work, Luis enjoys cooking, baking, and exploring his love for music. He also treasures time spent with his two Shih Tzus, Onix and Cubone, who bring joy and balance to his life.
Craig Comisky P.A.
Craig Comisky who specializes in conducting comprehensive eye exams to assess vision and eye health. He is adept at diagnosing and treating common eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Born in Michigan in 1959, Craig moved to North Carolina at a young age and later to Port Arthur, Texas in 1969. He graduated from Nederland High School in Nederland, Texas in 1977. Before embarking on his medical journey, Craig spent the first half of his life working in the labor and oil refinery industry as a union hand in the Longshoreman’s, IUPAT (industrial coatings, sandblasting, and painting), and Boilermakers/Ironworkers unions.
In 1995, Craig decided to return to school, graduating from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas with a BSMT as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in 2000. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2004 and a Master’s in the same field in 2008.
Upon graduation in 2004, Craig began working in Rural Health Medicine in Rio Hondo, Texas. Within six years, he shifted his focus to Pediatric Medicine, practicing first in Brownsville, Texas, and then in Los Fresnos, Texas. In 2024, Craig decided to specialize in the field of Ophthalmology.
Craig’s dedication to his profession was recognized when he graduated Magna cum laude from UTPA in 2004 and received the Humanitarian Award from the UTPA physician assistant program the same year.
Craig is a family man and has been married for 22 years, has 3 wonderful children, and a granddaughter. When he’s not improving the vision and eye health of his patients, Craig enjoys playing golf, fishing, and tinkering with gadgets. His diverse background and commitment to lifelong learning make him a valuable asset to our team.
Gary Hamilton P.A.
Gary Hamilton is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant with a strong commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley community. Born in England, Gary moved to the Rio Grande Valley at just four years old, where he was raised and developed a deep connection to the area he now serves.
He completed his undergraduate studies in San Antonio at Our Lady of the Lake University, where he earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He then went on to graduate from the UTRGV Physician Assistant Program. Gary began his medical career with one year in pediatric care, followed by four years in hospital medicine with a focus on pulmonology, and an additional two years in urgent care. These diverse experiences have equipped him with a broad clinical skill set and a patient-centered approach to care.
Gary has developed a growing interest in ophthalmology, driven by his desire to help address the shortage of specialty providers in the underserved Rio Grande Valley. He welcomes the challenge of expanding his expertise while improving access to quality care in his community.
Outside of medicine, Gary enjoys staying active through sports and spending time outdoors. He values quality time with his wife, son, and their three dogs. He also enjoys singing and finds it to be a fun way to relax and unwind.
Barbara Montoya P.A.
Barbara Montoya is a native of Laredo and received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas A&M International University. Barbara went on to earn her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Additionally, she earned her Texas esthetician license after completing the esthetics program at Paul Mitchell cosmetology school in San Antonio.
Barbara is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant and is licensed in the state of Texas. Currently, she practices within the field of ophthalmology. Barbara has a special interest in ocular disease management and aesthetic medicine. She has completed additional training in the practices of botulinum toxin and cosmetic lasers. Barbara is devoted to her community and looks forward to treating patients of Laredo and surrounding areas.
Barbara resides in Laredo with her two lovely cats, Clementine and Abner. On her free time, Barbara enjoys working out, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Andrea Sacramento P.A.-C
Andrea Sacramento, PA-C is a South Texas Native. She grew up in Brownsville and Matamoros, bringing a deep understanding of the South Texas community. Her bilingual fluency in Spanish enhances her ability to connect with patients. Her dedication and compassion ensure each of her patients receive the best care possible.
Ms. Sacramento earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Texas A&M University and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from UTRGV. During her studies, she was introduced to ophthalmology in San Antonio during her capstone clinical rotation and discovered her passion. Her focus includes performing intravitreal injections and managing retinal conditions, where she combines precision and empathy to deliver high-quality care, utilizing the latest technologies.
Outside of the clinic, Andrea enjoys unwinding with the latest reality drama shows and discovering hidden gem restaurants throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Check out what patients say
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Sanjeeb Bhandari. He is a soft-spoken gentleman who immediately put me at ease, even after explaining that I would need monthly injections in my left eye to protect my vision. His calm, reassuring manner helped take away my fear, and I truly felt cared for throughout the visit. I’m grateful to be in such capable, compassionate hands and highly recommend him and the Gulf Coast Eye Institute.
I enjoy seeing Dr. Cantu he is kind & explains everything to you with patience & not rushed. I just realized he walks you out of the office to the reception area. Never have I had that curiosity extended me as a patient. The staff thrughout the entire office settings including the front office staff are nice & helpful. Although they are very busy they take the time to greet you.
Dr. Tawfik has been treating my glaucoma. I showed up 20 minutes before they closed without an appointment because my optometrist (from another office) noticed my eye pressure was elevated and said it was urgent to be evaluated and treated. Despite showing up last minute, Dr Tawfik saw me within minutes of arriving. He truly cares and takes great care of his patients. I highly recommend this clinic!
Trusted Eye Care Across the Rio Grande Valley
From routine eye exams to advanced surgical care, our experienced team is here to help you protect and improve your vision at every stage of life. With multiple convenient locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley, quality eye care is always close to home.
