Our Physicians & Staff

Our Physicians

David T. Garrett, M.D.

Ophthalmologist | David T. Garrett, M.D. | Lexington KY | Richmond KY David T. Garrett, MD, a Kentucky native, graduated with honors from Vanderbilt and with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency and served as chief resident at the New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center in New York City. His glaucoma fellowship training followed at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, also in New York City. In 1990 he returned to Kentucky joining William N. Offutt, IV MD, a 3rd generation eye surgeon.

Dr. Garrett is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has served as president of the Lexington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and President of Eye Care Providers of Kentucky. He has served as Chief of the Ophthalmology division of St. Joseph East Hospital since 2008.

Dr. Garrett has more than 20 years of cataract and glaucoma surgical experience. He has performed thousands of phacoemulsification cataract procedures, including referrals of high-risk patients. He is one of the first eye surgeons in Kentucky utilizing Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. He also specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma, combined cataract/glaucoma surgery, as well as glaucoma tube implant devices. Dr. Garrett is renowned in the field, and has been consistently named to the “Best Doctors in America” by Health Grades since 2001.

Dr. Garrett has been married for 25 years and has 3 children. His interests include kayaking, hiking and snow skiing. He practices with a ‘patient first, patient centered’ philosophy, treating each person according to their individual needs and lifestyle.

Organizations and Memberships

Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology
Lexington Medical Society
Kentucky Medical Association
Lexington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
American Medical Association

Ryan J. Smith, M.D.

Ophthalmologist | Ryan Smith, M.D. | Lexington KY | Richmond KY

Ryan Smith, M.D., graduated from Centre College with a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He earned academic All-Conference honors as a second baseman on the Centre baseball team.

Dr. Smith is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville before returning home to Kentucky, where he completed a surgical glaucoma Fellowship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Dr. Smith is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Smith chose to specialize in ophthalmology because of the variety of medical and surgical procedures that help preserve and improve vision. As a glaucoma specialist, he enjoys developing a long term relationship with his patients.

His interests include the surgical management of glaucoma and utilizing the latest surgical techniques, including traditional filtration surgery and glaucoma shunt implants. Dr. Smith is also excited about various new minimally invasive glaucoma procedures that can be combined with cataract surgery. He has demonstrated expertise in complex, high-risk cataract surgery, and is experienced in the latest cataract implant options, including implants to correct astigmatism and presbyopia.

During his residency, Dr. Smith was elected as representative to the Quality and Patient Safety Committee and selected as a member of the Gold Humanism Honors Society.

Organizations and Memberships

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
American Glaucoma Society
Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Lexington Medical Society
Lexington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

Jon David Hammer, M.D.

Jon David Hammer, M.D. is a Kentucky native who graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Biology before earning his Medical Degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine where he graduated with Honors with High Distinction. During medical school he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and served as President of the Medical Student Government Association.

Dr. Hammer completed his medicine internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He then completed a glaucoma fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Hammer is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Hammer specializes in cataract surgery, medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma, combined cataract/glaucoma surgery, new minimally invasive glaucoma procedures, and traditional filtration surgery and tube implants for glaucoma. He is experienced in Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery and uses the latest lens implant options including lenses to correct astigmatism and presbyopia.

As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Hammer enjoys building relationships with his patients, performing procedures and surgeries to help maintain or improve their vision, and walking with them through each step of the process.

Dr. Hammer enjoys giving back through volunteering and service activities. He has provided care locally at free medical and eye clinics as well as abroad on a medical mission trip to Ecuador. He is actively involved in his church and previously served as an interim youth pastor. He enjoys spending time with his wife and son, going on hikes, playing board games, and is a lifelong University of Kentucky fan who enjoys cheering on the Wildcats at sporting events.

Organizations and Memberships:

- American Academy of Ophthalmology

- American Glaucoma Society

- Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

- Kentucky Medical Association (KMA)

- Lexington Medical Society

Our Staff

Members of our staff have been specially trained in the areas of their expertise. They stay up to date on Continuing Education to maintain their credentials. All have a vast knowledge of ophthalmology, and enjoy working in the field!