Alex Melamud, MD, MA
President
Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retinal Surgeons.
About NVAO
Our organization, leadership, and commitment to excellence in ophthalmology.
Founded in 1962, the Northern Virginia Academy of Ophthalmology has grown into a thriving regional community of more than 120 eye care professionals.
Our history
The Northern Virginia Academy of Ophthalmology was founded in 1962 by a group of dedicated ophthalmologists who recognized the need for a professional organization serving the unique needs of eye care practitioners in the Northern Virginia region.
Over the decades, NVAO has grown from a small group of founding members into a thriving organization of more than 120 ophthalmologists and eye care professionals. We have consistently provided high-quality continuing medical education, fostered professional networking, and advocated for excellence in patient care.
Our academy has been instrumental in advancing ophthalmologic practice standards across the region and continues to be a leader in professional development and medical education.
Mission & values
Mission
Advance the practice of ophthalmology through education, advocacy, and professional collaboration while promoting the highest standards of patient care in Northern Virginia.
Education
Provide comprehensive continuing medical education and stay current with the latest advances in ophthalmologic care and technology.
Collaboration
Foster professional relationships and encourage collaboration among eye care professionals to improve patient outcomes.
Patient care
Maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and advocate for the vision health of our community.
Leadership team
Our board is composed of board-certified ophthalmologists practicing across Northern Virginia.
Melissa Kern, MD
President Emeritus
Board Certified Pediatric Ophthalmologist whose interests include pediatric glaucoma, congenital and acquired pediatric cataract, retinopathy of prematurity, and strabismus.
John McAllister, MD
Vice President
Board Certified Ophthalmologist who specializes in general adult eye care, with particular interest in cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Sonya Shah, MD
Treasurer
Board Certified Ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery.
Mohsin Ali, MD
Secretary
Board Certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology; member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Retina Specialists.
Nisha Patel, MD
Member-at-Large
Board Certified in Ophthalmology since 2008; completed her fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Hubert Pham, MD
Member-at-Large
Board Certified Ophthalmologist with a focus on comprehensive ophthalmology, advanced cataract surgery, and medical retina.
Andrew Siegel, MD
Member-at-Large
Board Certified Ophthalmologist with extensive clinical experience built on high surgical volume and clinical pathology training.
Membership benefits
CME credits
Access to high-quality continuing medical education with AMA Category 1 Credits.
Professional networking
Connect with fellow eye care professionals and build lasting professional relationships.
Educational resources
Exclusive educational materials, research papers, and clinical guidelines.
Regular meetings
Meetings featuring case presentations, guest speakers, and professional discussions.
Speaking opportunities
A platform to present research, share clinical experiences, and contribute to professional discourse.
Professional support
A peer support network and professional guidance from experienced colleagues.