Dr. Patel is a Jacksonville native and highly respected ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cornea, cataract, and comprehensive eye care. A graduate of The Bolles School, his deep roots and strong family ties ultimately brought him back home, where he has played an instrumental role in advancing eye care in Northeast Florida. He is a founding partner of Florida Eye Specialists and, in 2009, established Eagle Eyecare (as part of North Florida Surgeons) with a vision to deliver compassionate, cutting-edge care.
Dr. Patel graduated with Honors in Biology from the University of Miami before earning his medical degree from the University of Florida, where he was also selected for a highly competitive ophthalmology residency. He further refined his expertise at the renowned Shiley Eye Center at UC San Diego, where he trained under world leaders such as Dr. David Schanzlin and Dr. Stuart Brown. During his time there, he served as a Clinical Instructor, contributing to both academic medicine and advanced patient care. He later practiced in New York City with the NY Laser Group and taught surgical techniques to residents at Cornell University.
A board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained surgeon in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery, Dr. Patel has performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries, including highly complex cataract cases requiring advanced surgical planning and precision. His surgical expertise spans the full spectrum of anterior segment procedures, including corneal transplantation techniques such as PKP, DSAEK, DMEK, and PDEK. He was also among the first in the region to perform the advanced Yamane intrascleral lens fixation technique, offering innovative solutions for patients with complex lens challenges.
Despite his extensive experience, what patients often appreciate most is his down-to-earth approach. He takes the time to listen, explain, and make sure each patient feels comfortable and confident in their care.
Dr. Patel is widely recognized as an expert in the management of keratoconus, providing comprehensive treatment options ranging from corneal collagen cross-linking and INTACS to full corneal transplantation. His commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that patients receive the most advanced, evidence-based care available.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Patel brings the same discipline and determination to his personal pursuits. An accomplished endurance athlete and adventurer, he has completed multiple marathons, several Half Ironman races, and the ultimate endurance challenge—an Ironman 140.6-mile triathlon. His passion for exploration has taken him across the globe, where he has completed the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and trekked to Everest (EBC and Kala Patthar).
A respected leader in his field, Dr. Patel has served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Baptist Health, President of the Duval Society of Ophthalmology, and as a member of the Executive Committee of North Florida Surgeons. His excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including Top Doctor distinctions from Jacksonville Magazine, Castle Connolly, Healthgrades, and Vitals.
Through his surgical mastery, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence—both in and out of the operating room—Dr. Patel continues to elevate the standard of eye care.
Get to Know Dr. Patel
What is a Cornea Transplant?
His hobbies include running, triathlons, traveling, and cheering on his Florida Gators and attending Jacksonville Jaguar games. Dr. Patel is a frequent national and international lecturer and can sometimes be seen running in the Riverside area. He has completed numerous marathons; half marathons; half Iron Man races (and scheduled to complete his first 140.6-mile full Iron Man).