Retina Specialist and Surgeon
Dr. Sai Chavala is a fellowship-trained retina specialist and board-certified retina surgeon that will be providing retina services at Sweeney Eye Associates in Sunnyvale, Texas. With a passion for combining advanced technology and innovative treatments, Dr. Chavala is dedicated to helping patients manage retinal diseases and preserve their vision. He specializes in treating conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and performing retina and vitreous surgery. Dr. Chavala is also actively involved in national clinical research trials aimed at restoring vision.
Born and raised in Maryville, Missouri, Dr. Chavala earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees through the accelerated program at the University of Missouri. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and pursued a research fellowship in stem cells and regenerative medicine at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He then completed his surgical retina fellowship at Duke University, where he refined his expertise in advanced retinal procedures.
Dr. Chavala has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina, training future ophthalmologists in the latest techniques in retinal surgery. Currently, he is a Professor of Surgery at the TCU School of Medicine in Fort Worth, leading an NIH-funded research lab focused on stem cell approaches for retinal repair and regeneration. With over 75 scholarly presentations, publications, and patents, Dr. Chavala is a recognized leader in retina care and research.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Chavala is dedicated to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness Texas. He is a member of leading organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, Retinal Society, and Macula Society.
When not caring for patients, Dr. Chavala enjoys spending time with his wife and children, skiing, hiking, and traveling.
Services
Specializing in dry and wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment, macular hole, macular pucker (epiretinal membrane), and routine and complex retina surgery.
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