Jackson Eye Associates

Back

IT WAS PERFECT FOR ME AND I LOVE IT

Take a pinch of the Mississippi Delta.

Add a generous heaping of a nurse’s heart.

Use very little golf but maybe more mahjong and ice with a doctor’s diagnostic talents and you’d be fairly close to having whipped up Jackson Eye Associates’ own Dr. Denise Phillips.

Hailing originally from Hollandale, Mississippi, Phillips first pursued nursing at University of Mississippi Medical Center before choosing to conquer medical school. Her decision to follow her passion for ophthalmology came because of Phillips’ innate interest in the surgical field and “a good mix of patient population, disease diagnosis and pathology. So yes, it was perfect for me and I love it,” she finished.

And for Dr. Phillips seeing her patients get better is “the most perfect part of the day. I just so enjoy the people - the time with my patients. I enjoy the diagnostic part of the work and so thoroughly enjoy seeing people get better.”

As for her opinion on what makes Jackson Eye Associates so uniquely qualified to handle all of its patients’ needs, Phillips points to diversification. “I just think we have diversity - as far as what we're able to offer; as far as not only our general ophthalmology but our sub-specialties, as well. I also feel like we work well together as a team with the patient’s needs first and foremost in our minds.”

IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Choosing ophthalmology for Dr. Browning seemed like a perfect fit. "I enjoy the balance of seeing patients in the clinic as well as performing surgeries and getting the opportunity to improve and preserve a patient's vision."

I JUST LIKE WHAT I DO

Professionally speaking, he enjoys the relationships he builds with his patients, adding “I just like what I do. I've been in practice for over 40 years now and several of those patients have been with me since the first year. I am able to follow my patients long-term.”

IT'S A CHALLENGE I LIKE

As a young boy growing up in Macon, Mississippi, John McVey spent hours on end tinkering. He loved to build and fix things, and particularly, small things and small parts. He found joy in the tinkering and success in the ability to make things work. Now, Dr. John McVey, is still tinkering but in a very specialized way, helping his pediatric ophthalmology patients improve their quality of eyesight.

DR. McGUFFEY TEACHES AT ASCRS

Our own JEA physician, Dr. Daniel McGuffey, recently helped teach a wet lab on advanced lens fixation techniques at the annual American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) meeting alongside his mentor, Dr. Kamran Riaz. *<br>* *<br>* Photo: Dr. McGuffey 2nd from right; Dr. Riaz 6th from left

IT'S CARE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

Taylor Smith, M.D. chose ophthalmology because it is a field where results show up quickly for patients. "You get to help people and see your results pretty quickly. It's interesting to follow people for years and get to see their kids and their family members and their friends. It's a rewarding profession," explains Dr. Smith.

WHEN THEY'RE HAPPY, I'M HAPPY

His extensive schooling and varied locales prepared Dr. Alex Whittington for a career in Comprehensive Eye Exams, Cataract Surgery and Eyelid Surgery but he is most happy when he is able to help give his patients restorative function.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONTACT LENSES

Our newest physician, [Charles D. McGuffey, M.D.](https://jacksoneye.com/physicians?30), is a specialist for Cornea & External Disease, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery. He is providing education for all our contact lens users.

THE EYE BANK OPENED MY EYES

Kenneth P. Toler, Jr., M.D., knew from his very first day in medical school exactly what he wanted to do for a career, and he hasn’t looked back since.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER TO DIVE

Dr. Mallette is a homegrown Jacksonian. After a pivot from Vanderbilt with plans to be a lawyer to pre-med at Millsaps focused on medicine, Mallette had major influences along the journey. The switch from law to ophthalmology was a surprise for some.

THE COOLEST JOB IN THE WORLD

A second generation ophthalmologist, Dr. Mark G. Kosko knew from an early age his father’s calling would be his. “I remember praying to God at five years old that I could grow up to do what my dad did too,” he poignantly recalls. “I grew up around my father’s office. I saw him love what he did and I saw his patients love him right back. I just thought that was the coolest job in the world.”

More Articles