Meet The Team

During his undergraduate tenure, Chirag maintained leadership positions in many organizations, received many awards, such as the Anderson Scholar for academic excellence, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences with a concentration in Biochemistry. At the University of Florida, College of Medicine, Chirag then spent four rigorous years studying the human body and the art of healing.

During this time, the doctor-to-be decided to pursue residency training in Ophthalmology, a highly selective specialty in which only 480 physicians are chosen nationally each year. Upon graduation with an M.D. degree from the University of Florida, Chirag moved to New York City to begin post-graduate residency training. He spent his first year at Richmond University Medical Center completing an internship in Internal Medicine. During this year, Dr. Patel gained valuable experience treating patients in the inpatient and critical care setting with all types of medical conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease.

Dr. Patel then spent the next three years at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan receiving top-notch training in Ophthalmology. During his residency, Chirag had the privilege of learning under some of the leaders in the field. During his final year of residency, Chirag served as Chief Resident and received an Ophthalmology Recognition Award from the New York Academy of Medicine. Dr. Patel then decided to pursue an additional year of Fellowship training in Medical Retina and Research at the University of Florida – Jacksonville. Back in his home state, Chirag gained expertise in the treatment and diagnosis of retinal diseases, participated in nationally recognized clinical trials, such as DRCR.net and AREDS, published in peer-reviewed journals, and actively taught residents clinical and surgical concepts in Ophthalmology.

Dr. Patel remained at the University of Florida-Jacksonville thereafter as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Comprehensive Ophthalmology. Dr. Patel, has since founded Lake Nona Ophthalmology to provide a patient-first practice based on compassion, community, and cutting-edge care.

Dr. Patel is married to his college sweetheart, Krishma, and has two beautiful children. He enjoys friends, family, photography, running, and sports, especially the Gators.

Born and raised in Virginia, Dr. Umar Ahmed spent the early years of his life playing high-level basketball on the AAU Circuit, and excelled on his high school basketball team. While developing a true foundation in teamwork through his love of basketball, Umar excelled academically. He attended Virginia Tech University and graduated with a double major in Biology and Psychology.

During this time, he found a passion for eyecare and began his journey of Optometry.  Dr. Ahmed attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry and obtained a doctorate degree in Optometry.  He continued his education and expertise by pursuing a rigorous residency in Low Vision with an emphasis on Ocular Disease and Blinding Visual Conditions at the Lake City VA Medical Center.  During this time, Dr. Ahmed was able to examine and treat patients with a variety of eye disease, while also collaborating care with Ophthalmologists. This time was very gratifying as he had the privilege of serving our veterans!

Dr. Ahmed is a perfect fit for our practice, as he is a firm believer that providing patients with the highest level of care requires a team approach.  Using leading edge technology, Dr. Ahmed expands our surgical care team to ensure that our patients receive the best possible visual outcome that aligns with their needs.

Umar is happily married to his wife, Kerry; he is a health-nut, enjoys traveling, exercise, and sports!

Alie Flores is a vital part of the Lake Nona Ophthalmology team, having been the practice’s very first employee. With 20 years of experience, Alie now serves as the practice administrator and is known for her incredible leadership in fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the office. Her warm personality, dedication, and passion for creating a sense of togetherness make her a true driver of the team’s success.  Her smile and demeanor put patients at ease the moment they walk in the door.  Patients love her smile, demeanor, and willingness to go the extra mile. 

Outside of work, Alie loves spending time with family and friends, enjoying activities like swimming, dancing, traveling, and watching movies. She brings the same warmth and energy to her personal life as she does to the office, making her an invaluable part of the Lake Nona Ophthalmology family!

Beatriz Luciano brings 24 years of ophthalmology expertise to her role as the clinical manager and refractive surgery counselor at Lake Nona Ophthalmology. With her deep knowledge and experience, Beatriz ensures that the clinical team is always prepared to provide the highest level of care to every patient. She also works closely with Dr. Patel during vision correction surgeries, guiding patients through their vision correction journey with care and attention, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

A native of Chicago, Beatriz is a passionate Chicago Cubs fan and an avid baseball enthusiast. Beyond her love for the game, she is a proud mother of two daughters who inspire her every day. Her warmth, dedication, and commitment to patient care make her a cherished part of the Lake Nona Ophthalmology family!

Our team of Patient Care Coordinators at Lake Nona Ophthalmology is dedicated to making sure every patient’s experience is smooth and stress-free. From answering your calls and scheduling appointments to warmly welcoming you to the practice and assisting with checkout, they are here to provide exceptional service at every step of your visit.

Sincere, knowledgeable, and always ready to go the extra mile, our Patient Care Coordinators are committed to creating a seamless experience. Whether it’s helping with appointment logistics or ensuring you feel welcomed and cared for, they are integral to the friendly and inviting atmosphere that defines our practice.

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, our Patient Care Coordinators are here to support you and ensure your eye care journey is as comfortable and efficient as possible!

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, our team of Ophthalmic Technicians is dedicated to ensuring each patient receives exceptional care. Friendly, inviting, and professional, they bring a warm and compassionate approach to every interaction, making sure patients feel heard and cared for throughout their eye health journey.

Our technicians are always learning and expanding their knowledge to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic care, ensuring they provide the highest level of technical expertise. They thrive on building positive connections with patients, offering not only expert care but also a personal touch that makes every visit comfortable and reassuring. Their role is integral in making sure every patient’s experience is seamless, from the first exam to ongoing eye health management.

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, you can trust our Ophthalmic Technicians to be with you every step of the way, helping you achieve the best vision and eye health possible!