Find a Top Ophthalmologist Near Me in Charleston, SC – Book an Appointment Instantly

Board-certified ophthalmologist Phelan Piehota, DO, joined the Lowcountry Eye Specialists team in June 2020 and specializes in treating diseases of the eye, eyelids, and surrounding structures. He is proud to provide comprehensive eye care for patients throughout Ladson, South Carolina. 

Dr. Piehota is a former member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, in which he was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a combat medic. During his time in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Dr. Piehota conducted over 300 combat missions.

Upon returning home, Dr. Piehota completed his undergraduate education with honors at Millersville University in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Following graduation, he earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then went on to complete his osteopathic internship and ophthalmology residency at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

When he's not practicing at Lowcountry Eye Specialists, Dr. Piehota enjoys kayaking, fishing, tennis, and spending time with family and friends.

Jay Thompson, MD, also known as John E. Thompson III, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Lowcountry Eye Specialists who specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. He also treats adult patients in Ladson, South Carolina, for conditions including, but not limited to, macular degeneration, infections, eye trauma, dry eye, pterygium, and eyelid disorders.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Dr. Thompson graduated with high honors from Middlebury College in Vermont with a degree in biochemistry. He was lured to Charleston to attend the Medical University of South Carolina on the prestigious E. Conyers O’Bryan Scholarship, a full merit-based scholarship awarded for academic achievement. His residency in ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School concluded with him serving as chief resident during his final year.

Dr. Thompson received the Frey Award for excellence in research from the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology. This award recognizes only one resident in the state every year. He has done extensive research in ophthalmology, has published papers in leading ophthalmology journals, and continues to be involved in clinical studies. 

Dr. Thompson and his wife, Heather, currently reside on James Island with their two beautiful daughters.

Rachel Ellyn, MD, is a board-certified comprehensive opthalmologist with advanced fellowship training in surgical glaucoma and cataracts at Lowcountry Eye Specialists, located in Ladson, South Carolina. She joined the Lowcountry Eye Specialists team in August of 2023. 

Dr. Ellyn is skilled in the latest microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), traditional glaucoma surgery, and astigmatism-correcting and advanced technology intraocular lens implants. She also treats patients for conditions including, but not limited to, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, macular degeneration, infections, and eye trauma.

Born and raised on James Island, Dr. Ellyn graduated from Clemson University prior to attending The Medical University of South Carolina for her medical degree. She completed her internship and residency at The University of South Carolina, where she was selected as chief resident in her final year. Dr. Ellyn then went on to complete a surgical glaucoma fellowship at Callahan Eye Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.

Dr. Ellyn’s love for ophthalmology was passed down from her father, Dr. John Ellyn, who has been a practicing ophthalmologist in the Charleston area for over 30 years.

Dr. Ellyn and her husband, Matt, are delighted to be back home. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as their two goldendoodles, Maddux and Smoltz.