Heather A. Nesti, M.D., Medical Director
Dr. Heather A. Nesti is the Medical Director of Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center. A board certified ophthalmologist, she offers patients the latest surgical techniques for both glaucoma and cataract surgery. In 2012 and 2013, she was honored with a “Patient’s Choice” award from Vitals. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and is the Co-Chief of the Ophthalmology Department at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Educated and skilled in the most advanced treatments for glaucoma, Dr. Nesti creates a specific plan for each patient using a combination of medications, lasers and surgery to control the disease and prevent further damage. For her cataract patients, Dr. Nesti offers the most advanced laser technology and intraocular lens options to allow them to see near, far and everything in between – often without the need for glasses after surgery. Her expertise in these subspecialties is significant for patients who have both glaucoma and cataracts.
Prior to joining Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, she trained at Philadelphia’s prestigious Wills Eye Hospital where she was the co-chief of her residency program and completed a fellowship in glaucoma. She earned her medical degree, cum laude, from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia after graduating with a B.A. in biology, cum laude, from the University of Delaware. Throughout her academic career, she was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including the honor of receiving the James B. Shipman Award for best resident scientific paper at the Wills Eye Hospital Annual Conference in 2003 and the Bausch & Lomb Young Investigators Award Travel Grant in 2003.
Dr. Nesti, who lives in Crownsville with her husband and three children, enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, ice skating, skiing with her three active kids and spending time with family and friends.
SPECIALTIES
- Medical Director
- Glaucoma
- Cataract Surgery
EDUCATION
- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Fellowship in Clinical and Surgical Glaucoma
- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Ophthalmology Residency, Co-Chief Resident
- Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA, Transitional Internship
- Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, M.D., cum laude
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, B.A. in Biology, cum laude
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Co-Chief Ophthalmology Department, Anne Arundel Medical Center
HONORS & AWARDS
- What’s Up? Annapolis “Top Doc” (2017-2018, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024)
- What's Up? Central Maryland "Top Doc" Ophthalmology (2025)
- Chesapeake Family “Favorite Doc” (2014, 2016, 2017)
- Vitals “Patients’ Choice Award for Top Ophthalmologist” (2012, 2013)
- AOA Medical Honor Society member, Jefferson Medical College
Dr. Mark Whitten, MD, is a board-certified cataract and refractive surgeon. In addition to performing surgeries at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, Dr. Whitten is also the Medical Director of Whitten Laser Eye and Founding Partner of
Dr. Jiawei "Jenny" Zhao, M.D., is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center who specializes in the medical and surgical management of oculofacial conditions. Her specific interests include eyelid malposition correction, eyelid lifts, removal of benign or malignant eyelid tumors, periocular and facial reconstruction, treatment of tearing disorders, and orbital diseases including thyroid eye disease and orbital tumors. Dr. Zhao is also interested in facial rejuvenation and performs cosmetic upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, brow lifts, Botox® injections and facial fillers.
Dr. Tamara K. Fackler, a medical retina specialist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, brings over 20 years of clinical experience to the Annapolis practice. Dr. Fackler is board certified in ophthalmology and practiced in Florida and Washington, D.C., before joining Chesapeake Eye Care in 2005. She utilizes high definition OCT, digital fluorescein angiography and fundus autofluorescence to treat her patients’ retinal needs.
Dr. Prisca Diala is a medical retina specialist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center. A Harvard-trained specialist in retinal and macular diseases and board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Diala joined the practice in 2012. She offers her patients the latest combination of diagnostic imaging, laser and injection therapy to treat various retinal disorders, including macular degeneration, diabetes and retinal vein occlusions. Her deep commitment to providing patients with high-quality, cutting-edge eye care has brought her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
Dr. Gaurav Srivastava is a board certified ophthalmologist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center. Through his studies at Johns Hopkins University, University of Cambridge in England, George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences and Rutgers University Ophthalmology Residency Program, as well as his work as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, he has learned the latest laser and surgical techniques for minimally invasive cataract and glaucoma surgeries as well as refractive procedures. Dr. Srivastava is also trained to diagnose, manage and treat a wide variety of eye conditions with a special focus on the treatment of dry eye disease.
Dr. Olivia Dryjski is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center. Specializing in laser cataract surgery, refractive surgery, dry eye and cornea, Dr. Dryjski is trained on the latest techniques and treatments for cornea diseases including corneal cross linking and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) – the newest type of corneal transplant.
Dr. Luke Yuung-Jier Chang, MD, is an ophthalmologist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, where he specializes in the latest surgical techniques for both glaucoma and cataract surgery.
Dr. Daliya Dzhaber, M.D., is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center who specializes in cataract (including laser cataract surgery), cornea and refractive surgery, as well as uveitis and medical retina.
Dr. Viraj Mehta, MD, is an Oculoplastic Surgeon at Chesapeake Eye Center and Laser Center, who specializes in the diagnosis and management of oculofacial surgery, complex oculofacial reconstruction, orbital and lacrimal surgery, and trauma in both children and adults. In addition, he is trained in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures like Botox, fillers, chemical peels, and lasers, as well as cosmetic surgery including eyelid blepharoplasty and browlifts.
Chase Hutchings, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive experience in ophthalmic care, bringing a patient-centered approach to Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center. Chase specializes in cosmetic procedures and treatments, including Botox, fillers and IPL, as well as history and physical for surgical patients and other medical eye care.
Dr. Kellie R. Skoner joined Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center in 2014. She provides comprehensive eye care including both routine vision and medical eye exams, as well as optometric management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration and cataracts. She also provides refractive surgery evaluations, diabetic eye exams, contact lens fittings and co-management of cataract and refractive surgeries. Dr. Skoner is certified in prescribing ocular therapeutics for glaucoma, eye infections and various other eye conditions.
Dr. Amit Chohan is an optometrist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center that graduated from Nova Southeastern University. He is a NYC native, having attended Stony Brook University for his undergraduate studies. His areas of interest include pediatrics and specialty gas permeable lenses and he specializes in pre- and post-operative cataract care, dry eye and retinal conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Dr. Jason Palik is an optometrist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center with over 18 years of experience. Dr. Palik specializes in routine eye care, pre- and post-operative cataract care, patient education, disease management, contact lens fitting, foreign body removal, punctal plug insertion, epilation of irregular, inward turned eyelashes, and eye injury/infection treatment.
Dr. David Rosner is an optometrist at Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center who graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is trained in ocular disease and emergency care and has given case report presentations on pertinent clinical findings. Additionally, he is experienced in pre- and post-operative management and contact lens fittings.
Dr. Orin Zwick, MD, is an Oculoplastic surgeon who has specialized in Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery for the patients of Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center for the past 19 years. After an astounding career in ophthalmology, Dr. Zwick recently retired from clinical and surgical practice. 