Physicians

Vitreoretinal specialists provide comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for all disorders of the retina, macula, and vitreous gel. The training required to achieve expertise in this specialized field is extensive. Upon receiving their medical degree, each of the physicians at Atlantic Retina Center completed a one year medical internship followed by a three year general ophthalmology residency. Doctors Schwartz, Rial, and Lagonigro then pursued an additional one or two years of fellowship training in vitreoretinal disease.

Paul Lagonigro, M.D.

Paul Lagonigro

Residency:
New York Medical College

Fellowship:
Eye Specialty Group – VitreoRetinal Foundation

Personal Bio:
Dr. Paul Lagonigro resides in the Salisbury area with his wife and two children. He joined the Atlantic Retina Center after completing his Fellowship in Tennessee, specializing in VitreoRetinal medicine. Dr. Lagonigro, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society, earned his Medical Degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY, and completed his Ophthalmology Residency at New York Medical College. Dr. Lagonigro is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, specializing in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal tears, eye trauma, retinal vascular occlusions and more.

James A. Rial, M.D.

James A. Rial

Residency:
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital. Providence, Rhode Island. Ophthalmology residency. July 2000 to June 2003. Served as Chief Resident July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003.

Fellowship:
University of British Columbia/Vancouver General Hospital. Vancouver, British Columbia. Vitreoretinal Surgery. July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.

Personal Bio:
A committed family man, Dr. James A. Rial is the father of three children. He specializes exclusively in retina, vitreous and macula diseases. Dr. Rial earned his vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He served as chief resident during his ophthalmic training at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital and earned his Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse. Dr. Rial is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has conducted research and investigations in numerous areas of eye health.

Joseph C. Schwartz, M.D.

Joseph C. Schwartz

Residency:
Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.
Ophthalmology Residency
Chief Resident 1991-1992

Fellowship:
Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Vitreoretinal Fellowship

Personal Bio:
Dr. Joseph C. Schwartz resides in the Salisbury area with his wife and four children. He specializes exclusively in diseases of the retina, vitreous and macula at Atlantic Retina Center. Dr. Schwartz is a Washington Hospital Center Retina Fellowship trained ophthalmologist and provides comprehensive services for retina conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and retinal vascular disease. He has previously held an academic appointment as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Schwartz serves as chief of Ophthalmology at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.