Thierry Verstraeten, MD
Thierry Verstraeten, MD, is a board certified specialist, who manages the care of patients with retinal diseases or are in need of retinal surgery. Dr. Verstraeten is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Drexel University College of Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital Campus. Since 1995, Dr. Verstraeten has worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He has been board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 1991. Dr. Verstraeten has an extensive background in teaching, writing and caring for patients with retinal disease.
Dr. Verstraeten will perform surgery at the Laurel Laser & Surgery Center in Brookville, as well as at Allegheny General Hospital.
Joel A. Bezek, MD
Joel A. Bezek, M.D., is an accomplished ophthalmologist with over two decades of experience in the field. Dr. Bezek began his medical career as a staff ophthalmologist at Ophthalmic Associates from 2004 to 2007, before advancing to partnership status up until 2024. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has maintained his medical license in Pennsylvania since 2004. Dr. Bezek completed his postgraduate training at Georgetown University-Washington Hospital Center and UPMC-Shadyside Hospital, after earning his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College in 2000.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bezek has been an active researcher and presenter, with numerous publications and presentations on a variety of ophthalmologic topics, including neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. His professional affiliations include membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He has also served as the President of the Cambria County Medical Society and has held leadership roles at multiple local medical centers. Dr. Bezek is a passionate community advocate.
As the president of Argus, Inc, ArgusTwo, Inc., and OALeasing, Dr. Bezek has demonstrated his business acumen alongside his medical expertise, demonstrating his passion for both his patients and community.
Ramu Gounder, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. Ramu Gounder is a highly experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist licensed in Pennsylvania, with over two decades of expertise in comprehensive eye care, cataract surgery, and glaucoma management. He currently serves as the President of Global Ophthalmology in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and leads multiple ophthalmology practices throughout the Pittsburgh area, including Advanced Ophthalmology SouthandAdvanced Ophthalmology East.
Dr. Gounder has a strong clinical focus on advanced surgical techniques, including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Peripheral Iridotomies (PI), cataract extraction, and YAG capsulotomies. During his tenure at Glaucoma Cataract Consultants in Pittsburgh, he managed a high-volume glaucoma clinic and provided specialized surgical care to patients with complex ocular conditions.
He completed his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, and received further surgical training through the Agarwal Cataract Phacoemulsification Course. His medical degree was earned from Howard University College of Medicine, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Gounder is a long-standing member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 2003.
With a longstanding commitment to patient-centered care and surgical excellence, Dr. Gounder continues to be a trusted provider of ophthalmic services in western Pennsylvania.
Algie LaBrasca, DO
Algie LaBrasca, DO, a native of DuBois, PA, earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medice in Mare Islande, Vallejo, CA and completed his general surgery residency at Memorial Hospital in York, PA. He completed a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI, with additional, extensive training at the Detroit Medical Centor and Botsford Hospital. Dr LaBrasca is Board Certified in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery through the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
Dr. LaBrasca is a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Jefferson County Medical Society.
Andrew D. McLaughlin, MD
Dr. McLaughlin is a graduate of Grove City College of PA with a degree in Molecular Biology and Spanish. He was commissioned as an Air Force Officer in 2004, and went on to earn his degree in Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. During medical school he transferred to the Navy in 2007 and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. McLaughlin is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of several professional organizations. He enjoys taking part in humanitarian medical missions and is fluent in Spanish. He has participated in numerous research projects and academic publications, including research using high-frequency ultrasound for sizing of implantable collamer lenses (ICL).
Dr. McLaughlin is accepting patients at Laurel Eye Clinic in Duncansville and will be performing cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and refractive surgery including ICL implants, LASIK and refractive lens exchange.
