Physicians

Colleen Halfpenny, M.D.

Comprehensive Eye Care
Cornea and Refractive Surgery Specialist
Cataract Surgeon

Dr. Colleen Halfpenny Headshot

Dr. Halfpenny attended both undergraduate and medical school at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She completed her residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital, chosen to serve as Chief Resident in her final year. She then completed a unique fellowship in Cornea, External disease and Refractive Surgery together with Uveitis at The FI Proctor Foundation/UCSF. Dr. Halfpenny returned to the Philadelphia area in 2009 to be closer to family and join others from the Wills Eye family in practice. She has been a part of Valley Eye Professionals as well as an active staff member of Wills Eye and Holy Redeemer Hospitals since 2009.

Dr Halfpenny enjoys being able to provide comprehensive surgical and medical care to multiple generations…from youth to the elderly. She cherishes that ophthalmology allows her to know her patients over decades. She also enjoys teaching the next generation of physicians and ophthalmologists. In addition to being an active clinical and surgical instructor at Wills Eye, she serves as a mentor to recent medical school graduates from Georgetown as well as being a surgical mentor to a senior Wills Eye resident.

Background

Georgetown University
Washington, DC
(Bachelor of Science | Medical Doctor Degree)

Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(Residency | Co-Chief Resident)

F.I. Proctor Foundation and University of California
San Francisco, CA
(Fellowship in Cornea, Refractive Surgery,
and Uveitis)

Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
(Assistant Professor Department of
Ophthalmology, Current)

Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(Teaching Staff of the Cornea Service, Current)

Holy Redeemer Hospital
Meadowbrook, PA
(Lecturer on Diabetic Eye Health, Current)

Achievements

Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Philadelphia Magazine Top Doc (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

EyeWiki, Editor
"Cornea"

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2022 Top Docs
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Jody Piltz-Seymour, M.D.

Glaucoma Specialist and Surgeon
Cataract Surgeon

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Dr. Jody Piltz-Seymour has provided university-level, subspecialty glaucoma and cataract care throughout the Philadelphia region for more than 30 years. Dr. Piltz-Seymour is director of the Glaucoma Care Center at Valley Eye Professionals, is on faculty at Wills Eye Hospital and is an Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. She served as the Director of Glaucoma Services at the Scheie Eye Institute/University of Pennsylvania for 15 years where she established and directed the glaucoma fellowship. As a clinical researcher throughout her career, she has been the principal investigator of pivotal glaucoma trials.

Dr. Piltz-Seymour has numerous leadership roles in national and international organizations including the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the World Glaucoma Congress, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Traveling with Orbis, Unite for Sight, and the Wills Eye Hospital initiative in Rwanda, Dr. Piltz-Seymour has worked with international physicians to advance glaucoma care in the developing world, including in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda and Vietnam. Her achievements have been recognized in the numerous awards and honors she has received.

“As a university affiliated glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon, I strive to bring expert and compassionate eye care throughout the region. It is vitally important to individualize care for each patient’s needs by understanding each patient’s story—their concerns, lifestyle, and goals. I incorporate the newest diagnostic technologies and cutting-edge surgical advances including the new minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, to bring you the most current care available. My goal is to develop a caring relationship based on mutual respect where we work together to make important decisions as a team. Welcome to our practice and I assure you that you will be treated with kindness, skill and respect.”

Background

Tufts University
Medford, MA
(Bachelor of Science in Biology, 1976-1980)

Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, NY
(Medical Doctor Degree, 1980-1984)
(Residency in Ophthalmology, 1986-1989 | Chief Resident 1988-1989)

Department of Ophthalmology, The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
(Fellowship in Glaucoma, 1989-1990)

Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelpha, PA
(Director of Glaucoma Services, 1990-2004)

Glaucoma Care Center, Keystone Eye Associates
Philadelpha, PA
(Medical Director, 2004-2008)

Achievements

Best Doctors in America,
2016-Current

Humanitarian Service Award, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology,
2015

Lifetime Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology,
2018

Outstanding Educator Award, American Glaucoma Society,
2019

Castle Connolly Top Docs Philadelphia Magazine,
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

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2022 Top Docs
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Alessandra Intili, M.D.

Comprehensive Eye Care
Oculoplastic Surgery
Cosmetic Eye and Skin Care
Cataract Surgeon

Dr. Alessandra Intili Headshot

Dr. Intili was born in New Jersey but raised in Italy until age five, when she moved back to the United States. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in English and Biology from Lehigh University, and her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. While at Georgetown, she received the award for Outstanding Medical Student Performance in the Department of Ophthalmology. She went on to complete her Ophthalmology Residency at Wills Eye Hospital, where she was mentored by some of the best minds in ophthalmology, including the other doctors of Valley Eye. She completed the Wills Eye Academic Global Ophthalmology Fellowship with a focus on Oculoplastics.

She also served as the Co-Fellowship Director for the Academic Global Ophthalmology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital from 2016 until 2020.

She remains a faculty member at Wills Eye Hospital and an associate professor at Jefferson Hospital, where she continues to surgically and clinically mentor Ophthalmology residents in the most complex forms of cataract extraction. She remains actively involved with global ophthalmology community as a faculty member of the Academic Global Ophthalmology Department at Wills. She is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Intili is dedicated in her pursuit to grant her patients a greater quality of life. Her interests in writing, travel and photography are displayed on her blog, written during her travels in 2015: https://academicglobalophthalmology.tumblr.com

Background

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
(Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor of Arts in English)

Georgetown University of Medicine
Washington, D.C.
(Medical Doctor Degree)

Residency:
Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship:
Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
Academic Global Ophthalmology with focus on Oculoplastic and manual small incision cataract surgery

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(Associate Professor, Current)

Achievements

Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology
Holy Redeemer Hospital 2020-Current

Fellowship Co-director
Academic Global Ophthalmology 2016-2020
Wills Eye Hospital

Best Resident Paper at American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2015

Award for Outstanding Medical Student 2011

Frank Chin, MD

Comprehensive Eye Care
Glaucoma Specialist and Surgeon
Cataract Surgeon

Dr. Frank Chin Headshot

Dr. Frank Chin, MD completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Stony Brook University and completed his medical degree at Zucker School of Medicine in New York. After earning his medical degree, he completed his residency at The George Washington University in Washington D.C., where he was also named Chief Resident his final year.

Dr. Chin followed this with completing his Fellowship in Glaucoma at Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Chin is an active member of the American Glaucoma Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Chin has a strong interest in detecting, curing and preventing eye diseases through the use of early detection and dedicated care. 

Background

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
(Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2007-2011)

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Hempstead, NY
(Medical Doctor Degree, 2012-2016)

The George-Washington University
Washington, DC
(Residency in Ophthalmology, 2017-2020 |
Chief Resident, 2019-2020)

Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
(Fellowship in Glaucoma, 2020-2021)

Achievements

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. 2015

Best Resident Research Presentation, 2019
“IOP Lowering Effect of SLT on Phakic and
Pseudophakic Eyes: A Retrospective Chart Review”

David DiFranceisco, O.D.

Comprehensive Optometry
Primary Eye Care, Refractions, Retinal Disorders

Dr. David DiFranceisco Headshot

Dr. David DiFranceisco completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Villanova University in 1981 and his Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University in 1986. He completed his internship programs at The Eye Institute of PCO at Salus University, Joint Base McGuire-Fort Dix Hospital in Lakehurst, NJ, and the Lynch Pediatric Unit at The Eye Institute. Dr. DiFranceisco continued his training with a residency program at Rhode Island Group Health in Newport, RI from 1986-89.

In private practice in various multidisciplinary settings since 1986, Dr. DiFranceisco has been with Valley Eye Professionals since it’s inception in 2006. Dr. DiFranceisco is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. He has vast experience working in primary eye care and contact lenses. He enjoys treating and managing ocular surface disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal disorders

Dr. DiFranceisco enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife Elizabeth and three children.

Laine Higa, OD

Comprehensive Optometry
Primary Eye Care, Refractions, Dry Eye

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Dr. Laine Higa grew up in Kaneohe, Hawaii and attended Pacific University in Oregon where he obtained his Bachelors of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He then went on to complete his optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he graduated with honors. Dr. Higa completed his residency in primary eye care and ocular disease at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Dr. Higa is an Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he works with students and residents in both the classroom and clinic. He has a strong interest in ocular surface disease/dry eye and anterior segment inflammation.  

  In his spare time, Dr. Higa enjoys travelling, swimming, cooking and commercial aviation. 

  He is excited to join the Valley Eye Professionals family and remains dedicated to his patients' well-being. His compassionate approach, coupled with this extensive clinical experience, creates a welcoming environment for patients seeking optimal eye health and vision solutions.   

Background

Pacific University, BS Cellular & Molecular Biology 

Illinois College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry 

  

Residency: 

The Eye Institute, Pennsylvania College of Optometry 

Achievements

Beta Kappa Sigma Optometric Honor Society 

Gold Key International Honor Society 

Fellow, American Academy of Optometry 

Joanna Fisher, M.D. Emeritus

Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Cataract, Dry Eye, and General Eye Care

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Dr. Joanna Fisher earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in a combined six-year B.A./M.D. program through Lehigh University. She continued her training with an Internship at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, followed by a Residency in Ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Fisher also completed a Mini Fellowship in Basic/Advanced LASIK Surgery. She also been certified to perform cosmetic services including Botox, Juvederm and Voluma.

Board Certified in Ophthalmology, Dr. Fisher has been practicing medicine since 1986 and founded Valley Eye Professionals in 2006. She serves as Chief of Ophthalmology and Attending Surgeon at Holy Redeemer Hospital . She actively participates on the teaching staff, as Associate Surgeon, in the Cataract and Primary Eyecare Department at Wills Eye Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Fisher is also a Clinical Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University.

On the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and past President of the Intercounty Ophthalmology Society, Dr. Fisher is also a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She volunteers her time in the community at the annual Wills Eye Hospital screening and at Holy Redeemer Hospital, both in the Women’s Health Center and by providing a diabetic lecture series.

Dr. Fisher chose to retire from practicing medicine in 2021. She helped establish, cultivate, and grow Valley Eye Professionals to be not a company, but a family that cares for anyone that comes through the door. We will miss having her bright and smiling face around and wish her the best in wherever life takes her next.

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