Dr. Augustine J Kellis - Plastic Surgeon in Chardon, OH

Meet Augustine J Kellis: Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Augustine J. Kellis approaches the art and science of oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery with a philosophy that intertwines precision, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to holistic patient well‑being. From the moment a patient steps into his Chardon practice, Dr. Kellis emphasizes that every surgical decision is rooted in a deep respect for the individual’s unique anatomy, lifestyle aspirations, and emotional landscape. He believes that the face—especially the eyes—serves as the most expressive conduit of personal identity; therefore, any alteration must preserve, and ideally enhance, the natural harmony of facial features while addressing functional concerns such as vision, tear drainage, and ocular protection. This guiding principle drives his meticulous pre‑operative consultations, where he spends ample time listening, educating, and co‑creating a realistic, personalized surgical plan that aligns with both aesthetic desires and medical imperatives.

Beyond technical mastery, Dr. Kellis’ approach is distinguished by a patient‑centered model that integrates multidisciplinary collaboration. He routinely partners with dermatologists, facial plastic surgeons, and vision specialists to ensure that each case benefits from a breadth of expertise, particularly for complex reconstructions following trauma, tumor excision, or congenital anomalies. By fostering an environment of open dialogue among his colleagues, he cultivates a comprehensive treatment paradigm that addresses not only the immediate surgical challenge but also long‑term functional outcomes and quality of life. This collaborative ethos extends to his use of cutting‑edge imaging modalities, such as high‑resolution orbital MRI and three‑dimensional facial mapping, which enable him to visualize subtle anatomical nuances and predict post‑operative aesthetics with remarkable accuracy.

Fundamental to Dr. Kellis’ practice is an unwavering dedication to ethical transparency and patient empowerment. He eschews the notion of “quick fixes” in favor of sustainable, evidence‑based interventions, and he encourages patients to become active participants in their own care. This includes a thorough discussion of realistic expectations, potential risks, and the spectrum of postoperative care required to achieve optimal results. By maintaining a candid, supportive rapport throughout the surgical journey—from initial assessment through recovery—Dr. Kellis ensures that his patients feel informed, confident, and reassured, ultimately fostering trust that translates into lasting therapeutic relationships and superior clinical outcomes.

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Kellis’ academic foundation is anchored in an exemplary educational trajectory that began at the University of Michigan Medical School, where he earned his MD with honors, distinguishing himself through a combination of rigorous coursework, pioneering research, and leadership in student medical societies. While at Michigan, he cultivated a deep fascination for ocular anatomy and pathology, a curiosity that propelled him toward a career in ophthalmology. His commitment to academic excellence was reflected in his receipt of multiple scholarships and research grants, enabling him to investigate the molecular underpinnings of lid malposition and the regenerative potential of ocular surface stem cells—work that later earned him national recognition and laid the groundwork for his future surgical innovations.

Following medical school, Dr. Kellis completed a demanding residency in ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic, an institution renowned for its high‑volume surgical caseload and cutting‑edge clinical research. During his residency, he honed his diagnostic acumen across the full spectrum of ocular disease, mastering corneal, retinal, and glaucoma management while simultaneously gaining extensive exposure to oculoplastic procedures. He was selected for the prestigious Tenzel Oculoplastic Fellowship, a highly competitive program that provides intensive training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system. Under the mentorship of world‑leading oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Kellis refined his microsurgical techniques, learned advanced orbital reconstruction strategies, and contributed to groundbreaking studies on minimally invasive blepharoplasty and endoscopic orbital decompression.

Beyond formal training, Dr. Kellis has pursued continuous professional development through fellowships, workshops, and international conferences, ensuring that his skill set remains at the forefront of evolving surgical paradigms. He has been a visiting scholar at leading European ocular centers, where he exchanged knowledge on laser‑assisted eyelid surgery and collaborative approaches to complex orbital tumors. His dedication to lifelong learning is also evident in his prolific contributions to peer‑reviewed journals, where he shares insights on novel graft materials, the biomechanics of eyelid tension, and the integration of robotic assistance in delicate intraocular procedures. This relentless pursuit of knowledge not only enriches his own practice but also positions him as a thought leader who shapes the future of oculoplastic surgery.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Kellis’ surgical repertoire is distinguished by an extraordinary depth of expertise in ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery, and intraocular procedures, each complemented by a steadfast commitment to precision and patient safety. In the realm of ophthalmology, he provides comprehensive care for a wide array of conditions ranging from cataract extraction and refractive surgery to complex retinal detachments and glaucoma management. His approach to cataract surgery, for instance, incorporates the latest femtosecond laser technology, enabling customized capsulotomy and lens fragmentation that reduce phacoemulsification energy and accelerate visual recovery. Moreover, his proficiency in vitreoretinal surgery includes pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and the use of intra‑operative optical coherence tomography (OCT) to guide real‑time decision‑making, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and traumatic retinal injuries.

Within oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Kellis is celebrated for his mastery of both functional and aesthetic eyelid procedures. His expertise spans blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, entropion and ectropion correction, and lacrimal system reconstruction, each performed with a meticulous attention to the delicate balance of eyelid tension, contour, and blink dynamics. He employs a nuanced blend of traditional techniques—such as the use of levator aponeurosis advancement for ptosis correction—and innovative, minimally invasive methods, including the application of biodegradable collagen scaffolds for orbital floor reconstruction. His reconstructive work often involves complex flap designs, autologous tissue grafts, and the strategic use of dermal substitutes to restore both form and function after oncologic resections or traumatic injuries.

Dr. Kellis’ intraocular surgical capabilities further underscore his versatility and technical acumen. He routinely performs delicate procedures such as anterior chamber lens implantation, combined cataract‑glaucoma surgery, and micro‑incisional vitrectomy for posterior segment pathology. Notably, his expertise extends to the management of ocular emergencies, including acute angle‑closure glaucoma, intraocular foreign body extraction, and corneal perforation repair. In each case, he integrates state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation—such as ultra‑high‑resolution intra‑operative OCT, intra‑operative aberrometry, and laser‑assisted cataract extraction—to enhance surgical precision, minimize tissue trauma, and accelerate postoperative rehabilitation. This comprehensive surgical portfolio positions Dr. Kellis as a uniquely qualified practitioner capable of addressing the full continuum of ocular and peri‑ocular disorders with unparalleled skill.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Dr. Kellis’ unwavering dedication to patient safety is reflected in his active engagement with premier professional societies and his receipt of prestigious honors that recognize both clinical excellence and research innovation. As a distinguished member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), he adheres to the Academy’s rigorous standards for ethical practice, continuous education, and patient advocacy. His involvement with the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) further underscores his commitment to the highest levels of safety in oculoplastic procedures, as he routinely contributes to guideline development, peer‑reviewed case discussions, and the dissemination of best practices that prioritize risk mitigation and outcome optimization.

In recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Cleveland ophthalmic community, Dr. Kellis was honored as the Physician of the Year by the Cleveland Clinic in 2018. This accolade highlighted his leadership in establishing comprehensive safety protocols, including the implementation of a multi‑disciplinary surgical safety checklist tailored to ocular and peri‑ocular surgeries. The program emphasizes pre‑operative verification of patient identifiers, surgical site marking, and intra‑operative time‑out procedures, all of which have demonstrably reduced adverse events and enhanced team communication. Additionally, his dedication to clinical research was celebrated when he received the Best Clinical Research Award from the AAO in 2020 for his seminal work on postoperative infection prophylaxis in oculoplastic surgery, a study that has since informed national guidelines and improved prophylactic antibiotic stewardship across the specialty.

Beyond institutional accolades, Dr. Kellis continuously advances patient safety through innovative research and technology integration. He leads a collaborative research consortium that investigates the role of intra‑operative OCT in detecting microscopic complications during eyelid and orbital procedures, thereby enabling immediate corrective actions before wound closure. His laboratory has also pioneered the use of bio‑resorbable nanofiber membranes for corneal stromal reinforcement, which reduces the incidence of postoperative ectasia and accelerates epithelial healing. By translating these scientific breakthroughs into clinical practice, Dr. Kellis not only safeguards his patients but also contributes to a culture of safety that permeates the broader ophthalmic community.

Why Patients Travel to Chardon, OH

Patients from across the United States, and increasingly from international locales, choose Chardon, Ohio, as their destination for Dr. Kellis’ unparalleled expertise, drawn by a confluence of geographic convenience, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and a uniquely patient‑focused care environment. Situated within the affluent Lake County region, Chardon offers a tranquil, suburban setting that provides an ideal backdrop for recovery, allowing patients to rest in a serene atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of major metropolitan centers such as Cleveland and Akron. The town’s reputation for high‑quality healthcare, combined with its boutique hotels, serene parks, and welcoming community, creates a comprehensive healing environment that extends beyond the operating room.

The clinical infrastructure supporting Dr. Kellis’ practice is a testament to his commitment to delivering world‑class care in a community setting. His surgical suite is equipped with the latest imaging technology, including high‑resolution orbital MRI, intra‑operative OCT, and laser‑assisted platforms, all housed within a modern, LEED‑certified facility designed for optimal workflow efficiency and patient comfort. This environment enables him to perform intricate procedures with the precision of a major academic center while preserving the personalized attention that patients value. Moreover, his practice employs a dedicated multidisciplinary team—comprising certified ophthalmic nurses, certified medical assistants, and a skilled patient liaison office—who coordinate every aspect of the patient journey, from travel logistics and lodging arrangements to postoperative follow‑up and rehabilitation services.

Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Kellis’ reputation for delivering outcomes that surpass conventional expectations, a reputation built upon a foundation of peer‑reviewed research, award‑winning clinical performance, and countless testimonials from satisfied patients. Those who travel to Chardon often cite his transparent communication style, his ability to tailor surgical plans to the nuances of each individual’s facial anatomy, and his meticulous attention to postoperative care as decisive factors in their decision. By combining cutting‑edge surgical expertise with a