Our Doctors

Dr. Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, is a renowned specialist in cornea and refractive surgery and serves as the Director of Laser Defined Vision in Greensboro, North Carolina, a position he has held since 2005. Before joining Laser Defined Vision, Dr. Stonecipher directed the Southeastern Laser and Refractive Center in Greensboro from 1991 to 2005. He is also a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina and a Clinical Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at Tulane University, where he plays a vital role in training residents in refractive and refractive cataract surgery in both institutions. Additionally, he holds the title of medical director for Physicians Protocol, Laser Defined Vision, Physician Protocol Cosmetic, and Self Skin Studio Wilmington.

Dr. Stonecipher earned his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Southern Methodist University and obtained his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Tulane University from 1987 to 1990. Following his residency, he undertook an intensive 18-month fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery under the mentorship of Dr. J. James Rowsey at the McGee Eye Institute. Further enhancing his expertise, Dr. Stonecipher received additional basic science education from Stanford University and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology prior to beginning his practice at Southeastern Eye Center in 1991. He has performed over 86,000 refractive surgical procedures and more than 46,000 cataract surgeries.

With over 200 published works, including books, book chapters, abstracts, and articles, Dr. Stonecipher has been cited over 1,200 times, placing him in the top 5% of his peers. His expertise in refractive, cataract, presbyopic, and corneal surgery has led him to speak at numerous national and international conferences. Since 1992, he has been certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society for Refractive Surgeons, the World College of Refractive Surgery, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Stonecipher has delivered more than ten named keynote lectures and is actively involved in FDA trials focusing on cornea, cataract, presbyopic, and refractive surgery. Recently, he received his third Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been recognized as one of the Top Fifty Ophthalmologists by Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, as well as being listed in Who’s Who in Ophthalmology. For over fifteen years, he has been honored as one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists and was once again recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of America’s top ophthalmologists.

Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Stonecipher has been happily married to his wife, Lynne, for 40 years. They have a daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Nathan Stonecipher, who live in Greensboro, NC, and a son, Kody, who resides in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Neil McMackin, known as “Dr. Mac,” grew up in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and is a proud graduate of Wake Forest University. He pursued his optometry degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where he also completed his residency in Ocular Disease at Omni Eye Services. This facility was renowned for managing various ocular diseases and placed a significant emphasis on refractive surgery.

Since finishing his residency, Dr. McMackin has amassed an impressive twenty-seven years of experience in a practice primarily focused on refractive surgery. He has held the position of Clinical Director at both the Southeastern Laser and Refractive Surgery Center and TLC Laser Eye Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. For the past five years, he has continued in this role as the Clinical Director of Laser Defined Vision.

Beyond caring for thousands of refractive surgery patients, Dr. McMackin has contributed to the field as an investigator in several FDA Refractive Surgery studies. He is also a published author and an educational speaker specializing in topics related to refractive surgery.

Currently, Dr. McMackin resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conveniently located within walking distance of his alma mater. While he does not have grandchildren yet, he enjoys spending quality time with his two beloved grand-dogs.

Dr. Staci A. Palmer is originally from Covington Georgia.  She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia College and State University.  She then earned her doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.  Dr. Palmer conducted her internship at Eglin Air Force Base, Tallahassee Florida VA hospital, The Eye Institute, and St Luke’s Cataract and Laser Surgery Center.  Dr. Palmer has practiced in North Carolina since 1999.  She joined our team in 2005 and added clinical research in 2011.  She has been a sub investigator on numerous studies including but not limited to dry eyes, presbyopic correction, cataract and refractive surgeries.  Dr. Palmer most recently is the first Optometrist in the Greensboro area certified to perform treatments on RXSight’s Light Adjustable Lens.

Dr. Palmer is an active member of the American Optometry Association, North Carolina Optometric Association and the Triad Optometric Society.