Ernest Bhend, MD

Biography

Dr. Ernest Bhend is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon who specializes in eye exams, general ophthalmology and anterior segment eye disease/surgery. Dr. Bhend received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and his medical degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Missouri – Columbia hospital and clinics. He then completed his residency at the Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia. Prior to joining CEENTA, Dr. Bhend was at the Missouri Eye Institute – Joplin, where he spent 10 years as a general ophthalmologist. Dr. Bhend’s areas of focus include cataract surgery, femto laser-assisted cataract surgery, premium intraocular lenses, combined cataract-glaucoma procedures, and ocular surface disease/dry eye disease. Dr. Bhend is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Bhend is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).

Dr. Bhend practices in our Fort Mill (601 S. Sutton Road, Suite 201, Fort Mill, SC) office. To make an appointment with him, you may do so online or through myCEENTAchart.

Education & Fellowship

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts – Biology, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1993

Post-Graduate
Certificate in Surgical Technology, Ozarks Technical College, 1994

Medical
University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine, 2001

Internship
University of Missouri – Columbia Hospitals and Clinics, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, 2002

Residency
Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia Hospitals and Clinics, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, 2005

Associations & Memberships

Board Certified:
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Member:
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS)

Featured Procedures

Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, or FLACS, replaces many of the steps during cataract surgery that require a blade and softens the cataract, allowing for an easier and smoother removal. In addition, the laser corrects mild astigmatism by relaxing the cornea at a precise depth, length, and orientation in a more precise and effective manner compared to manual, hand-made incisions. It can also improve the quality of vision by reducing some visual aberrations, it expands the visual range of astigmatism-correcting lens implants, and it may enhance the quality and range of near vision in extended range lens implants.

Awards

Smith Glynn Callaway Medical Foundation Certificate of Merit
In Recognition of Outstanding Educational Development
Surgical Technology Program
Ozarks Technical College
Springfield, MO 1994

Summa Cum Laude
Surgical Technology Program
Ozarks Technical College
Springfield, MO 1994

Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
Ozarks Technical College
Springfield, MO 1994

Flow-Dickey-Funk Memorial Research Scholarship
Mason Eye Institute
University of Missouri – Columbia Hospital and Clinics
1998

John Aure Buessler Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology
University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine
2001

Elfriede Tachman Memorial Scholarship for Recognition of
Excellence in Patient Care
University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine
2001

Community Involvement

Dr. Bhend has given continuing education talks including:

"Effects of Dry Eye on Cataract and Refractive Surgery"
"Diabetic Eye Disease: Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment"
"Diabetic Eye Disease: Review of Pathology & Update on Treatments"
"OCT: A Review of Optic Nerve and Macula Studies with Case Presentations"
"The Blue Light Controversy"

Testimonials

Research

“Excimer Laser Lamellar Keratoplasty – An Animal Model”
Ernest M. Bhend and John Cowden, MD
Poster presentation at the annual Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL
1999 (results not published)

“Autofluorescence in Optic Nerve Drusen”
Ernest M. Bhend, MD and Lenworth N. Johnson, MD
Presentation given at the annual Mason Eye Institute Resident’s and Alumni Meeting
2003 (results not published)