Our Doctors & Staff

Jaime Santamaria II, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S.
Dr. Santamaria has performed over 18,000 cataract operations. In 1969, he earned his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics at The Cooper Union School of Engineering and Science and his M.D. in 1973 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (P&S) of Columbia University in New York. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, where he also serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology (Columbia University). He is the co-inventor of the Phaco-Gard™ blade (patented), which facilitated sutureless cataract surgery. His preferred method currently is topical clear cornea.

Dr. Santamaria has been performing refractive surgery since 1985. He is a corneal specialist and has served at the Cornea Clinic of the Harkness Eye Institute for the past 20 years. At Harkness he was also a Fellow in Corneal Immunology Research. He not only performs LASIK for correction of myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia, but also performs other more complex corneal procedures such as corneal transplants. He actively uses the crystalens® accommodating intraocular lenses. Dr. Santamaria is the author of numerous peer review scientific papers—several in the field of the safety of refractive procedures.

Dr. Santamaria is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is on the surgical staff of the Wills Eye Network Surgical Center, The Surgery Center of Central New Jersey. He is also certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery.

Kenneth N. Darvin, M.D.
Dr. Darvin is a graduate of the City University of New York. He earned his M.D. at the State University of New York at Downstate. He served not only a full residency in ophthalmology, but also a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the same institution. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has personally performed over 5,000 laser procedures and LUCENTIS™ injections. He is an expert in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration and provides comprehensive eye care, including the treatment of glaucoma.

Dr. Darvin also offers free, informative lectures as a community service to educate people about macular degeneration and the effect of diabetes on their eyes.

Laila Machado-Colicchio, O.D., 27OM 00023500, 27OA 00538400
Dr. Colicchio has been a valuable member of the team at Santamaria Eye Center for over 12 years. She is a graduate of Kean University of New Jersey with graduate studies at Rutgers University. She earned her O.D. at State University of New York College of Optometry. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and New Jersey Optometric Association. She is a licensed therapeutic optometrist who performs comprehensive eye care, with experience in difficult contact lens fittings, including those for keratoconus. Dr. Colicchio also inserts punctal plugs for dry eye syndrome. She is fluent in Spanish and regularly participates in volunteer programs to provide eye care for economically disadvantaged children.

Michelle A. Avergon, O.D., 27OA 00547300, 27TO 00085100
Dr. Michelle Avergon, a native of New Jersey, graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and completed her Bachelor’s of Visual Science and her Doctor of Optometry Degrees at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Avergon has been practicing optometry for over ten years and she is committed to providing a high quality of patient care and patient education in her practice. She is well-versed in the art of prescribing glasses and contact lenses, along with following eye diseases such as glaucoma. She provides care for LASIK and cataract pre and post-operative patients.

Marie Baber, Practice Administrator/Marketing Director
Marie has been in the ophthalmology field for 28 years and is the Center’s Practice Administrator, as well as Director of Marketing and a JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. She has been with the Santamaria Eye Center for over 18 years and knows every working aspect, internal and external, of the Santamaria Eye Center. She is one of the finest marketing directors, and we are privileged to have her on staff. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in her field and very committed to her job.

Marie may be reached daily at the Santamaria Eye Center office, or via email: mbaber@santamariaeyecenter.com.

Catherine Efsen, Administrative Assistant/Medical Transcriptionist
After 18 years as an executive secretary in New York and Hawaii for major corporations such as McGraw-Hill and ABC Television, we were fortunate to have Cathy join the Santamaria Eye Center family. It seems like only yesterday, but 25 years have passed. She is the Administrative Assistant to our busy Practice Administrator, our medical transcriptionist, Notary Public and a valuable asset in several other areas of our company. We are very proud of her professionalism, hard work, and dedication to the Santamaria Eye Center and our patients.

Odalys Collins, Surgical Coordinator/Administrator for Refractive Surgery
Odalys has been with the Santamaria Eye Center for 8 years. Her expertise includes all aspects of refractive surgery (LASIK) and cataract surgery, utilizing the innovative new crystalens® accommodating intraocular lens. She guides the patients through this exciting and sometimes anxious process, from the initial evaluation to their final outcome. She makes the surgical experience informative and pleasant for all involved. She is fluent in Spanish and is very caring and compassionate to our patients.