About Us
Welcome to Athens Eye Associates, an ophthalmology and optometry practice, where we are dedicated to providing high quality service, standards of excellence and expertise to care for your vision needs. Athens Eye doctors and office personnel are here to help you by offering a variety of eye care services including routine eye examinations, ocular disease management, laser therapy, and other surgical procedures in our office to help you reach your optimal vision. We also have a low vision rehabilitation/training suite and an optical lab for your convenience.
Our mission is to care for patients not only within the scope of ophthalmology but extending beyond. We aim to accomplish this goal exemplifying our core values of compassion, integrity, and respect.
Athens Eye Associates- putting patients first!

Michael S. Jacobs, M.D.
Michael S. Jacobs, M.D., is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology as well as cataract and implant surgery.
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He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jacobs then completed an internship in general surgery followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute.
While completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia, Dr. Jacobs was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Summa Cum Laude with highest honors. Dr. Jacobs is now a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology practicing in the Athens area with affiliations at St. Mary’s Hospital, Athens Regional Medical Center, and the Surgery Center of Athens, where he served as Medical Director from 2016 to 2019. Outside of work, Michael cherishes being a father and husband, trail running, reading in solitude, and grilling on his Weber kettle.
Dr. James Tammaro, M.D.
James Tammaro, MD is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in cataract surgery, treating vitreous floaters with laser technology, excising pterygium using advanced grafts, and managing glaucoma with minimally invasive surgery.
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Dr. Tammaro earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Rice University in 1985. He then began his medical career at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, graduated with High Honors, and was recognized as one of the top five students in his class. He spent his transitional year at St. Joseph’s hospital in Houston where he was awarded Intern of the Year and completed his residency at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.
Since completing his residency, Dr. Tammaro has been committed to providing outstanding eye care to his patients. He comes to Walton Eye Care with more than 25 years of experience and has performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries and vision correction procedures. He is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Board of Eye Surgeons.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and fishing.


Jessica P. Kenney, O.D.
Dr. Kenney received her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated Cum Laude. She is originally from Florida and completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Florida with a Bachelors in Microbiology and Cell Science.
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Dr. Kenney completed her clinical training at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and Cedar Crest Vision Care in Allentown, Pennsylvania with a concentration in primary care. She then went on to complete a one year residency at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta with an emphasis on ocular disease where she worked with cornea, cataract, retina, and glaucoma specialists. In her free time, Dr. Kenney enjoys traveling with her husband, going to boxing classes, hiking, and of course watching college football.
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Athens Optical
Shop for eyewear and contact lenses while you are here to receive seamless, expert care in one appointment. For a personal touch, our licensed, certified opticians offer one-on-one service from beginning to end.