Thomas J. Joly, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Tom Joly is a board-certified ophthalmic plastic surgeon and the Virginia Eye Consultant specialist for all reconstructive and cosmetic needs related to the eye socket (the bones encasing the eye) and the eyelid.

Dr. Joly has extensive experience in surgical treatment for eye conditions such as Graves' Disease, a form of thyroid disease that can cause symptoms such as bulging or protruding eyes; for the removal of tumors in the eye socket and eyelid; and for treatment for disorders involving the lacrimal tear gland in the eye. 

In the area of cosmetic facial improvements, Dr. Joly offers a variety of medical and surgical procedures to improve appearance, including blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery to repair drooping upper and  lower eyelids; brow lifts to reposition sagging brows or foreheads; and injections with Botox and skin fillers to reduce facial lines and creases around the eyes and forehead.

Dr. Joly graduated magna cum laude from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and then attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he received dual degrees – a Medical Degree and a Ph.D. in the neurophysiology of the visual system. 

After a residency in ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, he pursued advanced training through an ophthalmic plastic surgery fellowship in laser blepharoplasty, endonasal lacrimal surgery, facial reconstruction, Graves’ disease and orbital tumors at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (Canada). The university’s orbit clinic is recognized as a world center for orbital disease and orbital surgery.

Dr. Joly enjoys the challenges and the variety that a specialty in ophthalmic plastic surgery offers and the opportunity to use his knowledge in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to make a difference for patients. 

Joining Virginia Eye Consultants allows him to practice in an outstanding multi-disciplinary setting that offers the best of all worlds – a beautiful, comfortable facility for patients; collaboration with other physicians at the top of their field; and the chance to continue cutting-edge research in his field. He is currently studying a new medication for blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. In addition, Dr. Joly is a faculty member of the Eastern Virginia Medical School and teaches resident physicians and medical students.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Dr. Joly likes to say that his interest in surgery began early when he was a teen and couldn’t find clothes to fit his tall, thin frame – 6 ft. 4 inch and about 120 lbs. He learned to sew and admits that although it was unusual, it was a necessity. He gained enough skill to make all of his own clothes. Today, his talent continues to benefit his family. Dr. Joly and his wife have four children in grade school and he makes many of their costumes. 

Dr. Joly also enjoys playing the piano and is a classically trained singer. He has been singing for as long as he can remember and over the years has performed in school, church and community choirs, and at private functions such as weddings and special events. 

Board Certified Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon

• Eyelid and Brow Lifts
• BOTOX®
• Endonasal Lacrimal Surgery
• Surgical Treatment of Grave's Disease
• Surgical Treatment of Orbital and Eyelid Tumors
• Functional Eyelid Surgery
• Clinical Research