Our Doctors

Martin Whitaker, M.D.

Martin Whitaker, M.D. is the Founder and Medical Director of Riverside Eye Center in Norway and Lewiston, Maine. Dr. Whitaker is a comprehensive Ophthalmologist who provides eye care for patients with cataracts, medical and laser treatment of glaucoma, medical and laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy, management of macular degeneration as well as routine eye examinations. As an engineer by training, he has a special interest in the application of new technology to diagnosis and treatment of eye problems and diseases and has incorporated many high technology testing instruments and treatment methods at Riverside Eye Center. These include diagnostic tools such as Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) and retina treatments such as Avastin, Macugen and Lucentis Injections for macular degeneration.

Prior to providing eye care in Maine, Dr. Whitaker received his Medical Degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed a Residency in Ophthalmology at the Eye Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Dr. Whitaker is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the Maine Medical Association. He is an active staff member at Stephen’s Memorial Hospital in Norway, serving as President of Medical Staff for 2009, and at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine. He is on courtesy staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, Maine and St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, Maine.

In addition to his role as an eye physician and surgeon in Maine, Dr. Whitaker enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his two children. When time permits he is an instrument rated pilot who has a great interest in flying airplanes and helicopters.

Tara L. Sullivan, O.D.

Dr. Tara L. Sullivan earned her doctorate of optometry from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, one of the most longstanding optometry schools in North America. Prior to moving to Maine with her family and practicing in Androscoggin county, Dr. Sullivan practiced in the greater Boston area and in Canada. She enjoys the diversity of providing comprehensive primary eye care including contact lens services, and utilizing her experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease to patients of all ages, health and wellness. Dr. Sullivan offers co-management services in laser refractive surgeries, cataracts and retinal surgery. She also completed postgraduate training in treatment of dry eye disease, and has offered modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of many forms of dry eye disease. To this day, she cherishes the honor of her time spent during her externship in optometry school providing vision care to our troops at the U.S. Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Dr. Sullivan is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where she completed her undergraduate degrees. She received her Bachelor of Science degree double majoring in Biochemistry and biology, as well as her Bachelor Arts degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health. Dr. Sullivan was recognized for her academic achievements with several scholarships including but not limited to: The University of Winnipeg Entrance Scholarship, Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology Award for highest academic achievement and the University Gold Medal; she also received honors in clinical evaluation and the Levine & Mechanic award at NECO.

In true Canadian style and former player, Dr. Sullivan is an avid hockey fan, enjoys a diversity of sports and dance, and spending time with her family and their mini labradoodle. 

Melissa S. Frank, O.D.

Dr. Melissa S. Frank earned her Doctor  of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. It is here where she discovered her passion for the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. Dr. Frank interned with some of the nation’s top Optometrists and Ophthalmologists at Wills Eye Hospital, The Laurel Eye Clinic and West Penn Eye Associates in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Dr. Frank has been practicing Optometry since 2007. Prior to her recent relocation to Maine, Dr. Frank practiced optometry in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where she served as a board member of the Optometric Advisor Committee for Visionworks Of America, Inc. It is also in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where Dr. Frank completed her undergraduate studies at Duquesne University. She received a baccalaureate in Biology. She graduated with honors and was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological honor society and Golden Key national honor society. Dr. Frank is a member of the AOA (American Optometric Association) and the MOA (Maine Optometric Association).

In addition to providing comprehensive primary eye care, Dr. Frank has extensive experience in the fitting of contact lenses, disease management and both pre and post operative ophthalmic surgical care. She is committed to providing the utmost care for each and ever patient. Dr. Frank believes in the power of patient education and the importance of early detection of ocular disease for optimal health and well-being.  

Dr. Frank resides with her family, in the Turner Maine area. She is a lover of animals and enjoys volunteering at local rescues in her free time. Her interests include both watching and playing basketball, gardening, playing the piano and exploring the vast beauty that New England has to offer.