Our Doctors

Martin Whitaker, M.D.

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.

Martin Whitaker, M.D.

Alethea Hein, M.D.

We are thrilled to welcome Alethea Hein, MD as the newest member of our Riverside Eye family! Dr. Hein is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon. She specializes in treating cataracts, droopy eyelids, eyelid lesions, misdirected eyelashes, and malpositioned eyelids. In addition, she provides medical and laser treatments for glaucoma, medical treatments of diabetic retinopathy, and management of macular degeneration.

Dr. Hein earned her Medical Degree from the University of North Carolina and completed her Ophthalmology Residency and Oculoplastic Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. She is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

Before moving to Maine, Dr. Hein practiced in her home state of Iowa. Drawn to the outdoor beauty and activities of Maine, she and her family are excited to explore the area. In her free time, Dr. Hein enjoys hiking with her husband and four children, reading, baking, and learning about different cultures.

Dr. Hein is thrilled to be joining the Riverside Eye communities in Lewiston and Norway, and we are delighted to have her on our team.

Martin Whitaker, M.D.

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.