Clayton G. Blehm, M.D.

Ophthalmologist in Gainesville, Braselton & Cornelia, GA

Clayton G. Blehm, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist, cataract and refractive surgeon, clinical investigator, and leader in ophthalmic innovation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southwestern Adventist University and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas-Houston Medical School. He completed his internship at Baylor College of Medicine and his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas-Houston in 2005.

Dr. Blehm helped establish the clinical trials program at North Georgia Eye Associates and currently serves as Director of Clinical Research, leading the practice’s efforts in clinical research and the evaluation of emerging ophthalmic surgical techniques, diagnostic platforms, and treatment strategies.

He has been awarded over a dozen grant-funded, investigator-initiated research studies and has served as an investigator in multiple FDA clinical trials, with research published in major peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals. He has presented his research and clinical experience at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS), European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), and South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (SASCRS). 

Dr. Blehm also serves as a consultant, clinical researcher, and advisor to leading domestic and international ophthalmic companies, including Alcon, Johnson & Johnson, Bausch + Lomb, Glaukos, Rayner, Cassini Technologies, Topcon, SpyGlass, OnPoint, and Kowa. He works with these companies on the development and evaluation of diagnostic technologies, intraocular lenses, surgical platforms, and clinical decision-making software—helping translate emerging innovation into practical tools that can improve surgical decision-making and patient outcomes.

His clinical practice emphasizes personalized surgical planning and technology to every practice location, expanding access to sophisticated surgical options for patients throughout Northeast Georgia (Gainesville, Cornelia, and Blairsville) and Western North Carolina (Franklin).

A recipient of the  Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor every year from 2019-2026, Dr. Blehm credits his supporting clinical staff for reaching these distinctive honors—a compassionate network of front desk, counselors, technicians, and surgical team.  

Dr. Blehm enjoys spending his free time with his loving, talented artist wife and three adult children that are all his best friends.  He also values fitness training, biking, hiking, traveling to explore cultures/food, attending concerts and music festivals, watching just about any sport, and cultivating lifelong family and friendships. He is currently expanding his skills on bass, rhythm, and lead guitar while enjoying to cook alongside his wife as they embrace the empty-nest life.

Recognitions