Cody Blanchard, M.D.

Cody Blanchard, M.D., is an ophthalmologist practicing at SouthCoast Health. His desire to become an ophthalmologist began in childhood through his close relationship with his grandfather.

“My grandpa had a retinal detachment,” Dr. Blanchard recalls. “I went to many of his appointments with him and became fascinated by the technology used to diagnose and treat his condition.”

After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, Dr. Blanchard completed his medical degree at Mercer University School of Medicine, where his interest in ophthalmology continued to grow.

“I realized ophthalmology would allow me to build lifelong relationships with patients while also performing surgery and procedures,” he says. “It offers the perfect balance, and I fell in love with the specialty.”

Dr. Blanchard completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Kentucky, where he was honored to be selected as chief resident in his final year. He also participated in the university’s Global Ophthalmology Program, volunteering in clinics serving underserved communities throughout Kentucky and spending a month providing medical and surgical care at a mission hospital in Kenya.

Those experiences helped shape Dr. Blanchard’s philosophy of care: embracing advances in technology while remaining thoughtful and conservative in recommending surgery. Above all, he believes patients should understand their condition and feel like active partners in making treatment decisions.

“When I’m discussing treatment options, I often tell patients, ‘If you were a member of my family, this is what I would recommend,’” he says. “I always try to put myself in their shoes.”

Although Dr. Blanchard enjoys caring for patients across the full spectrum of ophthalmology, he has a particular interest in glaucoma—a disease that often develops without symptoms and remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. As glaucoma treatments continue to advance, he appreciates being able to offer patients both established and innovative options tailored to their individual needs.

“To be able to offer a procedure that can preserve someone’s vision and improve their quality of life is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “I’m fortunate to do work that I genuinely love.”

Dr. Blanchard is especially grateful for the opportunity to care for patients in Savannah, a city that holds special meaning for him. While attending Mercer University’s Savannah campus, he met his wife, who is a Savannah native.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Blanchard enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and staying active through tennis and pickleball. He also enjoys fishing with his father, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves, and spending time with his wife and their pets.