Dr. David J. Schanzlin
Pioneer LASIK & Refractive Surgery Specialist in San Diego

Education & Professional Training

Undergraduate Education

• B.A., Case Western Reserve University, 1971

Medical Education

• M.D., Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 1975 (M.D. Cum Laude)

Residency

• 1975–1977: Resident in Ophthalmology, University of Chicago
• 1977–1978: Chief Resident in Ophthalmology, University of Chicago

Fellowships

• 1978–1979: Heed Fellow, Cornea & External Diseases, University of Pittsburgh
• 1979–1980: NEI Special Research Fellow, Cornea and External Disease Uveitis, University of California, San Francisco

Board Certification

• Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology, 1979

Dr. Schanzlin holds the following professional credentials:

• American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) – Board-Certified in Ophthalmology (1979)
• Associate Examiner – American Board of Ophthalmology (evaluates and certifies other ophthalmologists)
• Member – American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Member – American Ophthalmological Society
• Member – American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
• Member – Association of Proctor Fellows
• Member – Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
• Member – Castroviejo Society
• Member – Cornea Society
• Member – International Society of Refractive Surgery
• Member – Max Fine Corneal Society
• Member – San Diego County Medical Society
• Member – San Diego County Ophthalmological Society
• Member – San Diego Eye Bank
• Member – Society of Heed Fellows

His role as an Associate Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology reflects the high regard in which he is held by his peers and demonstrates his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmologic practice.

UC San Diego – Shiley Eye Institute

Dr. Schanzlin served as Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Director of Keratorefractive Surgery at the University of California-San Diego’s Shiley Eye Institute from 1996-2012. During his tenure, he played a central role in establishing the Shiley Eye Center as a world-class institution for ophthalmology education, research, and clinical excellence.

His contributions included:

• Building the Refractive Surgery Fellowship Program – Dr. Schanzlin developed and expanded the keratorefractive surgery fellowship, enabling ophthalmologists who had completed their initial training to specialize in this rapidly advancing field
• Establishing Clinical Research Infrastructure – He created comprehensive clinical research units that conducted landmark studies in LASIK, PRK, and intrastromal corneal ring segments (INTACS)
• Training Over 100 Corneal Specialists – Through his mentorship and educational programs, Dr. Schanzlin has trained more than 100 corneal and refractive surgeons who now practice across the United States and internationally
• Clinical Service Leadership – Served as UCSD Clinical Service Chief for Ophthalmology (1999-2012)

Saint Louis University – Department of Ophthalmology

From 1987 to 1996, Dr. Schanzlin served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. During this period, he also served as CEO and Director of the Bethesda Eye Institute (formerly known as the Anheuser-Busch Eye Institute), where he advanced the department’s research capabilities and clinical programs.

University of Southern California

From 1980 to 1987, Dr. Schanzlin held progressive academic positions at USC:

• 1980-1983: Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
• 1983-1986: Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
• 1986-1987: Professor of Ophthalmology

INTACS® Clinical Trials – Global Lead Investigator

One of Dr. Schanzlin’s most significant contributions to ophthalmology is his role as the worldwide lead investigator for INTACS® (intrastromal corneal ring segments) during 13+ years of groundbreaking clinical trials. INTACS are specialized implants used to treat keratoconus and corneal ectasia—conditions that can severely compromise vision and previously had limited treatment options.

Dr. Schanzlin’s leadership in these clinical trials was instrumental in:

• Establishing the safety and efficacy of INTACS as a treatment option
• Developing surgical techniques that are now standard practice globally
• Publishing landmark research that shaped clinical guidelines for keratoconus management
• Earning international recognition as the leading authority on INTACS technology

His work on INTACS has helped thousands of patients worldwide preserve and improve their vision when other treatment options were limited.

Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery – Patent Co-Inventor

Dr. Schanzlin is listed as a co-inventor on the patent for ultrashort pulse laser cataract surgery (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, or FLACS). This innovative technology uses precise laser pulses to perform key steps of cataract surgery with enhanced accuracy, particularly for advanced lens implant positioning.

His involvement in developing this technology demonstrates his commitment to advancing surgical precision and improving patient outcomes in cataract care.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Research

Dr. Schanzlin served as a lead investigator in the U.S. Multicenter Clinical Trial of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Treatment of Corneal Ectasia after Refractive Surgery. This research helped establish cross-linking as a critical treatment option for patients who develop corneal weakening following LASIK or PRK procedures.

Professional Leadership & Recognition

International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) – President

Dr. Schanzlin served as President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery from January 1999 to December 2000, a position held by only one surgeon per year. He also served on the Board of Directors from 1983-1988 and 1994-2000. During his presidency, he worked to advance the field of vision correction globally and shape the future direction of refractive surgery research and clinical practice.

José I. Barraquer Award (2003)

In 2003, Dr. Schanzlin received the prestigious José I. Barraquer Award, presented annually to a single surgeon for exceptional contributions to refractive surgery and exemplifying scientific dedication. This award, named after a pioneer in refractive surgery, recognizes surgeons who have made transformative contributions to the field.

Best Doctors in America® – Consistent Recognition

Dr. Schanzlin has been consistently named one of the Best Doctors in America® since 1992—a distinction based on peer nomination and recognition by fellow physicians. This honor reflects the respect he commands among his colleagues in ophthalmology.

Additional Awards & Recognition

• 2010: Top Doctors in San Diego Award, San Diego Magazine
• 2009: Top Doctors in San Diego Award, San Diego Magazine
• 2008: America’s Top Ophthalmologists – Consumers’ Research Council of America
• 2007: Top Doctors in San Diego Award, San Diego Magazine
• 2005: Top Doctors in San Diego Award, San Diego Magazine
• 2003: Barraquer Award, International Society of Refractive Surgery
• 2001: Teacher of the Year, UCSD Department of Ophthalmology
• 2001: VISX Star for Outstanding Achievement in Laser Correction
• 1999: VISX Star for Outstanding Achievement in Laser Correction
• 1997: VISX Star for Outstanding Achievement in Laser Correction
• 1992: Lans Lectureship
• 1988: Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
• 1987: Service Certificate, American Academy of Ophthalmology
• 1979-1980: U.S. Public Health Service Research Award (1 F32EY05357-01)
• 1979-1980: NIH Special Fellowship: “Research Fellowship in Corneal Immunological Diseases”
• 1978-1979: Heed Ophthalmic Fellowship
• 1976: Travel Award, Fight for Sight, Inc.
• 1975: M.D. Cum Laude

Clinical Expertise & Specializations

At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in San Diego, Dr. Schanzlin specializes in a comprehensive range of vision correction and eye care procedures:

Refractive Surgery

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) – Corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – Surface-based laser vision correction, ideal for patients with thin corneas
• INTACS® (Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments) – Treats keratoconus and corneal ectasia
• Corneal Cross-Linking – Halts progression of corneal weakening conditions

Cataract Surgery

• Advanced cataract removal with premium intraocular lens (IOL) options
• Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for enhanced precision
• Management of complex cataracts

Anterior Segment Disease

• Corneal disease diagnosis and treatment
• Dry eye syndrome management
• Pterygium removal
• Corneal transplantation and keratoplasty

Advanced Surgical Technology

• Advanced Wavefront Analysis – Maps the eye’s unique optical characteristics for customized treatment
• Femtosecond Laser Systems – Enables all-laser LASIK and cataract surgery with micron-level precision
• Excimer Laser Technology – Delivers precise corneal reshaping for vision correction
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of corneal and retinal structures
• Corneal Topography – Maps corneal surface curvature to assess candidacy and guide treatment planning

This technology-driven approach allows Dr. Schanzlin to achieve superior outcomes while minimizing complications and optimizing patient safety.

Global Authority & International Impact

Dr. Schanzlin is recognized as a global authority on refractive surgery and has shared his expertise internationally:

• International Lecturer – Invited speaker at leading ophthalmology conferences across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia
• Visiting Professor – Has lectured and conducted surgical demonstrations at prestigious eye centers worldwide
• Research Collaborator – Participates in international clinical trials and research initiatives advancing the field

His international presence and contributions have helped establish best practices in refractive surgery globally and have influenced how vision correction is performed in centers around the world.

Media Recognition & Public Education

Dr. Schanzlin has been featured as a medical expert in major media outlets, sharing his knowledge with the public:

• Today Show – National television appearance discussing vision correction options
• ABC News – Featured expert commentary on eye health and refractive surgery
• Extra – Television appearance discussing vision correction and eye health
• CBS News – TV segment on hair and attractiveness
• CBS Morning Rounds – TV segment on supplements, medical tourism, and cosmetic surgery
• Inside Edition – TV segment appearance
• Local San Diego Media – Regular contributor to local news segments on ophthalmology and vision care

These media appearances reflect his commitment to patient education and public awareness about vision correction options available in San Diego.

Research Publications & Academic Contributions

Publication Statistics

• 160+ peer-reviewed research articles published in leading ophthalmology journals
• 194+ total research works with over 6,353 citations (ResearchGate)
• 30+ book chapters and reviews in major ophthalmology textbooks
• 190+ conference abstracts and presentations at major ophthalmology meetings
• 100+ invited lectures and symposia (1975-2011)
• Editorial board member for prestigious journals including Refractive and Corneal Surgery and Cornea
• Reviewer for Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Journal of Refractive Surgery, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, and Cornea Magazine