Dr. Michael Gordon
World-Renowned LASIK & Refractive Surgery Pioneer in San Diego
Call: 858-455-6800
Request an AppointmentSpecialties
LASIK, PRK, Cataract Surgery, and EVO ICL.
About Dr. Michael Gordon, A Global Leader in Vision Correction
Dr. Michael Gordon is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a founding partner of the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, San Diego. With a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Gordon is recognized internationally as one of the most influential figures in the field of refractive surgery. His dedication to clinical excellence and his role in developing the technologies that define modern eye care have made him a sought-after surgeon for patients seeking life-changing vision correction in Southern California.
Since beginning his private practice in San Diego in 1979, Dr. Gordon has remained at the forefront of ophthalmology. He is not only a practitioner but a true innovator who has shaped the way laser eye surgery is performed globally. His commitment to patient safety and visual outcomes is reflected in his extensive research, his contributions to medical literature, and his leadership in professional organizations.
“My goal has always been to push the boundaries of what is possible in ophthalmology, ensuring that every patient in San Diego has access to the safest and most precise vision correction technology available,” says Dr. Gordon.
A Legacy of Innovation: “Firsts” in Laser Vision Correction
Dr. Gordon’s career is defined by a series of historic milestones that have transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide. His practice in La Jolla has often served as the proving ground for the most advanced optical technologies.
- First in the United States: In 1989, Dr. Gordon became the first surgeon in the U.S. to use the Summit excimer laser to correct nearsightedness, marking the beginning of the laser vision correction era in America.
- First in the World: Dr. Gordon holds the distinction of being the first surgeon in the world to perform all-laser custom wavefront-guided LASIK, a procedure that provides a level of precision previously unattainable.
- Military Milestone: He performed the first military laser surgery for the U.S. Armed Forces, helping to establish the safety and efficacy of the procedure for high-performance personnel.
- Presbyopia Innovation: Dr. Gordon introduced Presbyopic Multi-Focal LASIK to the United States, providing the first laser-based solution to treat both near and distance vision simultaneously.
These achievements demonstrate a level of proficiency and foresight that few surgeons in the world can claim. When patients choose Dr. Gordon for their vision correction in San Diego, they are choosing a surgeon who helped write the manual for the procedures they are receiving.
Education & Professional Training
Dr. Gordon’s foundation in medicine began at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, providing him with the rigorous training necessary to lead the field of ophthalmology.
Undergraduate Education
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, 1865, 1968
Medical Education
- State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine, M.D., 1968, 1972
Internship
- Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., 1972, 1973
Military Service
- U.S. Public Health Service, General Medical Officer, Outpatient Clinic, Washington, D.C., 1973, 1975
Residency
- University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver, Ophthalmology Residency, 1975, 1978
Fellowship
- University of California, San Diego, Fellowship in Cornea and External Diseases, 1978, 1979
Board Certifications & Professional Credentials
- Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology
- Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Founding Member: American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons (ACOS)
- Member: International Society of Refractive Keratoplasty
- Member: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Member: American College of Eye Surgeons
- Member: San Diego County Ophthalmological Society
- Member: American Medical Association
- Member: California Medical Association
- Member: San Diego County Medical Society
Pioneering Research & Clinical Leadership
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Gordon is a prolific researcher and educator. He has served as the Director of the Corneal Service at the University of California, San Diego and the VA Hospital, where he helped train the next generation of eye surgeons.
Medical Advisory & Editorial Roles
Dr. Gordon’s insights are highly valued by the medical industry. He serves on the Medical Advisory Boards for leading ophthalmic companies, including:
- Alcon
- Presbia
- Avedro
He also serves as an Editorial Advisor for SeeWithLASIK.com, helping to provide accurate information to the public about vision correction options.
Research & FDA Clinical Trials
Dr. Gordon has been a lead investigator in numerous FDA clinical trials that have brought new technologies to market. His research experience includes:
- Corneal Inlays: Investigating Presbia and Anamed inlays for the treatment of presbyopia.
- Corneal Cross-Linking: Lead research for Avedro KXL systems to treat keratoconus.
- Topography-Guided LASIK: Participating in protocols for advanced T-CAT myopia and hyperopia treatments.
- Summit Laser Studies: Involved in all phases of the original FDA studies for the Summit laser system.
Publications & Textbooks
Dr. Gordon has authored chapters for three major textbooks on refractive surgery and co-authored the book Wavefront Science in Vision and Eye Care (2009). His research has been published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery and Ophthalmology, among others.
Clinical Expertise & Specializations
At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, Dr. Gordon provides a comprehensive range of advanced surgical and medical eye care services.
Refractive Surgery
- Custom LASIK: Utilizing wavefront-guided technology for personalized vision correction.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): An alternative for patients with thinner corneas.
- Presbyopic LASIK: Correcting the need for reading glasses in patients over 40.
Cataract & Lens Surgery
- Laser Cataract Surgery: Using femtosecond lasers for enhanced precision during lens replacement.
- Premium IOLs: Offering multi-focal and toric intraocular lenses to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.
Corneal & Glaucoma Care
- Keratoconus Treatment: Including corneal cross-linking and INTACS.
- Laser Glaucoma Therapy: Providing minimally invasive options for managing intraocular pressure.
- Pterygium Removal: Surgical treatment for “surfer’s eye,” a common condition in the San Diego coastal community.
Medical Advisory Board
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- Presbia
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- RVO
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- IntraLase
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- Refractec
"Vision is perhaps our most precious sense, and being able to restore or enhance it through innovation is a responsibility I take with the utmost seriousness."
Dr. GordonWhy Choose Dr. Gordon for Your Vision Correction in San Diego?
Unmatched Experience
With over 45 years of experience, Dr. Gordon has performed thousands of successful procedures. His longevity in the San Diego medical community is a testament to his skill and the trust he has earned from his patients and peers.
A History of “Firsts”
Choosing Dr. Gordon means choosing the surgeon who introduced many of today’s standard technologies to the world. His deep understanding of laser physics and corneal biomechanics ensures that every treatment plan is backed by scientific rigor.
Personalized Care in La Jolla
While Dr. Gordon is a global authority, his practice remains focused on the individual. Every patient receives a thorough diagnostic evaluation using the latest topography and wavefront mapping to ensure they are an ideal candidate for surgery.
The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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