Bio
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BIOGRAPHY
Stephen J. Smith, MD is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Clinical Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology at the Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, at the Stanford University School of Medicine. His goal is to put the needs of his patients first, and this commitment to patient-centered care dictates his approach to both his clinical and surgical care.
Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and earned his MD - graduating with distinction - from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon’s Bassett Medical Center. Dr. Smith was an ophthalmology resident at University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center, consistently rated among the top 10 ophthalmology programs in the country. At University of Michigan he received numerous awards, including the Aizman Award, which is given to the resident who achieved the most significant scholarly achievement during residency with highest distinction in clinical excellence. Following a 2-year adult and pediatric vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Stanford University’s Byers Eye Institute, he joined the vitreoretinal faculty on a part-time basis.
Dr. Smith specializes in the management of adult vitreoretinal diseases including exudative and non-exudative macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, central serous chorioretinopathy, myopic maculopathy and immunogammopathy maculopathy. Dr. Smith’s surgical interests include complex retinal detachment repair, macular hole surgery, and scleral sutured fixated intraocular lens surgery. Dr. Smith is actively involved in the development of tools and techniques to improve vitreoretinal surgical outcomes, particularly for complex secondary IOL cases.
Dr. Smith is actively involved in the clinical and surgical training of Stanford’s vitreoretinal fellows. In addition, he serves as a research mentor. His particular interest is in working with retina fellows and ophthalmology residents who have expressed a desire to learn more about medical device and pharmaceutical innovation in retina, and uses his unique experience as an entrepreneur, clinician, and scientist to teach residents and fellows about the process of medical innovation, including fundraising, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, and business administration.
