Stephen Updegraff, M.D., FACS, is one of the most experienced LASIK and refractive surgeons in the world. After serving on one of the teams that developed LASIK, Dr. Updegraff went on to perform the first LASIK surgery in Asia and the third in the U.S., earning seven patents for its techniques and technologies along the way. As a committed educator and patient advocate, Dr. Updegraff has presented his research and shared his experiences with refractive surgery specialists throughout the world. He has directed and presented courses on LASIK for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and has earned a multitude of awards and honors for his contributions to LASIK. Additionally, Dr. Updegraff has been heavily involved in research and developments for intraocular lens implants – helping to improve techniques and instrumentation for better patient outcomes. Dr. Updegraff earned his medical degree from Penn State University School of Medicine; completed his ophthalmology residency at the Louisiana State University Eye Center; and received advanced fellowship training in cornea, refractive, and laser surgery at the University of Texas-Houston. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of four professional academies and societies, and is board-certified member of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Updegraff currently serves as the medical director of Updegraff Vision, a complete refractive and cataract surgery practice based in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Education & experience

Education

Medical School - Pennsylvania State University

Louisiana State University, Internship in Internal Medicine

Louisiana State University, Residency in Ophthalmology

University of Texas, Houston, Fellowship in Ophthalmology

University of Texas, Houston, Fellowship in Cornea, Refractive, and Laser Surgery

Practice

Updegraff Vision

Affiliation

Edward White Hospital

Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional memberships

American Academy of Ophthalmology

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

International Society for Refractive Surgery

Awards and publications

Achievement Award; American Academy of Ophthalmology

Kritzinger Memorial Award; International Society of Refractive Surgery & South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Best Paper in Session Award, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Distinguished Citizen Award, West Central Florida Council Boy Scouts of America

Outstanding Business of the Year Award, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Best Presentation, International Society of Refractive Surgery

Center of Excellence Award, Crystalens

Best Doctors in America list, peer-selected member

Leading Innovators in Premium IOL Implant Surgery, Premier Surgeon

Top Doctors, U.S. News & World Report

"PRK Touchup of LASIK-Treated Eyes", Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (co-author)

"Who Are Today's Refractive Surgery Patients?", Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists

"The Moria M2 Microkeratome and LASIK Technique", Custom LASIK: Surgical Techniques and Complications

"Laser in situ keratomileusis technique", Current Opinion in Ophthalmology (co-author)

"LASIK complications", LASIK - Where Are the Limits?

"LASIK Instrumentation: What Matters in Microkeratomes", Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists

"Lamellar Refractive Surgery", Refractive Surgery (co-author)

"Complications of Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty", Archives of Ophthalmology (co-author)

"Excimer Laser Myopic Keratomileusis: United States Experience", Corneal Laser Surgery (co-author)

"Excimer Laser Keratomileusis", Review of Ophthalmology (co-author)

"Pupillary Block During Cataract Surgery", American Journal of Ophthalmology (co-author)

"Advances in Lamellar Refractive Surgery", Contemporary Refractive Surgery (co-author)

"Freeze Fracture Scanning Electron Microscopy of Radial Keratotomy Incisions", American Journal of Ophthalmology (co-author)

“Corneal Topography in Lamellar Refractive Surgery”, An Atlas of Corneal Topography (co-author)

“Delayed Sustained Increase in Intraocular Pressure Secondary to the Use of Polyacrylamide Gel (Orcolon) in the Anterior Chamber”, Ophthalmic Surgery (co-author)

“Collagen Corneal Shields Enhance Penetration of Topical Prednisolone Acetate", Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (co-author)