Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, MD
Ophthalmologist
1414 North Houk Road Suite 103 Spokane Valley Washington, 99216About
Dr. Sturbaum specializes in cornea, cataract, and refractive Surgery. He is Fellowship trained in Cornea and Refractive Surgery and was one of the first surgeons in Washington to perform DSAEK corneal transplants. His practice is also participating in an FDA study on corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus and post LASIK ectasia patients. He provides consultations for local and regional eye doctors for complicated corneal and cataract conditions.
Education and Training
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill Medical School
Univ of Nc At Chapel Hill Sch of Med, Chapel Hill Nc 1992
Physician Assistant Studies, Barry University, FL 1992
Board Certification
American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology
OphthalmologyAmerican Board of OphthalmologyABO
Provider Details
Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, MD's Expert Contributions
Cataract Surgery
Elevated blood pressure would not be related to cataract surgery. It is common to discover that people have uncontrolled or poorly controlled BP when they have their cataract surgery because it is being monitored closely during the procedure. I would recommend that you visit your primary care provider as soon as possible or visit the ER if extremely high. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Hydrogen peroxide stimulates rat colonic prostaglandin production and alters electrolyte transport.
- Immune system control of rat and rabbit colonic electrolyte transport. Role of prostaglandins and enteric nervous system.
- Pathology of corneal endothelium in keratoconus.
- Ectopia of both moieties of ureteral duplication anomalies.
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- America's Top Ophthalmologist, Consumer's Research Council of America, 2002-2003
- Strathmore Who's Who of Professionals, 2001-2003
- National Directory of Medical Specialists, 2001-2003
- John B. Graham Honorary Students Research Society
Treatments
- Refractive Surgery
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Pterygium
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Shingles
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Macular Hole
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Corneal Ulcer
- Astigmatism
- Blepharitis
Professional Memberships
- Member International Association of HealthCare Professionals
- Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology
Fellowships
- Univ Texas - Houston, Cornea/External Disease 1996
Professional Society Memberships
- Spokane County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the John B. Graham Honorary Students Research Society
Areas of research
Investigations Conducted for Park Davis, Allergan, and Insite Vision on ophthalmic exams, and ocular hypertension among other topics; Currently conducting a study for Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for keratoconus and post LASIK ectasia patients.Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, MD's Practice location
Spokane Valley, Washington 99216Get Direction
Spokane Valley, WA 99216Get Direction
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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, who serves patients in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Dr. Sturbaum is a seasoned ophthalmologist with over 27 years of experience in the field. He moved to Spokane in 1997 and has developed a highly regarded surgical ophthalmology practice – Empire Eye Physicians – where he provides secondary and tertiary eye care. His practice emphasizes advanced anterior segment care including expertise in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, complex or difficult refractive surgical cases and specialized corneal transplantation. His unique training in corneal surgery is a great benefit to the patients of the Inland Northwest.
With over 60 years of excellence in eye care for the State of Washington, Empire Eye Physicians delivers the highest standard of medical and surgical ophthalmology services within a professional and compassionate patient centered environment. Their highly trained staff and outstanding physicians strive to be the leaders in medical eye care and eye surgery by providing the highest quality patient care.
A native of Colorado, Dr. Sturbaum graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 1981, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Colorado State University in 1986, and completing his Post-Baccalaureate education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988. After receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Sturbaum completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. Following residency, he went on to become a corneal specialist with fellowship training at the University of Texas-Houston.
Distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctor attained board certification in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.
Maintaining membership status, he is a proud member of the Spokane County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the John B. Graham Honorary Students Research Society.
Among his other roles, Dr. Sturbaum serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Johnson and Johson (since 2018), and Allergan (since 2016). In the past, he was a KOL for TearScience (2016-2017), Alcon Medical (2014-2017), and Abbott Medical Optics (2014-2017), as well as a Committee Member of the Executive Medical Board for the Valley Outpatient Surgery Center (2001-2006).
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. Ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and may perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.
An authority in his field, Dr. Sturbaum has been the recipient of The Leading Physicians of the World – Top Ophthalmologist (2012), Consumer Research Council of America – America’s Top Ophthalmologist (2003), America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals Award (2003), National Directory of Medical Specialists (2001-2003), and Strathmore’s Who’s Who List of Professionals Award (2001-2003).
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