James Lewis, MD

Year joined staff: 2024

• Princeton University
• Jefferson Medical College

• Duke University Eye Center

• St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center

• Director of Cataract, LASIK and Corneal Surgery – Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University
• Director of Cornea and External Disease and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology – Hahnemann University
• Director of Ophthalmic Cornea and External Disease- Pennsylvania College of Optometry
• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• International Society of Refractive Surgeons
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

• OSN Premier Surgeon 300 Innovators in Refractive Cataract Surgery Ocular Surgery News U.S.
• Premier Surgeon 2010 PS250 – Top 250 Surgeons May/June 2010

Dr. James Lewis is a distinguished ophthalmologist with expertise in corneal and refractive surgery. A graduate of Princeton University and Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Lewis’s career has been marked by numerous accolades and groundbreaking contributions to the field of ophthalmology. After completing his medical education, Dr. Lewis pursued residency training at Duke University Eye Center, where he served as chief resident. During his tenure, he was offered a faculty position but opted instead to pursue subspecialty training in Corneal and Refractive Surgery in South Australia, further honing his skills and expertise. Dr. Lewis is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research, including the landmark article on Intraocular Lens Insertion without capsular support. His extensive publication record and lectures on this topic have significantly advanced the understanding and practice of ophthalmology worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Lewis has innovated instruments for suture management in corneal transplantation, further enhancing surgical outcomes in this specialized area.

Upon returning to the United States , Dr. Lewis served as the Director of Cornea and Anterior Segment Surgery at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Following that he was the Corneal Consultant to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the education of future optometrists. In 2004, Dr. Lewis assumed the role of Director of Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery at what is now Salus University. He is a dedicated educator, imparting his expertise in LASIK, Corneal Surgery, and Cataract diagnosis and management to hundreds of eye doctors annually. He also supports the prestigious Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, nurturing the talents of top optometry students accross the nation.

Dr. Lewis’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice and education; he is actively involved in FDA clinical trials for leading ophthalmic companies, contributing to the advancement of innovative technologies and treatments. A pioneer in the field of refractive surgery, Dr. Lewis conducted groundbreaking research on the Moria SBK microkeratome, leading to its approval and widespread adoption. He is a sought-after speaker at major ophthalmic conferences worldwide, where he shares his expertise on microkeratome flap creation and other surgical techniques. In addition to his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Lewis is committed to sharing knowledge and expertise within the ophthalmic community. He contributes extensively to Eyetube, a platform dedicated to teaching surgical techniques and disease management, as well as Dr. Robert Osher’s Video Journal of Ophthalmology (VJO). In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry dedicated a module in their new building as the James S. Lewis, MD Subspecialty Clinic in 2014, underscoring Dr. Lewis’s enduring legacy as a leader and innovator in ophthalmology.

Dr. Lewis has participated in the development of a suprachoroidal MIGS procedure utilizing biotissue. He has authored several papers and posters on the procedure which launches in 2024. Dr. Lewis is also part of a team using artificial intelligence to improve sizing for phakic intraocular lenses. Panasonic, Ikegami, and Heidelberg Technology consider him a key opinion leader in video and imaging technology. Finally, Dr. Lewis leads Staar Surgical’s philanthropic mission to implant EVO ICLs in patients from disadvantaged communities.