Widely regarded as the first ophthalmologist to recognize the significance of the excimer laser for use in corneal refractive surgery, Dr. Stephen Trokel's vision and exhaustive research has made laser vision correction a realistic alternative to glasses and contacts for millions worldwide. Today, he remains an innovator working closely with VISX, Inc. to further develop and implement new technology. Dr. Trokel graduated from Cornell University with a degree in physics and subsequently received his master's degree in radiation biology. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester, New York. After completing his residency at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons and fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and at Columbia's Edward Harkness Eye Institute, Dr. Trokel received a Doctor of Medical Science degree in Ophthalmology-Physiology, also from Columbia. Dr. Trokel is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons, the National Board of Medical Examiners, and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In 1999, he was nominated by over 30,000 of his peers as one of the 20th century most influential ophthalmologists.