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Ryan G. Smith, M.D.

“I believe that healthcare is a team endeavor. As your physician, I am here to explain your condition and treatment options, listen carefully to your questions, and help you achieve the best visual outcome."

Ryan G. Smith, M.D.

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About

Dr. Ryan G. Smith is a board-certified ophthalmologist and corneal specialist who has been working at Pacific Eye Institute since 2020.

After his residency in Ophthalmology at Stanford University, Dr. Smith was recognized as one of the top 10 residents in the country by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, Refractive Surgery, and Complicated Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of California-Irvine.

Dr. Smith is excited to provide state-of-the-art cataract surgery including implants that give you both near and far vision, advanced full thickness and partial thickness cornea transplants surgeries (DMEK, DSAEK, PKP), and LASIK surgery to the Inland Empire, utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver the best possible results while always treating patients like family.

Dr. Smith also believes in making a positive impact globally as well as in his community. He has completed mission trips to Belize and Nepal with the Stanford Belize Kids program and the Himalayan Cataract Project, the latter a nonprofit organization that has revolutionized the way ophthalmology is practiced in the developing world.

He is motivated to pass along his knowledge to the next generation, a passion he pursues by teaching residents and medical students. He holds an appointment as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at UC-Irvine (go Anteaters!) and has published articles in prominent peer-reviewed publications including co-authoring a textbook to teach residents cataract surgery.  He has also presented numerous papers at international meetings.

Dr. Smith loves exploring Southern California in all its splendor. He enjoys playing tennis, paddle boarding, hiking, learning to surf, skiing, and gardening.

College
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Tufts University, Medford, MA
Post Graduate Studies, Anatomy and Biochemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Medical School
Doctor of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Preliminary Medicine
University of Utah Internal Medicine Department, Salt Lake City, UT

Residency
Ophthalmology Residency, Stanford University Department of Ophthalmology, Palo Alto, CA

Fellowship
Cornea and Refractive Fellowship, UC-Irvine Department of Ophthalmology, Irvine, CA

  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)

Textbooks

  1. Smith, RG., Farid, Marjan. Corneal in Office Procedures (Diagnostic and Therapeutic): An Interactive Case Based Approach. Chapter on Salzmann’s Nodular Degeneration of the Cornea. In preparation. SLACK Incorporated.
  2. Xie, K, Knezevic, A, Smith, RG., Garg, S. Albert and Jakobiec’s Principles and Practices of Ophthalmology. 4th edition. Chapter on Complications of IOL Surgery. Accepted for publication. Springer. April 2020.
  3. Smith, SG., Smith, RG., Lindstrom, RL. Manual of Anterior Segment Surgery. SLACK Incorporated. 2018.

Publications

  1. Smith, RG., Knezevic,A., Garg, Sumit. Intraocular lens calculations in patients with keratoectatic disorders: a review of the current literature. Accepted for publication February 2020 to Current Opinion in Ophthalmology.
  2. Smith, RG., Manche, EE. Twelve-Month Outcomes from a Perspective, Randomized, Eye-to-Eye Comparison of Wavefront-Guided and Wavefront-Optimized PRK in Myopes. Journal of Refractive Surgery, 2020 March 1;36(3):160-168.
  3. Khan, M., Gupta, O., Smith, RG., Ayres, B., Raber, I., Bailey, R., Hsu, J., Spirn, M. Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses using Gore- Tex suture: clinical outcomes and safety profile. British Journal Ophthalmology. 2016 May; 100(5): 638-43.
  4. Zulman, D., Damschroder, L., Smith, R., Resnick, P., Sen, A., Krupta, E., Richardson, C. Implementation and evaluation of an incentivized internet-mediated walking program for obese adults. Translational Behavioral Medicine. 2013 3(4): 357-369

National Conference/Platform Presentations

  1. Smith, RG., Knezevic, A., Vu, P., Carter, SL., Marshall, KA., Rao, K., Farid, M. Screen Time Association with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in the Era of Meibography. Paper presentation at ASCRS Annual Vitrual Meeting, May 2020.
  2. 2. Smith, RG., Manche EE. Twelve-Month Astigmatic Outcomes from a Prospective, Randomized, Eye-to-Eye Comparison of Wavefront-Guided and Wavefront-Optomized PRK in Myopes. Podium presentation at ARVO in Vancouver, British Columbia, 2019.
  3. Smith, RG., Manche EE. Quality of Vision After Wavefront-Guided or Wavefront-Optimized Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Prospective Randomized Contralateral Eye Study. Podium presentation at ARVO in Honolulu, Hawaii, 2018.
  4. Erickson, BP., Painter, CP., Smith, RG. Don’t Burn, Baby, Burn!: A Novel Decoupler to Prevent Operating Room Fires. Presented as a paper presentation at ASOPRS in New Orleans, Louisiana, 2017.
  5. Smith, SG., Simmerman, L., Smith, RG. Mechanism of Action of Re-Esterified Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction after Oral Administration and Simplified Theory of Dry Eyes. Presented at ASCRS in San Francisco, California 2013.
  6. Zulman DM, Smith R, Resnick P, Krupka E, Damschroder LJ, Richardson CR. Web-based walking to wellness: Adoption and impact of an insurance-incentivized internet-mediated walking program for obese adults. Oral presentation at the Society for General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL; May 11, 2012.
  • ASCRS Top 10 Resident in the Country Excellence Award
  • Co-chief Resident at Stanford University Hospitals
  • Stanford Marmor Blumenkranz Research Award Spring 2019
  • Invited speaker for Renaming Ceremony of Jefferson Medical College

Services:

See clearly again with Dr. Smith’s expert cataract care. A fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgeon, he offers advanced cataract surgery with lifestyle-enhancing intraocular lens options—like the innovative IC-8 small-aperture lens—to help reduce dependency on glasses. Schedule your cataract consult today.

Safeguard your vision with Dr. Smith’s glaucoma management. Combining sharp diagnostic skills with personalized treatment strategies, he’s dedicated to preserving eye health and preventing vision loss. Book your glaucoma evaluation today.

Find relief from dry, irritated eyes with Dr. Smith’s care. Whether you’re dealing with redness, burning, or blurry vision, he offers compassionate evaluations and effective treatment options to restore comfort. Schedule your dry eye appointment today.

Achieve sharper vision with Dr. Smith’s LASIK expertise. As a UCLA-trained refractive surgeon, he delivers precise, modern LASIK procedures—with personalized care every step of the way. Schedule your LASIK consultation today.

Looking for options beyond LASIK? Dr. Smith provides advanced alternatives like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) tailored to your eye and lifestyle needs. Schedule your refractive evaluation to explore your best-fit solution.

Enjoy long-term clarity with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Ideal for those over 40 or with early cataract changes, RLE replaces your natural lens with a premium intraocular lens for enhanced near and far focus. Book your RLE consultation today.

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Protect and restore your vision with Dr. Smith’s advanced corneal care. Fellowship-trained in cornea and external disease, he treats conditions like keratoconus, corneal infections, and Fuchs’ dystrophy using the latest medical and surgical options—including corneal transplantation when needed. Schedule your cornea consultation today to keep your eyes healthy and clear.


Why Does Cloudy Vision Happen After Cataract Surgery? 

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Cataract surgery is one of the most successful and commonly performed eye procedures worldwide. Most patients enjoy clearer vision almost immediately after the procedure. However, some may notice cloudy or…

Dr. Smith’s Patient Reviews

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