Meet Dr. Christian
Among his many spheres of knowledge, Dr. Christian's fields of expertise include:
The Santa Monica Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are the most highly trained and revered practitioners in the field of eye care. The difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist is commonly not understood. Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide routine vision care such as eye exams, sight testing, and prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses. Rather than going to medical school, optometrists complete a post-graduate degree program to earn their doctor of optometry (DO).
In stark contrast, ophthalmologists are fully licensed medical doctors who have had at least 8 years of medical training. Following medical school, ophthalmologists undergo a four-year residency, giving them the skill to diagnose eye diseases and prevent them in the first place. In addition, they can perform complex surgery on the eye to repair a host of non-optimum conditions such as poor eyesight and cataracts.
As a leading ophthalmologist in Los Angeles county, Dr. Christian is frequently called upon to lecture, consult and educate other doctors in his innovative techniques. While this is a strong testament to his contribution to this field, his first priority is helping individual patients suffering from any number of non-optimum eye conditions. As one of the best eye doctors Santa Monica & Los Angeles have available, he does just that.
Education & Medical Training
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Fellowship Hospital - 2008
- Yale-New Haven Hospital, Residency Hospital - 2007
- Erlanger Medical Center, Internship Hospital - 2004
- University of Tennessee Medical Center, Internship Hospital - 2004
- UCSD Shiley Eye Ctr, Fellowship Hospital - 2003
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical School - 2002
- University of San Diego, Undergraduate School - 1996
After he completed his residency in ophthalmology at Yale-New Haven hospital, he earned a Fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery, rounding out his extensive education.
Dr. Christian has worked hard to master his field and become a top LASIK eye surgeon. If you are looking for a surgeon with thousands of successful LASIK and other surgeries to his credit, look no further.
Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
As a further step, Dr. Christian has demonstrated the high level of skill and experience in ophthalmology necessary to earn certification by the ABO, an independent nonprofit organization established in 1916. This includes successful completion of an accredited residency-training program in the specialty of ophthalmology.
Physicians certified by this board must also adhere to the continuing education requirements of the ABO, agreeing to undergo rigorous written examinations and practice performance on a regular basis. This requirement is based on a structured program intended to keep doctors current on the ever-changing world of ophthalmology and to establish high standards for patient care.
The Vanguard Eye Experience
At the Vanguard Eye Institute, patients can be confident that they are in the hands of one of the best eye surgeons in Santa Monica. Dr. Christian is honored to be trusted by his patients for their eye care needs, particularly when those needs involve delicate procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK.
Record numbers of surgeries per year
Dr. Christian has worked hard at his profession and is one of the most dedicated and professional LASIK eye surgeons practicing in the greater Los Angeles area. He performs an astounding number of surgeries every year, over ten times the average, with above standard results. His ability to perform at the top of the field with high volume output only serves to solidify his commitment and dedication to his craft and to his patients.
Since becoming an ophthalmologist, Dr. Christian has performed 2,500 surgeries a year—12 times the average—and as attested by his patients, his standard is perfection.
Testimonial
“Dr. Christian is an amazing ophthalmologist and iLASIK surgeon! Three years ago today he performed my iLASIK surgery and I still have absolutely perfect vision. I recently had my vision tested and I can STILL see 20/10 out of both eyes. The results are truly incredible and his miracle work has honestly changed my life. Before the surgery I wore contacts/glasses since I was 12 years old and my vision was 20/400. I never thought I would be able to see so clearly without the aid of my contacts or glasses until I met Dr. Christian. Not only is he an incredible surgeon, he is truly a kind and compassionate individual who I wholeheartedly trusted with my most prized possession—my eyesight. I give my highest commendation to Dr. Christian in performing iLASIK surgery! S.F.
The facility
Dr. Christian’s newly renovated facility is completely state-of-the-art, designed to give patients peace of mind while they receive top tier care. As one of the best eye doctors in Santa Monica, his priority is patient comfort and contentment, as this tends to lead to better results.
The “doctor experience” can sometimes be cold and unfriendly, and part of Dr. Christian’s philosophy is that a patient should feel totally at ease from the moment they step into his office until they leave with a greatly improved quality of life. He recognizes that his patients put their trust in his hands and it’s a trust he holds close to his heart. A large percentage of his patients are referrals from past patients—something he is very proud of, as it means that he has done his work so well patients wanted to share it with the people they care about.
Dr. Christian has dedicated his life to improving your quality of life. If you’re looking for an ophthalmologist in Santa Monica, Dr. Christian may be just the doctor for you.
