Joseph P. Walker M.D., F.A.C.S

BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND RETINA-VITREOUS SPECIALIST

Retina Specialists are different. Ophthalmology, like other medical practices, includes numerous sub-specialties. Some ophthalmologists specialize in the removal of cataracts, others in cosmetic/functional enhancements known as ocular plastic surgery. Additionally, ophthalmologists may prescribe glasses or perform laser surgery to correct near or farsightedness. All of the physicians of Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida have received advanced “Fellowship” training and focus on the diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and research of the diseases that impact the health of the retina and
vitreous.

Dr. Walker completed his retina and vitreous medical and surgical training at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He founded Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida in 1980. He has been the principal investigator in dozens of pivotal clinical trials that have led to FDA approval of new therapies to fight retina or vitreous diseases. He has served as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Scientist for the Schepens Eye Research Institute affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts and was President of the Lee County Medical Society in 1989.

Over his distinguished career, he has been honored by several organizations. Most recently, he received an honor award from the American Society of Retina Specialists for his leadership in the medical community. He has received the honor of Best Doctor and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He has authored numerous articles and abstracts that have been presented at regional, national, and international conventions and has been published in respected medical journals such as Ophthalmology, the Annals of Ophthalmology, and the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is currently a member of the multiple organizations including the American Society of Retina Specialists, the American Diabetes Association, the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, the Lee County Medical Society (Board Member, Past President), the Collier County Medical Society, the Charlotte County Medical Society, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

COLLEGE EDUCATION

The University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts, 1970

MEDICAL EDUCATION

New York Medical College, Doctor of Medicine, 1974

INTERNSHIP

St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, 1974-1975

RESIDENCY – OPHTHALMOLOGY

Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens, Brooklyn, NY, 1975-1976

Tufts New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA, 1976-1978

Chief Resident – Ophthalmology Tufts New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA, 1978-1979

FELLOWSHIP

Vitreo-Retinal Diseases and Surgery Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 1979-1980