Lloyd Williams

Dr. Williams is a distinguished cornea surgeon with expertise in the full spectrum of corneal transplant techniques including DSAEK, DMEK, DALK and penetrating keratoplasty. He serves as theDirector of Duke Refractive Surgery and offers advanced vision correction procedures such as, LASIK, PRK, ICL, and refractive lens exchange, helping people live free of glasses and contact lenses.  

An expert in cataract surgery, Dr. Williams specializes in complex cases, including those involving prior surgical complications or ocular trauma. His expertise extends to lens exchange procedures and iris reconstruction, including artificial iris implantation. 

Dr. Williams is a global leader in ophthalmic humanitarian work. For nearly two decades he has performed unpaid surgical care, performing hundreds of cataract surgeries and corneal transplants in Africa, Central America, Indonesia, and other areas of the world every year. Notably, he performed the first ever corneal transplant in Sierra Leone in 2021.  

As Director of the Duke Global Ophthalmology Program (Duke GO), Dr. Williams is committed to expanding access to eye care and medical education worldwide. Through Duke GO, he leads initiatives to train physicians, deliver essential treatments, and reduce preventable blindness. In 2025, he launched the Duke Global Ophthalmology Fellowship, which provides specialized training to address global disparities in eye health. 

In recognition of his humanitarian contributions, Dr. Williams received the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award.  

Dr. Williams began his career in engineering after completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in materials science and engineering. He earned his medical degree and PhD in neuroscience from Tufts University, completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Utah Moran Eye Center, followed by a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. 

He currently serves as the 2025 President of the North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Williams is also the founder and board chair of HelpMercy International and a co-founder of MoranCore, an educational platform for ophthalmology.