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Alan Neil Carlson

Professor of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, Corneal Diseases
Box 3802 Duec, Durham, NC 27710
Duke Univ Eye Ctr, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Alan N. Carlson, M.D., serves as Professor of Ophthalmology specializing in cataract, refractive and corneal surgery. He returned to the Duke Eye Center in 1996 where he served as Chief of Corneal and Refractive Surgery for 19 years before his promotion to Vice Chair of Departmental Development. He is recognized by colleagues, peers in his field, and the vast medical community as a leading eye surgeon offering the latest and safest technologies and procedures.

Dr. Carlson was selected among the top 6 refractive surgeons in university settings and is an active member in over a dozen professional societies and one of the most experienced anterior segment surgeons in the country having performed over 52,500 successful surgical procedures, including 18,500 LASER vision correction procedures in his ophthalmic career.

Dr. Carlson has delivered over 350 invited lectures and courses across four continents, including several visiting professorships and named lectureships. He has published over 135 articles, book chapters and surgical teaching videos distributed internationally. Dr. Carlson was twice honored with the APPI Crystal Award in Japan for his clinical research and innovations in ophthalmic surgery. In 1998 he received the academic honor award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and in 2012, he was again recognized with the senior honor award for academic contributions.

Dr. Carlson has conducted over 55 television and radio interviews and performed the first televised LASIK procedure in this region. His innovative work has been featured in publications such as Time Magazine, Reader's Digest, and RedBook, Dr. Carlson serves as section editor and reviewer for submissions to the top publications in his field.

Dr. Carlson's dedication to delivering the highest quality of eye care contributes to the "Duke Difference" and a quality visit for every patient. This accounts for over 1000 physicians and eye surgeons choosing Dr. Carlson as their personal surgeon and for his selection to virtually every Best Doctors list for 21 consecutive years.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Ophthalmology · 2021 - Present Ophthalmology, Corneal Diseases, Ophthalmology

Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 1981 M.D.