Get To Know Dr. Stephen Updegraff
Stephen A. Updegraff, M.D., F.A.C.S., was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. His passion for patient care started at an early age, watching his father, ophthalmologist Ambrose Updegraff, M.D., F.A.C.S., care for patients. The compassion, determination and personal dedication to his patients as well as the joy of constant learning his father exhibited was inspiring. As of 2011, marked its 52nd year of providing excellence in eye surgery and care.
Dr. Ambrose Updegraff encouraged his son to “follow his dreams”. By following his dreams, Dr. Stephen Updegraff has more Ophthalmic Surgery training than most specialists in the country – Internship: Internal Medicine, LSU Charity Hospital, New Orleans (1989-90); Ophthalmology Residency: LSU Eye Center, New Orleans(1990-1994); Cornea and Cataract Refractive Surgery Subspecialty training: University of Texas, Hermann Eye Center(1994-1995) By “following his dreams”, he worked with some of the brightest minds in Ophthalmology and circled the globe three times teaching, instructing and most important - learning.
Dr. Stephen Updegraff’s vision for the future of his practice has always centered on being at the forefront of clinically proven technologies while providing an unparalleled experience in service to his patients. Having been the third surgeon to perform LASIK in the US in 1994 as well as holding procedure and instrument U.S.patents in LASIK, he was the first to “introduce LASIK” to Tampa Bay. Since his return to St. Petersburg (after many years of teaching and training) he has instilled the importance of continuing education for himself and his staff. In turn, the education process for patients visiting Updegraff Vision has been unique and key to their success. In an environment with rapid changes in technologies, patients learn what is applicable and have the opportunity to have a discussion with Dr. Updegraff to “customize” the technology to their visual needs.
Dr. Updegraff presents peer reviewed presentations yearly at national meetings. Dr. Updegraff was one of the youngest eye surgeons to attain a Lifetime Achievement Award in the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 2009, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting in San Francisco his presentation was awarded “Best Paper” by a panel of national and international colleagues. He is frequently asked to teach and lecture at home and abroad, not only on LASIK, but cataract surgery and the latest use of “High Technology” lenses that help patients achieve distance, intermediate and near vision.
In order to provide truly “world class” eye surgery he designed and opened a brand new facility unlike any other – allowing Dr. Updegraff to see patients in the clinic and to provide Precision LASIK as well as providing “state of the art” cataract/lens implant and corneal surgery (endothelial keratoplasty) – all under one roof. Patients have traveled from six continents and all 50 states seeking his expertise, compassion, and skill.
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For additional information, contact Updegraff Vision at 888-USA-2015 (888-872-2015).