Our Englewood Clinic is temporarily closed due to a potential building hazard.

WHO WE ARE

Serving the Rocky Mountain region for the treatment, care, and surgery of vitreoretinal conditions.

About Us

The Premier Retina Practice of the Rocky Mountains

Colorado Retina Associates is a thirteen physician and one optometrist, sub-specialty eye care practice providing medical and surgical care of vitreoretinal eye disease. We provide comprehensive treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, retinal detachments, ocular tumors, uveitis/inflammatory eye disease, inherited retinal degenerations and numerous other vitreoretinal conditions. Our group of specialists have trained at internationally renowned fellowship programs (6 or more years after medical school) and continue to engage in academia, advocacy, volunteering, and education both nationally and abroad. We offer a robust, in-house clinical research program to all of our patients. Clinical trials have become an increasingly important option to provide the latest treatments in the hope of curing blinding diseases. We are proud to be the largest retina practice in the Rocky Mountain region with the ability to collaborate as a team for highly complex cases. We provide five service locations in the Denver Metro area: Central Park, Englewood, Lakewood, Lafayette, and Parker, Colorado. Our modern offices are integrated with ambulatory surgery centers to facilitate immediate care for patients with ocular emergencies. Our two satellite locations extend care to Colorado’s Summit County (Frisco) and Goodland, Kansas.

Consulting Physicians & Surgeons For Vitreoretinal Disorders

Meet Our Doctors

Murtaza Adam ThumbnailNancy J. Christmas ThumbnailRobert J. Courtney ThumbnailMark S. Dacey ThumbnailCurtis L. Hagedorn ThumbnailPeter G. Hovland ThumbnailDavid W. Johnson ThumbnailBrian C. Joondeph ThumbnailAlan E. Kimura ThumbnailAshley L. Levison ThumbnailMimi Liu ThumbnailSalil Shukla ThumbnailMiriah M. Teeter ThumbnailBetty Zhang

Murtaza Adam

MD

A Wisconsin native, Dr. Adam joined the team in 2017. Colorado Retina provided the opportunity for Dr. Adam to collaborate with top retina physicians and surgeons to treat complex cases and contribute to advancements in clinical research. He applies his training and extensive experience to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of his patients.

Dr. Adam chose to become a physician to develop meaningful, long-term relationships with patients, and tackle the analytical and technical challenges that come with being a surgeon. “I find so much gratification helping patients see their grandchildren more clearly, get back to driving, and return to work to support themselves and their family,” says Adam.

Aside from treating medical and surgical vitreoretinal conditions, Dr. Adam has special interest in seeing patients suffering from complications related to cataract surgery, dislocated intraocular lenses, and trauma that requires complex anterior and posterior segment reconstruction. He completed his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, considered to be the top training program in the country.

Dr. Adam has a passion for evidence-based medicine and innovation. He was awarded a prestigious Heed Fellowship research grant in 2015 and was accepted to the Fostering Innovative Retina Stars of Tomorrow (FIRST) program in 2018. He continues to advance the field through research with over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 70 plus meeting abstracts. He serves as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals including Ophthalmology and Retina and his primary research interests involve scleral fixation of intraocular lenses, tele-ophthalmology, novel retinal imaging, heads-up 3D surgery, and ocular infectious disease. His expertise and passion has allowed him to travel national and internationally lecture, teach, and consult with fellow eye care providers and industry leaders.

Dr. Adam is highly involved in outreach and service, both locally and abroad. He currently resides as a volunteer physician for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and was the 2017 VisionWalk Medical Chair for the Denver Chapter of the Foundation for Fighting Blindness. He has also participated in surgical cataract missions in India and Ghana. Dr. Adam also provides telemedicine retinal consultations for the Global Eye Project based in Haiti.

Outside the clinic and the operating room, Dr. Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. You may catch him longboarding or biking with his kids in and around City Park. Embracing all that is Colorado, Dr. Adam takes to the mountains, snowboarding, climbing, and mountain biking when he can find the time. He also enjoys digital SLR photography (http://moosaic.net), camping, and (poorly) playing the guitar.​

Murtaza Adam Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering, 2007 – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

  • Bachelor of Arts in Physiology, 2007 – University of Minnesota -Twin Cities

Medical School

  • Medical College of Wisconsin, 2011

  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, 2010

Internship

Transitional Year Program, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, 2011 – 2012

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

  • Wills Eye Hospital, 2012 - 2015

  • Co-Chief Resident, 2014 – 2015

VITREORETINAL FELLOWSHIP

  • Wills Eye Hospital/Mid Atlantic Retina, 2015  - 2017

  • William Tasman, MD Outstanding Fellow Award, 2017

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology, October 2017

Nancy J. Christmas

MD

Nancy J Christmas M.D. graduated from Wellesley College and Yale University School of Medicine. She went on to complete her medical internship at the Deaconess Hospital in Boston, ophthalmic residency at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Institute and her medical and surgical retina fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While in college, she became involved with research at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and she continues to be involved in national clinical research trials at Colorado Retina.

Dr. Christmas grew up in Florida and was in private practice in the Washington D.C. area for almost five years before relocating to Denver in 2006. She sees patients at our Lowry, Parker and Red Rocks locations and treats both medical and surgical retinal diseases such as: age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, macular holes and retinal detachments.

She is a role model for other female physicians and frequently serves as a mentor through programs at the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists and the Women in Ophthalmology meetings where she developed the program. She also mentors medical students at Yale University and on more than one occasion has been recognized for her contributions as a recipient of the American Medical Association-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program. In addition, she has been listed in Best Doctors in the Denver Business Journal. She receives accolades from her patients for her warm and caring bedside manner, “Dr Nancy Christmas is fantastic, professional and approachable…”

When not working, Dr. Christmas enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons. She likes to exercise, travel and hike.

Nancy J. Christmas Full Headshot

Degrees

Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA  - Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude

Medical School

Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT  - Doctor of Medicine

Internship

Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA  - Internal Medicine

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami, Miami, FL

Vitreoretinal Fellowship

  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IAAOS-Knapp Fund Fellowship

  • Heed Foundation Fellow

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology 2000

Past Positions

Vitreoretinal specialist/surgeon, The Retina Group of Washington, Washington DC, 2001-2006

Professional Societies

  • American Society of Retina Specialists

  • Women in Ophthalmology, Board of Directors

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • Denver Medical Society

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

SEE REVIEWS

Robert J. Courtney

MD

Dr. Courtney is a born and raised Colorado native, having grown up in Fort Collins, Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado in Boulder where he graduated with academic honors in Biochemistry. He then completed his medical school at the University of Colorado in Denver where he was inducted into the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. After completing his medical school and ophthalmology residency, Dr. Courtney moved to Cleveland, OH for his vitreoretinal fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Eye Institute, a national leader in vitreoretinal fellow training.

Dr. Courtney’s clinical interests include macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease (diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusion, etc.), and surgical retina (retinal detachment repair, epiretinal membrane and macular hole). Dr. Courtney has also participated in a number of clinical trials, published numerous articles and authored chapters on macular degeneration and inherited retinal disorders.

In his free time, Dr. Courtney enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast, enjoying skiing/snowboarding, surfing, and hiking.

Robert J. Courtney Full Headshot

Degrees

University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

Medical School

University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO

Internship

Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

Vitreoretinal Fellowship

Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Societies

  • American Society of Retina Specialists

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

SEE REVIEWS

Mark S. Dacey

MD

Dr. Mark Dacey has coordinated the uveitis service at Colorado Retina for the past decade, seeing patients with complex autoimmune and infectious ocular conditions. He is a full-time, fellowship-trained uveitis specialist, with areas of interest in scleritis, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, retinal vasculitis, and orbital inflammation. The uveitis team at Colorado Retina is proud to be a tertiary referral center for patients in Colorado and eight surrounding states, from New Mexico in the south to North Dakota and Montana in the north.

Dr. Dacey grew up outside of Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated with honors from Duke University and the University of Michigan Medical School, where he received the Dean’s Scholarship in Ophthalmology. His background studies in genetics at Duke started an interest in uveitis while a resident at UT Southwestern in Dallas, as many uveitic conditions have a genetic basis. He then completed a fellowship in ocular immunology and uveitis at the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute and Harvard Medical School, where he studied under Dr. C. Stephen Foster, who is widely recognized as the foremost uveitis specialist in the United States.

Over the past decade, Dr. Dacey has expanded the uveitis service at Colorado Retina to include a satellite office in Rapid City, South Dakota. He has taught residents and fellows at the University of Colorado School of Medicine for 7 years, with four residents subsequently pursuing careers in uveitis. Dr. Dacey also coordinates the clinical research department at Colorado Retina, with several active clinical trials looking for new advances and treatment options for both adults and children with uveitis.

Dr. Dacey is passionate about teaching and education, participating in many local, national, and international conferences as part of the American Uveitis Society and the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. “One of the primary goals in uveitis has been to educate and train new fellows and ophthalmologists in the use of steroid-sparing immunomodulatory medications, with the goal of trying to bring long-term remission to our patients”, says Dr. Dacey. “Each uveitis patient is unique and different, and I enjoy caring for patients with these challenging conditions, hoping to preserve their sight and quality of life for years to come.”

When not in the clinic, Dr. Dacey enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, and exploring Colorado’s mountains and parks. His hobbies include running, traveling, skiing, and photography.

Mark S. Dacey Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

B.S., Biology and Political Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 2000

Medical School

M.D., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 2005

Internship

Department of Internal Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Dallas, TX 2005-2006

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX 2006-2009

FELLOWSHIP

Ocular Immunology and Uveitis, Harvard University, Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Cambridge, MA. 2009-2010

Board Certifications

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology 2011-2021

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology 2006-present

  • American Society Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2006-present

  • International Ocular Inflammation Society 2015-present

  • American Uveitis Society 2017-present

AWARDS

  • Dean’s Scholarship in Ophthalmology, University of Michigan Medical School 2005

  • Chief Fellow, Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution 2009-2010

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. Chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of uveitis and ocular inflammation
2. Hereditary ophthalmologic diseases
3. Ocular oncology

SEE REVIEWS

Curtis L. Hagedorn

MD

Dr. Curtis Hagedorn is a native Coloradan, born in Loveland Colorado. He grew up in Colorado Springs and attended Colorado College for his undergraduate education. He then left the state for ten years as he attained his medical school degree from Rush University in Chicago and received eye surgery training and retinal surgery expertise at Yale University where he received the Marvin Sears award for clinical excellence.

In 2005, Dr. Hagedorn returned to Colorado and began his vitreoretinal surgery career in Denver. Dr. Hagedorn joined Colorado Retina Associates in 2008. Dr. Hagedorn has special interest and expertise in macular degeneration and has been involved in many pivotal research trials on this condition.

Dr. Hagedorn has also served as president of the Denver Medical Society and currently serves as a board member of the Colorado Medical Society.

Dr. Hagedorn lives in Denver with his wife (whom he met at Colorado College) and his 3 children. When not stomping out blindness, Dr. Hagedorn enjoys spending time with his family hiking, camping, skiing, and making music.

Curtis L. Hagedorn Full Headshot

Degrees

Colorado College, Colorado Spring, CO 1994

Medical School

Rush Medical College, IL 1999 - Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society

Internship

Resurrection Medical center, Chicago, IL 1999-2000

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

Yale University, New Haven, CT 2000-2003

FELLOWSHIP

Yale University, New Haven, CT 2003-2005

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology 2004

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO.

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • American Society of Retinal Specialists

  • American Medical Association

  • Colorado Medical Society Delegate

  • Colorado Medical Society Board of Directors 2014- Present

  • Denver Medical Society President 2012-2013

  • Denver Medical Society Chairman 2013-2014

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

  • Chairman of Ophthalmology, Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver CO 2006-2012

  • Medical Advisory Committee, Red Rocks Surgical Center

  • International Society for Stem Cell Research

  • American Eye Study Club

  • Denver Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors 2015  - present

  • Preceptor, Foundations of Doctoring, University of Colorado School of Medicine 2010-present

SEE REVIEWS

Peter G. Hovland

MD, PhD

Rare Colorado native, Dr. Peter Hovland is a renowned ophthalmologist, specializing in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vitreoretinal surgical conditions, and ocular oncology. He began his career as a vitreoretinal surgeon in practice with his father at our original Harvard location. After his father’s retirement, Dr. Hovland ultimately merged the family practice into what has now become Colorado Retina Associates, which he remains a founding partner.

Dr. Hovland says medicine has been something of a family tradition for him. Both his father and uncle were ophthalmologists, and his mother was a nurse. His grandfather was a surgeon, and great grandfather, a general practitioner. It was in his DNA to continue furthering his education in medicine. Dr. Hovland completed his undergraduate, doctorate and internship at the University of Colorado. He then went on to finish his vitreoretinal fellowship in Boston at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the oldest eye hospital in the US and the ophthalmology department of Harvard Medical School. Ultimately, he chose medicine as a discipline because, “at my core is an optimistic drive to help people,” says Dr. Hovland.

In addition to his work general retinal disease, Dr. Hovland also leads our ocular oncology department. He has a special focus on the surgical and medical treatment of all types of intraocular tumors, from the most common to complex. Dr. Hovland has cared for thousands of patients from around the US with benign and malignant eye tumors, including ocular melanoma, choroidal or iris nevus, choroidal metastases and other vision threatening retinal conditions.

Dr. Hovland is actively involved Colorado Retina’s in-house research program and many national research foundations. He currently works to support the fight to find a cure for cure ocular melanoma, and acts as a grant reviewer for the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Ocular Melanoma Foundation. Most importantly Dr. Hovland strives to engage in cutting-edge research and activism around research funding to improve treatment for all of his patients.

In Dr. Hovland’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs, and three almost-adult kids. You can often catch Dr. Hovland and his band of physicians, The Detachments - jamming out at local venues around Denver. He also has a passion for competitive tennis, mountain biking and skiing. Fun facts, Dr. Hovland used to be the team physician for the Colorado Avalanche for five consecutive seasons and like a true CO native, has climbed 34 of the 14ers  - which he plans to someday conquer the remaining 24!

Peter G. Hovland Full Headshot

Degrees

  • University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, Bachelors of Arts, 1984

  • University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, Ph.D in Biochemistry, 1995

Medical School

University of Colorado, Denver, CO, M.D., 2000

Internship

University of Colorado, Denver, CO, Internal Medicine, 2000-2001

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, Ophthalmology, 2001-2004

Research Fellowships

  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA Harvard Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology Retinal Surgical Fellow, 2004-2006

  • Schepens Retina Associates, Boston, MA, Vitreoretinal Disease Clinical Fellow 2004-2006

  • Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, Department of Ophthalmology

  • Harvard Medical School, Retina Research Fellow, 2004-2006

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Societies

  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 1998-present

  • Colorado Medical Society, 2006-present

  • Arapaho-Douglas-Elbert, Medical Society, 2006-present

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2007-present

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, 2007-present

  • Schepens International Society, 2008-present

  • Collaborative Ocular Oncology Group, 2008-present

  • American Society of Retinal Specialist, 2009-present

  • American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologist and Pathologist, 2012-present

  • Retina Society, 2013-present

AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONAL APPOINTMENTS

  • Associate Physician, Schepens Retina Associates, Boston, MA, 2006-2007

  • Founding Partner, Colorado Retina Associates, 2006-Present

  • Medical Staff, Porter Memorial Hospital, Denver, CO 2006-Present

  • Medical Staff, The Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO 2006-2018

  • Medical Staff, Kaiser Permanente, CO, 2006-Present

  • Surgeon/Partner, Lincoln Surgery Center, Parker, CO, 2006-2011

Academic Appointments

  • Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary 2011-present

  • Associate Clinical Professor- Rocky Vista Medical School, Denver, CO 2012-present

Locations Served:

Englewood, Lakewood, Frisco

SEE REVIEWS

David W. Johnson

MD

Dr. David Johnson was born and raised in Northern Kentucky and he completed his undergraduate and medical education in his home state. Dr. Johnson has been fortunate to practice ophthalmology in his new adopted state of Colorado since 1985.

Dr. Johnson knew a career in medicine was for him after completing an externship with a plastic surgeon during his undergraduate years in Lexington, KY. He fell in love with ophthalmology during his second year of medical school, again coming under the influence of mentors in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Louisville, KY.

Dr. Johnson also met the love of his life, Theresa, during medical school, and they have been happy to share the adventure of marriage and raising two wonderful daughters here in Colorado.

Dr. Johnson began his career at the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology as a faculty member, eventually serving as Residency Program Director. Mentors Philip Ellis, MD and Kenneth Hovland, MD led Dr. Johnson into the beginning of a fulfilling career as a vitreo-retinal surgeon. As Dr. Ellis often jokingly said, “You don’t have to be very smart to be a retina surgeon, you just have to have a strong back”.

Dr. Johnson joined Douglas Holmes, MD in private practice in 1998, and the foundation of what would become Colorado Retina Associates, PC was begun. After many years of collegial relationships and call coverage with like-minded retinal surgeons, twelve doctors from three separate practices eventually merged in 2006 to form Colorado Retina.

Dr. Johnson has been called the “Okay-est” golfer by many playing partners, and he continues the quest for a lower handicap. He also enjoys music and playing guitar.

David W. Johnson Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Transylvania University, Lexington, KY. Summa Cum Laude

Medical School

University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY. Magna Cum Laude

Internship

Presbyterian/Saint Luke’s Medical Center, Denver, CO.

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO.

VITREORETINAL FELLOWSHIPS

  • University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO.

  • Preceptor: Kenneth R. Hovland, MD 1991-1992

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology 1990

  • National Board of Medical Examiners 1986

  • Colorado State Board of Medical Examiners 1986

Professional Societies

  • University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Residency Director (1992-1998)

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, President (2002-2003)

  • Counselor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2003-2011)

  • AAO OPHTHPAC Committee Member (present)

  • Director, AAO Leadership Development Program, 2009-2012

Locations Served:

Central Park, Parker, , Lafayette

SEE REVIEWS

Brian C. Joondeph

MD, MPs

Brian C. Joondeph completed his training as a retina surgeon in 1990 and since then has worked both in private practice and full-time academic ophthalmology. He practiced in Michigan for ten years before taking his family on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to work and live in Auckland, New Zealand for several years. He has been in Denver for the past 15 years after returning from his academic retina position down under. Denver was a great fit for his family after New Zealand given the opportunity for outdoor adventure and sports.

Dr. Joondeph grew up in northern New Jersey with his entire family in medicine or allied professions, making medical school an easy choice. Ophthalmology provided a high-tech blend of medicine and surgery, with retina further exemplifying these features. There is little in medicine more satisfying than saving or restoring eyesight, arguably the most precious of our senses.

Dr. Joondeph has more than 80 academic publications and is a current and past investigator in multiple clinical trials. He enjoys clinical research as it links scientific inquiry with eventual new treatments he can offer to his patients. He is also an examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, helping develop the next generation of ophthalmologists. Dr. Joondeph is married and has three adult children.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include skiing, golf, and fitness. On a Sunday morning, you will find Dr. Joondeph at church or the gym with his wife.

Brian C. Joondeph Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Cornell University (AB 1980)

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Masters in Healthcare Leadership - University of Denver (2013)

Medical School

Northwestern University (MD 1984)

Internship

Cook County Hospital (1984-85)

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

  • University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary (1985-88)

  • Chief Residency, University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary (1989-90)

FELLOWSHIPS

  • Retina - Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (1988-89)

  • Uveitis - University of Illinois (1989-90)

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology (1990)

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • American College of Surgeons

  • American Society of Retina Specialists

  • American Uveitis Society

  • Macula Society

  • Retina Society

SEE REVIEWS

Alan E. Kimura

MD, MPH

A native of Chicago, Dr. Kimura came to Denver to start private practice in 1996, after a lengthy career in academia. He is an ophthalmology board-certified, vitreoretinal surgeon who treats an extensive amount of retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and vascular disorders. Dr. Kimura also has special interest and advanced training in the field of inherited retinal disease. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as president of Colorado Retina, and is one of the original remaining founding partners.

Dr. Kimura was first exposed to ophthalmology by a family member, who allowed him to shadow. He was so intrigued, he went on to complete a subspecialty fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the University of Iowa, then joined as faculty staff. Dr. Kimura obtained additional training in retinal vascular diseases, followed by an electrophysiology fellowship. He directed the Ocular Electrophysiology Laboratory, studying inherited retinal diseases, and was elected the Vitreoretinal Fellowship Director as a tenured professor at the University of Iowa.

Advancing his research pursuits, Dr. Kimura acts as a co-investigator of active clinical trials, conducted through Colorado Retina’s in-house research program. He continues to contribute to scientific literature, with over 70 papers and a multitude of book chapters in print. Dr. Kimura conceived Colorado Retina’s collaboration with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, serving as their Denver chapter’s Development Director. Under his mentorship, Colorado Retina was honored in 2018 as the top fundraising team in the state at FFB’s signature fundraising event, VisionWalk. In addition, Dr. Kimura is one of a handful of American Board of Ophthalmology, oral board examiners in the western hemisphere and stays current by attending their internationally-recognized meetings throughout the year.

Today, Dr. Kimura drives Colorado Retina’s practice transformation, with the intention of providing exceptional patient care through operational excellence and highly collaborative teams. The goal, “to give each patient the best chance at recovery and optimal health outcomes,” says Dr. Kimura. As president, he has facilitated and led Colorado Retina to become a TCPi recognized practice, providing our patients with high-value medications to give the best form of treatment. Dr. Kimura intends to push our practice to serve as a leader and role model for other specialty care organizations for future transformations. This higher performance allows our dedicated, highly skilled group of physicians to deliver the compassionate, world-class care our patients deserve.

Dr. Kimura enjoys international travel, expeditions to remote areas to discover unique cultures, food and wildlife. When not traveling or in clinic, Dr. Kimura spends his time exploring the Colorado mountains by means of ski, bike, raft and mountaineering.

Alan E. Kimura Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (1978)

Medical School

University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, IL (1982)

Internship

Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ (1983)

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL (1986)

FELLOWSHIPS

  • Clinical Electrophysiology: University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL (1989)

  • Vitreoretinal Surgery: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (1988)

  • Ocular Vascular: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (1987)

Board Certifications

  • National Board of Medical Examiners (1982)

  • American Board of Ophthalmology (1988)

  • Licensure: Illinois, Iowa, Colorado

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

  • Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA

  • Associate Professor with Tenure, Department of Ophthalmology

  • University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA

  • Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

Professional Societies

  • Colorado Ophthalmologic Society

  • Retina Society

  • Vitreous Society

  • International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision

  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

  • U.S. World Eye Foundation

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Associate Examiner for Oral Boards, American Board of Ophthalmology

  • Reviewer Archives of Ophthalmology American Journal of Ophthalmology

  • Medical Advisory Committee, Lowry Surgery Center, Denver, CO

  • Chair, Denver Medical Community, Foundation Fighting Blindness

  • American Board of Ophthalmology: Diabetes 2000  - State of Iowa Coordinator

  • Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC), appointment on behalf of Colorado Medical Society, 2012

  • Colorado Medical Society, Council on Legislation, appointment on behalf of Denver Medical Society, 2012

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, OPHTHPAC Committee, 2010-present

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, Leadership Development Program Class of 2012, on behalf of Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

  • Foundation Fighting Blindness, Denver VisionWalk Medical Chair, 2006-present

  • Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dept. Health Policy & Management, Master’s of Public Health degree  - Graduated 2013

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Secretariat Award 2014

SEE REVIEWS

Ashleigh L. Levison

MD

Coming to us from Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Levison is one of the newest additions to our Colorado Retina physician team. Dr. Ashleigh Levison specializes in medical and surgical retina treatment, with special interest in uveitis. She primarily cares for patients with macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, vascular occlusions, macular disorders, epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction and inflammatory eye disease, also known as uveitis. Currently, Dr. Levison sees patients at all of our six locations, across the Rocky Mountain region.

Dr. Levison joined the CRA team in 2018. She selected Colorado Retina as her home, because our primary focus aligned with her own, to provide her patients with the utmost care by saving and protecting their valued sense of sight. Growing up with both parents who were also physicians, Levison says, “since childhood, I have always seen myself helping people through medicine.”

Before settling in Denver, Dr. Levison moved around the states, exploring major cities including Miami, San Francisco, Boston and Cleveland to train in top-ranked ophthalmology programs. She graduated summa cum laude from Boston College, and was inducted into two national honor societies during her schooling. Dr. Levison completed her ophthalmology residency at UCSF, then moved on to master both a vitreoretinal surgery and uveitis fellowship at the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Levison prides herself in being an active community and academia steward. She has served on numerous medical boards, published cutting-edge research, and is often found traveling as a keynote lecturer at renowned scientific meetings. Dr. Levison’s passion is in continued education, where she enjoys sharing her advanced knowledge of specialty retina treatment and care with her ophthalmology colleagues.

We asked Dr. Levison where in the world she would want to see next, and as an avid traveler, her next big trip is to Iceland. Her goal, outside curing blindness, is to see as many national parks as she possibly can!

Ashley L. Levison Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA. 2005

Medical School

Doctorate of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL. 2009

Internship

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. 2009-2010

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.

FELLOWSHIPS

  • Vitreoretinal Fellowship, Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH, 2013-2015

  • Uveitis Fellowship, Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH. 2015

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology, 2015-present

Professional Societies

  • The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2008-Present

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2010-Present

  • American Society of Retina Specialists, 2013-Present

  • Arizona Ophthalmologic Society, 2016-2018

  • Phoenix Ophthalmologic Society, 2016-2018

  • Co-Chair of American Society of Retina Specialist  - Fellows in Training Section, 2015  - 2017

  • O.N.E.  - Uveitis  - Member Subcommittee for American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2018 - Present

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS & AWARDS

  • USC Roski Eye Institute Los Angeles, CA, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, 2016-2018

  • Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, AZ Faculty Physician, Ophthalmology, 2016  - 2018

  • Student Sight Savers Program Community Service Travel Award, 2008

  • Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Celebrations Appreciation Award, 2014

Locations Served:

Dr. Levsion sees patients at all 5 of Colorado Retina locations: Central Park, Englewood, Parker, Lakewood, Lafayette

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Mimi Liu

MD

Dr. Mimi Liu is a partner at Colorado Retina Associates where she has practiced for the past thirteen years. Dr. Liu is a highly trained vitreoretinal surgeon, who treats a vast majority of retinal conditions. Her areas of expertise lie in repairing retinal detachments and tears, macular puckers, and macular holes. She also takes special interest in treating patients with diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease and macular degeneration.

Dr. Liu attended one of the top medical schools in the nation, Baylor College of Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Medicine. After graduating medical school, Dr. Liu moved back to New Haven, CT where she completed her undergraduate at Yale to return for her internship at the Hospital of Saint Raphael. Dr. Liu then went on to complete her ophthalmology residency and extensive vitreoretinal fellowship program at Willis Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Liu has been played an essential role in the development and furtherment of our in-house clinical research program. She stays at the forefront of research through her participation in close to a hundred clinical trials, with the goal of bettering treatment methods for each of her patients. Dr. Liu is also highly involved in the medical field through her work in publishing numerous ophthalmology related articles, book chapters and papers, and is a recognized professional speaker for her presentations at national events.

Currently, Dr. Liu sees patients at Colorado Retina’s Englewood, Golden and Parker locations. She goes above and beyond to offer Saturday clinic hours for her patients that do not have access to retinal care during the work week.

On her off days, Dr. Liu enjoys spending time with her family and being a humble student of science, history and philosophy. She is a recovering long-distance cycling and adventure travel addict, with a recent shift in focus to exploring organic farming, wood working, Bollywood dancing, and yoga. Dr. Liu is an avid reader and always enjoys discovering new books and writers, Dr. Liu would like the opportunity to shovel snow at Lambeau field, attend an Oxford Union debate, and be in a flash mob.

Mimi Liu Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Yale University, New Haven, CT., B.S. Biology with Honors, 1991 - 1995

Medical School

Baylor College of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1995 - 1999

Internship

Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT., Transitional Medicine, 1999  - 2000

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA., Ophthalmology, 2000-2003

FELLOWSHIP

Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA., Retina Service, Vitreoretinal Surgery, 2003-2005

Board Certifications

  • Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology since 2005

  • US Drug Enforcement Agency, Controlled Substance - 2003

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (2000-present)

  • Colorado Medical Society (2005-present)

  • American Society of Retina Specialists (2010-present)

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (2010-present) -Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (2014-present)

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Reviewer for Colorado Medical Board (2006-present)

  • Speaker, Mile High Masters of Retina (2011—present)

  • Instructor, Colorado Retina Associates Staff Conferences (2011-present)

  • Reviewer for Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology (2012-present)

Locations Served:

Lakewood, Englewood, Parker

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Salil Shukla

MD

Hello!

If you are reading this it is likely because you have been referred for evaluation of a possible problem with your retina. For many patients visiting a retina specialist their foremost concern is, "Will I lose vision?" For some patients that have already lost sight, the desperate question is, "Can I recover my vision?" Patients are understandably frightened when their vision is threatened. I appreciate the emotional weight of sight-threatening disease. My philosophy of care prioritizes establishing trust through patient education and a cooperative approach to decision-making. As much as it is essential to understand disease process and current evidence-based medical practices, bedside manner matters, especially when patients are frightened. It is important to me that patients feel comfortable with and confident in their treatment plan. A patient posted an unprovoked online review which captures the patient experience I strive to create:

Dr. Shukla exhibits great concern for his patients and endeavors to ensure that the patient is fully informed and comfortable with every step of a procedure. He exhibits the ultimate in knowledge and skill in his area of practice. Personally, I have every confidence in him and would heartily recommend him to anyone in need of the services of his specialty. (https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Salil_Shukla.html)

My wife and I arrived in Denver in 2010 and are delighted to call Denver home. I practiced vitreoretinal surgery for 12 years before joining Colorado Retina Associates in 2019. Originally from New York, I attended college at Emory University where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and subsequently attended medical school and residency at New York Medical College. I completed my vitreoretinal fellowship at the Vitreoretinal Foundation in Memphis, TN, a high-volume surgical program that laid the foundation of my surgical career. I have published articles in peer-reviewed ophthalmic and neuroscience journals, and presented original research at ophthalmic society meetings. As a member of the American Society of Retinal Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, with board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology, I actively pursue continuing education to ensure I am current with emerging practices and techniques. My vitreoretinal interests include surgical and medical management of vitreomacular interface disorders, retinal detachment surgery, age-related macular degeneration management and retinal vascular disease.

Outside of work I am an avid amateur motorsports enthusiast and am pursuing my childhood dream of being a race car driver. I enjoy competing in local and national autocross events with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and road racing events with the North America Sportscar Association (NASA). I love the competition and feeling of pushing a car to its limits. Having earned a competition racing license, I’ve competed in 7, 9, and 24-hour endurance races. When not at the racetrack I enjoy travel, spending time with friends, trying new restaurants with my wife, or just relaxing at home with our vizsla, Hobbes.

If you have been referred to Colorado Retina Associates, rest assured you will be seen by an excellent physician! If you choose to see me, as a patient anticipate a doctor that will strive to make you comfortable, navigating your diagnosis and treatment.

Kind Regards,
Salil Shukla MD

Salil Shukla Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Emory University College of Arts and Sciences; Atlanta, GA, Bachelors of Arts in English, 1998
Dean’s List: 1995 – 1998

Medical School

New York Medical College; Valhalla, NY, Doctor of Medicine, 2004

Internship

Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT, Internal Medicine, 2005

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

  • New York Medical College; Valhalla, NY, Ophthalmology, 2008

  • Chief Resident: 2007 – 2008

VITREORETINAL FELLOWSHIP

Vitreoretinal Foundation (VRF) Eye Specialty Group;; Memphis, TN, 2010

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology, Colorado

  • Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners

Professional Societies

  • American Society of Retinal Specialists

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

Publications

  • Gentile RC, Shukla S, Shah M, Ritterband DC, Engelbert M, Davis A, Hu DN. “Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Endophthalmitis: a 25-­Year Review." Ophthalmology. 2014 Aug; 121(8):1634-42.

  • Salil Shukla, Amir Cohen, Robert Josephberg.  “Nonfamilial Vitreous Amyloidosis Diagnosed by Portable Sutureless Vitrectomy.” Retina: Retinal Cases and Brief Reports. Fall 2008, 2(4): 264­265.

  • Eric Mann, Gerald Zaidman, Salil Shukla.  “Efficacy of Nonsimultaneous Bilateral LASIK After Nonsimultaneous Bilateral Penetrating Keratoplasty” Cornea. 2006 October;; 25(9): 1053-1056.

  • Salil Shukla, Paul Han, Prem Subramanian, Paul N. Hoffman.  “Cyclic AMP Elevates Tubulin Expression Without Increasing Intrinsic Axon Growth Capacity.” Experimental Neurology. 2004 October; 189(2):293-302.

  • Prem Subramanian, Nitzah Goldenberg-­Cohen, Salil Shukla, and Neil R. Miller. “Plasma Ghrelin Levels Are Normal in Obese Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri).”  American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2004 July; 138(1):109­13.

Miriah M. Teeter

MD

Dr. Miriah Teeter is the latest addition to the Colorado Retina team, coming to us with over 11 years of practice experience as a fellowship trained vitreoretinal surgeon. Dr. Teeter has special expertise in medical and surgical treatment of retinal disease, with a focus on diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions, retinal detachment repair, and macular surgery.

In medical school Dr. Teeter had his first exposure to ophthalmology and was immediately fascinated by the field. The opportunity to provide highly specialized medical and surgical care to the community motivated him to complete his ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Teeter then went on to finish an intensive retinal surgery fellowship at the University of British Columbia, a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.

Dr. Teeter’s years of providing care for patients with blinding conditions has taught him many things. Two key principles that guide him are constantly remaining at the forefront of the latest advances in vitreoretinal treatment and taking the time to listen and understand the unique needs of each of his patients. “I've been impressed by the magnitude of the trust patients place in us as we care for their most precious sense of sight; living up to that trust means assembling a dedicated, skilled team around the surgeon to help my patients every step of the way”, says Teeter. This team, he confidently expresses, he has found at Colorado Retina.

Dr. Teeter is passionate to stay at the forefront of advancing retinal diagnostic and treatment technologies, through our intensive in-house clinical research department. “We have been able to effectively treat specific retinal issues for the first time in recent years. We are also able to provide less invasive surgical options, resulting in improved visual outcomes, lower risk, and better patient experience”, says Dr. Teeter.

Throughout his studies, Dr. Teeter has volunteered his time to staff migrant worker health clinics and has been a volunteer builder with Habitat for Humanity since his high school years. Now, busy with two active boys, he recently started devoting more time to the local school system. Supporting his boy’s schools and being actively involved in their lives has been a rewarding way to grow deeper roots in the community and create unique memories with his family. If not volunteering, or in clinic, you can often find Dr. Teeter perfecting his knack for photography, or in the mountains skiing, hiking, biking, and participating in the activities us Coloradans’ love.

Miriah M. Teeter Full Headshot

UNDERGRADUATE

Bachelor of Science, Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences, Ithaca, New York, 1997

Medical School

University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 2002

Internship

Deaconess Medical Center, Spokane, WA, 2003

OPHTHALMOLOGY RESIDENCY

University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 2006

VITREORETINAL FELLOWSHIP

University of British Columbia

Board Certifications

American Board of Ophthalmology 2008-present

Professional Societies

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • American Society of Retina Specialists

  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

  • Colorado Medical Society

ACADEMIC HONORS

  • University of North Carolina School of MedicineEugene S. Mayer Honor Society - Inducted 1999Founding President of Prevention in Action (PACT)

  • Cornell University, Sea Education Association & Dean’s List

Locations Served:

PARKER
ENGLEWOOD
LAKEWOOD

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BETTY ZHANG

OD

Dr. Betty Zhang is thrilled to be the first optometrist to join Colorado Retina Associates. Her passion for ocular health dates back to her childhood in Lawrence, Kansas, where her interest was sparked by her second grade science class dissecting cow eyes. She attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology, where she continued fueling her passion for eye care—specifically ocular pathology—by volunteering weekly at the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. She went on to graduate with honors from The University of Houston College of Optometry. While pursuing her Doctor of Optometry degree, Dr. Zhang was active in clinical research and served as President of the UHCO student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry, promoting evidence-based research as the basis for improving future clinical practice. She received numerous awards throughout optometry school, including induction into the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society for outstanding professional and ethical attitude through leadership and service to the college and profession.  

To further her clinical acumen as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Zhang pursued advanced residency training in the management of ocular diseases at a large, multi-specialty surgical practice in Denver. During her residency and in the years of practicing that followed, she trained and surgically co-managed with the following sub-specialties of ophthalmology: cataract, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, and retina. Through this extensive clinical and peri-surgical experience, she found her stride managing the complicated ocular conditions and surgical cases that come with a referral-based pathology center. However, throughout her career, Dr. Zhang has always been certain that her true passion was to help patients specifically with conditions of the retina. She is both proud and humbled to serve patients in this capacity at Colorado Retina Associates.

Dr. Zhang is known for her bedside manner, and she prides herself on helping patients understand their ocular health conditions, using a caring attitude that instills confidence until they are in the hands of their trusted retina surgeon. She believes heavily in clinical research as the most impactful way to bring new advancements in medicine and technology to the service of patients for excellent clinical care.

Dr. Zhang is an active member of the Colorado Optometric Association and theAmerican Optometric Association, serving as President of the COA’s Young Professionals Board, and she graduated from the Leadership Optometric Network program. She spends her free time skiing, hiking, and acquiring many plants for her home.

Betty Zhang

UNDERGRADUATE

Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, May 2013

Medical School

University of Houston College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry, May 2017

RESIDENCY

Ocular Disease and Refractive and Ocular Surgeries July 2017 – July 2018

MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP

  • Young Professionals Board of the Colorado Optometric Association 2019 – Presen

  • LeadON – Leadership Optometric Network 2019 – Present

  • Colorado Optometric Association 2017 – Present

  • American Optometric Association 2017 – Present

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Nominated for COA Young Optometrist of the Year 2020

  • Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society 2016

  • Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society 2014 – 2017

  • Eschenbach Low Vision Award 2017

  • Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award 2017

  • OOR Image Award 2017

  • Student Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry 2015

  • Clinical Letter of Excellence 2015, 2016, 2017

  • Ocular Instruments Award of Excellence 2014

What We Believe

Our Core Values

Checkmark

Quality

The quality of patient care is our guiding principle. We pride ourselves on the care we provide and maintain a "patient first" ethos in all decisions. Fundamentally, we are here to do what is best for our patients, and part of that mission is always trying to improve ourselves.

Star

Integrity

We work in teams of doctors, scribes, technicians, and imagers. The best teams are comprised of high-character individuals. We value people that do the right thing and strive for the best results.

People

Accountability

Teammates rely on each other. Trust is built by taking responsibility for one's action and honoring commitments made to one another. Our staff work with doctors to care for patients, and count on each other to prioritize the best patient outcomes.

Speech Bubbles

Communication

Our teams are focused on a united goal of patient care. We maximize efficiency and minimize errors with clear communication between doctors, staff members, and most importantly, patients.

Handshake

Honesty

A shared commitment to patient care is built on transparent and reliable communication amongst team members. Ownership of errors and open feedback is necessary for a team to constantly improve.

Books

Knowledge

We expect every employee to enjoy learning. Providing high quality care depends
on understanding the subject matter that guides clinical decision-making.

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