Kevin Waltz, OD, MD, an ophthalmologist, educator, and innovator in refractive and cataract surgery, passed away on November 9, 2026. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Waltz made significant contributions to the advancement of ophthalmic surgery.

According to his bio on the EyeDura website, Dr. Waltz was recognized for his early adoption of refractive surgical techniques and his commitment to educating fellow surgeons. He was among the first surgeons in Indiana to use laser technology to correct nearsightedness and was a pioneer in refractive lens surgery, including presbyopic lens exchange (Prelex).

Notably, Dr. Waltz was the first ophthalmologist in the world to receive the Array multifocal intraocular lens as a patient. He was also among the first ophthalmologists worldwide to implant the Array lens in a refractive surgery patient. Through his clinical experience and educational efforts, he helped train numerous ophthalmic surgeons from around the world in the use of refractive lens technologies.

He graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 1981 and completed additional training at the Southern College of Optometry in 1983. He subsequently earned his medical degree with honors from Meharry Medical College in 1987, followed by a medical internship at Vanderbilt University in 1988. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1991 before pursuing an oculoplastic fellowship at Wayne State University, where he received specialized training in surgery of the eyelids, orbits, and tear ducts. He completed his formal medical training in 1992.

Following his fellowship, Dr. Waltz joined Southern Illinois University as a full-time assistant professor of surgery, teaching ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgical techniques, including cosmetic surgery. He also co-authored a textbook on eyelid and tear duct surgery with Frank Nesi, MD.

Beginning in the mid-1990s, Dr. Waltz increasingly focused his clinical and professional efforts on refractive surgery, laser vision correction, and refractive cataract surgery. His work helped advance the adoption of emerging technologies and surgical approaches intended to improve visual outcomes and reduce spectacle dependence.

In addition to his clinical and academic accomplishments, Dr. Waltz held several leadership positions within ophthalmology. He served as vice president of Eye Surgeons of Indiana and co-medical director of TLC Indiana Laser Center. He was also a co-founder and board member of EyeDura Therapeutics. According to LinkenIn, he was also a consultant to Horizon Surgical Systems since 2024. He also has a long standing interest in international charity care in the developing world, especially in Central America. He has recently become the Chair, Board of Directors for Central American Eye Cliníca to leverage that organizations member's ability to improve eye care in the developing world.

Dr. Waltz authored many articles in Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (CRST) and a guest on "CRST: The Podcast."