Stephen Wilmarth, M.D. is one of the most respected and experienced Laser Vision Specialists and Eye Surgeons in Northern California.  He is Board Certified and serves as an Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California.  Dr. Wilmarth is a founding member of Horizon Vision Centers in Northern California and Medical Director at the Horizon Vision Center in Roseville. He also serves as Medical Director of Ophthalmic Surgery at South Placer Surgery Center in Granite Bay. Dr. Wilmarth is a founding member of Medical Vision Technology, the largest private practice ophthalmic  group in Northern California and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

With over 30 years of experience as an eye surgeon, Dr. Wilmarth has significant experience in new product application. Recently, he was the first surgeon in the Central Valley credentialed to implant the Crystalens, an exciting new intraocular lens that allows eyes to focus seamlessly from distance to near without glasses. He was also the first physician approved in the Pacific Northwest to implant the Visian ICL. This lens corrects those with higher levels of nearsightedness and many who may not be candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or dry eyes.

Dr. Wilmarth is Chairman of the Ophthalmic Development Committee at NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) in Emeryville, CA where a new, unique class of non-antibiotic antimicrobials is under development.  The Agnanocides kill all bacteria, virus and fungi tested on contact with extremely low toxicity.  Resistance is not expected.  Alcon (ACL), the world’s largest eye care corporation is in a $100M partnership with NovaBay to develop the next generation of antimicrobials for eyes, ears, sinuses and contact lens care.  In appreciation for creating this relationship, NovaBay dedicated its new Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory to Dr. Wilmarth. 

Dr. Wilmarth is a 4th generation San Franciscan raised in the Bay Area.  He graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley and attended Stanford University School of Medicine where he participated as a research scientist in the first isolation and purification of endorphins.  After completing his medical training, he joined the U.S. Public Health Service, caring for Indians and Eskimos throughout the State of Alaska. Humanitarian work took him to the Philippines, China, Tibet, Japan, South Africa and Kenya. In 1989 Dr. Wilmarth returned to California and began a full time practice as a founding member of Medical Vision Technology.

Dr. Wilmarth enjoys running, biking, skiing, golf, mountaineering and SCUBA diving.  He finished the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii swimming 2.4 miles in the ocean followed by a 112 mile bicycle race and a 26.2 mile run all in one day.

Professional Activities

• Diplomat, American Board of Ophthalmology
• Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Expert Reviewer, Medical Board of California
• Chairman, Board of Directors, Medical Vision Technology, Sacramento, CA
• Chairman, Ophthalmic Development Committee, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Emeryville, CA
• Medical Director, Ophthalmic Surgery, South Placer Surgery Center, Granite Bay, CA
• Medical Director, Horizon Laser Vision Center, Roseville, CA
• Member, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
• Member, International Society of Refractive Surgeons

“Why did I wait so long?...It’s the best thing I’ve done in a long time. I spend hours every day in front of a computer terminal and spend hours every week running, cycling...my eyesight is better than it’s ever been. I’m not worrying about where my glasses are, or trying to keep them clean during a nice run on the trails. I wish I had done this years ago.”      Tim Twietmeyer