Mark Kontos, MD

After receiving his medical degree from St. Louis University, Dr. Kontos served nine years in the U.S. Navy as a flight surgeon and ophthalmologist achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. During his service, he spent three years as a member of the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Since leaving the service, Dr. Kontos has become the senior partner at Empire Eye Physicians, a refractive and cataract surgery practice serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana. Dr. Kontos has been named one of the 300 most influential anterior segment surgeons in the world by Ocular Surgery News in 2016 and 2018. He served as the vice chairman of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Refractive Surgery Advisory Panel. Dr. Kontos is one of the most experienced ophthalmic surgeons in the Northwest and has taught refractive surgery techniques to numerous surgeons throughout the country, and internationally. Dr. Kontos lectures worldwide on refractive surgery and cataract surgery. He is active in clinical research and has published articles and papers in numerous ophthalmic publications. Dr. Kontos is producer and moderator of Ophthalmology Insider, a digital program featuring discussions with key ophthalmology leaders on current topics in medicine. He is the medical editor of The Ophthalmic ASC and Collaborative Eye Journals and a member of the Executive Advisory Board for Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. Dr. Kontos is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a fellow of the American College of Eye Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.