Our Team

Colby Stewart, MD, FACS

Trust Your Vision to a Visionary

Dr. Colby Stewart is an artist and innovator in the field of laser cataract surgery. His award-winning skill and surgical invention have helped evolve the precision and predictability of cataract surgery results. With charismatic care and industry-leading technology, Dr. Stewart provides personalized oversight – start to finish – to ensure each patient receives excellent results. Since 2006, Colby has helped thousands of patients with cataracts regain their work, play and enjoy life.

Legacy of Care

Dr. Colby Stewart has always known that he was going to help people with their vision. Raised in Houston, Texas, by his mother and father, the late Dr. Robert Stewart, Colby was constantly surrounded by the nation’s leading ophthalmologists and their patients. Dr. Robert Stewart was one of the original founding doctors at Houston Eye and eventually helped create one of the largest ophthalmology group practices in the United States.

Education

Dr. Colby Stewart attended St. Thomas High School in Houston, Kent Preparatory School in Kent, Connecticut and the University of Texas in Austin, before graduating from the University of Texas Ophthalmology residency program in Galveston in 1996. He completed a six-month fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery before moving to Tennessee to join a private practice. In 1998 he became Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was one of the first to be recertified in 2009.

Training

Dr. Stewart spent 1997 through 2003 working exclusively in middle and east Tennessee, including cities such as Nashville, Cookeville, and Knoxville. He worked together with local eye care providers and optometrists. As their primary surgeon and he performed oculoplastic procedures, topical anesthetic cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures and a new form of refractive surgery called LASIK. In 1998 he was the first surgeon to perform LASIK surgery in Cookeville. He quickly became recognized across Middle Tennessee for his surgical skills and his contributions to laser and cataract surgery. Dr. Stewart developed tracking and nomogram software for his LASIK practice that many doctors, including Dr. Stewart, still use today to monitor LASIK outcomes, and to ensure that patients are appropriate candidates for this procedure. In 2004 Dr Stewart returned to his hometown to join his father and the Houston Eye Associates. During this time, he focused on improving his surgical skills and introducing new techniques to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

Innovation

Dr. Stewart was the first surgeon in East Tennessee (Knoxville) to replace the keratome (blade) used in traditional LASIK procedures with the IntraLase Laser. He later invented an instrument specifically used with the laser, the Stewart Vibrating IntraLase Spatula. Dr. Stewart has performed over 25,000 successful LASIK surgeries at the time this biography was written. He continues to help patients become
less dependent on glasses using LASIK and laser cataract refractive surgery including multifocal, and astigmatism correcting intraocular implants.

Dr. Stewart was one of the first surgeons to perform topical anesthetic cataract surgery rather than the customary retrobulbar block (needle). Performing topical cataract surgery allowed his patients to see immediately after surgery, and avoid the use of a bulky patch. With new advances in intraocular implants and surgical incisions becoming smaller (no-stitch surgery), most patients could resume their
normal activities the day after surgery and be less dependent on glasses or contacts.

Dr. Stewart was the first surgeon in Tennessee to use the Toric intraocular lens, helping reduce or eliminate astigmatism. He was also one of the first to introduce multifocal premium intraocular lenses for cataract patients to allow them to see without glasses for both near and distance vision. Dr. Stewart has been published in Ocular Surgery News, participated in over 40 surgical FDA studies, and gives lectures for patients and doctors around the country.

Professional

Dr. Stewart is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In 2008 he was asked to be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He frequently gives continuing education seminars for eye care professionals and works with optometrists to co-manage surgical patients. He has been a primary and secondary investigator in multiple FDA studies for new advances in both topical medications, surgical instrumentation, and intraocular lens implants.

Personal

Dr. Stewart has three children. They spend their summer months deep sea fishing together and their winter months in South Texas hunting deer and quail. He is an avid photographer and enjoys traveling with his family and friends. Dr. Stewart is dedicated to his practice and going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that his patients have the best surgical outcomes and have positive experiences.

OUR TEAM

The Stewart Cataract Staff

Meet Your Personal Care Team

Why do our patient's love us? We care. We spend time getting to know our patients and their unique eye care needs. Although the Stewart Cataract team is one of the most talented and experienced in the industry, we believe the magic behind our results comes from a sincere personal commitment to providing you with the attention, information, skill and care you need.

Alfred Sterling Jr.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Alfred joined Dr. Stewart’s team in 2006 after serving in the armed forces for 24 years as an ophthalmic assistant. He brings not only his expertise and skills but also a high level of professionalism and a cheerful attitude during clinical procedures. He also administers pre- and post-operative instructions to our patients.

Aida Balderas

Medical Secretary

Aida has been Dr. Stewart’s secretary since 1990. She is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of our very busy practice.

Tammy Parsons

Surgical Coordinator

Tammy Parsons has been involved with ophthalmology for over 30 years. Her credentials include; certified ophthalmology technician, office administrator, and surgical coordinator. Her experience makes her an expert on new technology implants as well as laser cataract surgery. Tammy had multifocal implants in both eyes over 7 years ago by Dr. Stewart. She no longer wears glasses for distance or reading.

Yvette Gonzales

Surgical Consultant

Ms. Gonzales has twenty-three years business experience. As a former regional director for optometric offices and vision stores, she specializes in marketing, sales, customer service and administration of seven business sites with diverse staffing. Organization of health fairs, sales promotion, design of displays and building design enable her to provide services in many arenas. Yvette has been part of our team since December 2008 – coordinating lectures and building relationships with our network of doctors.

Stewart Cataract