The Physicians at Empire Eye

Image of Mark Kontos, MD

Specialties

Mark Kontos, M.D.

Dr. Kontos is one of the most experienced ophthalmic surgeons in the Northwest and has taught refractive surgery techniques to numerous surgeons both locally and throughout the country.

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 (TOP GUN). Since leaving the service, Dr. Kontos has developed a prestigious refractive and cataract surgery practice serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana through Empire Eye Physicians. Over the past twenty years his focus has been to bring cutting edge technology and surgical excellence to the practice of ophthalmology in the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Kontos is the only laser surgeon in the region to be honored by VISX, Inc. in the top 5% of LASIK surgeons nationwide. Dr. Kontos is one of the most experienced ophthalmic surgeons in the Northwest and has taught refractive surgery techniques to numerous surgeons both locally and throughout the country. Dr. Kontos lectures both nationally and internationally 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.

Download Dr. Kontos’ Bio

  • Education

    Education

    • St. Louis University School of Medicine (1976 – 1980) – Bachelors of Arts & Science in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology

    Medical School

    • University of Colorado at Boulder (1980 – 1984) – Doctor of Medicine

    Residency

    • San Diego Naval Regional Medical Center (1984 – 1985) – Internal Medicine
    • Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute (1985 – 1986) – Flight Surgery
    • San Diego Naval Regional Medical Center (1989 – 1991) – Ophthalmology
  • Experience

    Experience

    • Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) (1986 – 1989) – Flight Surgeon at the Miramar Naval Air Station
    • Portsmouth Naval Medical Center (1991 – 1993) – Staff Ophthalmologist
    • Empire Eye Physicians (1993 – Present) – Senior Partner
  • Licensure

    Licensure

    • Washington (1993 – Present)
    • Idaho (1993 – Present)
    • Montana (1993 – Present)
  • Faculties, Committees & Editorial Positions

    Faculties, Committees & Editorial Positions

    • Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (2007 – Present) – Editor and Advisory Board Member
    • American Academy of Ophthalmology (2008 – 2013) – Vice Chair Refractive Surgery Committee
    • American European Congress of Eye Surgeons (2011 – Present) – Founding Member
    • Millennial Eye Digital Magazine (2013 – Present) – Editor and Columnist
  • Honors & Awards

    Honors & Awards

    • VISX Star Award – Recipient 3 consecutive Years (1998, 1999, 2000)
  • Industry Affiliations

    Industry Affiliations

    • VISX (1999 – 2001) – Consultant
    • Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) (2012 – Present) – Consultant
    • Allergan, Inc. (2014 – Present) – Consultant

Have Questions?

Fill out the form and we will get back to you shortly