Matthew C. Caldwell M.D.

Dr. Caldwell is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained in refractive surgery, cornea/external disease, and also in ocular pathology. Dr. Caldwell provides comprehensive ophthalmology services, including state-of-the-art laser vision correction surgery, cataract surgery, implantable lenses, and corneal transplants. Dr. Caldwell is the former Chairman of the Wilford Hall Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology.

Skills and Specialties

Dr. Caldwell specializes in laser vision correction surgery, cataract surgery, and cornea transplantation. Dr. Caldwell is a certified physician trainer for the latest laser vision correction procedures (LASIK, PRK, and SMILE) and has trained over 130 refractive surgeons. 

Education & Training

Duke University Eye Center, Fellowship, Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Duke University Eye Center, Fellowship, Ophthalmic Pathology

Wilford Hall and Brook Army Medical Centers, Internship and Ophthalmology Residency

University of Texas Health at San Antonio, Medical School

United States Air Force Academy, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Background & Achievements

Dr. Caldwell served as the Director of the Lackland Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center and was the Refractive Surgery Consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General for two years, during which time he oversaw seven laser centers. He went on to serve five years as the Chief of Air Force Ophthalmology, overseeing all eye surgery and ophthalmology care across the U.S. Air Force. He is a past president of the Society of Military Ophthalmologists and a member of the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Eye Bank.

Dr. Caldwell has served as the Chairman of the Wilford Hall Eye Center and the San Antonio combined Air Force/Army Ophthalmology Residency Program and is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas Health and Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University. He is a certified physician trainer for LASIK, PRK, and SMILE and has trained over 130 refractive surgeons. He has authored numerous publications and has been a lead investigator on multiple FDA clinical trials of new laser technology, which have resulted in advances and approval of technology used around the world.

Dr. Caldwell is an advocate of the functional benefits of refractive surgery, having deployed twice to Afghanistan after having refractive surgery on his own eyes. He knows the benefits of customizing treatments to the eyes of patients with high visual demands and has treated numerous members of the special forces, fellow ophthalmologists and other surgeons, pilots, and even an astronaut who has spent extended tours on the International Space Station. He appreciates the life-altering impact of vision-restoring surgery and has led multiple humanitarian missions to several countries in Central America.