Matthew Hammond, M.D., an ophthalmologist with Carrot LASIK and Eye Center in Mesa, Arizona, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the 14th consecutive year he has received this professional recognition. The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is awarded to only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians each year, based on nominations from peer physicians and rigorous evaluation by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team.
Dr. Hammond specializes in refractive surgery at Carrot LASIK and Eye Center, a comprehensive eye care facility serving the greater Phoenix area. His practice integrates modern diagnostic technology with surgical precision to address a wide range of vision correction needs. The recognition reflects the center's commitment to patient care, compassion, and clinical outcomes, values that Dr. Hammond emphasizes as foundational to their work.
The surgical interventions performed by Dr. Hammond utilize advanced technologies to ensure safety and accuracy. Key procedures include LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens implantation, and EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). Beyond surgical excellence, the center features comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including advanced corneal mapping and ocular coherence tomography, allowing for thorough assessment of patient candidacy for specific refractive procedures within the same facility.
Dr. Hammond's medical background includes earning his medical degree from George Washington University and completing his internship and residency in ophthalmology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. He served nine years on active duty as an Ophthalmologist in the United States Army, including as Chief of Ophthalmology and Director of Warfighter Refractive Surgery at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. His military service during the Global War on Terror and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts earned him the Meritorious Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.
The Castle Connolly selection process involves nominations from peer physicians and evaluation based on medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Physicians cannot pay to be selected as Top Doctors, ensuring the recognition maintains its integrity as a peer-driven assessment of medical excellence. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications.
For business and technology leaders monitoring healthcare innovation, this recognition highlights the intersection of medical expertise and advanced technology in ophthalmology. The integration of sophisticated diagnostic tools with precision surgical techniques represents a broader trend in healthcare toward personalized, technology-enhanced treatment protocols. The consistent recognition of specialists like Dr. Hammond over multiple years suggests sustained excellence in adopting and mastering evolving medical technologies, which could influence standards of care and patient expectations in refractive surgery and broader ophthalmological practice.
