Michael A. Herion, MD, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the second consecutive year he has received this professional designation. The recognition places Dr. Herion among an elite group, as only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors within their specialties and regions.
Dr. Herion practices ophthalmology at Carrot LASIK and Eye Center, a comprehensive eye care facility serving the greater Phoenix area with advanced surgical and medical vision correction services. As a board-certified specialist, he provides clinical oversight and surgical expertise within the practice, which operates under the guiding principle of treating every patient like a family member to deliver unparalleled care and foster lifelong relationships.
The technological implications of Dr. Herion's work are significant for business leaders monitoring healthcare innovation. He performs several advanced ophthalmic procedures utilizing modern diagnostic and surgical technologies designed to improve patient recovery times and visual outcomes. These procedures include LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), cataract surgery with premium lens implants, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and glaucoma management procedures.
Carrot LASIK and Eye Center features an integrated surgical suite and advanced diagnostic imaging center, creating a seamless coordination between initial evaluation and surgical treatment. This on-site infrastructure represents a business model increasingly relevant in specialized medicine, ensuring continuity of care without requiring external referrals for standard diagnostic testing or outpatient procedures. For technology executives, this integrated approach demonstrates how operational efficiency and patient experience can be enhanced through strategic facility design.
Dr. Herion's background includes an ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University followed by a retina fellowship with Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D. in Saint Louis, Missouri. He currently serves as Chief of Ophthalmology at Valleywise Medical Center in Phoenix and holds board certifications from both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences.
His contributions to ophthalmology extend beyond clinical practice to include research participation that influences industry standards. Dr. Herion has been involved in several studies focusing on the efficacy of laser vision correction and the long-term stability of intraocular lenses, with his academic work assisting in the ongoing development of best practices for refractive surgery. This research component highlights how physician-led innovation continues to drive advancements in medical technology.
The Castle Connolly selection process involves nominations by peer physicians followed by evaluation by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. According to information available at https://castleconnolly.com, nominations are open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs, with selection based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Notably, doctors cannot pay to be selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, ensuring the recognition maintains its professional integrity.
For business and technology leaders, Dr. Herion's recognition illustrates several important trends in specialized healthcare. The integration of advanced technology with clinical expertise represents a growing sector where medical innovation meets operational excellence. The emphasis on patient-centered care models supported by technological infrastructure offers insights into how service industries can leverage similar approaches. Furthermore, the peer-reviewed recognition process underscores the importance of professional validation in fields where expertise directly impacts consumer outcomes, a consideration relevant to technology companies developing AI and other advanced systems requiring similar validation frameworks.
