MARTIN DE LA PRESA, M.D.
Cornea, Cataract, MIGS & Refractive Surgery
MARTIN DE LA PRESA, M.D.
"I chose to pursue a career as a cornea and ocular surface transplant specialist as I was drawn to the precision and technical challenge of the field. I enjoy developing relationships with each of my patients and forming a treatment plan tailored for their individual needs. Ultimately, the greatest reward is seeing the significant improvement in the quality of life of patients who have had their visual function restored.”
– Martin de la Presa, M.D.
BACKGROUND
Martin de la Presa, M.D., is a distinguished board-certified ophthalmic surgeon at Grene Vision Group, renowned for his expertise in cornea, cataract, refractive surgery, microinvasive glaucoma, and ocular surface reconstruction. With over 10,000 successful procedures, Dr. de la Presa combines precision, innovation, and a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional vision care.
A passionate innovator, Dr. de la Presa holds over a dozen patents, including the DLP Endothelial Cannula and the Light Line Catheter. His groundbreaking research focuses on novel treatments for endothelial cell failure, and he serves as a primary investigator for cutting-edge clinical trials. His contributions to ophthalmology have earned him prestigious accolades, including the NASA Earth & Space Health Innovation Award, the AMA Healthier Nation Innovation Award, the ASCRS Resident Excellence Award, and the Harry Friedman Research Award.
Dr. de la Presa’s global perspective, shaped by diverse educational and cross-cultural experiences, informs his innovative approach to solving complex medical challenges. He is deeply committed to advancing the field of ophthalmology, serving as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the Kansas Health Science University and collaborating with Project Access to provide vision care to underserved communities.
Dr. de la Presa earned his medical degree from the University of Utah, followed by a general surgery internship at Oregon Health & Science University. He completed his residency in comprehensive ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota and pursued advanced fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the esteemed Cincinnati Eye Institute, a national leader in complex ocular surface disorders.
As a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. de la Presa remains at the forefront of his field. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes him a trusted leader in vision health, transforming lives through restored sight.
I was drawn to ophthalmology because it seamlessly integrates my passion for medicine, science, and patient care into a dynamic and impactful specialty. This field uniquely combines the opportunity to provide primary and specialized care, diagnose and treat a diverse array of conditions, and perform intricate, high-precision surgeries. Ophthalmology allows me to work with patients of all ages, addressing both localized eye conditions and systemic diseases that manifest in the eye.
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I am particularly fascinated by the eye’s role as a window to overall health, where proper management of systemic conditions can significantly enhance ocular outcomes. The ability to restore and preserve vision—a sense so vital to quality of life—fuels my commitment to this field. Ophthalmology represents the perfect convergence of innovation, precision, and compassion, enabling me to make a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives every day.
As an ophthalmic surgeon, I feel profoundly grateful for the opportunity to practice in a field that transforms lives through restored vision. Outreach is my way of giving back to the community, ensuring that those without access to quality eye care can experience the beauty and clarity of the world around them. No one should endure preventable blindness or compromised vision due to lack of resources.
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Engaging in outreach is both humbling and inspiring, reminding me of the immense privilege it is to serve as a physician. By providing care to underserved populations, I am driven to bridge gaps in healthcare access, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. This work reinforces my commitment to compassion and equity in medicine, fueling my passion for ophthalmology.
As a clinician-scientist, I am deeply committed to advancing ophthalmology through research and innovation, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries translate into tangible improvements in patient care. My passion for research stems from a desire to address complex challenges in eye health with integrative thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and a global perspective shaped by my diverse educational and cross-cultural experiences. By combining my entrepreneurial mindset with my expertise in ophthalmology, I aim to develop novel solutions that enhance vision and elevate quality of life for patients worldwide.
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My research focuses on pioneering treatments for endothelial cell failure, and as a primary investigator in cutting-edge clinical trials, I work to push the boundaries of what is possible in ocular care. My innovations, including the DLP Endothelial Cannula and the Light Line Catheter, along with over a dozen patents, reflect my dedication to solving real-world problems in the field. Recognized with prestigious honors such as the NASA Earth & Space Health Innovation Award, the AMA Healthier Nation Innovation Award, the ASCRS Resident Excellence Award, and the Harry Friedman Research Award, my work is driven by a commitment to excellence and impact.
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Inspired by my training at institutions like the University of Utah, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Minnesota, and the Cincinnati Eye Institute, I approach research with a blend of clinical precision and creative problem-solving. Whether investigating new surgical techniques or exploring systemic disease impacts on ocular health, I strive to bridge the gap between laboratory insights and clinical practice. Research not only fuels my curiosity but also reinforces my mission to transform lives through improved vision and health outcomes.
