Doctor Richard S. Davidson joined the University of Colorado Eye Center in 2002 as a specialist in cataract, corneal and refractive surgery. He is a Professor of Ophthalmology and holds the Endowed Chair in Eye Care Innovation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In addition, he serves as the Vice Chair for Quality and Clinical Affairs in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Dr. Davidson is also the Team Ophthalmologist for the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets Professional Sports Teams and serves as co-medical director of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank.

Dr. Davidson attended Hahnemann University School of Medicine, in Philadelphia, Pa., from which he graduated in 1997. While there, he was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He then completed his residency at the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he was elected by his peers and supervisors to serve as Chief Resident his final year.

In 2002, Dr. Davidson completed his fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery with Drs. Mark Mannis and Ivan Schwab at the University of California, Davis.

Since joining the University of Colorado Eye Center, Dr. Davidson has presented his research and has given instructional courses at conferences nationally and internationally and authored numerous book chapters and other publications on his specialty. He is actively involved in ongoing clinical research, collaborates in national FDA trials, and is regularly asked by the Colorado media to comment on ophthalmology-related issues.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Davidson has been awarded the 1st Annual Academic Faculty Teaching Award from the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology, the Senior Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the University of Colorado Hospital President’s Award.  In addition, he has been frequently listed as a “Top Doctor” in U.S. News and World Report, Castle Connolly, and the 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2023, 2024, and 2025 issues of Denver lifestyle magazine, 5280.

His expertise includes small incision, no-stitch cataract surgery (including LenSx laser-based cataract surgery), corneal transplantation (including “ultra-thin” DSAEK and DMEK) and refractive procedures such as LASIK and PRK.