Our cornea, external disease, and refractive surgeons are recognized as national and international leaders in the field. They frequently present at national conferences and serve as reviewers for high-profile journals. They are also active members of top organizations such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Additionally, our faculty hold leadership positions with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.
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Meet Our Providers
Sarah Nehls
Heather Potter
Eric Weinlander
Evan Warner
Clinical Care
Our cornea specialists deliver compassionate, world-class care using the latest technology and techniques. With unmatched expertise and access to state-of-the-art equipment, we treat a broad spectrum of corneal and external eye conditions, including cataracts, dry eye, refractive errors, and genetic dystrophies. Our surgeons are the only providers in the immediate region offering certain advanced procedures, such as keratoprosthesis, making them a trusted resource for patients with the most complex needs. Each year, our team performs approximately 1,750 surgeries, drawing patients from across the Midwest who seek our exceptional outcomes and unwavering dedication to their vision and well-being.
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Cataract Surgery
Our surgeons have performed thousands of cataract procedures utilizing the latest advancements in technology, eliminating the need for hospitalization, offering quicker recovery times, and increasing the potential for better vision. We offer a full range of surgical services, including:
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- Phacoemulsification– An extracapsular surgery in which the lens is softened with sound waves and removed through a needle, leaving the back half of the lens capsule intact.
- Extracapsular surgery– The lens is removed, leaving behind the back half of the capsule.
- Intracapsular surgery– The entire lens, including the capsule, is removed.
Refractive Surgery
Our surgeons perform several types of refractive surgery:
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- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)– Uses an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)– Involves creating a flap in the corneal tissue, then using an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of cornea underneath to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- IntraLASIK– The first blade-free laser technology using a laser to make a safer, more precise corneal flap during LASIK surgery
- Custom LASIK– Uses a wavefront analyzer to guide the treatment of additional imperfections in the optical system of the eye called higher- order optical aberrations, reducing the risk of glare, halos around lights or ghost images and delivering better results than current conventional treatment
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Corneal Transplantation
We offer all forms of corneal transplantation, including full-thickness, partial-thickness, and artificial corneal transplants.
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- Full-Thickness Keratoplasty – The most traditional type, replacing the entire thickness of the cornea
- Partial-Thickness Keratoplasty – Including Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), which replaces the front and middle layers of the cornea; and Endothelial Keratoplasty, which replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea. Our surgeons perform both Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). We are also one of the few places in the country performing Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty (DLEK).
- Keratoprosthesis – Replacing the cornea with an artificial cornea
Other Conditions
Dry Eye – We are home to a new, dedicated Dry Eye Clinic, where we are proud to offer the most effective and innovative treatments such as LipiFlow.
Genetic Corneal Dystrophies – A group of inherited eye disorders including Lattice Corneal Dystrophy and Fuchs’ Dystrophy, and keratoconus. Our surgeons are experts in the only FDA-approved corneal cross-linking procedure that slows or halts the progression of keratoconus and helps preserve vision.
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Important Person
Education
Our Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Fellowship offers an exceptional experience for future leaders in cornea and external disease care. Fellows benefit from a dynamic blend of advanced clinical training, surgical excellence, and academic engagement.
Our fellows receive:
- Diverse and High-Volume Surgical Experience – Across premier facilities including University of Wisconsin Hospital, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison Surgery Center, The Laser Center, and NovaMed Surgery Center—ensuring broad exposure and technical mastery.
- Comprehensive Training in Immunologic Eye Disease – Deep expertise in diagnosing and managing complex conditions such as uveitis and scleritis, with hands-on experience in both medical and surgical treatments, including the use of immunomodulatory therapies.
- Academic and Teaching Opportunities – Engage in resident education through teaching, Grand Rounds presentations, and participation in the annual Phacoemulsification course.
Research
The cornea service maintains an active research program and proudly offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, providing access to the latest therapeutic advancements. Please see our clinical trials webpage for a list of current trials.
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