Dr. Robert Schultze
Robert L. Schultze, M.D., F.A.C.S
Dr. Schultze serves as Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Cornea, Cataract, and Laser Vision Correction Surgery at the Albany Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology Lions Eye Institute. He is Medical Director and a founding partner of his medical practice, Cornea Consultants of Albany, the Lions Eye Bank at Albany and TLC Laser Eye Center. He is a leading authority on cataract, cornea and laser vision correction surgery with 25 years of experience.
Education
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Schultze received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1994 where he was distinguished with the Lamport Biomedical Research Award. Upon completion of ophthalmology residency at Albany Medical College in 1998, Dr. Schultze elected to further his education with one additional year of specialty fellowship training in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery also at the Albany Medical College.
Awards and Recognitions
- Perennially recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Hudson Valley Magazine, Castle Connolly, and the Consumer Research Council of America
- “Golden Apple Teaching Award” from the Albany Med Ophthalmology Residents
- “Best of Show” award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- “First Place” from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery for his video productions demonstrating his techniques in advanced corneal surgery
- “Best Paper of Session” award for his research
- American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “Honor Award” and “Senior Honor Award”
- “Professional of the Year” in 2014 for his service to the Northeastern Association for the Blind.
Cataract Surgery
On the cutting edge of the latest developments in advanced technology lens implants, Dr. Schultze was the first area surgeon to place the Restor multifocal lens, the blue light filtering PanOptix trifocal lens and the Vivity Extended Vision Lens for presbyopia as well as the Verisyse lens for high near-sightedness. He has been performing femtosecond laser surgery since its introduction to the market and is the first area surgeon to perform procedures on both the Catalys and LensX laser platforms. He was also selected as Primary Investigator on an FDA study evaluating Toric lens correction of high astigmatism in cataract surgery.
Dr. Schultze using 3D technology to teach the next generation of surgeons
What our patients have to say
“I love their professional team and the enthusiastic environment. Dr.Schultze is the best and truly cares for his patients. He treated my eye infection I got from Lasik surgery at Lasik Plus. He is very skilled and competent in the field that I got referred to. Highly recommend!” – V. Consolo
Laser Vision Correction Surgery
Dr. Schultze has performed more laser vision correction procedures than any Capital District surgeon. He was selected as one of only 50 U.S. surgeons to serve as a VISX and Intralase Trainer (proctors other surgeons on the use of the lasers). He was also the first area surgeon to perform CustomLasik and blade-free LASIK on both the VISX and Alcon Wavelight platforms. Dr. Schultze has also participated in several national multi-center trials including an FDA-monitored trial for excimer laser correction of farsightedness and astigmatism.
Cornea Transplant Surgery
One of the first surgeons in the country to perform partial thickness cornea transplants in 2001, Dr. Schultze has been instrumental in the development of DSAEK and DMEK in the northeastern United States. Numerous residents, fellows, and established regional surgeons have come to observe him operate and share his expertise. A frequent lecturer at most major ophthalmic meetings, Dr. Schultze has presented his research in Panama, Greece, China, India and Italy.
Giving Back to the Profession and Community
Dr. Schultze serves as Director of the Albany Medical Center Cornea Fellowship Program and has previously served as Ophthalmology Residency Program Director and Director of Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology. He teaches medical students, residents, and fellows the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in ophthalmology.
On a national level, Dr. Schultze has participated in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Committee on Eye Banks, Annual Program Committee and the Basic and Clinical Science Course Section 2 Committee. For the Eye Bank Association of America, he has served on the Medical Advisory Board, the Committee on International Relations and the Accreditation Board. Dr. Schultze works with the American Board of Ophthalmology as an Examiner and on the Question Writing Committee working to help administer the exam and improve the examination process for new candidates. Locally, he also has served on the Northeastern Association for the Blind at Albany’s Board of Directors for eight years.
Personal Philosophy
Personally Dr. Schultze remains true to his Pittsburgh, middle-class upbringing. Philosophically he is a realist and an eternal optimist, telling it like it is while offering hope. He strives for personal excellence in every aspect of his life and is most proud of his two adult children Amanda and Robert who remind him every day how much more he still has to learn. To learn more about Dr. Schultze, click here.
Schedule a consultation
To schedule a consultation, contact us today at 518.475.1515. Our practice serves Slingerlands, New York, and surrounding areas.
