Remembering Michael Colvard, MD

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Michael Colvard, a beloved ophthalmologist, educator, and humanitarian, on September 18, 2024.

Born in Atlanta, Dr. Colvard pursued his medical education through Emory University’s combined undergraduate-M.D. program, graduating with honors as a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in 1978, followed by an anterior segment fellowship with Dr. Richard P. Kratz in 1979.

Dr. Colvard established a distinguished private practice in Encino, where he specialized in lens-based surgery. A dedicated member of the Doheny Eye Institute’s voluntary clinical staff since 1981, he also served as a Clinical Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Over the years, Dr. Colvard received numerous accolades, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “Honor Award” and “Senior Honor Award.” He was consistently recognized as one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” and “America’s Best Doctors,” and was named among “Southern California’s Super Doctors” by LA Magazine and featured in KCET’s “Best of LA.”

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Colvard was a prolific contributor to the field of ophthalmology. He served as editor and principal contributor to the textbook Achieving Excellence in Cataract Surgery and as new technology editor for Review of Ophthalmology. He also contributed as an editor for the cataract section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Focal Points. A trailblazer in innovation, Dr. Colvard held multiple patents for ophthalmic devices, including the widely used Colvard Pupillometer, and served as a medical monitor for several FDA clinical studies on intraocular lenses.

Dr. Colvard’s commitment to service extended far beyond the clinic. As founder and medical director of the Friends of Vision Foundation, he supported medical and educational charities in developing countries and served on the Board of Directors for SEE International. For over 30 years, he volunteered as a cataract surgeon in underserved regions and founded Colvard Learning Systems, which developed childhood reading programs adopted by the Global Literacy Project to promote education in impoverished areas of the U.S. and abroad. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, the Doheny Professional Association proudly honored Dr. Colvard as the 2015 Doheny Distinguished Alumnus.

In addition to his humanitarian and educational initiatives, Dr. Colvard was a generous supporter of the Doheny Eye Institute. He prioritized education both locally and globally, providing resources to help residents deliver high-quality care to indigent patients at the County hospital. Through his philanthropy, Dr. Colvard facilitated the acquisition of surgical devices, equipment, and supplies to enhance patient care.

Dr. Colvard’s legacy extends beyond his exceptional professional achievements and humanitarian efforts. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, boundless dedication, and enduring impact on the field of ophthalmology and the countless lives he touched around the world.