Meet Dr. Rex Hamilton
A Global Leader in Laser Vision Correction and Cataract Surgery
Dr. David Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS, FWCRS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and distinguished LASIK surgeon in Beverly Hills, known worldwide for his expertise in laser vision correction and premium cataract surgery. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hamilton offers personalized care and surgical precision through his private concierge practice, Hamilton Eye Institute.
20+
Years of ICL Experience
SMILE
PIONEER
on the West Coast
200+
Doctors Trained by Dr. Hamilton
Expertise & Procedures
Advanced Training in LASIK, SMILE, PRK & Refractive Cataract Surgery
Dr. Hamilton specializes in a full spectrum of refractive procedures, including LASIK, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), EVO ICL, and refractive lens exchange (RLE). He is also a recognized authority on premium intraocular lens (IOL) technology, including toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus lenses and the Light Adjustable Lens™ used in RLE and cataract surgery.
His patients benefit from advanced technologies and surgical techniques developed through years of clinical research, faculty leadership, and hands-on instruction of future ophthalmic surgeons.
“Refractive surgery isn’t just about correcting vision—it’s about enhancing quality of life with precision, safety, and care.”— Dr. Rex Hamilton
Academic & Professional Background
Educator. Innovator. Engineer-Turned-Physician.
A graduate of Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude) with a double major in physics and mathematics, Dr. Hamilton earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia before obtaining his medical degree from UC Irvine as Co-Valedictorian. He completed his residency at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, followed by a fellowship in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery at Minnesota Eye Consultants under Dr. Richard Lindstrom.
He later served as Professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Director of the UCLA Laser Refractive Center, where he trained over 100 residents and fellows from around the world.
Surgical Firsts & Innovations
A Pioneer in Refractive and Cataract Techniques
Dr. Hamilton has been responsible for numerous surgical firsts in Southern California and at UCLA, including:
- First SMILE procedure on the West Coast
- First Symfony lens implant in Los Angeles
- First to use intraoperative aberrometry at UCLA
- First laser cataract surgery at UCLA
- First to perform custom wavefront-guided LASIK at UCLA
His contributions have helped set new standards for precision and outcomes in refractive surgery.
Research & Publications
Shaping the Future of Vision Correction
Dr. Hamilton has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics such as LASIK safety, corneal imaging, SMILE technique, and lens selection for cataract surgery. He is a frequent invited speaker at global ophthalmology conferences and has delivered more than 150 lectures internationally.
He serves on editorial boards and is an active peer reviewer for leading journals, including Journal of Refractive Surgery, and remains involved in FDA clinical trials for cutting-edge vision technologies.
The publications below highlight Dr. Hamilton’s ongoing contributions to innovation, education, and surgical advancement, underscoring his role as a trusted authority in the field of ophthalmology.
Aspheric versus wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy: Contralateral eye study. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (2015)
Comparison of Posterior Corneal Imaging Before and After LASIK Using Dual Rotating Scheimpflug and Scanning Slit-Beam Corneal Tomography Systems. Journal of Refractive Surgery (2013)
A Technique to Reduce Incidence of Opaque Bubble Layer Formation During LASIK Flap Creation Using the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser. Journal of Refractive Surgery (2017)
Method for IOL Power Calculation in the Second Eye of Patients With Previous Keratorefractive Surgery. Journal of Refractive Surgery (2020)
Professional Leadership
Respected Voice in Ophthalmic Societies
Dr. Hamilton is a Charter Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a long-standing member of organizations including:
- Refractive Surgery Alliance
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
- American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS)
- CEDARS ASPENS Society
He currently serves on the ASCRS Refractive/Cataract Clinical Subcommittee and previously contributed to the AAO Preferred Practice Pattern Committee for Refractive Surgery.
Today at Hamilton Eye Institute
Personalized Vision Correction in Beverly Hills
At Hamilton Eye Institute, Dr. Hamilton offers highly customized vision correction in a calm, concierge-style environment. Whether performing LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, RLE or premium cataract surgery, he is committed to providing every patient with advanced care, thoughtful education, and surgical excellence.
“My goal has always been to combine surgical precision with personalized care—bringing the latest advancements in vision correction to each patient in a way that feels thoughtful, not transactional.”— Dr. Rex Hamilton