MESA, AZ – January 20, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Carrot LASIK & Eye Center is highlighting Dr. Matthew Hammond’s distinction as one of only three World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences (WCRS) Fellows in Mesa, Arizona. The newly published article, Dr. Matthew Hammond: Mesa’s World College of Refractive Surgery Fellow, details how this rare certification sets Dr. Hammond apart from the overwhelming majority of LASIK providers both locally and nationwide. With Dr. Hammond and his co-founder Dr. Michael Herion both holding WCRS fellowships, Carrot LASIK & Eye Center has two of the three WCRS surgeons in Mesa, AZ. WCRS Fellowship is held by fewer than 3.33% of refractive surgeons across the United States and is granted only after an intensive evaluation process by peer surgeons. The certification confirms not only a high volume of surgical procedures but also proficiency in LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and ICL through independent oral examinations and ongoing refractive surgery education. This announcement establishes Carrot LASIK & Eye Center as a destination for patients seeking validated surgical excellence in vision correction.
The article explains that more than 19,000 ophthalmologists are licensed in the United States, and while an estimated 6,000 have performed laser vision correction procedures over the past 25 years, the vast majority have done so after completing manufacturer training programs. In contrast, WCRS Fellows must submit to a peer-reviewed credentialing process that confirms advanced surgical training and outcomes across a range of refractive procedures. Dr. Hammond’s certification, listed in the official WCRS directory, signals a higher level of specialization than general ophthalmology board certification alone. While many ophthalmologists hold the same board credentials, they may lack substantial hands-on experience with laser vision correction. Dr. Hammond pursued WCRS Fellowship to demonstrate his continued commitment to refractive surgery and adherence to global standards of care.
Dr. Hammond’s expertise is reinforced by a decade of active-duty military service as an ophthalmologist, including his role as Chief of Ophthalmology and Director of Warfighter Refractive Surgery at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. In this position, he led surgical teams responsible for providing vision correction procedures to military personnel whose careers depended on flawless visual outcomes. Vision correction in combat zones and aviation roles demands an exacting standard not often replicated in civilian practice. The procedures Dr. Hammond performed under these conditions reflect a level of precision and accountability that adds further weight to his WCRS Fellowship. According to the article, his military training helped instill systematic preoperative planning, detailed patient assessments, and a commitment to excellence that now informs every aspect of his civilian surgical practice.
The WCRS certification process is designed to eliminate ambiguity in a field where marketing can overshadow credentials. The Phoenix metropolitan area has become a competitive market for LASIK and other refractive procedures, with patients frequently facing a barrage of promotional claims and advertising language that lacks clinical backing. WCRS provides transparency by verifying which surgeons meet peer-reviewed international standards of excellence. Dr. Hammond’s listing as a Fellow is not based on self-submitted claims, but rather on verified documentation of surgical outcomes, board evaluations, oral exams, and continuing education specific to refractive care. This distinction helps patients in the greater Mesa and Phoenix areas make informed decisions when seeking a qualified surgeon for permanent vision correction.
The article also highlights Dr. Hammond’s personal experience undergoing LASIK, giving him a unique perspective on patient concerns, expectations, and recovery. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, this insight supports a patient-centered model that combines military rigor with personalized care. Dr. Hammond’s approach includes more than standard surgical protocols; it involves extended preoperative assessments, individualized treatment planning, and a follow-up process that prioritizes outcome optimization over efficiency metrics. The practice’s East Valley location allows patients in Mesa and the surrounding communities to receive the same level of refractive surgical care typically available only at military medical centers or academic institutions.
Carrot LASIK & Eye Center emphasizes transparency and accessibility in an environment where patients often feel overwhelmed by marketing-driven decisions. As the article explains, refractive surgery involves permanent changes to the cornea and demands an informed, deliberate process led by a surgeon with verifiable credentials. Dr. Hammond’s combination of WCRS Fellowship, military leadership, surgical training under combat conditions, and current role at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center represents a rare convergence of factors that elevate the standard of care available locally.
To read the full article, Dr. Matthew Hammond: Mesa’s World College of Refractive Surgery Fellow, or for more information about Dr. Hammond’s qualifications, visit Carrot LASIK & Eye Center. Reporters interested in obtaining expert commentary on refractive surgery, credentialing standards, or the WCRS Fellowship process may contact the practice directly for interview requests.
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For more information about Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, contact the company here:
Carrot LASIK & Eye Center
Carrot LASIK
(480) 561-6000
info@carroteyecenter.com
1500 S Dobson Rd #313, Mesa, AZ 85202
