Dr. Earl D.R. Kidwell Jr., M.D.

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Earl D.R. Kidwell Jr., who serves patients in Washington, D.C.

Thriving ophthalmologist, Dr. Kidwell Jr., specializes in the art of cataract and oculoplastic surgery. He holds the roles of Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Director of Oculoplastics Services at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. 

Over the course of its 145-year history of providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary health care services, Howard University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, has become one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. A private, nonprofit institution, it is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. It offers medical students a superior learning environment and opportunities to observe or participate in ground-breaking clinical and research work with professionals who are changing the face of health care.

After graduating with his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1973, Dr. Kidwell Jr. went on to further his education, He served his residency in ophthalmology at The Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, becoming the first African American resident there. His postgraduate training was performed at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Licensed to practice medicine in Maryland and Washington D.C., he is board-certified in ophthalmology by American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists (eye physicians and surgeons) in the United States. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

An expert in his field, Dr. Kidwell Jr. has been the recipient of Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2015, 2016, 2018) and Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2018).

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