Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, MD

Expert Publications

• Hydrogen peroxide stimulates rat colonic prostaglandin production and alters electrolyte transport.
• Immune system control of rat and rabbit colonic electrolyte transport. Role of prostaglandins and enteric nervous system.
• Pathology of corneal endothelium in keratoconus.
• Ectopia of both moieties of ureteral duplication anomalies.

Media Releases

Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, who serves patients in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Dr. Sturbaum is a seasoned ophthalmologist with over 27 years of experience in the field. He moved to Spokane in 1997 and has developed a highly regarded surgical ophthalmology practice – Empire Eye Physicians – where he provides secondary and tertiary eye care. His practice emphasizes advanced anterior segment care including expertise in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, complex or difficult refractive surgical cases and specialized corneal transplantation. His unique training in corneal surgery is a great benefit to the patients of the Inland Northwest.

With over 60 years of excellence in eye care for the State of Washington, Empire Eye Physicians delivers the highest standard of medical and surgical ophthalmology services within a professional and compassionate patient centered environment. Their highly trained staff and outstanding physicians strive to be the leaders in medical eye care and eye surgery by providing the highest quality patient care.

A native of Colorado, Dr. Sturbaum graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 1981, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Colorado State University in 1986, and completing his Post-Baccalaureate education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988. After receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Sturbaum completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. Following residency, he went on to become a corneal specialist with fellowship training at the University of Texas-Houston.

Distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctor attained board certification in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

Maintaining membership status, he is a proud member of the Spokane County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the John B. Graham Honorary Students Research Society.

Among his other roles, Dr. Sturbaum serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Johnson and Johson (since 2018), and Allergan (since 2016). In the past, he was a KOL for TearScience (2016-2017), Alcon Medical (2014-2017), and Abbott Medical Optics (2014-2017), as well as a Committee Member of the Executive Medical Board for the Valley Outpatient Surgery Center (2001-2006).

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. Ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and may perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

An authority in his field, Dr. Sturbaum has been the recipient of The Leading Physicians of the World – Top Ophthalmologist (2012), Consumer Research Council of America – America’s Top Ophthalmologist (2003), America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals Award (2003), National Directory of Medical Specialists (2001-2003), and Strathmore’s Who’s Who List of Professionals Award (2001-2003).

Recommended Articles

• How to Prepare for Lasik Eye Surgery

  Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), commonly referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is a revolutionary new technology that corrects distortion in vision using focused laser beams to remove corneal tissue. The reconstruction of the surface of the cornea enables it...

• Differences Between Optometrists, Opticians, and Ophthalmologists

  Safeguarding Your VisionWe are all dependent on our vision in more ways than we realize. Without a healthy vision, we would be unable to smoothly do a lot of things. Our vision enables us to properly work and recognize faces and objects.There are numerous factors that can affect our eyes, including...

• How Is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?

  What is sarcoidosis?Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease, which is characterized by the growth of granulomas or tiny collections of inflammatory cells in various parts of the body. When the immune system is slowed down and when these numerous clumps form, they tend to interfere with the organ’s...

• Is Shingles Contagious? How Do You Get Shingles?

  Shingles is a contagious viral infection that is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus affects a particular nerve section, causing painful rashes on the skin connected to that particular nerve. The rash normally appears in a form of a band on any...

• Should I Opt for Cataracts Surgery?

  Cataracts is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the light entering the eye, thus affecting vision. Surgery is one of the most common options to treat cataracts and improve vision. It is performed by an ophthalmologist and in most cases, is an outpatient procedure. Cataracts is an eye...

• What Is Astigmatism?

  Normally, the eye, cornea, and lens can easily focus light rays on the retina. The disease known asastigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea, and it can produce a clear, round dome covering the iris and pupil.The cornea and lens remain smooth and are always curved equally in all...