With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Carlos Montoya Jr. is a visionary leader in ophthalmology. Inspired by his father’s legacy, he has performed over 90,000 surgeries and ranks among the top cataract surgeons in Southern California. Committed to serving Los Angeles' Latino community, Dr. Montoya uses advanced techniques to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, helping patients achieve their best vision.
- Carlos Montoya, M.D.
Dr. Montoya's academic journey began at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned both undergraduate and medical degrees. Additionally, his research was published in top journals, including the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Upon completing medical school, Dr. Montoya undertook an internship at UCLA/West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. He then pursued an ophthalmology residency at Nassau County Medical Center/Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. There, he refined his skills in advanced cataract surgery techniques. He also gained specialization in LASIK and cosmetic eyelid procedures.
To date, Dr. Montoya has performed over 90,000 surgeries, including cataract, glaucoma, LASIK, PRK, and SMILE procedures. His vast experience has earned him the trust of patients and physicians alike. Notably, he ranks among Southern California’s top cataract surgeons by volume.
Outside his professional work, Dr. Montoya values spending time with his wife and three children. Additionally, he stays active through weightlifting, cycling, and martial arts, valuing both physical and mental well-being.
"I just had SMILE (laser eye surgery) with Dr. Montoya last week. The whole process was great and went smoothly. Dr. Montoya and his staff are so kind and attentive..."
"Dr. Carlos Montoya is a very professional Ophthalmologist & moreover, he's an extremely skillful eye surgeon ! He did my cataract..."
"Got the new Smile eye surgery so I will no longer have to wear glasses greatest decision of my life and thankfully I had the greatest staff by my side..."
"Great staff very profesional! My mom has been coming here for many years never had a problem with services she has received. She has gotten surgery..."
A: "My father definitely sparked my interest in ophthalmology. At an early age, I remember watching him operate. He received such great satisfaction and joy in ophthalmology. That is when I realized I wanted to pursue this career.”
Dr. Carlos Montoya Jr. was inspired from a young age by his father, Dr. Carlos Montoya Sr., a renowned ophthalmologist and founder of St. Lucia Eye Center. He witnessed the profound impact his father had on patients and the joy he found in restoring sight. These experiences left a lasting impression and sparked Dr. Montoya’s passion for ophthalmology.
Spending time in his father’s clinic, Dr. Montoya observed surgeries and saw how compassionate care could change lives. His curiosity grew, eventually shaping his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in ophthalmology.
A: "I find great passion in the surgical portion of ophthalmology because the results are so immediate.”
Dr. Carlos Montoya Jr. is deeply passionate about the surgical side of ophthalmology, particularly for its immediate and transformative results. He finds great satisfaction in performing cataract surgery, LASIK, and other corrective procedures, as they often lead to significant vision improvements and rapid enhancements in patients' quality of life. Furthermore, the quick results offer both him and his patients an immediate sense of fulfillment.
The day after surgery is always rewarding for Dr. Montoya. Witnessing the joy and relief on his patients’ faces as they experience clearer vision for the first time reminds him why he chose this field. It’s not just about restoring sight—it’s about restoring independence, confidence, and a better quality of life. As a result, these moments reinforce his commitment to the work he does.
Moreover, his dedication to staying at the forefront of surgical advancements guarantees that patients receive the best care possible. Every surgery provides a new opportunity to positively impact someone’s life, further demonstrating the effectiveness of timely treatment.
A: “I believe patients should feel comfortable here because of my extensive surgical experience. Having performed a high volume of surgeries, I’ve gained valuable expertise. In addition to my experience, I always promise to provide my patients with an honest evaluation.”
Dr. Carlos Montoya brings over 25 years of experience and more than 90,000 surgeries to his practice, specializing in cataract, glaucoma, LASIK, and cosmetic eyelid surgeries. This extensive background equips him to handle even the most complex cases with precision. Additionally, his expertise allows him to deliver exceptional results for a diverse range of patients.
What sets Dr. Montoya apart is his unwavering commitment to transparency and patient-centered care. He recognizes that every patient’s needs are unique, so he takes the time to offer a thorough, honest evaluation. Consequently, patients can make well-informed decisions about their eye health, confident that they are receiving the best possible guidance.
Additionally, Dr. Montoya combines advanced technology, vast experience, and genuine compassion to ensure patients receive not only expert care but also personalized attention. His commitment to excellence and integrity ultimately provides patients with the comfort and confidence they deserve throughout their entire journey.
A: “Our courteous and friendly staff is definitely what sets us apart from the rest. They are knowledgeable and go the extra step for each and every patient. They have been trained to take the patient through each and every step before and after surgery.”
At St. Lucia Eye Center, we’ve proudly served the Los Angeles community for over 35 years, providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Since 1985, our mission has been to improve lives through exceptional vision care.
Our staff plays a crucial role in our success. With extensive training, they guide patients through every step, ensuring comfort and confidence from consultation to recovery.
We understand that eye surgery can be intimidating, which is why our team takes the time to explain each step and address any concerns, creating a calm and supportive environment.
For more than three decades, St. Lucia Eye Center has earned a strong reputation for both medical expertise and compassionate care. We remain dedicated to providing advanced treatments while maintaining the personal touch our patients trust.
Ready to see the world more clearly? Call us today or book an appointment online. Our bilingual team is ready to assist you in Spanish or English.
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