Michael A. Herion, MD, an ophthalmologist practicing in Mesa, Arizona, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the second consecutive year he has received this professional distinction. The Castle Connolly Top Doctors program annually selects approximately 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians for recognition within their specialties and geographic regions, based on a comprehensive peer-nomination and research process. This recognition matters because it provides patients with an independent, peer-validated indicator of physician excellence in a specialized medical field where technological advancements and surgical precision significantly impact patient outcomes.
Dr. Herion practices at Carrot LASIK and Eye Center, a comprehensive facility serving the greater Phoenix area with advanced surgical and medical vision correction services. As a board-certified specialist, he provides clinical oversight and surgical expertise for procedures including LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), cataract surgery with premium lens implants, refractive lens exchange, and glaucoma management procedures. The practice features an integrated surgical suite and advanced diagnostic imaging center, enabling coordinated care from initial evaluation through treatment without requiring external referrals for standard testing. This integrated approach is critical for optimizing surgical outcomes and patient safety in elective vision correction procedures.
The selection process for Castle Connolly Top Doctors involves peer nominations followed by review by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. According to information published at https://www.castleconnolly.com, nominees are evaluated based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and professional disciplinary histories. Physicians cannot pay to be selected for this recognition. The designation signals expertise recognized by fellow medical professionals through a rigorous selection process that identifies top practitioners in their regions and specialties. For patients considering vision correction surgery, this peer validation offers an important benchmark when evaluating potential surgeons, particularly in a field with numerous technological options and varying practitioner experience levels.
Dr. Herion's medical background includes an ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University and a retina fellowship completed with Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D. in Saint Louis, Missouri. He currently serves as Chief of Ophthalmology at Valleywise Medical Center in Phoenix and holds board certifications from both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Herion has contributed to ophthalmology through clinical research and professional society participation. He has been involved in studies examining the efficacy of laser vision correction and the long-term stability of intraocular lenses, with his academic work supporting the development of best practices in refractive surgery. This combination of clinical leadership, research involvement, and peer recognition through programs like Castle Connolly creates a comprehensive profile of professional excellence that benefits patients seeking high-quality vision care.
