Introduction:
Carl Hartman, M.D., F.A.C.S. (known as “Dr. Carl”) joined his father, Dr. Ronald Hartman, and Dr. Larry Pasquali in practice in 1990. Over the past 30 years he has established himself as one of California’s leading authorities on refractive and cataract surgery and has continued to build SoCal Eye into one of the most respected Ophthalmology practices in the United States. His staunch commitment to delivering the highest level of patient care is central to the practice’s success and he believes that there is no better compliment than a referral from a former patient.
Dr. Carl grew up locally and is a graduate of Lakewood High School. He attended the University of Southern California and received his Doctor of Medicine from Chicago Medical School. Dr Hartman completed his internship and residency in Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine. He later joined the University’s clinical staff and also became a clinical professor of Ophthalmology teaching ophthalmologic surgery and neuro-ophthalmology to other physicians, and actively proctors newly trained surgeons. This is a role that he maintains today and is a source of great pride in supporting a new generation of Ophthalmologists.
Dr. Carl Hartman is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S), a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology with specialization in refractive and cataract surgery. Dr Carl has performed LASIK, PRK and Cataract surgeries on many thousands of patients, including many fellow physicians, surgeons, community leaders, and family members (including his wife and brother). He is certified in laser vision correction technology that includes LASIK, PRK, PRKa, PTK, RK, AK, clear corneal sutureless lensectomy, as well as the latest accommodating, multifocal and toric intraocular lenses. He is also certified in the newest WaveFront and Femtosecond laser vision correction procedures.
Dr. Hartman has been named a “Physician of Excellence” by the Orange County Medical Association for many consecutive years, “Best Ophthalmologist” by the Long Beach Press Telegraph Reader’s Choice Survey, Teacher of the Year at UC Irvine, a “Top Physician” by US News and World Report , and one of “Southern California’s Best Physicians” by peers.
Meet Dr. Carl – In his own words:
Why did you become an ophthalmologist?
I was in awe of my father, founder of our practice, coming home every day thrilled with saving and restoring the sight of his many patients. He never stopped expressing how lucky he was to have found a profession that had such a positive effect on so many. Clearly, joining him in practice has been one of the most wonderful blessings in my life.
What do you enjoy most about being an ophthalmologist?
Helping my patients achieve their visual goals in a caring, friendly environment is my primary concern. It gives me great joy when I hear that a patient found my practice through a friend or family member that was happy with our care and service. Being able to serve my patients, while having practiced alongside my father, is a blessing beyond description
If there was one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be?
Despite the fact that I’ve been in practice for 30 years, and performed tens of thousands of surgeries, each and every patient is and will always be more important to me than words can describe. I am incredibly honored to have them place the preservation and restoration of their sight in the hands of our group.
Why should a patient go to SoCal Eye?
Caring for our community since 1964, our Board Certified Ophthalmologists have carried our reputation on the fact that we treat everyone as if they are family. University level state of the art technology, as well as a conservative and caring philosophy are just some of the reasons that SoCal Eye has been, and will continue to be, amongst the finest practices in the world.
Outside the SoCal Eye practice, Dr. Carl Hartman holds leadership positions at Lakewood Regional Medical and Los Alamitos Medical Center, he serves as an expert in ophthalmology for the state of California and helped establish national benchmarks for ophthalmic standard of care for the U.S. Medicare system.
Married to wife Elise since 1987, Dr. Carl enjoys family, friends, music, sports, and tropical gardening (he propagates and grows over 200 species of palms and cycads). Aside from his gardens, which have been featured in Sunset Magazine, his number one pride and joy is daughter Shelby. Dr. Carl holds a black belt in Hapkido and is a tri-athlete who also plays tennis, scuba dives, and does extreme downhill skiing. As a musician, he plays trombone in several local ensembles.
Ocular Conditions and Procedures:
- LASIK and PRK surgery
- Cataract Surgery
- Pterygium excision
- Iris repair
- Intraocular lens exchange and sutured lenses
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye
- Blepharitis
Education & Training:
1991 | Board Certification | American Board of Ophthalmology |
1991 | FACS | Fellow of the American College of Surgeons |
1987-1990 | Ophthalmology Residency | University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA |
1986-1987 | Internship – Internal Medicine | University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA |
1982-1986 | Medical School – MD | Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL |
1978-1982 | Undergraduate Degree | University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA |
Appointments.
- Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine
- Expert Reviewer, State of California, California Medical Board
- Certified Excimer Laser Instructor, Nidek International
- Clinical and Surgical Teaching Staff, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
- Clinical and Surgical Teaching Staff, Long Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center
- One of America’s Top Ophthalmologists, Consumer’s Research Council of America
- Refractive Surgeon, California Optometric Laser Associates