
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. He is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a clinical professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Carl’s extensive refractive and cataract surgery credentials include certification in LASIK, PRK, PRKa, PTK, RK, AK, clear corneal sutureless lensectomy, and corneal transplantation, as well as the latest accommodating, multifocal and toric intraocular lenses. He is also certified in the newest WaveFront and IntraLASIK laser vision correction procedures. Thousands of patients, including many fellow physicians, surgeons, community leaders, and family members (including his wife and brother) have chosen Dr. Carl to perform their surgery.
Outside the SoCal Eye practice, Dr. Carl Hartman currently serves as an expert in ophthalmology for the state of California. As a designated expert, his testimony and opinions are used to regulate ophthalmologists within the state, often with regards to refractive surgery. At the federal level, Dr. Carl has helped establish national benchmarks for ophthalmic standard of care as it pertains to the U.S. Medicare system. At the local level, his leadership responsibilities have included being chief of staff and chairman of the department of surgery at Lakewood Regional Medical Center, as well as a member of the medical executive committee at Los Alamitos Medical Center. Dr. Carl Hartman is one of only three surgeons selected by the California Optometric Laser Associates to work with optometrists throughout Southern California to establish higher standards of care in the co-management of laser vision correction patients. Other honors include being named a “Physician of Excellence” by the Orange County Medical Association, “Best Ophthalmologist” by the Long Beach Press-Telegram Reader’s Choice Survey, a “Top Physician” by U.S. News and World Report, and one of “Southern California’s Best Physicians” as chosen by his peers.
But, in Dr. Carl’s view, teaching others is the ultimate honor. He lectures and teaches ophthalmologic surgery and neuro-ophthalmology to other physicians, and actively proctors newly trained surgeons at a number of institutions. A particular source of pride for Dr. Carl Hartman is winning the “Outstanding Teaching Professor of the Year” award four times at the University of California, Irvine. As both a clinical investigator and co-author, he also maintains an active role in research.
Dr. Carl grew up locally and is a graduate of Lakewood High School. He attended the University of Southern California, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. In 1982, Dr. Carl Hartman moved to Chicago, where he received his Doctor of Medicine from Chicago Medical School. In 1987, he completed a full Internal Medicine internship at the University of California, Irvine. It was here that Dr. Carl also completed his residency in ophthalmology, and served as chief resident during his final year. He passed the boards in ophthalmology with honors immediately thereafter, and accepted a position on the university’s clinical staff.
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.
According to Dr. Carl, “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 who was happy with our care and service. Being able to serve my patients, while practicing alongside my father, is a blessing beyond description.”
Board Certification
EDUCATION
Los Angeles, CA
Major: Biological Sciences/Marine Biology
Degree: Bachelor of Science with Honors
North Chicago, IL
Doctor of Medicine
Irvine, CA
Internal Medicine Internship
Irvine, CA
Ophthalmology Residency
Chief Resident, 1989-1990
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
REFRACTIVE SURGERY CREDENTIALS
Actively performing refractive surgery since entering practice in 1990
Lecturer and Instructor for Multiple Refractive Surgery Seminars
Ophthalmology Residency with training in Corneal Transplantation, under Chairman Richard Keates, M.D.
Corneal Transplantation and Refractive Surgery Techniques, Max Fine, M.D.
Corneal and Refractive Surgery Course, Herbert Kaufman, M.D.
Radial and Astigmatic Keratotomy Certification, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Keratorefractive Surgery and Certification, Miles Friedlander, M.D.
Advanced Refractive Surgery and Astigmatism Update and Recertification in Modern Refractive Surgery Techniques, Lee Nordan, M.D.
VISX University Excimer Laser System Certification
VISX CustomVue Laser Correction Certification
Phacorefractive Surgery, The Barnet Dulaney Eye Foundation
Corneal Topography and Refractive Surgery Update, Beckman Laser Institute at Universityof California, Irvine
Advanced Corneal Topography, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Advanced Refractive Keratoplasty, American Academy of Ophthalmology
C-LASIK: Lamellar Refractive Surgery Certification, Stephen G. Slade, M.D.
LASIK and Hansatome Certification, Stephen G. Slade, M.D.
NIDEK Excimer Laser Certification
IntraLASIK Certification, Intralase Corporation
Wavefront CustomVue Certification, VISX Corporation
VISX Fourier Wavefront Certification, VISX Corporation
CustomVue Hyperopia and Hyperopic Astigmatism Certification, VISX Corporation
Certified Refractive Surgeon, Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance Certification (CRSQA)
Z-LASIK Femtosecond Certification, Zeimer Corporation
Ongoing continuing education courses, recertifications, academic meetings, and attendance
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
American Society of Corneal and Refractive Surgery
Refractive Surgery Interest Group – American Academy of Ophthalmology
International Society of Refractive Surgery
Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity – President, Beta Tau Chapter, 1984-1985
Los Angeles County Medical Association
Long Beach Medical Association
California Medical Association
American Medical Association
Orange County Society of Ophthalmology
Orange County Medical Association
RESEARCH
Principle Investigator — Visiogen Study SYNC-601-IOL: A prospective multi-center clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Synchrony dual optic intraocular lens in patients undergoing cataract extraction (Phase 1)
Principle Investigator — Visiogen Study SYNC-601-IOL: A prospective multi-center clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Synchrony dual optic intraocular lens in patients undergoing cataract extraction (Phase 2)
Subinvestigator — Study AZ04; Collaborative Neuroscience
Subinvestigator — Study DSP; Collaborative Neuroscience
Subinvestigator — Study Seroquel D1443-C0040; Collaborative Neuroscience
Subinvestigator — Lens Opacification Classification System III; Forest II study; CNS
Subinvestigator — Lens Opacification Classification System III; Forest 36 study; CNS
Clinical Investigator: Ophthalmologic effects of Interferon in treating Hepatitis C, 2003
Clinical Investigator: Allergan, Inc. – Efficacy of Bimatoprost (lumigan) in lowering intraocular pressure in chronic open angle glaucoma, 2002
Clinical Investigator: Pharmacia – 920 Silicone Foldable Intraocular Lens in Small Incision Cataract Surgery, 1998
In vitro study of “Incisional Refractive Surgery using Investigational Endothelial Microscopy Guided Diamond Knife,” 1996
Computerized Vector Analysis of Corneal Astigmatism Based on Surgical Technique, 1996
Clinical Investigator Chiron Ophthalmics Collagen Shields in Ophthalmic Surgery, 1992
Ophthalmologic Examiner grading Cataract Formation Secondary to usage of FDA investigational Cholesterol Lowering Medication, 1990
Clinical Investigator for trials of “Cytomegalovirus Retinopathy Suppression in AIDS Patients using Gancyclovir (DHPG)” University of California, Irvine, 1989
“Leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve head,” 1988
“Fluorophotometric comparison of tear flow and corneal permeability in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and normal subjects” Presented at ARVO, 1987
University of California Irvine “Quantitative conjunctival impression cytology in diseases of mucin deficiency” Presented at ARVO, 1985
University of Southern California Institute of Marine & Coastal Studies, Catalina, CA “Underwater studies using SCUBA of the subtidal flora & fauna interactions,” 1977-1978
STAFF SURGICAL PRIVILEGES
ELECTED POSITIONS AND COMMITTEES
Chief of Staff, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Vice Chief of Staff, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Chairman – Department of Surgery, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Medical Executive Committee, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Medical Executive Committee, Los Alamitos Medical Center
Governing Board, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Chairman – Operating Room Operations Committee, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Chairman – Credentials, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Chairman – Utilization Review / Medical Records, Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Patient Safety Committee, Los Alamitos Medical Center
Bylaws Committee, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Utilization Review, Lakewood Health Plan
Utilization Review, Long Beach Memorial IPA
Chairman – Credentials, Lakewood Eye Physicians SurgiCenter
Utilization Review, Community Care Network
Board of Directors, Lakewood Physicians Association
Program Director, Orange County Medical Association/ University of California, Irvine Student Shadowing Program
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
Multifocal and Accommodating Intraocular Lens Implantation with Cataract or Clear Lens Extraction
Orange County Society Of Ophthalmology
Refractive & Anterior Segment Surgery Course and Wet Lab, Principal Instructor
University of California, Irvine and Alcon Laboratories
Phacoemulsification and Modern Intraocular Lens Implantation, Principal Instructor
University of California, Irvine
Trilateral Retinoblastoma and Gene Mutations in Retinoblastoma
Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore
Quantitative Impression Cytology in Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
New York University
Epithelial Damage and Corneal Permeability Changes Measured by Flourphotometry
University of Chicago / Pritzker School of Medicine
Future Trends and Advanced Techniques in Refractive Surgery
Rio Hondo Optometric Society
Monocular and Binocular Diplopia,
University of Southern California Doheny Eye Hospital
Modern Advances in Excimer Laser Technology
Vail Multi-disciplinary Medical Conference
Advanced Techniques in Incisional and Laser Assisted Refractive Surgery
Annual Aspen Medical Conference
Corneal Transplantation, Advanced Techniques and Innovations, Key Note Speaker
Lions Club of Southern California
Ophthalmologic Emergencies and Ocular Trauma, Telluride Medical Meeting
Swelling of the Optic Nerve — Neuropathies, Neuritis, and Compression
Rio Hondo Optometric Society
Surgery of the Anterior Segment — History, Current Techniques, and Advances Management and Gold Team
Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
Trends and Innovations in Refractive Surgery
Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
Orbital Tumors and Proptosis — Diagnosis and Treatment
University of California, Irvine
Many ongoing lectures to fellow physicians, medical staffs, resident physicians, medical students, as well as philanthropies and community organizations.
PUBLICATIONS
Hartman C., Feinerman G. Artificial Intelligence Training in Myopic LASIK Surgery. Presented at the Sixth Annual Nidek International Excimer Laser Symposium, December 2000
Cataract Extraction: Techniques, Trends, and Advances, The Orbiter Optometric Journal
Cataract Extraction: Complications and Management, The Orbiter Optometric Journal
Corneal Topography and Analysis, The Orbiter Optometric Journal
IntraLASIK, “All Laser LASIK”, The Orbiter Optometric Journal
Parameters and Contraindications for Refractive Surgery, The Orbiter Optometric
Articles published in “The Palm Journal”
The Journal for the Southern California Palm Society:
INVENTIONS
Hartman Microsurgical Diamond Knife (patent pending)
HONORS AND AWARDS
Eagle Scout
National Award for Meritorious Action, Boy Scouts of America (awarded for the saving of a life)
Outstanding Senior Award
Department of Music
Lakewood Senior High School
Bank of America Regional Scholarship in Fine Arts
Kiwanis Scholarship for Academic Achievement
Spirit of Troy Award, awarded to the “Most Inspirational Senior”
University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band
Recognized for 20 years of volunteer service to the Veterans Administration (since 1990)
Volunteering to attend and perform surgery on the Veterans of The United States of America
First Degree Black Belt in the Korean martial art of Hapkido; June 2010
Physician of Excellence, Orange County Medical Association
Orange Coast Magazine
Outstanding Clinical Professor of the Year: Received 4 years
Department of Ophthalmology
University of California, Irvine
Volunteer of the Year 2006-2007
City of Huntington Beach, California
Distinguished Arts Award, Visual Arts — Awarded to Elise and Carl Hartman
One of a select few surgeons chosen by the California Optometric Laser Associates (COLA) to work with optometrists throughout Southern California to establish higher standards of care in the co-management of laser vision correction patients.
“Southern California’s Best Physicians”
As chosen by a poll of physicians
“LA’s Best Doctors”
Los Angeles Magazine
Voted Best Ophthalmologist
Long Beach Press-Telegram
Readers’ Choice survey
Named “Top Doctor”
U.S. News and World Report
AVOCATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Liga International “Flying Physicians of Mercy”
National Hapkido Center, 1st Degree Black Belt
John Russo’s Fabulous Big Band, Lead Trombone
Beach City Big Band, Lead Trombone
Hans Schmeltzer’s German – American Brass Band
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific – Pacific Circle
Executive Board – Boy Scouts of America
Eagle Scout Board of Review – Boy Scouts of America
Long Beach Police Officers Association
Long Beach Police Motor Patrol Association
Los Alamitos Police Officers Association
Live Auctioneer for Many Philanthropies
Palm Society of Southern California
International Palm Society
Kofu Kai Bonsai Society