MEET DR. LIN

Dr. Robert T. Lin founded IQ Laser Vision in 1999 with a mission to deliver exceptional vision correction experiences. For more than 25 years, he has been at the forefront of refractive surgery innovation, ensuring that all IQ Laser Vision Centers utilize cutting-edge technology while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

With over 70,000 successful refractive procedures performed, Dr. Lin stands among California’s most experienced eye surgeons. He believes deeply in personalized care and treats every patient like family, taking time to understand individual needs and concerns.

Pioneer of Micro-LASIK®

Dr. Lin is a recognized pioneer in ultra-thin flap LASIK, holding the trademark for Micro-LASIK® (Trademark #2681144, U.S. Patent Office). His groundbreaking work has been featured on nationally televised programs including Health Watch and Inside Edition, where he has discussed the advantages of Micro-LASIK® and other advanced laser eye procedures.

As a leader in refractive eye surgery, Dr. Lin offers patients access to the latest vision-enhancing technologies, including:

  • Custom Comfort Micro-LASIK
  • SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction – no flap LASIK)
  • EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Lin has served as a Refractive Surgery Consultant for prestigious institutions in China, including:

  • EENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China
  • First Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China

He regularly participates in speaking engagements and lectures around the world, sharing his expertise and training the next generation of refractive surgeons.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (1996-present)
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (1997-present)
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery (1997-present)
  • Refractive Surgery Alliance (2015-present)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS

Dr. Lin is certified and experienced in the most advanced laser vision correction platforms and technologies:

Excimer Lasers:

  • Allegretto Wavelight
  • Nidek EC-5000
  • VISX Star
  • Summit Apex

Femtosecond Lasers:

  • VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (SMILE)
  • Ziemer LDV Femtosecond Laser (All-Laser LASIK)

Advanced Procedures:

  • Topography-Guided Customized Aspheric Treatment Zone (CATz) – Nidek
  • Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
  • Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
  • Intacs corneal stromal rings
  • Kamra inlay
  • Multiple microkeratome systems (Hansatome, Moria, Nidek)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS

Dr. Lin is certified and experienced in the most advanced laser vision correction platforms and technologies:

Excimer Lasers:

  • Allegretto Wavelight
  • Nidek EC-5000
  • VISX Star
  • Summit Apex

Femtosecond Lasers:

  • VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (SMILE)
  • Ziemer LDV Femtosecond Laser (All-Laser LASIK)

Advanced Procedures:

  • Topography-Guided Customized Aspheric Treatment Zone (CATz) – Nidek
  • Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
  • Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
  • Intacs corneal stromal rings
  • Kamra inlay
  • Multiple microkeratome systems (Hansatome, Moria, Nidek)

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Lin is committed to advancing refractive surgery through peer-reviewed research, international presentations, and surgeon education. He actively trains fellow surgeons in ZEISS SMILE and EVO ICL techniques at leading academic institutions and national conferences.

Selected Scientific Publications & Presentations

  1. Helm CJ, Holland GN, Lin RT, et al. A Comparison of Topical Antibiotics in an Animal Model of Mycobacterium fortuitum keratitis. Am. J. Ophthalmology. 116:700-707, 1994.
  2. Lin RT, Holland GN, Helm CJ, et al. Comparative Efficacy of Topical Ciprofloxacin against Mycobacteria fortuitum and Mycobacterium chelonae in an Animal Model of nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis. Am. J. Ophthalmology. 117:657-662, 1994.
  3. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Epithelial Ingrowth After Lamellar Refractive Surgery. Invest Ophthalm Vis Sci. 1997; 38(suppl): 773.
  4. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Flap Complications in Lamellar Refractive Surgery. Eighth Annual Research and Alumni Day, Los Angeles, CA, 1997.
  5. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Epithelial Ingrowth After Lamellar Refractive Surgery. ARVO Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 1997.
  6. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Flap Complications in Lamellar Refractive Surgery. ISRS at AAO Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 1997.
  7. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Incidence of Displaced Flaps or Folds After LASIK. Invest Ophthalm Vis Sci. 1998; 39(suppl): 245.
  8. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Incidence of Displaced Flaps or Folds After LASIK. ARVO Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 1998.
  9. Lin RT, Maloney RK. Flap Complications Associated With Lamellar Refractive Surgery. Am. J. Ophthalmology. 127:129-136, 1999.
  10. Lin RT, Bradley J, Barajas DJ, et al. Safety of LASIK Performed Under Flaps Thinner Than 100 Microns. ISRS at AAO Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 2001.
  11. Lin RT, Barajas DJ, Bradley J, et al. Safety and Accuracy of Creating Corneal Flaps Thinner Than 100 Microns. ISRS at AAO Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 2001.
  12. Lin RT, Kim ES, Bradley J, Barajas DJ. LASEK: A Safe and Effective Option for Patients that Cannot Safely Undergo LASIK. First International LASEK Congress, Houston, TX, 2002.
  13. Bradley J, Kang R, Barajas DJ. Safety of Relifting 100-micron Flaps During LASIK Enhancements. ASCRS Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2002.
  14. Lin RT, Bradley J, Kang R, Barajas DJ. Safety and Accuracy of Corneal Flaps of 100 Microns or Less for LASIK. ASCRS Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2002.
  15. Lin RT, Lu S, Wang LL, Kim ES, Bradley J. Safety of LASIK Performed Under Ultra-thin Corneal Flaps. J. Refractive Surgery. 19 Suppl, 2003.
  16. Lin RT, Bradley J, Kim ES. Comparison of Flaps Created by Blades of 3 Manufacturers for the Nidek MK-2000 Microkeratome. ASCRS Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2003.
  17. Liu ET, Sella R, Goernert P, Kim K, Chen H, Lin RT. Refractive Results with SMILE Using Lower Energy Settings in the United States. PLoS ONE, 2021.
  18. Doane, Augustine, Chu, Foster, Hamilton, Lin, Rivers, Schallhorn, Walton, Wiley. Best Practices & Experience with SMILE. Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, June 2020.
  19. Panelist: “Practice Development and Marketing of EVO ICL.” U.S. Surgeon Council Summit Program, San Antonio, TX, November 2022.
  20. Lin RT. Recommending the EVO ICL to Patients. CRSToday, 2023.
  21. Lin RT. Arcscan Insight 100: Very High Frequency Ultrasound Provides Accurate and Repeatable Imaging and Biometry. Submitted 2023.
  22. Panelist: SMILE Experts Program, ASCRS Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, May 2023.

View Dr. Lin’s full academic profile: Google Scholar | PubMed | ResearchGate | Refractive Surgery Alliance