Lawrence C.R. Tafoya, M.D., Ph.D.

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Ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon

Expertise

Dr. Tafoya is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and glaucoma care, including advanced cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). With a strong commitment to community health and patient education, he emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making so patients feel informed, confident, and actively involved in their treatment.

“My care philosophy is to treat each patient as I would my family members. I think communication is the most important part of patient visits. I pride myself on explaining to each patient, in terms they can easily understand, their eyes, vision problems, and treatment options. Too often, patients feel frustrated when visiting a physician because, in the end, they do not know the impact of their eye problems or why they are starting treatment. My goal is that my patients and I reach a decision together as a team because they are well informed.”

Education and Medical Training

Lawrence received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Mexico before enrolling in medical and graduate school. After he received his Medical Degree and PhD, he moved to Tucson, AZ, for further ophthalmology training at the University of Arizona. This training fostered a strong, shared awareness of service, solidifying his belief in ophthalmology as an important aspect of community health. Dr. Tafoya joined the Cataract & Glaucoma Center in October 2017, which was then affiliated with us here at the Southwest Eye Institute in October 2020.

Personal

As the youngest of four children, Dr. Tafoya was raised in a small ranch town outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Languages

Dr. Tafoya is fluent in Spanish

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