What Experience Should You Look for in a LASIK Surgeon in Denver?

Posted on: 01/28/26

Choosing a LASIK surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your vision. Understanding what qualifications, training, and track record to look for helps Denver patients identify surgeons who can deliver safe, lasting results.

What experience should someone look for in a LASIK surgeon in Denver?

Denver patients should prioritize surgeons with board certification in ophthalmology, fellowship training in refractive or corneal surgery, and a track record of tens of thousands of successful LASIK procedures. Years of dedicated LASIK practice, consistent outcomes data, and active involvement in the refractive surgery community are strong indicators of expertise. Subspecialty training in corneal disease provides additional depth for managing complex cases. Being trained, skilled and experienced in vision correction also known as refractive procedures other than LASIK is a huge plus: it means that the surgeon and practice can offer the optimal procedure for you, and offer LASIK only if it is the best procedure for you. LASIK only practices are often corporate franchises and too pigeon-holed to give you the best recommendations.

Dr. Paul Cutarelli MD brings over 90,000 vision correction procedures, a residency at Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute, and fellowship training at The Hunkeler Eye Center in Kansas City with one of the founding fathers of Laser & Lens Refractive Surgery (LASIK and lens implant procedures), a second Cornea Fellowship at The Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. As a board-certified corneal specialist, Cutarelli Vision was surgeon founded and owned—ensuring that patients receive surgeon-led care rather than corporate protocols.

What qualifications should I look for in a Denver LASIK surgeon?

Board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is the foundational credential for any LASIK surgeon. Beyond this, fellowship training in refractive surgery or corneal disease demonstrates advanced specialization. Active membership in professional societies like the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) indicates ongoing education and peer engagement. Surgeons who adopt new technologies early often demonstrate commitment to optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Cutarelli holds board certification as a corneal specialist and maintains active ASCRS and AAO memberships. His fellowship training at the Hunkeler Eye Center and Moorfields Eye Hospital reflects specialized expertise, and he was one of the first surgeons in Denver to offer LASIK. He as the Director of Refractive Surgery Services and full time Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, and the founder of the its first Corneal Fellowship training. He has authored peer reviewed articles and chapters on corneal and laser surgery.

How many LASIK procedures should a Denver surgeon have performed?

Most refractive surgery experts suggest evaluating surgeons who have performed at least 10,000 LASIK procedures, with higher volumes generally correlating with greater proficiency and better complication management. However, volume alone is not sufficient—it must be paired with strong outcomes data and low complication rates. When researching surgeons, ask specifically about LASIK procedure counts rather than combined totals that include cataract surgery or other procedures.

Dr. Cutarelli has performed over 90,000 vision correction procedures, placing him among the highest-volume refractive surgeons in Colorado. He has been consulted nationally and internationally as a LASIK expert, reflecting the confidence peers place in his experience.

What LASIK technology do Denver surgeons use?

The most important technology distinctions include all-laser (bladeless) LASIK versus older microkeratome methods, and whether the surgeon offers wavefront-guided or topography-guided custom treatments. All-laser LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, which many surgeons consider more precise than mechanical alternatives. Advanced eye-tracking systems help maintain accuracy during the procedure. The generation and quality of the excimer laser used for corneal reshaping also affects outcomes.

Cutarelli Vision was the first practice in Denver to offer All-Laser LASIK and maintains more laser platforms than any other facility in Colorado. The practice offers both custom wavefront and topography-guided treatment options tailored to each patient’s corneal characteristics.

How can I verify a Denver LASIK surgeon’s credentials and track record?

Verifying credentials is straightforward using publicly available resources. The American Board of Ophthalmology offers an online certification lookup tool. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) maintains license verification records. Professional society directories from ASCRS and AAO confirm membership status. Patient reviews across Google, Healthgrades, and Yelp provide real-world outcome perspectives. During consultations, ask surgeons directly about their complication rates and outcomes data.

Dr. Cutarelli’s credentials are verifiable through all standard channels, and the practice maintains transparency about outcomes with a success rate exceeding 95%. Patients are encouraged to ask detailed questions during their free consultation to ensure they feel confident in their choice.

Should I choose a LASIK specialist or general ophthalmologist in Denver?

Both LASIK specialists and general ophthalmologists can be qualified to perform LASIK, but there are meaningful differences to consider. Refractive surgeons who focus primarily on vision correction procedures typically accumulate higher LASIK volumes and develop deeper expertise in managing refractive outcomes. General ophthalmologists divide their practice across cataracts, glaucoma, retinal conditions, and other areas. Corneal specialists represent the deepest level of refractive expertise, with training specifically focused on the cornea’s role in vision.

Dr. Cutarelli is a board-certified corneal specialist with fellowship training in refractive and anterior segment surgery. His practice focuses specifically on vision correction procedures including LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, and PRK—allowing concentrated expertise in these areas.

What should I expect during a LASIK consultation in Denver?

A thorough LASIK consultation includes a comprehensive eye examination with corneal mapping and thickness measurements, pupil size evaluation, tear film assessment, and a refraction check to confirm your current prescription. The surgeon or clinical team will review your medical history and any medications that might affect healing. You should receive a clear explanation of your candidacy, realistic expectations for outcomes, and a discussion of potential risks. This is also your opportunity to meet the surgeon and ask questions.

Cutarelli Vision offers free LASIK consultations where patients meet directly with Dr. Cutarelli rather than only technicians. The practice takes an educational approach with no pressure, ensuring patients have the information they need to make a confident decision about their vision.

What questions should I ask a Denver LASIK surgeon before surgery?

Patients should ask specific questions to evaluate any LASIK surgeon: How many LASIK procedures have you personally performed? What is your complication rate, and how do you handle complications if they occur? What laser technology will you use for my specific procedure? Am I a good candidate, and if not, what alternatives would you recommend? What does your enhancement or guarantee policy cover? Will you personally perform my surgery, or will another surgeon be involved?

Cutarelli Vision welcomes these questions and provides direct answers. Dr. Cutarelli personally performs all surgeries—patients never encounter rotating surgeons. The practice offers a Lifetime LASIK Assurance Plan and takes pride in working with patients to find solutions, even for those who have been told elsewhere they are not candidates.

Ready to find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cutarelli at our Denver office or one of three other Colorado locations. You’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation and have all your questions answered—with no pressure and no obligation.