Dr. Sheldon Herzig is a globally renowned cataract and refractive surgeon, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to advanced surgical techniques. His distinguished career is marked by several innovations including SMILE.  Dr. Herzig has significantly advanced the fields of cataract and refractive surgery, particularly through his work with ultrasound, foldable and multifocal lenses, and the delivery of out-patient cataract surgeries.

Dr. Herzig completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, followed by a fellowship in corneal and cataract surgery at the Mary Shiels Eye Hospital in Dallas, Texas. There, he mastered the most advanced microsurgical techniques. He was a member of the surgical staff at North York General Hospital for over 40 years.

In 1996, Dr. Herzig co-founded the Herzig Eye Institute with businesswoman Cherry Tabb. This centre of excellence has treated over 150,000 patients from across Canada, 42 U.S. states, and 23 countries worldwide. The institute is recognized for its state-of-the-art technology and personalized vision correction solutions. Dr. Herzig has also trained hundreds of leading cataract and refractive surgeons globally.

Dr. Herzig’s extensive experience and innovative techniques have earned him worldwide respect. He is a sought-after speaker, having lectured extensively and published numerous scientific papers. His leadership in laser technologies for refractive surgery continues to set industry standards, ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality care tailored to their unique needs.

Throughout his career, Dr. Herzig has achieved numerous milestones. By 1998, he was the first in Canada to investigate presbyopia and established an outpatient operating room for cataract surgeries. In 2001, he became the first in North America to utilize WaveFront Technology for VISX and began performing Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL) procedures. Two years later, in 2003, Herzig Eye Institute became the first private centre in Ontario to offer advanced cataract surgery packages and ICLs for severely myopic patients.

Dr. Herzig continued to lead in innovation, establishing Herzig Eye Institute as the first commercial Canadian site to deploy femtosecond laser for ‘blade-free’ LASIK in 2005. In 2006, he introduced CK radio frequency ablation for presbyopia in Ontario. His pioneering efforts extended to dry eye disease treatment in 2011, when he was the first in North America to introduce LipiFlow® for evaporative dry eye disease. In 2013, he was the first to offer Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) with the Catalys® laser system.

Further advancements included being the first in Canada to offer the iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio Aberrometer in 2014 and introducing the Symfony intraocular lens with extended depth of focus in 2015. By 2016, Dr. Herzig’s institute had the highest volume of ZEISS ReLEx SMILE procedures in North America. The institute expanded significantly, opening a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Toronto in 2017 and incorporating Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa in 2019, which also featured a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility.

In 2020, Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa had its grand opening, and the surgical team was expanded. The Toronto facility was further expanded in 2021, creating new jobs in both Ottawa and Toronto. By 2022, the institute became the official laser eye center of the Ottawa Senators. Most recently, in 2023, Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa was awarded a license to perform 5,000 insured cataract surgeries annually.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Herzig is deeply committed to patient care and education. He believes in a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that each patient receives care tailored to their unique needs. His passion for teaching has led him to mentor hundreds of surgeons, sharing his knowledge and expertise to advance the field of ophthalmology globally.

Dr. Herzig’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing eye care through innovation and excellence. His work continues to impact the lives of countless patients, setting new benchmarks in the field of ophthalmology. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Herzig enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and staying active through various sports and outdoor activities. His personal interests and professional values are deeply intertwined, reflecting his commitment to improving vision and quality of life for people around the world.