David Rootman, MD, FRCSC

Professor David Rootman has extensive qualifications placing him within an elite circle of top corneal specialist surgeons.

Dr. Rootman has been a board member of the Cornea Society (until 2008) and on staff at the University Health Network and the Hospital for Sick Children. At Toronto Western Hospital, he performs over 150 corneal transplants annually and deals with some of the most complex surgical problems. Dr. Rootman is a surgical pioneer and the first Canadian surgeon to perform Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty (DLEK), Femtosecond Laser Enabled Keratoplasty (IEK) and Femtosecond Laser Enabled Astigmatic Keratotomy (IEAK). Dr. Rootman was the first Ontario-based surgeon to perform Intracorneal ring segment for Keratoconus. As an expert in corneal conditions affecting children, Dr. Rootman has restored vision to children across Canada and around the world.

Dr. Rootman’s clinical experience includes work with several artificial corneas such as the Cardona keratoprosthesis, Legais keratoprosthesis, Intracor lamellar keratoprosthesis, osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis and the Boston KPro type 1.

As a Professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Rootman has made significant contributions to the education of ophthalmologists across Canada and around the world. He has trained corneal specialist surgeons from over 10 different countries, authored over 100 research papers and has lectured throughout the world on all topics related to his subspecialty. Finally, Dr. Rootman served as Medical Director of the Eye Bank of Canada for over 12 years.