Committed to Helping You See Your World More Clearly
Neal A. Sher MD, FACS is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon specializing in corneal surgery and laser vision correction surgery. His practice also includes corneal surgery and transplantation, the treatment of corneal diseases, keratoconus, uveitis, glaucoma, external eye problems and contact lens fitting. He has practiced ophthalmic surgery and ophthalmology for more than 30 years in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. Over the last 20 years, he specialized in refractive surgery and has performed thousands of laser vision correction procedures. Internationally recognized as a leader in the field of refractive surgery, Dr. Sher has been a principal investigator for a number of equipment and pharmaceutical clinical trials, edited two textbooks, and written numerous scientific articles and several monographs on refractive surgery and related topics. Dr. Sher is a frequent lecturer and Clinical Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Dr. Sher serves as a consultant to industry and holds several patents related to laser vision correction. He is also an ophthalmic medicolegal and forensic expert, and serves as a expert consultant regarding chemical exposures, toxic gas spills, ophthalmic disability, malpractice, mass torts and intellectual property cases involving ophthalmology. The U.S. Department of Justice, the Minnesota Supreme Court and some of the nation’s leading law firms and malpractice carriers have utilized Dr. Sher’s expertise.
A native of New York, Dr. Sher received his M.D. degree with honors from Boston University at the age of 22. After his internship at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, he entered the U.S. Public Health Service. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota and completed additional fellowship training for corneal and external eye disease at Moorfield's Eye Hospital (University of London) in the UK.
In 1984, Dr. Sher and his colleagues at Eye Care Associates became founding members of the renowned Phillips Eye Institute. Dr. Sher was one of the first surgeons in the world to perform laser vision correction in 1989. He made significant contributions to the initial research on excimer laser corneal surgery and participated in the earliest clinical trials of this new technology.
In 1994, Dr. Sher was the first American to be awarded the prestigious Troutman Award by the International Society for Refractive Surgery for his work on the control of pain after PRK.He has served as a member of the Preferred Practice Patterns Panel of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for Refractive Errors and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Sher and his wife make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are avid movie fans and enjoy theater, photography and traveling. They have two adult daughters.
LASER Vision Correction Procedures
Laser vision correction, Dr. Sher believes that the most effective and safest technique for the treatment of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness is advanced surface ablation using the excimer laser (photorefractive keratectomy, PRK). Photorefractive Keratectomy has a number of advantages over the LASIK procedure, because with PRK there is no cutting of the cornea. Click here: PRK versus LASIK for details.
Honored for Donating Laser Vision Correction to Our Troops
In a combat zone, contact lenses and eyeglasses can cause serious problems for soldiers and increase their risk of injury. In 2004, Dr. Sher began providing PRK laser eye surgery free of charge to service men and women heading to war. He has been performing this service for more than six years, and has treated nearly 500 soldiers. For his gift of improved vision to our troops, in 2008, Dr. Sher was awarded the Medallion of Excellence, along with a personal letter of commendation from General David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also honored in 2010 with a proclamation from the Governor of South Dakota for improving the vision of South Dakota National Guard personnel, deploying in war zones. Dr. Sher is very proud to have received numerous flags and mementos from grateful soldiers, their families and commanding officers. Most of these items are displayed in his Minneapolis office and all are considered important reminders of the need to continue to support our troops.
“It is a great honor to help the wonderful men and women in our armed forces improve their vision and help them complete their mission more safely." - Dr. Sher
In 2010, Minnesota Physician magazine recognized Dr. Sher as an Outstanding Community Caregiver for his work with our troops.
Dr. Sher honored for his contributions to US soldiers at Camp Ripley, MN.
In mid May, Dr. Sher and his staff took a tour of the 1st Brigade Combat Team pre-mobilization activities at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The 1st BCT 34th ID presented Dr. Sher with token of appreciation for the work he does with providing soldiers free laser eye surgery prior to deploying. To see pictures and more of the story click here.
Medical Arts Bld. 
