Patient Care Spotlight: Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Of the major subspecialties in ophthalmology, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery are among the most varied in their scope.

“There is significant variability in the procedures we do and the pathology we treat,” said Christopher Chambers, MD, Associate Professor and Division Director of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the UW Department of Ophthalmology. “This includes craniofacial surgery, cancer resection and reconstruction, trauma, cosmetic surgery, and functional defects of the eye, orbit, and tear ducts. Often, the pathology is more acute and can often be a systemic disease.”

The oculoplastic division includes Dr. Chambers, Assistant Professor Matthew Zhang, MD, and Clinical Associate Professors AJ Amadi, MD, and Holly Chang, MD, who practices at the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System. Alexa Van Brummen, MD, is the current Hargiss Oculoplastic Fellow.

Dr. Chambers practices at the Eye Institute at Harborview Medical Center, the 4-West Ophthalmology clinic at Harborview, and Seattle Children’s Hospital, focusing primarily on cancer reconstruction, tumors, trauma, and pediatric eyelid and eye socket disorders. Cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, resurfacing, and eyelid lifts are a small part of the practice.

“I enjoy the variety of the surgeries we do and the pathology we see, caring for acutely sick people and giving them excellent care that they wouldn’t get elsewhere,” Dr. Chambers says.

The work is often interdisciplinary, with other craniofacial trauma surgeons collaborating with the oculoplastic team to treat the same patient.

Ophthalmology is something of a family business for Dr. Chambers — his wife Yasmin is an oculoplastic surgeon, his father is a retina specialist, and his sister is a glaucoma specialist. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, he received his medical degree from Ohio State University, completed residency in ophthalmology at the Kresge Eye Institute, and fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chambers and his wife are the parents of three young daughters.

Before joining the UW faculty in 2015, Dr. Chambers was a faculty member at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. He was the associate residency program director and won the medical school teaching award while on staff. Dr. Chambers served as a team physician for the NHL Chicago Blackhawks and also treated players from the MLB Chicago Cubs.

Dr. Chambers is also the director of the oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship and associate residency director for the department.