Ophthalmologist Matthew Hammond, MD Recognized as 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Matthew Hammond, M.D., has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the 14th year he has received this designation. Only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are chosen each year as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties in their regions. Dr. Hammond is an ophthalmologist with Carrot LASIK and Eye Center, a comprehensive eye care facility providing advanced surgical and medical vision correction services to the greater Phoenix area. As a specialist in refractive surgery, Dr. Hammond integrates modern diagnostic technology with surgical precision to address a wide range of vision correction needs.

"We're being recognized for excellence in the values that we hold in the most esteem - patient care, compassion, and outcomes. We do what we believe in," says Dr. Hammond. The surgical interventions and procedures performed by Dr. Hammond utilize advanced technologies to ensure safety and accuracy. Key procedures include LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Cataract Surgery with Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation, and EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). Beyond surgical excellence, Carrot LASIK and Eye Center features comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, including advanced corneal mapping and ocular coherence tomography, allowing for thorough assessment of patient candidacy for specific refractive procedures within the same facility.

Dr. Hammond earned his medical degree from George Washington University and completed his internship and residency in ophthalmology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Following his formal training, Dr. Hammond served nine years on active duty as an Ophthalmologist in the United States Army. During his service, he served as the Chief of Ophthalmology and Director of Warfighter Refractive Surgery at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. His military career included service during the Global War on Terror and relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, for which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs, with the Castle Connolly team choosing honorees based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, ensuring the recognition is based solely on professional merit and peer evaluation.