Dr. Michael A. Herion, an ophthalmologist practicing at Carrot LASIK and Eye Center in Mesa, Arizona, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This marks the second consecutive year Dr. Herion has received this designation, placing him among the 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians selected annually for recognition in their specialties and regions. The selection process involves peer nominations and evaluation by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team, with doctors prohibited from paying for selection.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond individual achievement, serving as an important indicator for patients seeking high-quality eye care. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://www.castleconnolly.com, providing a valuable resource for consumers navigating healthcare decisions. For residents of the greater Phoenix area, Dr. Herion's recognition offers assurance of clinical excellence from a board-certified specialist who provides both clinical oversight and surgical expertise at Carrot LASIK and Eye Center.
Dr. Herion's practice focuses on comprehensive eye care with particular emphasis on advanced surgical procedures that utilize modern diagnostic and surgical technologies. These technologies aim to improve patient recovery times and visual outcomes. His surgical repertoire includes LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), cataract surgery with premium lens implants, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and glaucoma management procedures. The practice features an integrated surgical suite and advanced diagnostic imaging center, allowing for seamless coordination between evaluation and treatment while ensuring continuity of care without external referrals for standard testing.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Herion contributes to the ophthalmology field through clinical research and professional society participation. He has been involved in studies examining laser vision correction efficacy and the long-term stability of intraocular lenses, with his academic work supporting the development of refractive surgery best practices. His educational background includes an ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University and a retina fellowship with Dr. Eric Mann in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Herion also serves as Chief of Ophthalmology at Valleywise Medical Center in Phoenix and holds board certifications from both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences.
This recognition matters because it provides patients with independently verified information about physician quality at a time when healthcare decisions are increasingly complex. The Castle Connolly selection criteria include medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories, offering consumers a more comprehensive assessment than basic licensing information. For the ophthalmology industry, such recognition highlights practitioners who combine clinical expertise with research contributions, potentially influencing standards of care and patient expectations for vision correction services.
