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Dr. Richard Davidson, MD

(959 Ratings)

Specializes in: Ophthalmology (Eye Disease)

MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine (1997)

Professional interests include: eye cancer, uveitis, cancer, and more.

1675 Aurora Court
Aurora, CO 80045

(720) 848-2020

Dr. Richard Davidson, MD is an ophthalmologist in Aurora, CO specializing in ophthalmology (eye disease). He graduated from MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1997 and has 28 years of experience. Dr. Richard Davidson, MD is affiliated with Children's Hospital Colorado, UCHealth, University of Colorado Medicine, UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS INCORPORATED and UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center - Anschutz Medical Campus.

Office Locations

Address:

12605 E 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045

Address:

1675 Aurora Court
Aurora, CO 80045

Some issues Dr. Richard Davidson, MD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.

Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.

LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).

An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.

LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.

LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.

In The News

“"Any big outdoor holidays we certainly see it, but the Fourth is a big one," said Dr. Richard Davidson, an ophthalmologist at the UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center.”—"Keep an eye on Fourth of July to avoid injury related to fireworks", The Denver Post, July 2018

“"Even the sliver of sun that's visible is still dangerous for the eye," explained opthamologist Dr. Richard Davidson at the UCHealth Eye Center.”—"Without Proper Glasses, Eclipse Can 'Literally Burn A Hole In The Retina'", CBS News, August 2017

“"The amount of 'strain' is very subjective and very hard to quantify," said Dr. Richard Davidson, associate professor at the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute of the University of Colorado School...”—"Doctors say simple fixes like blinking are best for eyestrain from screen gazing", The Denver Post, January 2011

capsulotomy	40
doctor visit	48
eye procedures	1633
laser treatment	40

**Gender**
Male	347
Female	525

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	688
Black	67
Hispanic	48
Asian	47
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	396
From 75 to 84	327
85 and over	95
Less than 65	54

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	24
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

capsulotomy	44
doctor visit	59
eye procedures	1634
laser treatment	44

**Gender**
Male	307
Female	490

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	636
Black	61
Hispanic	47
Asian	31
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	370
From 75 to 84	289
85 and over	82
Less than 65	56

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	23
Dementia	6
Cancer	10

capsulotomy	36
doctor visit	26
eye procedures	1524
laser treatment	36

**Gender**
Male	556
Female	832

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1108
Black	100
Hispanic	78
Asian	58
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	664
From 75 to 84	502
85 and over	144
Less than 65	78

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	23
Dementia	5
Cancer	12

capsulotomy	37
eye procedures	1517
laser treatment	37

**Gender**
Male	288
Female	452

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	604
Black	51
Hispanic	34
Asian	27
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	351
From 75 to 84	273
85 and over	78
Less than 65	38

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	21
Dementia	7
Cancer	13

capsulotomy	60
eye procedures	1638
laser treatment	60

**Gender**
Male	318
Female	479

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	670
Black	50
Hispanic	28
Asian	27
Other	22
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	371
From 75 to 84	325
85 and over	68
Less than 65	33

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	22
Dementia	8
Cancer	15

capsulotomy	69
eye procedures	1756
laser treatment	69

**Gender**
Male	332
Female	514

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	714
Black	53
Hispanic	33
Asian	23
Other	23
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	404
From 75 to 84	331
85 and over	75
Less than 65	36

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	23
Dementia	7
Cancer	14

**Gender**
Male	332
Female	469

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	673
Black	39
Hispanic	35
Asian	20
Other	34
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	363
From 75 to 84	332
85 and over	77
Less than 65	29

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	21
Dementia	5
Cancer	15

capsulotomy	49
eye procedures	1383
laser treatment	49

**Gender**
Male	301
Female	406

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	592
Black	38
Hispanic	26
Asian	18
Other	33
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	327
From 75 to 84	292
85 and over	58
Less than 65	30

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	21
Dementia	6
Cancer	15

capsulotomy	105
doctor visit	9
eye procedures	3192
laser treatment	105

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Davidson, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Richard Davidson, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Aurora, CO were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

capsulotomy	54
doctor visit	37
eye procedures	1754
laser treatment	54

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Davidson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	278
Female	416

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	45
Asian / Pacific Islander	25
Non-Hispanic White	568
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	32
Other	11

**Age**
85 and over	67
75 to 84	267
Less than 65	35
65 to 74	324

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Davidson, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Davidson, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	43
High Cholesterol	33
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	6
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	17
Atrial Fibrillation	7
Dementia	5
Cancer	10

Education & Training

Dr. Richard Davidson, MD graduated from MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1997. He completed residency at Wills Eye Institute. He has a state license in Colorado.

Medical School: MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine (1997)

Residency: Wills Eye Institute (2001)

Licensed In: Colorado

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Richard Davidson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Children's Hospital Colorado

UCHealth

University of Colorado Medicine

UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS INCORPORATED

UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center - Anschutz Medical Campus

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Insurance Accepted by Affiliated Medical Group or Hospital:

Midlands Choice

EXCEPT

Mines & Associates

Presbyterian Health Plan

MotivHealth/Denver Public Schools only

Cigna Connect/Colorado Option & SureFit)

First Choice of the Midwest

Kaiser Permanente

Optum Behavioral Health

Employers Health Network/Whole Foods only

Rocky Mountain Health Plans

First Health Network

Craig/Swedish/Spaulding Health Benefit Trust

Colorado Community Health Alliance

Aetna

UnitedHealthcare

Simplified Benefits Administrators (fka UCHealth Plan Administrators)

First Choice Health

Colorado Access

TRICARE / TRIWest

Denver Health & Hospital Authority - Elevate Medicaid Choice

Because changes may not be immediately reflected, please contact your plan to understand your benefits and coverage and to make sure that both Children's Colorado and University of Colorado...

Pathway, Pathway PPO, Pathway Essentials, Pathway Essentials PPO, Pathway Standard, Pathway PPO Standard, Pathway Essentials Standard, Pathway Essentials PPO Standard)

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield/Elevance

Evernorth Behavioral Health, Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

- Denver Metro Region

South Dakota Department of Health - Kids with Chronic Conditions

Denver Health Medical Plan

ComPsych

Integrated Health Plans

- Colorado Springs Region

Carelon Behavioral Health

USA Managed Care Organization

Pathway Essentials, Pathway Essentials PPO, Pathway Essentials Standard, Pathway Essentials PPO Standard)

Stratose / Zelis Healthcare

MultiPlan

Cigna

Select Health

Centivo

Big Sky Region

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Richard Davidson, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 959 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Richard Davidson, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Aurora, CO.

4.9

Overall Rating

(959 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Richard Davidson, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Shire North American Group Inc	$61,052 XIIDRA $60,793	$259
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.	$48,232 VisuMax $17,085	IOLMaster 700 $10,100	OPMI Lumera 700 $5,952	IOLMaster $4,633	QUATERA 700 $2,474	Other $7,987
Dompe US, Inc.	$23,981 Oxervate $23,981
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc.	$19,844 CEQUA $17,606	BromSite (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.075% $1,535	XELPROS $521	XELPROS (latanoprost ophthalmic emulsion) 0.005% $86	CEQUA (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09% $67	Other $29
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	$14,188 XIIDRA $9,481	Durezol $4,256	$451
Other	$81,180 VUITY $15,969	EYSUVIS $13,584	Omidria $6,636	TYRVAYA $6,076	SHINGRIX $5,850	Other $33,065

**Types of Payments**
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$88,758
Consulting Fee	$65,985
Honoraria	$24,575
Travel and Lodging	$19,435
Food and Beverage	$19,052
Other	$30,673

Research Payments

Dr. Richard Davidson, MD has received 4 research payments totaling $7,574.

Biography

Dr. Richard Davidson is an ophthalmology (eye disease) specialist. These areas are among his clinical interests: uveitis, LASIK, and cataract surgery. His average patient rating is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Davidson attended MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at Wills Eye Institute. He has received professional recognition including the following: "Top Doctor" 2016 - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Castle Connolly; "Top Doc" in Ophthalmology 2016 - 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 Denver's 5280 Magazine; and "Top Doc" 2012 - US News and World Report Magazine. He is affiliated with Children's Hospital Colorado, the University of Colorado Hospital, and the University of Colorado Medicine.