Matthew Hirabayashi, MD
Surgeon · Innovator · Educator
Bio
Matt Hirabayashi, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in vision correction and cataract surgery. He is an expert in EVO ICL, SMILE, LASIK, PRK, CTAK, and laser cataract surgery.
His work is centered on education, innovation, and excellence in refractive surgery, with a personal commitment to helping patients understand their possibilities and achieve their best vision.
Education
Matt Hirabayashi is the first author of the refractive surgery textbook used by WCRS/Refractive Foundations to educate fellows across the country and board member of the World Council of Refractive Surgery Fellowships. He also creates widely followed YouTube content for both surgeons and patients. Additionally, he is the youngest surgeon proctor for EVO ICL to teach and approve other surgeons in this technology.
Innovation
He has developed surgical instruments, educational tools for other surgeons, and software-based nomograms designed to improve surgical planning and outcomes. He is the only surgeon in San Antonio and Amarillo to offer every vision correction procedure including EVO ICL, SMILE, LASIK (WFO, Contoura, and Wavelight Plus), RLE (Lens Replacement), Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, and CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty).
Excellence
His dedication to excellence is reflected in his selection as Chief Resident, membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, and completion of a dedicated refractive surgery fellowship. Having undergone EVO ICL surgery himself and performed EVO ICL surgery for his wife, he brings a personal understanding to his work. He performs ICL surgery for patients from all walks of life and from across the country who seek his expertise. He was recognized by STAAR surgical in early 2026 for his experience and the amount of ICLs he has performed.
Employment
- Co-Founder, Medical Director, Vision Correction and Cataract Surgeon – Amarillo NuVision, 2026–Present
- Associate, Vision Correction and Cataract Surgeon – Parkhurst NuVision, 2025–Present
- Curriculum Development Coordinator – Saint Louis University, 2013–2016
Education
- Refractive Surgery Fellowship | Parkhurst NuVision, 2024–2025
- Ophthalmology Residency (Chief) | University of Missouri, 2020–2024
- M.D. | University of Missouri, 2020
- B.S. Biology (Summa Cum Laude) | Saint Louis University, 2016
Certifications & Licenses
- EVO ICL Surgeon Proctor (STAAR Surgical)
- WaveLight EX500, Contoura, Wavelight Plus (ALCON)
- EVO ICL, Stella (STAAR Surgical)
- VISUMAX, SMILE, LASIK (ZEISS)
- ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System (LENSAR)
- CATALYS Precision Laser System (Johnson & Johnson)
- ORA SYSTEM Intraoperative Aberrometer (Alcon)
- American Board of Ophthalmology
- Physician/Surgeon (TX)
- Business Foundations, Wharton Online (University of Pennsylvania)
- Certificated Flight Instructor-Instrument (ASEL)
- Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating (ASEL)
- USMLE Step 3: 251
- USMLE Step 2 CS: Pass
- USMLE Step 2: 261
- USMLE Step 1: 259
Honors & Awards
- First Place Poster, ASCRS (2026)
- Young Ophthalmology Leaders Award, AECOS and Cedars Aspens (2024)
- Best of Poster Session 2024, ASCRS (2024)
- Chairman’s Award for Outstanding OKAP Score 2023, University of Missouri (2023)
- 1st Runner Up Research Presentation, Residents & Alumni Weekend, University of Missouri (2023)
- Top Five Abstract and Social Media Award, Young MD Connect Live (2023)
- Chairman’s Award for Outstanding OKAP Score, University of Missouri (2022)
- John Aure Buesseler Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology, University of Missouri (2020)
- Health Sciences Research Day Poster Award, University of Missouri (2019)
- MedZou Distinguished Volunteer Award, University of Missouri (2019)
- Research Council Small Grant Award, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (2017)
- ILEX Grant Recipient, Saint Louis University (2016)
- Senior Legacy and Undergraduate Teaching Award, Saint Louis University (2016)
- Presidential Scholar, Saint Louis University (2012-2016)
Inventions and Innovations
- ICL Fit - a Pentacam-based ICL sizing nomogram
- IOLReference.com - Surgeon Database of FDA-Approved IOLs
- Versa Chopper, Cataract Surgery Second Instrument
- ICL Explanter, ICL Removal Instrument
Honorary & Professional Societies
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2024-Present)
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) (2023-Present)
- National Association of Flight Instructors (2021-Present)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (2020-Present)
- Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society (2015-Present)
- Presidential Scholarship Society, Saint Louis University (2012-Present)
Research & Publications
Peer Reviewed Publications
- Dynamic Changes in Implantable Collamer Lens Vault and Anterior Chamber Angle Under Varying Lighting Conditions. Hirabayashi M, Cantu E, Abramson A, Virdi G, Nasser T, Parkhurst G. Clinical Ophthalmology. April 2026. doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S603534
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses as a Potential Treatment for Pigment Dispersion Syndrome. Hirabayashi M, Cooley A, Shakarchi F, Vanrachack A, Ducker L, Shelby C, Coleman W, Parkhurst G, LoBue S. Cureus. February 2026. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.108051
- Accuracy of Reported Sizes of the EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer® Lenses. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Nasser T, Abramson A, Parkhurst G. Cureus. August 2025. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90468
- ICL Exchanges or Explants Due to Sizing in a United States High Volume Center. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Nasser T, Libfraind L, Zapata E, Abramson A, Parkhurst G. Clinical Ophthalmology. July 2025. doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S528280
- VAULT-OCT: Vault Accuracy Using Deep Learning Technology for Predicting ICL Postoperative Vault with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Nasser T, Abramson A, Parkhurst G. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. July 2025. doi.org/10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001743
- Clinical Outcomes of Implantable Collamer Lenses for the Treatment of Myopia in Eyes with Anterior Chamber Depth (<3.0 mm) at a Single Center in the United States. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Abramson A, Nasser T, Vanrachack A, Parkhurst G. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2025. doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S528267
- A Retrospective Chart Review: The Presence of Anterior Hyaloid Separation Sign in Posterior Vitreous Detachment. Wattanasirakul P, Hirabayashi M, Yousuf R, Elkeeb A. Cureus. February 2025. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78342
- VAULT: Vault Accuracy Using Deep Learning Technology – A Novel Image-Based AI Model for Predicting Implantable Collamer Lens Postoperative Vault. Nasser T, Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Abramson A, Parkhurst G. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. April 2024. doi.org/10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001386
- Effect of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty on the Fellow Eye. Hirabayashi M, Mellencamp E, Duong S, Simoncic J, Homan C, King J, An J. Journal of Current Ophthalmology Practice. January 2024; 17(4):175-177. doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1420
- Solving STODS—Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome. Hirabayashi M, Barnett B. Diagnostics. 2023; 13(5):837. doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13050837
- Spherical aberration of cataractous eyes and its relationship with age, ocular biometry, and various IOL platforms. Hirabayashi M, Gharabagi A, Hesemann N, Johnson S, Webel A, Petroski G, Davis G. Journal of Refractive Surgery. 2023; 39(2), 89–94. doi.org/10.3928/1081597X-20221207-01
- Outcomes of initial and repeat micro-pulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in adult glaucoma patients. Hooshmand S, Voss J, Hirabayashi M, McDaniel L, An J. Therapeutic Advances in Ophthalmology. 2022; 14:251584142110644. doi.org/10.1177/25158414211064433
- Predictive Factors of Outcomes in Kahook Dual Blade Excisional Goniotomy Combined with Phacoemulsification. Pratte E, Cho J, Landreneau R, Hirabayashi M, An J. Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice. 2022; 16(1):47-52. doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1313
- Response to netarsudil in goniotomy-treated eyes and goniotomy-naïve eyes: a pilot study. Xu H, Thomas M, Lee D, Hirabayashi M, An J. Graefes. 2022; 260(9):3001-3007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-022-05609-6
- Wing Separation and Mid-Air Breakup Analysis in Light Training Aircraft. Hirabayashi M. Aviation. 2021; 25(4):278-282. https://doi.org/10.3846/aviation.2021.15953
- Comparison of Outcomes for Laser Trabeculoplasty after Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy Versus in Goniotomy-Naive Eyes. Cho J, Hogan D, Salim M, Pratte E, King J, Bylund R, Hirabayashi M, An J. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2021; 10(4):905-912. doi.org/10.1007/s40123-021-00378-7
- Relationship Between Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Excisional Goniotomy Combine with Phacoemulsification. King J, Lee D, Thomsen S, Hirabayashi M, An J. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2021; 57(2):112-117. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjo.2021.02.040
- Effect of Excisional Goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) on Surgically Induced Astigmatism. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, King J, Lee D, Nguyen V, An J. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2020; 14:4297-4303. doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S279073
- Comparison of 12-Month Outcomes of Kahook Dual Blade Excisional Goniotomy Performed by Attending versus Resident Surgeons. Pratte E, Landreneau J, Hirabayashi M, An J. Journal of Academic Ophthalmology. 2020; 12(02): e181-e187. doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1717055
- Predictive Factors for Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. Hirabayashi M, Ponnusamy V, An J. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10(1):9428. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66473-0
- Biostatistics 101: Perspectives on Statistics in Ophthalmology. Hirabayashi M, Smith D, An A. JOJ Ophthalmol. 2019; 7(5):555724. doi.org/10.19080/JOJO.2019.07.555724
- Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Between Excisional Goniotomy Using The Kahook Dual Blade And iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent In Combination With Phacoemulsification. Lee D, King J, Thomsen S, Hirabayashi M, An J. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2019; 13:2097-2102. doi.org/10.2147/ophth.s224109
- Reversal of Toric Intraocular Lens-corrected Corneal Astigmatism after Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy. Hirabayashi M, McDaniel L, An J. Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice. 2019; 13(1):42-44. doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1243
- Comparison of Outcome Predictors for MicroPulse Laser Trabeculoplasty and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. Hirabayashi M, Rosenlof T, An J. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2019; 13:1001-1009. doi.org/10.2147/opth.s205977
- Outcome of Phacoemulsification Combined with Excisional Goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade in Severe Glaucoma Patients at 6 months. Hirabayashi M, King J, Lee D, An J. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2019; 13:715-721. doi.org/10.2147/opth.s196105
Non-Peer Reviewed Publications
- Low Myopes Get New Options. Hirabayashi M, Parkhurst G. Ophthalmology Management. August 2024.
- One Size Does Not Fit All. Hirabayashi M, An J. The Ophthalmologist. March 2023.
- The Laws of Learning, Teaching, and Life. Hirabayashi M. NAFI Mentor Magazine. March/April 2023.
- Toric Tolerance: 1° for 3%?. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Davis G, Heseman N. The Ophthalmology Business Minute. December 2022.
- The Path of Broken Ground: A timeline of technological developments in ophthalmology. Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Johnson S. The Ophthalmologist. December 2022.
- The Art of Focusing Light: Refractive Surgery Fellowships. Barnett B, Hirabayashi M. The Ophthalmology Business Minute. December 2022.
- Laser Trabeculoplasty in the Treatment of Open-angle Glaucoma. Hirabayashi M, An J. Glaucoma Physician. December 2021.
- The Curious Case of Cysts and Sight. Dailey E, Thomsen S, Davis G, Davis R, Hirabayashi M, Ponnusamy V. EyeNet Magazine. January 2019.
International Poster Presentations
- Hirabayashi M, King J, Lee D, An J. Outcome of Phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy in Severe Glaucoma at 6 months. Poster Presented at: 8th World Glaucoma Congress; April, 2019; Melbourne, Victoria.
- Hirabayashi M, King J, Lee D, Thomsen S, An J. Comparison of ab-interno 360-degree Trabeculotomy and ab-interno Trabeculectomy using Dual Blade. Presented at: 8th World Glaucoma Congress; April, 2019; Melbourne, Victoria.
- Hirabayashi M, Rosenlof T, An J. Comparison of Outcome Predictors for MLT and SLT. Presented at: 8th World Glaucoma Congress; April, 2019; Melbourne, Victoria.
National Poster Presentations
- Hirabayashi M, Virdi G, Johnson S, Davis G, Relationship between Corneal Aberrations and Prediction Error of the Barrett Il IOL Formula. Presented at: ASCRS 2024; March 2024; Boston, MA.
- Hirabayashi M, Gharabagi A, Hesemann N, Johnson S, Webel A, Petroski G, Davis G. Spherical aberration of cataractous eyes and its relationship with age, ocular biometry, and various IOL platforms. Presented at: Young MD Connect Live; March 2023; Austin, TX.
- Hirabayashi M, Ponnusamy V, An J. Predictive Factors for Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. Presented at: 2019 American Glaucoma Society Meeting; April, 2019; San Francisco, CA.
Books
- Vision Correction: Introduction to Modern Refractive Surgery Second Edition. Hirabayashi M, Nasser T, Parkhurst G. KDP; 2025. ISBN: 979-8290480671.
- Vision Correction: Introduction to Modern Refractive Surgery. Hirabayashi M, Nasser T, Parkhurst G. KDP; 2025. ISBN: 979-8305423129.
- Focusing Light: The Science of Photography. Hirabayashi M. KDP; 2024. ISBN: 979-8309739110.
- The Eye Guide: The Eye Exam. Hirabayashi M. KDP; 2023. ISBN: 979-8369938799.
- The Eye Guide: Cataract Surgery. Hirabayashi M. KDP; 2022. ISBN: 979-8365363342.
- The Eye Guide: Anatomy and Optics. Hirabayashi M. KDP; 2022. ISBN: 979-8364789389.
Book Chapters
- Hirabayashi M, Johnson S. 2023. "Chapter 23: Cataract Surgery in the Hypotonous Eye." In Cataract Surgery in the Glaucoma Patient, by Johnson S. Springer Science+Business Media. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-09408-3_23
Peer Reviewer
- Journal of Glaucoma
Presentations, Lectures, and Speaking Engagements
- Exploring the TECNIS™ Advantage, J&J Peer-to-Peer Program (2026)
- TECNIS™ PureSee IOL Pure Ease of Mind, Eyeprentice (2026)
- TECNIS™ Portfolio: Leveraging Premium IOL Technologies, J&J Peer-to-Peer Program (2026)
- Leveraging Premium TECNIS™ IOL Technologies, ASCRS (2026)
- Rethinking Refractive Surgery: The EVO Era, ASCRS (2026)
- How I Became an EVO-Centric Refractive Surgeon, EVO Masters (2026)
- The Future of EVO ICL: Expanding Options, Evolving Evidence, and Surgical Precision, Panel, EVO Masters (2026)
- Field Sales Training Event: Ask the Experts Live from ASCRS!, J&J, ASCRS (2026)
- J&J Vision KOM: TECNIS PureSee: The Next Generation Purely Refractive EDOF IOL, Johnson & Johnson National Sales Meeting (2026)
- J&J Vision KOM: PCIOLS in Pracrtice, Johnson & Johnson National Sales Meeting (2026)
- EVO ICL in Pigment Dispersion Glaucoma Patient, AECOS Summer Symposium (2025)
- Low Myopia and Sizing Pearls for Phakic IOL, Telling it Like it Is (2025)
- Why I Chose EVO ICL, STAAR Surgeon Summit (2024)
- The Future of AI ICL Sizing is OCT Not UBM, STAAR Surgeon Summit (2024)
- VAULT: Vault Accuracy Using deep Learning Technology, The Outliers, (2024)
- Beyond the White Coat: Entrepreneurship in Ophthalmology, Young MD Connect Live (2023)
- Cataract Surgery: Deep Dive into the Basics, Retina Academy (2022)
- Introduction to Cataract Surgery for Interns and First Years, Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb (2022)
- Ophthalmology Interest Group Lecture Series, University of Missouri School of Medicine (2020-2024)
FDA Clinical Trials
- Multicenter, Randomized, Double-masked Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of iDose® TR (travoprost intraocular implant) in Conjunction with the Placement of iStent infinite vs. iStent infinite Alone in Subjects with Open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension, protocol GLK-101-01, sponsor Glaukos (Surgical Sub-Investigator, 2026)
- Multicenter, Randomized, Double-masked, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Copper Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution in Subjects with Keratoconus, protocol GLK-221-01, sponsor Glaukos (Sub-Investigator, 2026)
- A Multicenter Prospective Clinical Trial to Investigate the Safety and Effectiveness of the KI-362-US3 (AvanseeTMPreset [PN6A]) IOL for Correction of Aphakia Following Cataract Extraction, protocol KI-362-US3-301, sponsor KOWA Research Institue, Inc (Sub-Investigator, 2026)
- Follow-up of Eyes that Received Epithelium-on Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Treatment in Study GLK-202-02, protocol GLK-202-03, sponsor Glaukos (Sub-Investigator, 2026)
- Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the enVista® Beyond (EY) EDF Intraocular Lens in Subjects Undergoing Cataract Extraction, protocol 924, sponsor Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (Sub-Surgeon, 2025)
- A Phase 4, Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Effect of Miebo® on Preoperative Biometry/Keratometry and Postoperative Refractive Accuracy Phase 4, protocol 936, sponsor Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (Sub-Surgeon, 2024)
- Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase 3, Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution (POS) 0.75% in Participants With Presbyopia, protocol OPI-NYXP-302 Vega-3, sponsor Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. (Sub-I, 2024)
- A Prospective, Multicenter, Open Label, Single Arm, Post-Marketing Clinical Study to Evaluate Real World Outcomes of the enVista® Aspire (EA) and Aspire Toric (ETA) Intraocular Lens in Subjects Undergoing Cataract Extraction, protocol BL-SU01-ASRWE-4401 enVista Aspire and Aspire Toric, Post Marketing Trial, sponsor Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (Sub-Surgeon, 2024)
- A multi-center, prospective, randomize, controlled clinical trial to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the full visual range AT ELANA 841P posterior chamber intraocular lens for correction of aphakia following cataract removal, protocol AT ELANA 841P-BER-303-24, sponsor Carl Zeiss Meditec USA, Inc. (Sub-Suregon, 2024)
- Clinical Investigation of the TECNIS® Next-Generation Intraocular Lens, PCOL109PHNG, sponsor Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. (Sub-Surgeon, 2024)
- A Dose Ranging Multicenter Sham-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Corneal Cross-linking in Subjects with Keratoconus protocol NXL-101-KCON, sponsor Glaukos Corporation (Sub-Surgeon, 2024)
Media & Press Mentions
- Next-Generation Online IOL Resources, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today (2023)
- Filling the App in Knowledge, Young MD Connect (2023)
- Bridging the App, The Ophthalmologist (2022)
- IOL Reference App Allows Surgeons to Search for FDA-Approved IOLs, Ophthalmology Breaking News (2022)
- New App Allows Surgeons to Search for FDA Approved IOLs, eyewire (2022)
- Virtual Resources for Aspiring Ophthalmologists, MillenialEYE (2022)
Community Service
- Take it to the Streets (2025-Present)
- MedZou Ophthalmology Resident Volunteer, University of Missouri (2022-2025)
- Command Pilot, Angel Flight (2021-2024)
- STEM Mentor, Wings of Hope (2021-2024)
- Presidential Scholarship Interviewer, Saint Louis University (2020-2024)
- MedZou Student Volunteer, University of Missouri (2017-2020)
- Medical School Charity Band (Vocals, Guitar), University of Missouri (2017-2020)
- Senior Teacher Educator Partnership (STEP) Volunteer, University of Missouri (2016-2017)
- Labre Ministry with the Homeless Volunteer, Saint Louis University (2015-2016)
- Guitar Teacher, Doorways Housing St. Louis (2016)
Leadership & Professional Service
- Board Member, World Council of Refractive Surgery Fellowships (2025-Present)
- Founder, President Abaco Arts LLC – Media, Graphic Design, Consulting (2025-Present)
- Co-Founder and Board Member of Refractive Foundations, WCRSVS (2024-Present)
- Chief Resident, University of Missouri (2023-2024)
- RSA Resident Webinar Committee, Refractive Surgery Alliance Society (2023-2024)
- Editor of Technology and Innovation, Ophthalmology Business Minute (2023-Present)
- Bimini AI LLC Co-Founder – AI, Technology, and Innovation in Ophthalmology (2023-Present)
- IOL Reference iOS Application in the Apple App Store and IOLReference.com (2022-Present)
- EyeFlyMD LLC Ophthalmology, Surgery, and Matching Educational Resource Founder (2020-Present)
- Medical Student Research Coordinator, University of Missouri (2020-2024)
- Ophthalmology Interest Group Resident Representative, University of Missouri (2020-2023)
- Dean-Appointed Curriculum Innovation Committee, University of Missouri (2017-2020)
- Curriculum Board Representative, University of Missouri (2016-2020)
- MedZou Medical Student Education Chair, University of Missouri (2016-2017)
- SLU String Orchestra, Concertmaster, Saint Louis University (2012-2016)
Interests & Skills
- Seascape and Wildlife Photography & Graphic Design, FocusingLight.com
- Aviation (Commercial + CFII), EyeFlyCFI
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Illustrator)
- Jazz Guitar and String Quartet Arranging, YouTube
- Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Spanish (B2 based on the Instituto Cervantes Placement Exam)