Bio


Dr. DeBoer is a board-certified, fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon with Stanford Health Care’s Byers Eye Institute and a clinical instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology.

He specializes in retinal and macular diseases, treating a range of conditions such as retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, macular pucker, macular hole, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and other complex retinal conditions. Dr. DeBoer incorporates state-of-the-art treatments in personalized, comprehensive care plans for each of his patients. He is dedicated to training future vitreoretinal surgeons and passionate about helping patients through both direct care and research.

Dr. DeBoer’s scientific background in micro- and nanofabrication, mechanical and electrical engineering, and medicine drives his research interests in implantable devices and surgical instruments. While completing his PhD, Dr. DeBoer co-invented a biomimetic accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) that treats both cataracts and presbyopia.

He continues researching microdevices, focusing on extended drug delivery from the lens capsule and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-enabled implantable devices. Dr. DeBoer’s research experience spans topics such as material science, drug delivery, IOL design, microfabrication, 3D printing, and medical device design. He has received grant funding for his work and has 12 patents in the field of ophthalmology.

Dr. DeBoer’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology. He has authored book chapters and presented to his peers at national and international meetings, including meetings of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Dr. DeBoer is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Retina Specialists. He is also part of the Society of HEED Fellows and Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation.

Clinical Focus


  • Ophthalmology

Academic Appointments


  • Clinical Instructor, Ophthalmology

Honors & Awards


  • Foundation Award, Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation
  • Fellow Teaching Award of the Year, Byers Eye Institute
  • HEED Fellowship, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation
  • Atwood Fellowship, California Institute of Technology

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2018 - Present)
  • Member, American Society of Retina Specialists (2021 - Present)
  • Member, Society of HEED Fellows (2021 - Present)
  • Member, Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation (2022 - Present)
  • Member, Alpha Omega Alpha (2016 - Present)
  • Member, Phi Beta Kappa Society (2023 - Present)
  • Member, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society (2023 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology (2022)
  • Fellowship: Stanford University Ophthalmology Fellowships (2023) CA
  • Residency: LACplusUSC Ophthalmology Residency (2021) CA
  • Internship: Huntington Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Residency (2018) CA
  • Medical Education: University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (2016) CA

All Publications


  • Novel oral medications for retinal disease: an update on clinical development. Current opinion in ophthalmology DeBoer, C. M., Agrawal, R., Rahimy, E. 2023

    Abstract

    Intravitreal and periocular injections for retinal disease provide a targeted delivery of medication to the eye. However, given risks of injections, including endophthalmitis, pain and treatment burden for both patients and retina specialists, there has been significant interest and effort in developing oral medications for the management of retinal disease. This article provides clinical and preclinical details of new oral medications in the pipeline for management of retinal disease.Several new oral medications show clinical and preclinical promise for the management of retinal disease, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and Stargardt disease.Oral medications provide promise for treating retinal disease, possibly increasing compliance, and reducing side effects of intravitreal or periocular injections. However, difficulties in this approach include systemic side effects and efficacy targeting the eye. There are multiple medications that are currently under investigation with the potential to act as stand-alone treatment or as an adjunct treatment for management of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and Stargardt disease.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000948

    View details for PubMedID 36943473

  • Case report: multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas keratitis and sequential endophthalmitis treated with chlorhexidine and Piperacillin-Tazobactam Journal of EuCornea Lu, L., Shen, A., DeBoer, C., Mahajan, V., Lin, C., Rose-Nussbaumer, J. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.57073/001c.84184

  • Ischemic index and distribution of retinal capillary non-perfusion in neovascular glaucoma FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK DeBoer, C., Wong, B., Ameri, H. 2022; 27 (1): 24

    Abstract

    Neovascular Glaucoma (NVG) is a condition normally caused by hypoxic posterior ocular disease, which produces angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that stimulate new vessel proliferation of the anterior segment and angle, eventually leading to angle closure, reduced outflow of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Without treatment elevated intraocular pressure can rapidly progress to loss of vision. Treatment includes addressing the intraocular pressure and reducing the ischemic drive with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) of the ischemic retina. Recent imaging advancements allow for ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) which expand the amount of peripheral retina that can be evaluated for non-perfusion. Here we aim to study patterns of non-perfusion in NVG using a group of PRP naïve patients with recent onset NVG.This study is a retrospective single-center cross-sectional study of patients seen at LAC + USC Medical Center from January 2015 to April 2020 with new onset NVG, without PRP and with UWFA completed. The percentage of ischemic index of the retina was calculated from the UWFA and evaluated in three distinct zones centered on the fovea: the posterior pole, the mid periphery, and far periphery. To increase sample size, a confirmatory group was included, with PRP allowed prior to UWFA but not before diagnosis. In addition, the time between diagnosis and UWFA was increased to 6 months.A total of 11 eyes met inclusion criteria for the primary group. Ischemic index was found to be 91% in the far periphery, 77% in the mid periphery, and 42% at the posterior pole. The total average ischemic index was 76%. There was a statistically significant difference between the far periphery and posterior pole and mid periphery and posterior pole. A total of 24 eyes met criteria for the confirmatory group. Ischemic index for the confirmatory group was found to be 93% in the far periphery, 75% in the mid periphery, and 35% at the posterior pole. There was a statistically significant difference between the far periphery, posterior pole and mid-periphery.This knowledge can be used to further guide treatment and understand risk for NVG.

    View details for DOI 10.31083/j.fbl2701024

    View details for Web of Science ID 000766867900016

    View details for PubMedID 35090329

  • Metastatic neuroendocrine tumors mimicking as primary ocular disease American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports Shen, A., Haghighi, A., Liang, T., Lee, O., Gange, W., DeBoer, C. 2022
  • Oral drug pipeline for retinal disease DeBoer, C., Michalak, S., Rahimy, E. Retinal Physician. 2022

    Abstract

    19(6):27-28,30,32

  • Controversies in ILM peeling DeBoer , C., Leng, T. Retina Today. 2022

    Abstract

    17(7)

  • Laser Therapy DeBoer , C., Smith , S., Blumenkranz , M. ASRS, History of Retina, Milestones in Retina. 2021

    Abstract

    https://retinahistory.asrs.org/milestones-developments/laser-therapy

  • Effect of Angle Narrowing on Sectoral Variation of Anterior Chamber Angle Width The Chinese American Eye Study OPHTHALMOLOGY GLAUCOMA Xu, B. Y., Pardeshi, A. A., Shan, J., DeBoer, C., Moghimi, S., Richter, G., McKean-Cowdin, R., Varma, R. 2020; 3 (2): 130-138

    Abstract

    To characterize the relationship between mean and sectoral variation of anterior chamber angle (ACA) width using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).Subjects aged 50 years or older were identified from the Chinese American Eye Study (CHES), a population-based epidemiological study in Los Angeles, CA. Each subject underwent a complete ocular examination including gonioscopy and AS-OCT imaging. Primary angle closure disease (PACD) was defined as inability to visualize pigmented trabecular meshwork in 3 or more quadrants. Four AS-OCT images from one eye per subject were analyzed and parameters describing ACA width were measured at 500 and 750 μm from the scleral spur: angle opening distance (AOD), trabecular iris space area (TISA), and scleral spur angle (SSA). The relationship between mean and sectoral variation of ACA width was assessed using locally-weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) regression and change-point analyses and Spearman correlation coefficients.674 eyes (337 with PACD, 337 without PACD) from 674 subjects were analyzed. Overall, sectoral variation of ACA width decreased as mean ACA width decreased. This relationship was divided into two phases based on the change-point analysis. Sectoral variation of ACA width was strongly and significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with mean ACA width with below parameter-specific change points for most parameters: AOD500 (r = 0.599), AOD750 (r = 0.246), TISA500 (r = 0.734), TISA750 (r = 0.664), SSA500 (r = 0.661), SSA750 (r = 0.394). Correlations were weaker but still significant (P < 0.004) above these change points for most parameters: AOD500 (r = 0.321), AOD750 (r = 0.550), TISA500 (r = 0.122), TISA750 (r = 0.275), SSA500 (r = -0.036), SSA750 (r = 0.313). Correlations to the left and right of the change points strengthened when sectoral variation of ACA width was adjusted for mean ACA width.Correlations between mean and sectoral variation of ACA width strengthen as the severity of angle narrowing worsens. This relationship likely reflects anatomical changes related to chronic angle closure and may be relevant for refining current definitions and management of PACD.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ogla.2019.12.005

    View details for Web of Science ID 000661195600007

    View details for PubMedID 32632408

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7337259

  • 3D printing novel PPE for response to COVID-19 related shortages Fields , B., Demirjian, N., DeBoer, C., Stemen , D., Hwang , D. 16th International Symposium on Medical Information Processing and Analysis. 2020

    Abstract

    1583:202–10

  • Anterior segment optical coherence tomography. In: Varma R, Xu B, Richter G, Reznik A eds Xu , B., Shan , J., DeBoer , C., Aung , T. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography. 2020

    Abstract

    1-17

  • Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: Applications for Clinical Care and Scientific Research ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Shan, J., DeBoer, C., Xu, B. Y. 2019; 8 (2): 146-157

    Abstract

    Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a non-contact imaging technique that produces high-resolution images and quantitative measurements of the anterior segment and its anatomical structures. There has been rapid development of OCT technology over the past 2 decades, with the transition from time-domain to Fourier-domain OCT devices. By integrating these advancements in OCT technology, AS-OCT devices have evolved into versatile clinical and research tools for studies of the anterior segment and ocular surface. The primary purpose of this article was to review OCT technology and AS-OCT devices as well as applications of AS-OCT for clinical practice and scientific research. We first describe the different types of OCT technology, how they have been adapted for AS-OCT imaging, and differences between various AS-OCT devices. We then review the applications of AS-OCT for characterizing the anatomical structures of the anterior segment and aqueous outflow pathways, including the anterior chamber angle, trabecular meshwork, and Schlemm canal. We also describe glaucoma-related applications of AS-OCT imaging, which include evaluating patients for static and dynamic biometric risk factors of primary angle closure disease and assessing the efficacy of glaucoma interventions, such as laser peripheral iridotomy and glaucoma surgery. Finally, we review other clinical applications of AS-OCT imaging for detection and management of diseases of the ocular surface, cornea, and lens.

    View details for DOI 10.22608/APO.201910

    View details for Web of Science ID 000500778600007

    View details for PubMedID 31020820

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7903991

  • Biomimetic accommodating intraocular lens using a valved deformable liquid balloon DeBoer, C., Lee , J., Wheelan , B., Cable , C., Shi , W., Tai , Y. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. 2015

    Abstract

    63(6):1129–35

  • BIOMIMETIC ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS (IOL) DeBoer, C., Do, H., Lee, J., Humayun, M., Tai, Y., IEEE IEEE. 2012
  • A NEW DUAL PORT CUTTER SYSTEM FOR VITRECTOMY SURGERY RETINA-THE JOURNAL OF RETINAL AND VITREOUS DISEASES Lima, L. H., DeBoer, C., McCormick, M., Kerns, R., Bhadri, P., Humayun, M. S. 2010; 30 (9): 1515-1519

    Abstract

    To evaluate and compare the performance of several designs of 20-gauge dual port (DP) vitreous cutter tips with a standard 20-gauge single port tip.Custom 20-gauge pneumatic vitreous DP cutter tips with different sizes and port positions were evaluated through porcine vitreous and water flow rates. Five designed and fabricated DP cutter tips were compared with a normal single port control tip and evaluated by the measurement of water and porcine vitreous flow rates, and surgical examination in enucleated porcine eyes.Some DP tips approached a maximum vitreous and water flow rates, removing water and vitreous faster than the normal control tip. With reference to surgical evaluation, some DP tips performed better than the single port tip for bulk vitrectomy, but none shaved the vitreous base more effectively.The DP cutter system has the potential to increase the flow rates depending on the size and position of the extra port. In the future, the DP cutter may allow the surgeon to perform bulk vitrectomy more efficiently.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181ea48f9

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282561800022

    View details for PubMedID 20924265

  • An improved understanding of vitreous cutting. In: Saxena S, Sadda S, eds Chong , L., Magalhaes Jr, O., DeBoer, C. Emerging Technologies in Retinal Disease. St. Louis, MO: Jaypee Brothers Medical. 2009

    Abstract

    2009:267-273

  • Guillotine performance: duty cycle analysis of vitrectomy systems Magalhaes Jr, O., Chong , L., DeBoer , C., Bhadri , P., Kerns , R., Barnes , A. Retinal Cases and Brief Reports. 2009

    Abstract

    3(1):64–7

  • 25-Gauge Instrumentation: Engineering Challenges and Tradeoffs VITREO-RETINAL SURGERY Barnes, A. C., DeBoer, C. M., Bhadri, P. R., Magalhaes, O., Kerns, R. M., McCormick, M. T., Chong, L. P., Humayun, M. S., Rizzo, S., Patelli, F., Chow, D. R. 2009: 9-29
  • Port geometry and its influence on vitrectomy RETINA-THE JOURNAL OF RETINAL AND VITREOUS DISEASES DeBoer, C., Fang, S., Lima, L. H., McCormick, M., Bhadri, P., Kerns, R., Humayun, M. 2008; 28 (8): 1061-1067

    Abstract

    To determine the influence of port geometry on water and vitreous flow rates and test novel vitreous cutter tips in specific surgical situations.Custom 20-gauge and 25-gauge vitreous cutter tips with different sized ports were evaluated through porcine vitreous and water flow rates. Five cutter tips were designed and fabricated for specific surgical functionalities. Tips were compared with a normal control tip and evaluated by water and porcine vitreous flow rates, vacuum level required to cut porcine retina, time required to cut and aspirate a porcine lens, and surgical evaluation in enucleated porcine eyes.Both vitreous and water flow asymptotically approached a maximum flow as the port diameter increased. Some tips removed water faster than the normal control tip, but none removed vitreous or lens faster. Several tips required higher vacuum levels to cut retina than the normal tip.Increasing the port diameter of a vitreous cutter to increase flow becomes less effective as the port becomes larger. Furthermore, modifying the port geometry of a vitreous cutter affects its surgical interactions with tissue. In the future, combinational instruments or surgery specific instruments may allow the surgeon to use an optimal port for a specific surgical task.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181840b64

    View details for Web of Science ID 000259329100005

    View details for PubMedID 18779711

  • Vitreous dynamics - Vitreous flow analysis in 20-, 23-, and 25-gauge cutters RETINA-THE JOURNAL OF RETINAL AND VITREOUS DISEASES Magalhaes, O., Chong, L., Deboer, C., Bhadri, P., Kerns, R., Barnes, A., Fang, S., Humayun, M. 2008; 28 (2): 236-241

    Abstract

    To evaluate porcine vitreous flow and balanced saline solution (BSS) flow rates in different vitrectomy systems.Porcine vitreous was obtained within 24 hours of slaughter. A high-speed (2 samples/s) balance, precise to 0.01 g, was used. Variable cut rates and vacuum pressures were analyzed in vitreous and BSS. The vitreous was labeled with glass microspheres and triamcinolone acetonide. A high-speed (400 frames/s) camera was used to record cutting for each condition.For all cutters, there was no vitreous flow at zero cut rates (off). In 25-gauge cutters, at 500 mmHg of vacuum, the electric cutter produced higher average flow rates at high cut rates (600 cpm, 0.004 mL/s, and 1500 cpm, 0.013 mL/s) than pneumatic, which demonstrated a decreased flow at speeds higher than 1000 cpm (1000 cpm, 0.015 mL/s, and 1500 cpm, 0.006 mL/s). The percentage of vitreous flow rate/BSS flow rate in different aspiration and cut rates showed an ascending curve. This demonstrates evidence of flow obstruction in 25- (all cut rates), 23- (all cut rates), and 20-gauge (all cut rates). Flow obstruction and surge movements were seen in the high-speed videos.The vitrectomy systems each illustrate different performances of vitreous removal. The physical characteristics of vitreous resulted in nonuniform flow in all vitreous cutters.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/IAE.0b013e318158e9e0

    View details for Web of Science ID 000253460800006

    View details for PubMedID 18301028

  • Performance analysis of new-generation vitreous cutters Fang, S. Y., DeBoer, C. T., Humayun, M. S. SPRINGER. 2008: 61-67

    Abstract

    Despite their clinical advantages, smaller-diameter vitrectomy systems pose significant challenges in vitreous removal. The percentage of time the vitreous cutter port is open while cutting (duty cycle) is one of the primary factors that affect flow. Herein, we examine the effect of duty cycle on the flow performance of new-generation cutters relative to current instrumentation.Performance of 25-gauge (ga) and 20-ga new-generation spring-return pneumatic cutters (n = 24 and n = 28 respectively) was analyzed relative to current-generation cutters, across their specified cut-speed range under clinical vacuum pressures of 500 mmHg (25-ga) and 200 mmHg (20-ga). A precision balance measured mass of water or porcine vitreous removed from a vial by a cutter; this was recorded in real-time and converted to flow rates. Frame-by-frame analysis of high-speed video was used to determine duty cycle. Data was analyzed using linear regression and the t-test.Compared with the current-generation, the new-generation cutters exhibit increasingly greater water flow rates at higher cut speeds (P < 0.001). Vitreous flow rates of the new-generation cutters are relatively constant as cut speed increases, and are significantly greater than those of the current-generation cutters at cut speeds of 1500 cuts per minute (CPM) or higher (P < 0.001). The new-generation 25-ga cutter exhibits greater vitreous flow rates at higher cut speeds than the current-generation 20-ga cutter: at 2000 and 2500 CPM, the new 25-ga cutter has 1.45 and 11.88 times the vitreous flow rate of the current 20-ga cutter (P < 0.001) respectively. Duty cycles of the new-generation cutters are significantly higher than those of the current-generation at all cut speeds (P < 0.001).Although a number of factors influence flow, the high and relatively constant vitreous flow rates of the new-generation cutters are most likely due to their maintenance of high duty cycle as cut speed increases. The findings illustrate that in optimizing duty cycle, the vitreous flow efficiency of smaller-diameter cutters can match or exceed that of larger diameter cutters.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00417-007-0672-8

    View details for Web of Science ID 000251092800008

    View details for PubMedID 17876598

  • Evaluation of lens hardness in cataract surgery using high-frequency ultrasonic parameters in vitro ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY Huang, C., Ameri, H., DeBoer, C., Rowley, A. P., Xu, X., Sun, L., Wang, S., Humayun, M. S., Shung, K. 2007; 33 (10): 1609-1616

    Abstract

    Ultrasonic parameters of sound velocity and frequency-dependent attenuation ranging from 25 to 45 MHz were measured for the purpose of evaluating the hardness of lenses in cataract surgery (phacoemulsification). Measurements were performed with a 35-MHz ultrasonic transducer on porcine lenses in which artificially cataracts were induced. The hardness of the cataractous lens was also evaluated by mechanical measurement of its elastic properties. The results indicated that the ultrasonic attenuation coefficients in normal porcine lenses were approximately 4.49 +/- 0.05 (mean +/- SD) and 6.32 +/- 0.04 dB/mm at 30 and 40 MHz, respectively. The development progression of the cataracts resulted in the attenuation coefficient increasing linearly to 7.36 +/- 0.25 and 11.1 +/- 0.92 dB/mm, respectively, corresponding to an increase of Young's modulus from 2.6 to 101.2 kPa. The sound velocity concomitantly increased from 1639.8 +/- 4.2 to 1735.6 +/- 10.4 m/s. Evaluation of the relationship between the phacoemulsification energy level and ultrasonic parameters in vitro by surgeons revealed that both the attenuation coefficient and sound velocity were linearly correlated with the phacoemulsification energy (r = 0.941 and 0.915, respectively). These results showed that measuring high-frequency ultrasonic parameters provides surgeons with good capability and reproducibility for selecting the optimal energy level for phacoemulsification.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2007.05.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000250098700012

    View details for PubMedID 17618041

  • Evaluation of a stereoscopic camera-based three-dimensional viewing workstation for ophthalmic surgery AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Bhadri, P. R., Rowley, A. P., Khurana, R. N., Deboer, C. M., Kerns, R. M., Chong, L. P., Humayun, M. S. 2007; 143 (5): 891-892

    Abstract

    To evaluate the effectiveness of a prototype stereoscopic camera-based viewing system (Digital Microsurgical Workstation, three-dimensional (3D) Vision Systems, Irvine, California, USA) for anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic surgery.Institutional-based prospective study.Anterior and posterior segment surgeons performed designated standardized tasks on porcine eyes after training on prosthetic plastic eyes.Both anterior and posterior segment surgeons were able to complete tasks requiring minimal or moderate stereoscopic viewing. The results indicate that the system provides improved ergonomics. Improvements in key viewing performance areas would further enhance the value over a conventional operating microscope.The performance of the prototype system is not at par with the planned commercial system. With continued development of this technology, the three- dimensional system may be a novel viewing system in ophthalmic surgery with improved ergonomics with respect to traditional microscopic viewing.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.12.032

    View details for Web of Science ID 000246288800034

    View details for PubMedID 17452184

  • A self-stabilizing lens ring for 25-gauge vitrectomy surgery AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Chong, L. P., McCormick, M., DeBoer, C., Barnes, A. 2007; 143 (2): 350-351

    Abstract

    To design an improved self-stabilizing lens ring for 25-gauge vitrectomy.Device report.A lens ring was designed to be fixated to the globe using 25-gauge transconjunctival cannulas.This ring consists of a single plastic component with multiple concavities at the ring margin to fit 25-gauge cannulas. The ring can accommodate conventional standard and panoramic vitrectomy lenses.A lens ring has been designed for 25-gauge vitrectomy and to hold conventional contact lenses. Stability of the lens ring is achieved without the need for sutures and instead is achieved by the three point fixation provided by the existing 25-gauge cannula system.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.09.026

    View details for Web of Science ID 000244271400028

    View details for PubMedID 17258531

  • Micro machining techniques, fixturing, and end mill selection in high precision VMC parts McCormick, M., DeBoer, C. Techical Papers - Society of Manufacturing Engineers. 2006

    Abstract

    17

  • Superconductivity (and magnetism) in the nickel borocarbides Schmiedeshoff, G. M., De Boer, C., Tompkins, M. V., Beyermann, W. P., Lacerda, A. H., Smith, J. L., Canfield, P. C. SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS. 2000: 847-853