Dr. Christian Leal

OphthalmologyRetina Specialist
Austin, TX

Areas of Expertise

Surgical and Medical Retina Care
Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lenses (SFIOL)
Complex Diabetic Retinal Detachment Surgery
Ocular Trauma and Retinal Repair
Pediatric Retinal Diseases Including Retinopathy of Prematurity
Uveitis and Inflammatory Eye Disorders

About Me

Dr. Christian Leal is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon who cares for both adult and pediatric patients with complex retinal disease at Austin Retina. Born and raised in Fort Worth and the first in his family to attend college, he brings a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care for the communities that shaped him. He treats the full spectrum of medical and surgical retina conditions and is known for clearly explaining diagnoses, options, and expected recovery.

Dr. Leal graduated from Stanford University on a full scholarship, where he received the Lyons Award for Public Service. He went on to graduate at the top of his class from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where he helped lead a free clinic for underserved patients and was inducted into both the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma, followed by a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Emory Eye Center.

A native Spanish speaker and first-generation college graduate, Dr. Leal is passionate about improving access to retina care, especially for underserved and pediatric populations, and about partnering with patients and families through every step of treatment.

Training

  • Emory Eye Center, Emory University

    Vitreoretinal Surgery

    Emory Eye Center, Emory University

    Fellowship
  • Ophthalmology

    Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma

    Residency
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Medical Doctor (MD)

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Medical School
  • Stanford University

    B.A

    Stanford University

    Undergraduate

Awards & Honors

  • Lyons Award for Public Service

    Stanford University

  • Fellow of the Year

    Emory Eye Center

  • Inductee, Gold Humanism Honor Society

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

  • Member, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

    University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Certifications & Licensure

Licensed In
TX
License Numbers
V6344

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