Dr. Christopher Fortenbach

OphthalmologyRetina Specialist
Seattle, WA

Areas of Expertise

Retinal Detachments and Tears
Macular Holes
Epiretinal Membranes/Puckers
Retinal Vascular Diseases
Hereditary Retinal Dystrophies (e.g., Retinitis Pigmentosa)

About Me

Dr. Christopher R. Fortenbach is a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist who cares for the full range of retinal and macular disease. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, he treats conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and tears, macular holes, and inherited retinal dystrophies, and manages complex inflammatory and vascular diseases of the retina. Patients can expect clear explanations, evidence-based treatment plans, and close follow-up tailored to preserving sight and quality of life.

Dr. Fortenbach grew up in Northern California, where he attended the University of California, Davis for his undergraduate education. He stayed on for the MD/PhD program, where he earned his PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, studying how retinal neurons convey the presence of light. He completed his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he continues laboratory work focused on therapies to restore vision loss. In clinic and in the lab, his goal is the same: compassionate care informed by rigorous science. In his spare time, Dr. Fortenbach enjoys spending time with his family, backpacking, cycling, tennis, and cooking.

Training

  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Vitreoretinal Surgery

    2023

    University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Fellowship
  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Ophthalmology

    2021

    University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Residency
  • University of California, Davis

    MD

    2017

    University of California, Davis

    Medical School
  • University of California, Davis

    PhD, Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

    2015

    University of California, Davis

    Masters / PhD
  • University of California, Davis

    BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    2008

    University of California, Davis

    Undergraduate
  • University of California, Davis

    BS, Food Science and Technology

    2008

    University of California, Davis

    Undergraduate

Awards & Honors

  • Career Development Award

    2025

    Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB)

  • Addressing Health Disparities Grant Recipient

    2023

    University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

  • Fellow Teaching Award

    2022

    Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa

  • Stacy L. Thompson Resident Leadership Award

    2021

  • Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award

    2021

    Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa

  • P.J. Leinfelder Award Resident Research Award

    2021

    University of Iowa

  • Loren D. Carlson Research Award

    2017

    UC Davis

  • National Eye Institute Vision Science Training Program Grant

    2014

    UC Davis

  • UC Davis Community Service Award

    2008

    UC Davis

  • Charles Hess Community Service Award

    2008

    UC Davis

Certifications & Licensure

Licensed In
WA
License Numbers
MD61443591

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Dr. Christopher R Fortenbach

Ophthalmology Retina Specialist