Dr. Christopher Fortenbach
Areas of Expertise
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

Vitreoretinal Surgery
2023University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Fellowship
Ophthalmology
2021University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Residency
MD
2017University of California, Davis
Medical School
PhD, Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
2015University of California, Davis
Masters / PhD
BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2008University of California, Davis
Undergraduate
BS, Food Science and Technology
2008University of California, Davis
Undergraduate
Awards & Honors
Career Development Award
2025Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB)
Addressing Health Disparities Grant Recipient
2023University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Fellow Teaching Award
2022Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa
Stacy L. Thompson Resident Leadership Award
2021Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award
2021Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa
P.J. Leinfelder Award Resident Research Award
2021University of Iowa
Loren D. Carlson Research Award
2017UC Davis
National Eye Institute Vision Science Training Program Grant
2014UC Davis
UC Davis Community Service Award
2008UC Davis
Charles Hess Community Service Award
2008UC Davis
Certifications & Licensure
- Licensed In
- WA
- License Numbers
- MD61443591
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Dr. Christopher R Fortenbach
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