Dr. Christopher Fortenbach

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.