R. Joel Welch, MD
Dr. Welch joined Spokane Eye Clinic in 2020 and is a Board-Certified specialist in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology. He received his Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and medical degree from the University of Utah's Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. After medical school, his medical training took him and his family to San Francisco for an internship, Omaha for an Ophthalmology Residency, Philadelphia for an Eye Tumor Fellowship, and Sacramento for a Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship. While in Philadelphia, Dr. Welch trained for two years under Drs. Carol and Jerry Shields at Wills Eye Hospital, the world’s busiest and most well-regarded ocular oncology center.
His expertise includes the medical and surgical management of complex retinal diseases and eye tumors, including retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, uveal metastasis, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration, among others. He performs all types of vitreoretinal surgery, including surgeries for retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and scleral fixation of intraocular lenses.
He has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, including several in top journals such as Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Retina, JAMA Ophthalmology, JAMA Cardiology, Eye, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Retina, and Ocular Oncology and Pathology. He has presented at several national and international meetings, specifically regarding his eye tumor expertise, and participates in several impactful clinical trials, including trials for macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and uveal melanoma.
His professional memberships include the International Society of Ocular Oncology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the American Society of Retina Specialists.
His personal interests include photography, music, cycling, and spending time with his wife and 2 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Welch speaks Spanish.
