Craig A. Merrill, MD

Craig A. Merrill, MD, is an ophthalmologist at Pacific Eye, with offices in San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, California, as well as Optical Concepts in Santa Maria. Dr. Merrill practices at the offices in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, specializes in cataract surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology.

In Dr. Merrill’s own words, “Vision is the most precious of all senses, and nothing is more gratifying than improving someone's eyesight. My skills as an ophthalmologist have given me the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on my patient's lives.”

Although a native of California's Central Coast, Dr. Merrill traveled to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, for his undergraduate studies. He then earned his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Merrill returned to Utah for his internship at the University of Utah Health, and completed his residency at the school’s Moran Eye Center, both in Salt Lake City.

An expert in the fields of glaucoma, cataract, and refractive lens and laser surgery, Dr. Merrill has performed thousands of major eye surgeries since he started practicing comprehensive and refractive surgical ophthalmology on the Central Coast in 1995. Among his patients are doctors, nurses, lawyers, civic leaders, several NBA players, and even exotic animals such as white tigers.

Dr. Merrill is a diplomate with the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He has previously served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, volunteer missionary in Italy, and as a domestic and international disaster relief worker. Today, he regularly performs medical and surgical volunteer work, and volunteers with several local charitable organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.