Thomas E. Clinch
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Thomas E. Clinch has served as the Chief Medical Officer at ESP since 2024. He was the founding partner of Eye Doctors of Washington and has practiced ophthalmology for over 30 years. He has performed over 40,000 LASIK and cataract procedures. Dr. Clinch is dedicated to practicing innovative, state-of-the-art ophthalmic care, as well as conducting ophthalmic research. Dr. Clinch was the first physician in his region to perform many recent innovations in ophthalmology, including laser cataract surgery, as well as the first surgeon to implant a multifocal, extended depth of focus, and light-adjustable intraocular lens.
Dr. Clinch has served as the principal investigator in over 30 clinical trials about LASIK, PRK, phakic and multifocal IOLs, the intraoperative miniature telescope for macular degeneration, collagen crosslinking and Intacs for treatment of keratoconus, dry eyes, and infectious corneal diseases. Dr. Clinch has authored over 40 scientific articles and 100 professional presentations. He has been honored with an Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been named to Washingtonian’s Top Docs for over 15 consecutive years as well as recognized in Bethesda Magazine Top Doctors, Washington Post Super Doctors, and America’s Top Doctors. Dr. Clinch is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology as well as a member of numerous professional societies. He has served as President of the Metropolitan Ophthalmology Society and is a team ophthalmologist for the Washington Capitals. A personal highlight was the opportunity to hold and drink from the Stanley Cup!
Dr. Clinch graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell University and earned a medical degree at Jefferson Medical College. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital and a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the LSU Eye Center. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Clinch served in the U.S. Navy as the head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune. Afterward, he became an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Utah, where he was the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services. He moved to Washington DC in 1999 to be closer to family and friends. Dr. Clinch and his wife enjoy boating, cooking, and fitness.