Dr. Joel Hunter
Background & Experience
Dr. Joel Hunter is recognized as one of the nation’s leading Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Born and raised in Central Florida, he completed his fellowship at Durrie Vision, one of the most prestigious training programs in the United States.
Following his fellowship, Dr. Hunter founded and led Hunter Vision, a world-class refractive surgery center where thousands of patients trusted him for LASIK, ICL, Custom Lens Replacement, and Cataract Surgery. After more than a decade of independent practice, he joined Magruder Laser Vision to bring even greater access to state-of-the-art vision correction for patients across Central Florida.
Globally Recognized Expertise
Dr. Hunter, along with Dr Shumski, are among a small group of ophthalmologists who hold dual board certification:
- American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) in the United States
- World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences (WCRSVS), an global recognition of excellence.
Why Choose Dr. Hunter?
- Over 15 Years of Exclusive Experience in Refractive Surgery
For more than a decade and a half, I have focused exclusively on refractive procedures, including LASIK and cataract surgery, refining my technique to deliver optimal visual outcomes for thousands of patients. - Trainer of Surgeons Nationwide
I’ve had the privilege of training numerous LASIK and cataract surgeons, including those currently performing procedures for national providers like LASIKPlus in Orlando. - Trusted by My Own Family
The trust I have in these procedures is personal—I’ve performed refractive surgery on every eligible member of my own family.
- Leadership in High-Volume Practice
While serving at Hunter Vision, I led what Alcon recognized as the highest-volume LASIK practice in the state of Florida. - Accelerated Academic Excellence
I completed high school and college in just 3 and 2.5 years, respectively, graduating with top honors. I was also awarded the Academic Excellence Award in medical school. - Prestigious Fellowship Training
I completed the highly selective Durrie Fellowship—offered to only one fellow per year—further honing my expertise in advanced refractive and corneal surgery.
Continuing the Hunter Vision Legacy
Dr. Hunter founded one of Florida’s leading Centers of Excellence for cataract and refractive surgery, Hunter Vision. Over 25,000 vision correction procedures were successfully performed under his leadership.
In 2021, he chose to collaborate with Magruder Laser Vision, uniting two respected practices. This partnership elevates the level of care available in Central Florida—offering patients advanced technology and an even higher standard of excellence.
Where Surgeons Go To Learn
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Hunter has trained the next generation of surgeons. As Director of the Hunter Vision Refractive Surgery Fellowship Program, he mentored ophthalmologists from across the country, many of whom now practice independently using the skills and knowledge passed on by Dr. Hunter.
Undergraduate & Medical Education:
Undergraduate & Medical Education: University of South Florida
Residency: Ophthalmology, University of South Florida
Fellowship: Refractive Surgery with world-renowned surgeon Dr. Dan Durrie at Durrie Vision, widely regarded as the nation’s top program.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Hunter is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons (ISRS).
He is also recognized by Best Cataract Surgeons in America & Best LASIK Surgeons in America
Caring for Those Closest
Dr. Hunter’s philosophy of treating every patient like family isn’t just a saying—it’s a reality. His own parents, brothers, close friends, staff, and extended family have trusted him to perform their vision correction surgeries. Over the last 15 years, dozens of loved ones have chosen Dr. Hunter as their surgeon, a testament to the trust he inspires.
Firsts & Innovations
Dr. Hunter is Seminole & Lake County’s leader in Modern Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Hunter has often been the first to introduce advanced technology and surgical techniques to Seminole and or Lake Counties. His pioneering approach continues to shape the standard of care for cataract and refractive surgery in the region. Here are some of his Firsts:
- 1st Robotic Laser Cataract Surgery
- 1st IV-Free Cataract Surgery
- 1st Same-Day Bilateral Cataract Surgeries
- 1st EVO ICL
- 1st Sonomed Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Stronger Together
Dr. Hunter’s decision to join forces with Magruder Laser Vision was guided by a simple goal: to deliver better outcomes for patients together. With combined expertise, advanced technology, and shared values, the collaboration ensures Central Florida remains at the forefront of modern cataract and refractive surgery.
“Ultimately, we realized we could deliver patients even better care by working together—raising the standard of excellence for cataract and refractive surgery in Central Florida.” – Dr. Joel Hunter