Meet Dr. Smith
Our Newest Retina Specialist, Now Scheduling!
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A Denver native, Dr. Smith joined Colorado Retina Associates in 2026 after nine years on the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He brings a deep commitment to evidence-based medicine and the technical precision required to manage the most complex vitreoretinal problems.
Dr. Smith was drawn to medicine by a love of science and the opportunity to apply it directly to solving problems in people's lives. He chose retina surgery for the complexity of the pathology, the intricacy of the surgery, and the ability to step into a patient's life at a moment of great need and help them through it. "There is nothing more rewarding than guiding a patient through a difficult diagnosis and helping them keep their independence," says Smith.
Dr. Smith specializes in complex vitreoretinal surgery and advanced states of retinal and macular pathology. He earned his medical degree and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Colorado before pursuing a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and disease at Emory University. He then returned to Colorado to join the Department of Ophthalmology faculty. His research spans immunologic mechanisms of diabetic eye disease, ocular trauma, diabetic retinopathy, and complex retinal detachment. He has published widely, lectured nationally and internationally, earned multiple departmental teaching awards, and is a member of the Retina Society.
Dr. Smith has devoted much of his career to serving patients who face barriers to care. He performed thousands of surgeries at Denver Health for uninsured, homeless, and immigrant patients, and volunteered at the Dawn Clinic in Aurora caring for the city's homeless population.
Outside the clinic and the operating room, Dr. Smith spends most of his time raising three daughters with his wife. He is a lifelong Denver Nuggets fan and can often be found working on his next home improvement project or attempting — mostly unsuccessfully — to improve his golf game. As an undergraduate at the University of Colorado Boulder, he served as a Ralphie handler, running the live buffalo mascot onto the football field to lead the team out at home games.
Undergraduate School:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (2006)
Medical School:
- MD, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Denver, CO (2011)
Other Special Training:
- Advanced Spanish Language Certificate, Language Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (2003)
Internship
- St. Joseph Hospital Program, Denver, CO (2012)
Ophthalmology Residency
- University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (2015)
Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Fellowship
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (2017)
- Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology, 2017
- American Society of Retinal Specialists
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Medical Association
- Colorado Medical Society
- Fellow Teaching Award, Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, GA, 2017
- Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Resident Retreat, Chicago, IL, 2014
- Phi Beta Kappa, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 2006
- Graduation with High Distinction, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 2006
- Dean’s List, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 2002-2006
- National Merit Award Finalist, 2002
- English
- Spanish
Reviews for Dr. Smith
“Dr Smith is the top doctor in his field and that was definitely my experience with him. I have perfect 20/20 vision now. I can't thank him enough for this great gift!!”
“I am a nurse with 46 years of experience. I was very anxious. I was so impressed with not only Dr Smith but the entire staff. Everyone was kind , reassuring and explained what was happening every step of the way. Dr Smith was incredible, his demeanor instilled confidence in me. It is clear to me the eye clinic team has a great culture and are patient focused. So grateful!”
“Last year I unfortunately was faced with a serious eye condition. Dr. Jesse Smith and his staff were recommended. The experience could not have been better and all of his staff go above and beyond to help you. Dr. Smith is very thorough and kind. I am grateful for all he has done to help me through this ordeal. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone in need of his services. Top Notch!”
