Trusted LASIK Surgeons® : A Legacy of Dr. James J. Salz.
Founders and Officers
Dr. James J. Salz, M.D
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (in memoriam)
Dr. James J. Salz, M.D, had over 40 years of experience in corneal refractive surgery. Among many honors and awards, the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), an orgainization where Dr. Salz served as President, honored him with the Barraquer Award, the most prestigious honor awarded by the to a refractive surgeon and a Lifetime Achievement Award. The José I. Barraquer Award, presented annually by the ISRS, honors an ophthalmologist for significant contributions to refractive surgery, exemplifying the pioneering spirit and scientific dedication of Dr. José I. Barraquer, a founding father of LASIK. Both awards are among the top international honors that are awarded to eye surgeons for their contributions to the field of refractive surgery. Sadly, Dr. James passed away on March 19, 2022. We continue to carry a part of Dr. Salz's legacy through Trusted LASIK SurgeonsTM: Our MIssion Statement.
To learn more about Dr. Salz's accomplishments please visit
To view and comment on the Tribute on Facebook to Dr. James J. Salz, please visit:
Facebook Tribute to Dr. James J. Salz by his son (James M Salz)
To learn more about our Founder, Dr. James Salz, and how he is remembered by his peer, please visit:
- Remembering James J. Salz, MD in The Journal of Refractive Surgery
- Pioneer Dr. James J. Salz in Ophthalmology Times
- James Salz, MD. remembered in Ocular Surgery News
Dr. Salz was one of the principal investigators for the FDA trials involving the use of lasers to successfully and safely correct most vision problems. As a leading spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Dr. Salz has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, PBS, TV news programs and was quoted extensively in major ophthalmology publications and other national magazines (such as Newsweek and Life) in the USA and abroad. Because of his conservative philosophy to refractive surgery, other laser vision and cataract surgeons regular sought out Dr. Salz's expertise and opinions for patients in their own practices.
He was chief editor for 2 books on refractive surgery and has contributed numerous book chapters for ophthalmology publications, He also published over 110 scientific articles on the subjects of refractive and cataract surgery. As a highly respected international lecturer and educator, he was an invited lecturer and instructor at over 250 eye meetings botyh nationally and internationally.
He served as a volunteer surgeon and lecturer on Project Orbis, the flying eye hospital, in Yugoslavia, India and Cuba and recently was a volunteer surgeon for Liga- The Flying Doctors of Mercy, in El Fuerte, Mexico.
Dr. Salz received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Southern California (USC) L.A. County Medical Center where he continued to volunteer as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology for over 40 years. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as Lt. Commander, United States Navy and Staff Ophthalmologist for the U.S. Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, CA, Dr. Salz's favorite testimonial was by his daughter, Elisabeth (you'll see Dr. Salz had a unique sense of humor, too).
James Michael Salz, Esq.
Co-Founder, President, and V.P. of Business and Legal Affairs
James Michael Salz (a.k.a. the “son not the Doc” (Salz)) is a corporate attorney. Jim has over 20 years of extensive experience working with start-up companies and performing in-house corporate legal services for private and public companies.
Jim began his career working in insurance fraud as independent counsel where the primary objective was to find the truth for higher than normal claims in connection with car accidents and home theft.
After a few years, Jim launched his own practice in the music industry. He represented various independent artists, producers, and music publishers, including the company that owned publishing rights in such timeless songs as “The Girl From Ipanema” and “Killing Me Softly (With His Song)”. During this period, Jim also worked as an independent A&R consultant, searching for new music talent for MCA Records and recommend several bands (Creed, Johnny Lang, the Presidents of the United States of America) that went platinum (over 1 million sales). Unfortunately, MCA Records passed on these artists and who were signed by other record companies who helped make them successful.
In 1998, Jim made a career switch into the hi-tech business sector. Since then, he has provided strategy and legal services to various Internet start-up companies (both in-house and independently) on a wide range of matters, including general corporate work and compliance, business development, strategic alliances and partnerships, financing, intellectual property, licensing, employment, and SEC compliance for public companies. Mr. Salz has also handled the drafting, preparation, and issuance of SEO press releases for several companies.
Jim earned his B.A. in Communication Studies at U.C.L.A. (Cum Laude) and his J.D. degree at Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Mr. Salz has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. He also is working on a young adult fantasy novel based on mythology as well as a Christmas story that he hopes will become an instant classic.
Jeffrey Hopkins
Director of Business Development
Jeffrey Hopkins has been the Director of Business Development at Trusted LASIK Surgeons® since February 2023. His professional history includes twelve years in television production and eight years as a business development manager. Jeff’s first work experience was for an American chemical company when he moved to Rome, Italy, just after graduating from college. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Washington College where he was also a member of the 8-man boat on the crew team.
This diverse background, encompassing analytical thinking, communication and relationship-building skills with a global perspective, informs his strategic approach to expanding Trusted LASIK Surgeons' reach.
Jeff is focused on building lasting partnerships and driving initiatives that further solidify Trusted LASIK Surgeons® as the premier destination for patients seeking reliable and exceptional vision correction by connecting them with our vetted LASIK, cataract, and refractive surgeons.
Lance McCloud
Co-Founder
Lance McCloud has over 30 years of business strategy and development, direct and online marketing, and high tech experience to Trusted LASIK Surgeons.
Upon graduating UCLA, Lance, a native of Los Angeles worked in film production. However, when he recognized the Internet’s potential in 1994, he returned to UCLA to study statistics and new media technology and shortly thereafter began working with the founder of GEO Cities.
After GeoCities, which was purchased by Yahoo, Lance served in various capacities at several successful start-ups during the first boom in the Internet industry. Following this, Lance spent over 7 years working for a national firm where he provided strategic e-business training as well as Internet and technical education to major accounting firms (including KPMG and Ernst & Young), multi-national corporations, and organizations as well as branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. JPL, and other government agencies. Lance served as a subject matter expert and lead online trainer helping executives and MBA degree employees get "up to speed" in e-commerce, online marketing, and web development. Lance also provided training in IT, Internet architecture and IT project management.
In 1999, Lance began focusing on building his own boutique firm, LanceThink Media, whose clients included multi-national firms as well as small business start-ups. Mr. McCloud is honored to have been working with Dr. Salz and his son Jim.
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