Meet the Staff

Stephen Updegraff, M.D. Medical Director

Ambrose Updegraff, M.D.
Mark Strosser, OD  Staff Optometrist
Daniel Behn, OD  Staff Optometrist

Ron Lawson, COE  Practice Administrator

Steve Updegraff, M.D.       Medical Director      Meet Dr. Updegraff      Click Here for Video In June of 2007, Dr. Updegraff was awarded the coveted Kritzinger Safari Lecture Award.  The distinguished honor was presented at the ISRS/SASCRS International Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa.  As a very sought after lecturer, Dr. Updegraff was invited to the international symposium to present a number of lectures to his peers on such topics as LASIK and Lens Implants.  While attending, he was honored with the prestigious Kritzinger Award.  Dr. Updegraff, like past recipients of this award have made significant contributions to refractive surgery.  Additionally, the following character traits must exist:  innovator, original thinker, high energy, perseverence, and leadership.  Dr. Updegraff is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, the National Board of Medical Examiners and is Florida State licensed. He is an innovator in his field and holds seven U.S. patents for LASIK technique and technology. Dr. Updegraff received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Eckerd College and his medical degree at Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine. He then completed a transitional internship at Louisiana State University School of Medicine Charity Hospital, a four-year ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Eye Center, and a cornea refractive and laser surgery fellowship at the University of Texas. Dr. Updegraff has served as both the principal and clinical investigator and surgeon in clinical research programs at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, the Black Hills Regional Eye Institute and the University of Texas. He has also participated in clinical studies sponsored by Chiron Vision Corporation as well as served on the LSU Eye Center Excimer Laser Team. In addition, Dr. Updegraff has been the primary clinical investigator in six other clinical research projects at various sites across the United States since 1988. Dr. Updegraffs teaching experience is extensive and he has presented his research and knowledge to other LASIK professionals worldwide. He has been a LASIK course instructor for the International Society for Refractive Surgeons and an educational consultant for Bausch and Lomb Laser Division. Dr. Updegraff has presented and directed LASIK courses for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Society for Refractive Surgeons, and the American Society of Cornea and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Updegraff is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, and he and his wife, Betsy, have three daughters. TOP

Ambrose Updegraff, M.D. Dr. Ambrose Updegraff received his medical degree from the University of Iowa where he also completed his ophthalmology residency. He has been a Board Certified Ophthalmologist since 1960. Dr. Updegraff is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Eye Surgeons and the Vienna Medical Society. He is also a member of the Florida Medical Association, Florida Society of Ophthalmology and past president of the Pinellas Ophthalmology Society. Dr. Ambrose Updegraff has been in practice in St. Petersburg, Florida since 1959 and continues to do general medical ophthalmology with his son, Dr. Stephen Updegraff. TOP

Mark P. Strosser, O.D.       Staff Optometrist Dr. Strosser graduated summa cum laude and class valedictorian from Ohio State University College of Optometry. He completed his residency in hospital based optometry at Bay Pines Veterans Administrative Medical Center and became Board certified in Florida in 1989. Dr. Strosser is a member of the American, Florida, and Pinellas Optometric Associations (POA) and is currently a member of the POA Suncoast Educational Seminar Steering Committee as well as a POA Legislative Key Person. Dr. Strosser was previously a Tampa Bay Devil Rays Team Optometric Physician and a member of the Peer Review Appeals Committee of Vision Care Inc. TOP

Daniel Behn, O.D.      Staff Optometrist Dr. Daniel Behn attended three years in preparation for optometry school in a biology major curriculum at Iowa State University before receiving his Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University in 1998. Dr. Behn completed his residency at the Bay Pines Veterans Administrative Medical Center and is a member of the American and Pinellas County Optometric Association. With diverse training and clinical experience in pediatric disorders, geriatric service at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, co-management with refractive and cataract patients and honored status as a specialty contact lens dispenser, Dr. Behn is skilled in all areas of Optometry. Dr. Behn was also previously a Tampa Bay Devil Rays Team Optometric Physician. Dr. Behn currently lives in Seminole with his wife, Andrea and three children. TOP

Ronald Lawson, COE       Practice Administrator Ron is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and is responsible for all administrative aspects of Updegraff Lasik Vision. He is a graduate of Eckerd College and a member of MGMA and ASOA. He has been an Ophthalmic Practice Administrator for 12 years. Ron has lived in Florida since he was 18 and currently resides in Largo with his wife. He is the father of two girls. TOP