1984: Practice Founder
Established The Eye Center of Kansas City, expanding access to specialized ophthalmic services in the region.
Our Founder
Dr. Phillip C. Hoopes, Sr., MD, MBA
Founder, Hoopes Vision · Pioneer in Laser Vision CorrectionA pioneering ophthalmic surgeon whose contributions to early laser vision correction helped shape modern refractive care. Dr. Hoopes Sr. founded a legacy of innovation, surgical excellence, and patient-centered vision care in Utah.
- 110,000+ Refractive surgeries reported in his career biography
- 42,000+ Additional ophthalmic procedures reported
- 1989 Involvement in early FDA laser surgery trials
About Dr. Hoopes Sr.
A pioneer in vision correction. A lasting legacy.
Dr. Phillip C. Hoopes, Sr. helped advance laser vision correction long before LASIK became a familiar household name. His extensive surgical experience and dedication to clinical innovation helped lay the foundation for Hoopes Vision.
He earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and completed ophthalmology training at the University of Iowa Eye Center. He pursued additional fellowship training in cataract, implant, and laser surgery in Savannah, Georgia.
In 1984, Dr. Hoopes founded The Eye Center of Kansas City in Overland Park, Kansas. Beginning in 1989, his practice participated in early FDA clinical investigations involving PRK and LASIK technology. His published biography also recounts a landmark FDA-approved Summit Technology PRK procedure performed in 1998.
Dr. Hoopes returned to Utah in 2000, bringing his experience and commitment to personalized, technology-driven care. He also held clinical academic appointments associated with the University of Kansas and the University of Utah.
Now retired from patient care, Dr. Hoopes Sr. remains an important part of the Hoopes Vision story. The physicians and staff continue the commitment to surgical expertise, thoughtful innovation, and individualized care that helped define his career.
Training & Legacy
- Medical school
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Ophthalmology training
- University of Iowa Eye Center
- Fellowship training
- Cataract, implant & laser surgery
- Founded
- The Eye Center of Kansas City & Hoopes Vision
- Academic roles
- University of Kansas & University of Utah
- Current status
- Retired from patient care
A Career of Innovation
The contributions behind the Hoopes Vision legacy.
From the earliest clinical trials of laser vision correction to a practice built around individualized care, Dr. Hoopes Sr.'s career reflects decades of dedication to improving vision.
1989: Early Laser Research
Participated in the early FDA clinical studies and testing that helped bring laser vision correction into modern practice.
1998: PRK Milestone
His published biography describes a landmark procedure using FDA-approved Summit Technology PRK for myopia and astigmatism.
2000: Return to Utah
Returned to his home state and helped establish the foundation for the comprehensive care associated with Hoopes Vision.
Education & Mentorship
Served in clinical academic roles while sharing experience gained throughout a distinguished ophthalmic career.
A Legacy That Continues
His focus on surgical excellence, emerging technology, and the patient experience remains central to the Hoopes Vision story.
His Vision. Our Commitment.
Experience the care he helped inspire.
Dr. Hoopes Sr. is retired and no longer sees patients. Our current physicians carry forward the commitment to advanced technology, clinical experience, and personal attention that helped define Hoopes Vision.