Meet Dr. Mayer
Dr. Mayer is a third-generation ophthalmologist, following his father and grandfather into the profession. His father never expected him to pursue the same career, but growing up around medicine gave Dr. Mayer an early view of how ophthalmology combines lifelong learning with the opportunity to serve others. As he progressed through medical school and training, he found his own connection to the specialty and ultimately chose to continue his family’s tradition in ophthalmology.
That background also helped shape his approach to patient care. Dr. Mayer believes the relationship between a physician and patient should be a partnership built on education and trust. He wants patients to understand their condition, know their options, and have the tools they need to make informed decisions about their care. His goal is for every patient to feel confident placing their vision in his hands and comfortable recommending him to their own friends and family.
Interests & Added Expertise
Following his ophthalmology residency at Penn State Hershey Eye Center, Dr. Mayer completed the Heersink Family Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at Wills Eye Hospital. His clinical interests include cataract and refractive surgery, corneal disease, corneal transplantation, keratoconus, and complex anterior segment care. He has presented nationally on topics ranging from corneal cross-linking and refractive surgery to cataract techniques, IOL exchange, and anterior segment reconstruction.
Dr. Mayer is particularly interested in the development of cultured endothelial cell therapy. He has been involved as a principal investigator in clinical research evaluating this emerging treatment approach for corneal endothelial dysfunction and is excited about its potential to expand treatment options for patients with corneal endothelial disease.
Research and education have remained important throughout his career. Dr. Mayer has authored and contributed to peer-reviewed research and ophthalmology publications, participated in numerous clinical trials, and currently serves as a volunteer faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado. He has been board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 2017 and has served as an oral board examiner since 2025.
Education
- Undergraduate: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
- Master of Science in Medical Science: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Internship: Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Residency: Penn State Hershey Eye Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Cornea and External Disease Fellowship: Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Select Awards & Honors
- Best Paper by Resident/Fellow, ASCRS Annual Meeting (2016)
- Gayle Rutherford Memorial Research Award, Penn State College of Medicine (2015)
Personal & Hobbies
Outside of ophthalmology, Dr. Mayer considers being a dad one of his favorite roles. He and his wife, Kelly, met as undergraduates at Boston College and have called Northern Colorado home with their sons since 2016.
Dr. Mayer enjoys photography, cycling, cooking, baking sourdough bread and pizza, hiking, camping, and traveling. He is also a live music fan and vinyl collector, follows Liverpool F.C., and has been known to enjoy karaoke when the opportunity presents itself. His adventurous side has taken him from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Dr. Ryburn to completing a 70.3 Ironman in Cabo, but time with his family remains what he values most.