Robert T. Williamson, MD
Beginnings
Dr. Bob Williamson was born and raised on a farm in Tippecanoe County where he spent much time helping his father, who encouraged him to become actively involved in 4-H. Upon entering West Lafayette High School he joined the basketball and golf teams and became president of the National Honor Society, among other activities. Margaret, Dr. Williamson's mother, was devoted to him and his younger brother, Tom, and has remained an active member of the West Lafayette community. Jim Williamson, a graduate of Purdue University, became mayor of West Lafayette in 1963 and remained so until 1971. Dr. Williamson's desire to become a physician was inspired by Purdue University's team doctor, Bill Combs. He became interested in ophthalmology as an undergraduate after an inspiring conversation with an optometrist.
Academic and Professional Experience
Dr. Williamson received his undergraduate education from Indiana University. He then entered IU's Medical School in 1967 where he served as president of his class and graduated in the top 15% in 1971. At the Sheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, Dr. Williamson did post-graduate work on the Basic Sciences of Ophthalmology. He completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic and served as Chief Resident and Instructor of Ophthalmology there in 1974 and 1975. Later, Dr. Williamson went on for post-graduate laser training at Stanford University. In 1975 Dr. Williamson returned to Lafayette to start a full time private practice of ophthalmology.
Dr. Williamson strongly believes that education is a lifelong, continuing experience. Consequently, he has attended over 50 conventions during the past 25 years. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Indiana State Medical Association, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Association of Ophthalmology, American College of Eye Surgeons and a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Williamson has performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries, over 10,000 laser surgeries and thousands of other ophthalmic procedures. It has been Dr. Williamson's goal throughout his career to treat his patients as individuals and meet their specific eye care needs.
Social Activities
Dr. Bob Williamson lives in Lafayette with his wife, Carol, of over 25 years and his three children: Brad, Anne, and Kathleen. He is an avid golfer who also enjoys snow and water skiing, family vacations, weekends at the lake and throwing the ball for the family dog, Chester. He also enjoys regular times of exercise at the YMCA with friends.
Spiritual Life
Dr. Williamson has a strong faith in God. He is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and believes strongly in the golden rule "treating others as he would like to be treated."
New Endeavors
In 1997 Dr. Bob Williamson expanded his expertise to include LASIK (Laser in-Situ Keratomileus), the newest form of laser vision correction. In the fall of 1999, Dr. Williamson purchased his own LASIK equipment and began offering LASIK to his patients. He is committed to treating each patient with kindness and the most up to date ophthalmologic medical and surgical treatments. This commitment along with his 28 years of experience is why so many of his referring optometrists and their families come to him for medical and surgical eye care.
