Robert C. Kersten

MD

Chief of the Division of Ocular Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery
Ophthalmologist
Oculofacial plastic surgeon

Dr. Robert C. Kersten, chief of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery for UCSF ophthalmology, is a specialist in oculoplastic surgery, procedures to treat the area around the eyes. He evaluates and treats problems of the eyelids, orbits (the bony cavities containing the eyeballs) and tear ducts. He cares for adults and children with congenital and acquired disorders of the soft tissues and bones around the eyes. He also performs cosmetic eyelid and upper facial rejuvenation.

Kersten earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, where he also completed a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic, orbital and reconstructive surgery. He was a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati before joining UCSF in 2009.

Kersten is widely considered one of the preeminent international authorities on ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has authored more than 200 published pieces on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and cosmetic problems in the eye area. He also served for several years as editor of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's textbook on surgery for the eyelids, orbits and tear-duct system.

Kersten has lectured internationally in more than 30 countries and speaks frequently in North America. He has been recognized by his peers as one of America's Best Doctors for more than 20 years, and he recently received the American Academy of Ophthalmology's prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Kersten takes an annual leave of absence from UCSF in order to perform surgeries and teach ophthalmologists in the developing world. He also enjoys skiing and cycling in his free time.

  • Education

    University of Iowa School of Medicine, 1978

  • Residencies

    University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Ophthalmology, 1983

  • Fellowships

    University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1984

  • Board Certifications

    Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology

  • Academic Title

    Professor

It is a tremendous privilege to care for patients working alongside outstanding colleagues and trainees at UCSF. I wake up feeling grateful every day.

Conditions I specialize in

  • Eye disorders

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.7

    Overall Experience
    335 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 23, 2023
    Propose a treatment a surgery but not explanations other a procedure needs to be done first to see if I qualify for the surgery. I know doctors are busy but he was so curt it's hard to have an in depth conversation about any proposed treatments.
    Feb 22, 2023
    Very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon
    Jan 21, 2023
    I mentioned that I had to drive from Castro Valley and asked if the procedure could be done the same day. Dr. Kersten said he would try but it may take a little time if I was willing to wait. I was and the procedure was performed 20 minutes later which consider very reasonable given that it saved me a 2nd trip to San Francisco. Dr. Kersten explained the probability of success and what I should do to increase the chance of success. I felt well informed and was very happy with my treatment.
    Jan 20, 2023
    Other appointments or excellent. Dr. Kersten was rushed and having a difficult day obviously.
    Jan 13, 2023
    Dr. Kersten is wonderful. It will be a loss to UCSF when he leaves
    Nov 02, 2022
    Very positive experience overall with Dr. Kersten. He did seem a bit rushed. I felt a little unclear about asking more questions about the surgery
    Oct 28, 2022
    The responses were very bland and unthinkingly positive without really listening to my unenthusiastic answers to previous general bland questions. Until I forced the conversation into specifics repeatedly which then felt -psychologically if not actually - as if I was taking up the dr's time he would not have done more than a too-cursory "Seems that everything's now fine." Each surgery is a traumatic experience to a patient and they want full concern and detailed attention afterwards.
    Oct 28, 2022
    The procedure was 100% successful. Vision and comfort improved.
    Oct 26, 2022
    Explanations of my condition what to expect why I'm recovering the way I'm recovering--all were lacking in my opinion and in comparison to very thorough interactions I'm used to at UCSF. I felt the Dr was in a hurry to end the appointment that my questions were wearing on him. That said I felt Dr. Kersten cared about my condition and was respectful of me.
    Sep 21, 2022
    Dr did not provide any info beyond what I asked after visit I realized I had more questions about follow-up care that I thought should have been addressed WITHOUT me having to ask.
    Sep 17, 2022
    He listen my problem and care if I have problem he advices I f I need I can call
    Sep 09, 2022
    Very good
    Sep 05, 2022
    Dr. Kersten was everything I had hoped for. I've seen several doctors about my issue and I was comforted by his level of honesty and patience explaining my complicated situation and procedure ahead.
    Sep 05, 2022
    The doctor gave me excellent care but the nursing staff were particularly rude did not assist with my post-op care and left my son to deal with my bleeding in which he did not know how to handle it. The call nurse simply said take a picture send it through MyChart and then never got back to me.
    Sep 03, 2022
    Dr. Kersten is awesome!!
    Aug 29, 2022
    A long wait to make the appointment a long wait in the office to see the doctor and then the recommendation to rule out something he was almost positive was not the problem and return in 6 weeks... Did not seem like a productive use of anyone's time!
    Aug 12, 2022
    Dr. Kersten was friendly clear and confident. He was an excellent communicator and listened and welcomed my questions and concerns.
    Jul 22, 2022
    He didn't really tell me what his diagnosis of my issue was he discussed it quickly with the student with him but didn't really tell me what it was. He did explain the needed surgery fairly well though.
    Jun 15, 2022
    Very good
    May 20, 2022
    All good.
    May 08, 2022
    My daughter has been seeing Dr Kersten for about 4 years now and we have always had such wonderful interactions with him. He actively listens does not rush through explanations and shows care and concern. We feel very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and kind person on our team to help with our daughter. Thank you does not cover our gratitude.
    Apr 20, 2022
    Best care ever!
    Apr 15, 2022
    Good experience
    Apr 06, 2022
    I would recommend the doctor but not his office or staff.
    Mar 31, 2022
    What needed to be discussed was all covered I have a good idea of how invasive an operation is proposed... And am to consider a date when all pending paperwork is settled.
    Mar 18, 2022
    Visit was very productive and showed a way forward for good treatment
    Jan 14, 2022
    One of he best health interactions ever. Though hard to get an appointment (Dr. K is very busy) I was able to see him in SF about possible eye surgery. Dr and staff were very friendly and professional. Dr was able to book surgery in Santa Rosa next day! His genuine concern was much appreciated and wholly unexpected. Dr K and team are best ever.
    Dec 17, 2021
    Dr Kersten saved our son's vision. He is one of the most skilled kind and professional surgeons we have ever met and we will always be grateful to him.
    Dec 08, 2021
    I am so grateful as I endured a year of this problem. Dr K and his assistant diagnosed the Problem within minutes and did a little surgical procedure to repair it. It resulted in a full resolution of the problem for which I will forever be grateful and sing their praises
    Nov 20, 2021
    Dr Kersten is an ideal doctor combining the most advanced expertise with a genuine concern for his patient's well-being. He provides explanations in easy-to understand terms and does so in a very respectful manner. Most importantly Dr. Kersten is a doctor whom I can completely trust to provide the best care in the Bay Area. I am proud to be Dr. Kersten's patient.
    Nov 15, 2021
    The appointment could have been better. I am still suffering from eye pain. He checked my eye with his fingers. Felt around the orbital area and looked at my pupils with his light. However that was it. I am going to check with a general ophthalmologist to determine why I still have left eyeball pain comparable to being punched In the eye.
    Nov 10, 2021
    The doctor was very caring and respectful. He was extremely knowledgeable and knew exactly the problem was.
    Oct 21, 2021
    All Good.
    Oct 07, 2021
    Wonderful passionate caring doctor who takes care of my problems very well. I am very lucky to have this doctor.
    Oct 06, 2021
    Dr. Kersten is one of the best doctors I've ever seen and I've seen dozens of doctors! He was friendly he communicated in a way that was easy to understand and he made me feel very confident that his recommendation was the best option.
    Sep 28, 2021
    My experience with this doctor Is always good. Under the circumstances I don't expect TLC from such a busy professional. He does his best for me. I have no complaints.
    Sep 23, 2021
    Wasn't really given any instructions
    Sep 13, 2021
    In reference to... "Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others"... As soon as I have gone through the procedure I'll know if he can be recommended.
    Aug 21, 2021
    Provider spent a short amount of time telling me I need surgery no other options were presented to me and I don't feel like I had an adequate amount of time to ask follow up questions on what surgery entails and what I should expect. The after care visit notes later described a couple of times that we had a "lengthy discussion" about my options and I chose surgery which is untrue. Will be seeking a second opinion.
    Aug 17, 2021
    Dr. Kersten is awesome.
    Aug 11, 2021
    Comprehensive information on all levels of care
    Aug 04, 2021
    Dr. Kersten exceeded my expectations as a doctor. I wish they all were as competent and friendly as he.
    Jun 24, 2021
    No complaints.
    Jun 16, 2021
    Dr. Kersten and his team are phenomenal. They work well together and pool their expertise and knowledge in the best interest of the patient.
    Jun 09, 2021
    Dr. Kersten was the best thing about our UCSF experience. He more than made up for its poor communications and scheduling issues.
    May 06, 2021
    Expert knowledge and collaboration and inclusion of resident creating team approach that provided superior care
    May 01, 2021
    Dr. Kersten was excellent. He was not offended at all by my very pointed and directed questions. He understood that my son is most important and answered all my questions.
    Apr 23, 2021
    Doctor failed to recognize or talk to me about symptoms so he missed the fact that I have some punctual plugs that impact the decision in what type of procedure and infection he thinks I have he guessed that I have a stone in my tear duct when in fact I have a punctual plug that is shifted. The doctor only addressed the left eye when I also have a blockage in my right eye as well he did not take enough time with me or get enough information for me to even address it

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