Stephen A. Watson, MD
Northwestern Medical GroupPrimary Specialty
Ophthalmology
Is your insurance accepted? Select plan
Accepts your insurance
Does not accept your insurance
Based on January 2026 plan details.
Accepted plans are subject to change. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.
Practice Focus Areas
This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:
- Cataract, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration Screening
- Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Eye Care
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration Evaluation and Management
- Hypertension
- Macular Degeneration
- Urgent Eye Care
Reasons to Schedule a Visit
This medical professional may be a good choice for you if you are looking for care for any of the following:
- Amblyopia
- Blindness
- Blurry vision
- Cataracts
- Choroidal nevus
- Conjunctivitis
- Cornea
- Corneal dystrophy
- Corneal scar
- Crusting of lashes
- Diabetic eye exam
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Dry eye
- Epiretinal membrane
- Failed vision screening
- Flashes and floaters
- General eye exam
- Glasses only
- Glaucoma
- Graves’ disease
- Keratitis
- Lattice degeneration
- Light sensitivity
- Macular degeneration
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ocular rosacea
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Red eye
- Retina
- Retinal edema
- Retinal hemorrhage
- Shingles or herpes
- Stye
- Tearing
- Twitching eyelid
- Uveitis
Education
- Medical Education:
-
MD, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine - 2009
- Internship:
-
Prime Midwest GME Consortium - 2010
- Residency:
-
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2013
Media
Board Certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology (Certified)
Faculty Profile
Clinical Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of MedicinePractice Groups and Affiliations
- Medical Group:
- Northwestern Medical Group
- Alignment Category:
-
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
- On Medical Staff At:
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Ratings and Reviews
At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.
Read Ratings FAQsOverall Rating
567 Ratings
Reviews from Patients
Reviews from Patients
November 12, 2025
5.0 star star star star starDoctor Watson is a professional with expertise and knowledge of his field. He patiently examined my eyes and explained vague spots on an image of my left eye which may or may not be indicative of future sight problems. He was very thorough in his examination and recommended that I return in a year or sooner in the event of vision problems.
October 03, 2025
5.0 star star star star starDr. Watson is a very attentive doctor who truly listens to his patients. He takes the time to explain what's going on with your eyes in a way that's easy to understand and never makes you feel rushed. His calm and professional manner instantly puts you at ease, and you can tell he genuinely cares about your vision and overall health. I gave him a 10 because he's thorough, knowledgeable, and patient _ exactly what you want in an eye doctor.
October 01, 2025
5.0 star star star star starI am always recommending my doctors to family and friends. Why? because my care team is exceptional! Dr. Watson is clear about how he will care for my eyes, and he tells me how to care for them as well. I can appreciate a doctor who gives clear, concise instruction on maintaining my overall well-being, especially my eye health. Let's face it, we need our eyes, along with everything else we are fortunate God equips us with. Dr. Watson goes above and beyond, always prioritizing my eye health, and I truly appreciate him!
Disclosures
External Professional Relationships
Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.