Stephen A. Watson, MD

Stephen A. Watson, MD

4.8 
567 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Ophthalmology

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

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

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Clinical Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice 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.

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Overall Rating

4.8
4.8 

567 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

49 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

49 Reviews

February 25, 2026

5.0

He's a professional with a heart for his patients and his community.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

Quality of care and kindness

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February 11, 2026

5.0

Dr. Watson was very professional and took the time to explain his recommendations.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

Excellent doctor.

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January 30, 2026

5.0

Dr. Watson was quick and professional.

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January 09, 2026

5.0

Dr. Watson took his time with the exam and to explain results with me. Great bedside manner.

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January 08, 2026

5.0

He went over a lot of concerns I had regarding my vision

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January 02, 2026

5.0

Felt comfortable with him

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January 02, 2026

5.0

I believe he is very thorough.

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December 24, 2025

5.0

Professionalism and I received service at my appointment time.

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December 17, 2025

5.0

convenient friendly efficient

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December 12, 2025

5.0

Great Patient Care

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December 12, 2025

5.0

He listens.

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November 22, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson was thorough with the examination, answered questions and attentive to what I was concerned about.

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November 21, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson is thoughtful and considerate.

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November 15, 2025

5.0

Very professional seems to know his job and his staff

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November 12, 2025

5.0

Doctor 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.

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November 10, 2025

5.0

Many people look for recommendations for health care providers from respected family or friends!

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November 05, 2025

5.0

Good service

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October 30, 2025

5.0

I feel Dr. Watson gives me recommendations that I can work with concerning the care of my eyes. Dr Watson listens and understands my concerns.

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October 03, 2025

5.0

Dr. 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.

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October 01, 2025

5.0

Dr Watson is very knowledgeable and professional

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October 01, 2025

5.0

I 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!

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September 23, 2025

5.0

Outstanding Customer Service

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September 20, 2025

5.0

He is very professional but also very frank about his decisions

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September 13, 2025

5.0

History of good care.

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September 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson is experienced and knowledgeable! He cares for my health needs and knows my age and shares his expert advice related to my questions or concerns!

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September 03, 2025

5.0

I used to be a patient see my primary care also at the hospital. I have to leave.unfortunately.

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August 29, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable.kind. answered all questions so I would understand impressive

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August 29, 2025

5.0

The doctor was very friendly and discussed my condition in detail.

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August 23, 2025

5.0

I have the Ultimate Respect for him and his ethic. I'm allowed to speak asking and telling. Relaxing Bedside Manner

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August 16, 2025

5.0

Very friendly and explains well.

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August 01, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson is very thorough. He explained my test results, answered my questions and involved me in plans for my eyecare.

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July 26, 2025

5.0

He was very attentive, professional and caring.

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July 26, 2025

5.0

Competent and warm personality.

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July 26, 2025

5.0

As stated above, he shows genuine care for his patients and communicates very well.

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July 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson answers all of my questions and makes me feel very comfortable with how he explains what's going on with my eyes.

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July 12, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable. Caring.

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July 11, 2025

5.0

Been my doctor for years, explains everything with care and patience.

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July 02, 2025

5.0

He is a great Doctor.

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June 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson is a good doctor that explains what his examination found.

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June 20, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson cares about his patients.

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June 19, 2025

5.0

I want everyone, friend family or stranger to know what my amazing Doctor can and will do for them because he takes care of his patients, namely me!

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June 08, 2025

5.0

Dr. Watson is thorough and professional. He listens and explains clearly and to the point.

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May 23, 2025

5.0

smart, kind and knowledgeable. I love that he is a person of color who I trust.

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May 21, 2025

5.0

Dr Watson is professional and knowledgeable

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May 16, 2025

5.0

Very professional and informative

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May 16, 2025

5.0

Explains everything so that you understand and seems to really care about his patients.

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May 14, 2025

5.0

Excellent doctor

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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.