Dr. Baker

Dr. Carl W. Baker is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and minor in Piano Performance. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. In 1994, he completed an internship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) where he also served as Chief Resident in Ophthalmology. He was the recipient of the William W. Vallotton Award for Academic Excellence in Residency.

Additionally, he received a Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship and served as an Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky in 2000. He is board-certified in Ophthalmology. Dr. Baker established the Paducah Retinal Center in his hometown of Paducah, KY in July of 2000. During his 20+ years of practice in western Kentucky, he provided personalized, compassionate care to patients while using the latest technology and surgical techniques.

Dr. Baker is currently engaged in clinical research for Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Vein Occlusions. For the past two decades, he has been involved with several projects that have led to the developments of new medications and devices for the treatment of eye diseases. In addition to his research, Dr. Baker is actively involved as a leader in ophthalmology at the national and state level. He is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has served as vice-chair of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network from 2011-2013 and 2017-2019. He has also served as treasurer of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons in 2014 and President in 2016. Dr. Baker has written and published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, national meeting presentations and abstracts.

Dr. Baker and his wife, Jil, have three children. Outside the office, he is a private pilot and loves to fly. He also enjoys playing tennis, golfing, fishing and boating.