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Meet Dr. George Villatoro

Dr. Villatoro is a board-certified, ASOPRS fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon known for his meticulous technique and commitment to delivering thoughtful, personalized care that balances functional outcomes with natural-looking results. Before joining San Diego Eyelid Specialists, he worked alongside Dr. Iyengar at the UC San Diego Ophthalmology Free Clinic, where the two cared for some of the region's most vulnerable patients together. That shared foundation, built on precision and compassion in equal measure, now carries forward into their partnership treating cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid patients across San Diego.

Dr. George Villatoro, oculoplastic surgeon at San Diego Eyelid Specialists

Background and Education

A proud graduate of the University of California system, Dr. Villatoro earned his undergraduate degree in Biopsychology from UC Santa Barbara before attending medical school at UC San Diego. During his time at UC San Diego, he received research funding from the National Institutes of Health for ophthalmic research and spent multiple years overseeing the UC San Diego Ophthalmology Free Clinic, developing a lasting commitment to accessible, high-quality eye care.

Dr. Villatoro completed his ophthalmology residency at the Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego, where he was nominated by his professors to serve as Chief Resident. He earned the Academic Excellence Award for the highest in-training exam score in his department, along with the Lamont Ericson Award for Exemplary Patient Care and an Outstanding Teaching Award, recognitions that reflect both his clinical skill and his dedication to mentorship.

Fellowship and Specialized Training

Dr. Villatoro completed his fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) at Baylor College of Medicine's Cullen Eye Institute, training within the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center. There, he worked under internationally recognized oculofacial plastic surgeons and served as a sub-investigator in clinical research studies investigating new treatments for thyroid eye disease.

His fellowship training sharpened his expertise in eyelid rejuvenation, thyroid eye disease, orbital surgery, periocular reconstructive surgery, cosmetic injectables, and scarless tear duct surgery. This skillset complements the full range of cosmetic and eyelid restoration procedures he performs at San Diego Eyelid Specialists.

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Research and Publications

Dr. Villatoro has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading ophthalmology journals, including JAMA Ophthalmology, Orbit, Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He currently serves as a reviewer for the journal Orbit and continues to contribute research on eyelid and orbital conditions, reflecting an academic rigor that informs his surgical decision-making chairside.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his training, Dr. Villatoro received recognition for both clinical excellence and teaching:

  • Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching Medical Students, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Fellow Teaching Award, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Fellow Research Award, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Resident Academic Excellence Award, UC San Diego Ophthalmology Department
  • Resident Outstanding Teaching Award, UC San Diego Ophthalmology Department
  • Lamont Ericson Award for Exemplary Patient Care
  • Best Mentor Award, UC San Diego Chicanos/as for Community Medicine

Committed to Community

Dr. Villatoro has long balanced clinical excellence with service. He spent years mentoring first-generation medical students, served on UC San Diego's Ophthalmology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and managed the department's free clinic for underserved patients. As a native Spanish speaker, he brings an added layer of accessibility and comfort to patients across San Diego's diverse communities.

Dr. George Villatoro, oculoplastic surgeon at San Diego Eyelid Specialists

Outside the Practice

When he's not in the operating room, Dr. Villatoro can be found spending time with family and friends, working on cars, cooking, traveling, staying active, and exploring the great outdoors. His interest in entrepreneurship mirrors the same drive and attention to detail he brings to patient care.

Dr. George Villatoro, oculoplastic surgeon at San Diego Eyelid Specialists

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