Dr. Yakopson has a wide scope of practice with almost two decades of expertise in Oculoplastic Surgery, treating conditions involving the eyelids, periocular area, the upper face, orbit and lacrimal (tearing) system. He performs the full-spectrum of procedures in the subspecialty utilizing cutting edge technology and proven techniques. Dr. Yakopson also maintains a busy Comprehensive Ophthalmology practice performing cataract surgery and laser procedures for secondary cataracts and glaucoma. Additionally, Dr. Yakopson is an expert Refractive Surgeon having performed thousands of procedures including LASIK, PRK and SMILE and is certified on several laser platforms.
Dr. Yakopson earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College after graduating magna cum laude in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania (both in Philadelphia, PA). Having taken a US Army Scholarship for medical school he entered active duty service and completed his Internship and Ophthalmology Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington DC in 2009. He was then selected for a two-year Oculoplastics Fellowship at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, completing training in 2011. Dr. Yakopson then served at several military hospitals in Ft. Hood (now Cavazos), TX, Ft. Belvoir, VA and JBLM, WA, deploying to Iraq in 2021. He recently retired, after completing 20 years of active duty service, having achieved the rank of Colonel. Dr. Yakopson has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, including Chief of Ophthalmology and Lead of the Ocular Trauma Center at Madigan Army Medical Center and Chief of Oculoplastic Surgery at several Army medical facilities. He has played a pivotal role in military medical education, serving as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University and directing and instructing at key training programs, including the Orbital Anatomy Course and the Ocular Trauma Course.
Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Yakopson is an active researcher and educator, with numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and national presentations. His contributions to military medicine have earned him multiple awards. He has provided expert surgical care on international medical missions and deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, demonstrating his commitment to advancing ophthalmologic care in both military and civilian settings.
Since moving to Washington in 2018, Dr. Yakopson and his family of a wife, two daughters, a cat and a dog have fallen in love with the area and now call Puyallup their home. You may run into Dr. Yakopson fishing, hiking or skiing in the area.
Education and Training
Fellowship, Oculoplastics, Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA – 2009-2011
Residency, Ophthalmology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC – 2006-2009
Transitional Internship, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC – 2005-2006
MD, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA – 2001-2005
BA (Biology; Magna cum laude), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA – 1996-2000
