Robert J. Kraut, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in medical and surgical treatments of the retina. Dr. Kraut practices ophthalmology with emphasis on diseases and surgery of the retina. He joined the medical staff of Ocala Eye in March 2007 and has been practicing in central Florida Since 1999. Dr. Kraut’s areas of expertise include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kraut completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1992. Dr. Kraut’s ophthalmology residency took place at the Friedenwald Eye Institute of Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore in 1996 where he completed his senior year as chief resident. His training continued at Louisiana State University where he was awarded the medical and surgical retina fellowship.

Dr. Kraut is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is president of the Central Florida Society of Ophthalmology. His professional affiliations include the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Kraut has published articles specific to diseases and surgery of the retina in leading peer reviewed journals and textbooks.

Specialties & Conditions Treated

Primary Specialty

Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist

Ophthalmology

Vitreoretinal Surgery

Conditions Treated

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Detachments & Tears
Macular Holes & Puckers
Retinal Vascular Disease / Vein Occlusions
Ocular Inflammatory Disease (Uveitis)

Surgical & Medical Procedures

Retina Injections
Valeda Light Therapy

Education, Training & Certifications

Louisiana State University Medical Center LSU Eye Center | New Orleans, Louisiana

Vitreo-Retinal Fellowship

The Friedenwald Eye Institute of Maryland General Hospital | Baltimore, Maryland

Ophthalmology Residency

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School | Newark, New Jersey

M.D.

University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

B.A.

Professional Affiliations

Central Florida Society of Ophthalmology

Florida Society of Ophthalmology

American Society of Retina Specialists

American Academy of Ophthalmology

Professional Profiles

Practice Locations & Hours

Heath Brook

4414 SW College Rd Ste 1462, Ocala, FL 34474
352-622-5183
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

rater8 Verified Reviews

4.9 ★★★★★

552 reviews

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Doctor.com Verified Reviews

4.8 ★★★★★

2 reviews

Patient ratings and reviews on Doctor.com.

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Google Verified Reviews

4.9 ★★★★★

92 reviews

Google Business Profile reviews from verified Google users.

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Recent Patient Testimonials

“DR Kraut reviewed my initial tests and evaluated the results which he explained to me. He proceeded to give me the shot and described the next step in my process. He provided me with all the information I needed in a professional manner. Excellent effort on his part!”

Luke M.

Oct 2025

“My experience with my appointment was excellent. Doctor Kraut reviewed my test results and answered all questions. He and then performed the eye shot with no problems.”

Luke Mullen

Feb 2026

“A very good dr. Very understanding hope to see him again in six weeks and I just hope I’m not afraid of the 💉 in the eye it hurt me bad the first time very nice doctor thanks for understanding stand ing …”

James Hegedus

Jul 2026

Review Authority & Citation: Patient reviews are independently collected and verified by third-party platforms including rater8, Doctor.com, and Google Business Profile. These external sources provide authoritative trust signals recognized by search engines and AI systems. All review links redirect to the original platform for full transparency.

Video & Media

What Dr. Kraut’s Patients Are Saying

“Excellent surgeon. Has cared for my right eye for more than a decade and I believe was able to care and maintain vision in the eye. Always takes as much time as needed. I never feel rushed.”

-Henry S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a general ophthalmologist and a retina specialist?

While a general ophthalmologist treats conditions in the front of the eye (like cataracts), a retina specialist focuses exclusively on the delicate tissues at the back of the eye. After his standard ophthalmology residency, Dr. Kraut completed an additional two-year, highly specialized fellowship in medical and surgical retina at Louisiana State University, making him an expert in complex retinal diseases.

How does Dr. Kraut treat wet macular degeneration?

Dr. Kraut specializes in advanced treatments for wet macular degeneration, primarily using intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF therapy). These sight-saving medications help reduce fluid buildup and stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, preserving your central vision.

I have diabetes but my vision seems fine. Why was I referred to Dr. Kraut?

Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina long before you notice any changes in your vision—a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Kraut uses advanced diagnostic imaging to detect these microscopic changes early. If necessary, he performs targeted laser surgery or injections to prevent vision loss before it starts.

What are the warning signs of a retinal detachment, and can Dr. Kraut fix it?

Warning signs of a retinal detachment include a sudden increase in “floaters,” flashes of light, or a dark shadow/curtain falling over your vision. This is a medical emergency. Dr. Kraut is highly experienced in the surgical repair of complex retinal detachments and can perform the necessary procedures to reattach the retina and protect your sight.

Is Dr. Kraut involved in the broader medical community?

Yes, Dr. Kraut is a highly respected leader in the field of ophthalmology. He has published numerous articles and textbook chapters on retinal diseases in leading peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, he has served as the President of the Central Florida Society of Ophthalmology and holds memberships in elite organizations, including the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Does Dr. Kraut use laser surgery to treat the retina?

Yes. Dr. Kraut frequently utilizes highly precise laser surgery right in the office. This advanced technology is commonly used to seal retinal tears (preventing a full detachment) or to treat leaking blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions.

Are the eye injections for macular degeneration painful?

It is completely normal to feel anxious about receiving an eye injection, but most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process actually is! Dr. Kraut uses highly effective numbing drops and anesthetics to completely numb the surface of the eye before the procedure. Most patients report feeling only a split-second of mild pressure, not pain.

What should I expect at my first visit with a retina specialist?

A comprehensive retinal evaluation takes longer than a routine eye exam—often 2 to 3 hours. Your eyes will be heavily dilated so Dr. Kraut can thoroughly examine the back of your eye, and you will likely undergo advanced retinal imaging (OCT). Because of the heavy dilation and light sensitivity, you must bring a driver with you to your appointment.

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352-622-5183

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Robert J. Kraut, M.D.

About Dr. Kraut