Dr. Robert Arnold is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist based in Anchorage, Alaska, with decades of experience in pediatric vision care and adult strabismus. After earning his medical degree from Yale and completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic, he pursued fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology at Indiana University. Dr. Arnold is known for his innovation in vision screening and commitment to pediatric eye health throughout Alaska.
About Dr. Robert W. Arnold
Dr. Robert Arnold has been a leading figure in pediatric ophthalmology in Alaska since joining Ophthalmic Associates in Anchorage in 1989. Originally from Bellingham, Washington, he moved to Alaska in 1976 to commercial fish and study at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Following medical school at Yale, residency at the Mayo Clinic, and fellowship training at Indiana University under renowned mentors Drs. Helveston, Ellis, and Plager, he began his career dedicated to improving children’s vision outcomes. Dr. Arnold maintains surgical privileges at Providence, Alaska Regional, and Alaska Native Hospitals, and continues to extend his expertise to satellite clinics in Wasilla, Kodiak, and Fairbanks.
Dr. Arnold is deeply committed to advancing pediatric vision screening and care. He pioneered the use of the Enhanced Bruckner Test for early detection of serious vision issues in children and launched the Alaska Blind Child Discovery program, bringing screening and parental notification to urban and rural communities. A former Chairman of the Vision Screening Committee for AAPOS and an investigator for PEDIG, he has developed user-friendly cloud-based ROP-Check EMRs and co-founded PDI Check LLC, which created a vision screening game for the Nintendo 3DS. Recognized among “Best Doctors” for 2015-2016, Dr. Arnold also dedicates time to international medical missions, bringing eye care to oppressed ethnic groups in Burma. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys life in Alaska with his wife Koni and their grown children and grandchildren.
Credentials
Education & Training
Yale School of Medicine
Medical School
University of Alaska-Fairbanks
BS, Chemistry, 1977-1980
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester)
Internship, Ophthalmology, 1984-1985
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester)
Residency, Ophthalmology, 1984-1988
Indiana University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Pediatric Ophthalmology
Languages
English
Memberships & Affiliations
American Board of Ophthalmology (ABMS®)
Certified in Ophthalmology
MN State Medical License
Active through 1988
AK State Medical License
Active through 2026
Provider NPI:
1942293428
Awards & Recognition
AAO Fellow
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020
Regional Top Doctor, 2014
What patients say
Reviews & ratings
Patient Reviews
No reviews yetReviews for Arnold Robert W MD
★★★★★5.085 reviewsGoogle reviews from the "Arnold Robert W MD" Google Business Profile. Reviews describe the practice and may mention other providers at this location.View all Google reviews at this practice
Extremely friendly!
Dr. Arnold has seen two of my kiddos dating back to 2017 and has an incredible way making kids feel at ease! We love him so much that when I needed surgery on a tendon in my eye, I chose to see him. The vision problem I was having has been completed corrected. I trust Dr. Arnold implicitly and highly recommend his clinic!
Dr. Arnold did a great job when examining me For my most recent eye problems. I have complete satisfaction in his analysis of my eye issue, and what can be done to fix it. I would recommend him to anyone. He also has great bedside manner.
Dr.Arnold was very polite and answered each and every question I had.
Dr. Arnold is an extraordinary doctor and person. His thorough knowledge of my case is impressive and his positive encouragement is always appreciated. His sincere kindness to my situation cannot be underestimated. Anchorage is fortunate that Dr. Arnold practices here. I could not recommend him any more highly and I would encourage him to any parents of children with strabismus; he will not disappoint you.
Dr. Arnold is by far our favorite eye doctor—I honestly wish he could be my son’s full-time pediatrician! At our appointment, it was the first time our son didn’t cry and actually enjoyed seeing the doctor. Dr. Arnold made funny Donald Duck sounds, and our son was laughing and having fun the entire time. He clearly knows how to connect with kids and make them feel at ease. It was such a positive and memorable experience! The staff was also very friendly and amazing. A special shoutout to the gentleman who took us to our room to see Dr. Arnold—I didn’t catch his name, but he was so kind and welcoming. My son really enjoyed the whole visit, which says a lot. Thank you to the entire team for making the experience so great!
Super happy with the reception, very professional! 100% recommended.
The place is a kid friendly especially Dr.Arnold.I really appreciate him.he is really nice and knows how to deal with the kid.
He was so great with my 2 year old, and could explain easily what my son was able to see and not.
