Dr. Stephen Tait specializes in the comprehensive surgical and medical treatment of eye disease, with particular expertise in macular degeneration, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, diabetic eye disease, and complex medical eye care. He takes time with patients to make sure they understand their diagnosis, their treatment options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation.
A lifelong Michigander, Dr. Tait received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan in 1989, his PhD in physiology from the Michigan State University Department of Surgery in 1995, and his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1999. His PhD research in the 1990s focused on cytokines and inflammatory signaling pathways, early scientific work that helped shape the broader understanding of the biologic pathways later targeted in modern treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. This research earned him the Young Investigator’s Award from a leading international research society and led to multiple peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Tait completed his ophthalmology residency at William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, where he trained in advanced cataract and refractive surgery and worked with Associated Retinal Consultants during the early clinical trial era of intravitreal treatment for wet macular degeneration. He has been performing intravitreal injections since before these medications were FDA approved for routine clinical use.
With decades of experience treating macular degeneration, Dr. Tait is one of Michigan’s most experienced physicians in the care of patients with age-related macular degeneration. He uses the full range of currently available injection medications, including the treatments patients may see advertised, and selects therapy based on each patient’s anatomy, disease activity, treatment response, safety considerations, and visit schedule. His goal is straightforward: preserve vision as effectively and safely as possible while tailoring treatment to the individual patient.
Dr. Tait also has extensive experience in cataract and refractive surgery, including advanced lens implant options and surgical planning designed to improve vision and, when appropriate, reduce dependence on glasses. He works with each patient to match the procedure and lens choice to their eye health, visual goals, lifestyle, and tolerance for tradeoffs, so the surgical plan is both medically sound and personally practical.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Tait enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and his five children: Christopher, Cameron, Paige, Connor, and Cyrek. He is a lifelong Michigan sports fan, an Eagle Scout, and an Ironman finisher, and he enjoys skiing, motorcycle trips, and time Up North on the water and in the woods.