To make an appointment, please call 619.810.1000 ext 3 or click here and select “Neuro-Ophthalmology” or “Oculofacial Plastics” under “Department”.

KIMBERLY COCKERHAM, MD
Neuro-Ophthalmologist
ABOUT DR. COCKERHAM
Dr. Kimberly Cockerham is excited to expand SENTA Clinic’s medical and surgical offerings to include advanced care in neuro-ophthalmology, eyelid/orbital oncology and oculofacial restoration. She returns to San Diego having earned her undergraduate degree at UCSD. She earned her medical degree from George Washington Health Sciences University, and was awarded an ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and further expanded her scope of practice with two fellowships. She had the privilege of serving our armed forces for 15 years including serving as the former Chief of Oculoplastics/Orbital Disease at WRAMC during multiple international conflicts. She also served as Chief of Service at Allegheny General Hospital as well as at UC San Francisco. Dr. Cockerham is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford School of Medicine; first appointed in 2006.
Dr. Cockerham was raised in San Mateo, California and has been in practice in California for nearly two decades. Her patients have always been her passion. She looks forward to becoming an active community member in the San Diego community.
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“I have had the privilege to care for so many wonderful patients over the years and continue to learn every day from them, through my teaching, mentoring and collaborative research. The SENTA team and I are dedicated to providing patients with minimally invasive medical therapeutics, and advanced laser and surgical approaches to address complex medical concerns.”
BACKGROUND
Dr. Cockerham looks forward to returning to San Diego and contributing to the community again. While earning her undergraduate degree in Biology at UC San Diego, Revelle College, Dr. Cockerham also earned her phlebotomy license and worked at the San Diego VA hospital, earned her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) degree from San Diego Miramar College, and also worked as a research assistant at UCSD’s Virology lab. She was very active in student affairs and community outreach during her tenure at UCSD.
Dr. Cockerham brings decades of experience, military service, and novel neuro-ophthalmologic, orbital and oculofacial expertise to the Senta team.
- BA in Biology at UC San Diego, Revelle College (Cum Laude)
- Medical Degree, George Washington Health Sciences, University on US Army scholarship (AOA Honor Society)
- Board-certified by American Board of Ophthalmology
- Dual fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology, orbital disease and oculofacial reconstruction and restoration
- Former Chief of Oculoplastics/Orbital Disease at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Allegheny General Hospital and UC San Francisco
- Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford School of Medicine
CLINICAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE
- Thyroid eye disease
- Eyelid, conjunctival, orbital, ocular cancers
- Myasthenia Gravis and paraneoplastic syndromes
- Multiple sclerosis/neuromyelitis optica/Anti-MOG syndrome
- Giant cell arteritis, lupus and other vasculitides
- Blepharospasm/hemifacial spasm
- Cranial nerve (CN) dysfunction
- Optic neuropathies (CN II)
- Double vision due to CN III, IV, VI or other disorders
- Pain/numbness (CN V)
- Facial nerve dysfunction (CN VII)
- Orbital apex syndrome and cavernous sinus alterations
- Idiopathic intracranial pressure/papilledema
- Traumatic eyelid, orbital or brain injury
- Aging changes of the eyelid and face
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction/tearing
- Complex disorders of the face, sinuses and brain that require a multidisciplinary approach
SURGICAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE
- Thyroid Eye Disease restorative surgery of the orbit, eyelid, and eye muscles
- Eyelid, brow and facial reconstruction following cancer surgery, trauma and aging
- Therapeutic and aesthetic Botox, fillers and microneedling
- Eyelid and facial scar management
- Cosmetic and functional eyelid, brow and facial surgery
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (tear drainage surgery)
- Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease
- Orbital tumor biopsy, sclerotherapy and excision
- Optic nerve sheath fenestration
- Enucleations/eviscerations/exenterations
- Adult strabismus chemodenervation and surgery
- Temporal artery biopsies
- Fracture and laceration repair
- Orbital cellulitis debridement/drainage
- Multidisciplinary approaches to the orbit, face and skull base
AWARDS & HONORS
- National Defense Service Medal, two superior unit awards, Army Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal
- UCSF Star Awards for Excellence
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, Senior Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award and Special Recognition Award
- Who’s Who in American Women, Lifetime Achievement, Who’s Who in Medicine and Best Doctors in America, Newsweek Magazine Top Doctors Recognition
- Regional awards including Top Doctors, Best of the Best and 209 Gold Recognition
ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH
- National and international educator, over 100 peer-reviewed publications, chapters and two books
- Research interests include thyroid eye disease, neuroprotection and innovative local drug delivery for inflammation and cancer
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Founder, Let’s Face It Together Foundation, 501(c)(3), which helps underserved patients with facial and neurologic dysfunction and disfigurement obtain access to medical and surgical care.
“My time in the military taught me to honor and respect my patients and their families and also to understand the larger role physicians can play in a community. I remain very committed through Let’s Face It Together to helping the underinsured and their families rebuild their lives – face and brain first: LFITfoundation.org.”
—Dr. Kimberly Cockerham
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SENTA Clinic®
SENTA Clinic® is comprised of a group of experienced, board-certified physicians and health care professionals who are the best in their field and focus on conditions of the head and neck.
Whether you’re looking for a neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist, neurologist, neuro-ophthalmologist, orbital specialist, plastic surgeon, audiologist, or allergist, you’re in the right place.
DISCLAIMER
All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
CORPORATE OFFICE
3590 Camino Del Rio North
Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 810-1000