Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, is more than the name on the door of Bowden Eye & Associates, he is the founder – and the foundation – of the practice. While he is too humble to refer to himself as an ophthalmology expert, he is viewed as one in the medical community and is frequently called upon for his expert opinion.

He travels extensively to educate his peers at various professional meetings. He was even selected to be the official ophthalmologist/eye doctor for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL from the time of their inauguration. He provided care to the NFL team until 2020.

If you would like to meet with Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, one of Florida’s most renowned and accomplished physicians, schedule an appointment online, or call our office at 904-296-0098.

Cornea & External Disease Specialist

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, is one of the few corneas and external disease specialists in the area (Dr. Sarah Darbandi is also one). This means that, in addition to being a board-certified ophthalmologist, he has completed specialized fellowship training in disorders and diseases specific to the cornea and front structures of the eye – all critical components of vision and eye health. As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, he is uniquely qualified to treat dry eye syndrome; corneal abrasions, inflammations, ulcers, scarring, injuries, and infections; keratoconus; as well as pediatric corneal diseases. He also specializes in corneal transplantation using advanced techniques such as PKP, DSAEK, and DALK.

“I am very grateful for Dr. Bowden and his entire staff. They are outstanding.”

-Sharon, Lawtey, Florida

A Top Doctor, a Top-notch Practice

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, founded Bowden Eye & Associates in 2001, focusing the practice on comprehensive eye care; custom cataract surgery; refractive and LASIK surgery; glaucoma surgery and laser therapy; treatment of dry eye and other ocular surface disorders; corneal transplantation; and corneal and external diseases.

He has been recognized as one of Jacksonville’s Top Doctors 4 times by Jacksonville Magazine and honored by the magazine as the Best Doctor of 2006 and 2008. His path to success here in Jacksonville was paved with numerous remarkable achievements and accolades along the way.

A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, was selected for one of the most competitive ophthalmology fellowships in the world – the cornea and external disease fellowship at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital.

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and to this day is a devout Tennessee Volunteers fan. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he was Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, earned his MD in 1979 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and was the class valedictorian.

His post-graduate training included an internship and an ophthalmology residency at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. He then earned a prestigious fellowship in corneal and external diseases at the internationally recognized Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

View his personal bio website by clicking here!

Dedication to Service

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, was awarded the U.S. Navy Commendation Medal in 1982 and the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal in 1987.

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, enjoyed a distinguished 12-year career in the military, serving as a battalion surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (REIN) in 29 Palms, California; a general medical officer for the U.S. Marine Corps, also in 29 Palms; and a staff ophthalmologist for the U.S. Naval Service at Naval Hospital, Jacksonville.

Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, established private ophthalmology practice in 1988 before founding the Baptist Eye Institute in 1989, where he was a member until 2000. In 2001, he established Bowden Eye & Associates, which now serves hundreds of patients with its 7 physicians and 6 locations.

When he is not exploring new ways to improve the eye health of his patients, Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, enjoys participating in activities that keep him healthy and energized. He enjoys working out, playing tennis, cheering on his Tennessee Volunteers, and attending Jacksonville Jaguar games.