Darwin James Liao, M.D.
December 9, 1968 - December 10, 2013
Obituary
Dr. Darwin James Liao, ophthalmologist and owner of Seattle Eye M.D.s, passed away December 10, 2013 after a brief illness.
Born on December 9, 1968, Darwin spent his childhood years in Seattle’s Magnolia community. He formed lifelong friendships with neighborhood families and classmates at Lakeside School. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1990, then earned his M.D. and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Prior to completing his residency at the University of Tennessee-Health Science Center in Memphis, he set up then co-managed the Ophthalmology Department technology lab. Darwin had a keen interest in computers, combining his passion for technology and medicine to develop innovative programs, including health-care specific software for mobile computing devices and an intraocular lens calculator. Always an early adopter of technology, Darwin was a frequent speaker for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
In 1999, he returned to the Northwest and established Seattle Eye M.D.s. The clinic and optical shop in downtown Seattle became known for its service, carrying boutique luxury frames and specializing in prescription sunglasses. Darwin expanded the business by opening Seattle Sunglass Company and by launching a leading website for fashion, sport and prescription eyewear.
A respected entrepreneur and doctor, Darwin was well-known in the Seattle business community. He was a golfer, skier, and an enthusiastic fan of all sports and games. A kind and generous spirit, Darwin was extremely passionate about his hobbies. He had a remarkable knowledge of pop culture and enjoyed sharing his love of music, travel and food with friends and family.
Darwin is survived by his grandmother Ah-Fu Chiou, his parents Dr. Paul B. Liao and Mei-Yea Liao of Seattle, his sisters Darlene Liao (Angelo Chang) of McLean, Virginia and Dahlia Mak (Robert) of Seattle, and a large, beloved family of uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, nephews and nieces.
Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute #3479-3451, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Darwin’s passing. It was a joy and honor to work with him in Memphis back in the 90’s. My sincere condolences to his family.
I just came to know about this sad news. I was filled with immobilizing pain for the Liao family. May the resurrection hope in the paradise earth soon to come bring comfort to all who love Darwin.