David Karlin, Ophthalmologist

David Karlin is an ophthalmologist who specializes in treating and managing eye conditions. His services include diabetic retinopathy treatment, LASIK surgery, glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, and more.

He assists patients in maintaining their eye health and performing regular exams. Furthermore, he fits contacts or glasses for his patients.

Early Life and Education

David Karlin was born and raised in Orangevale, California. He attended Casa Roble High School before graduating from Sacramento State University in 2012. His parents say he was an exceptional student who always strived for excellence; he also earned a reputation for compassion and giving back. Colleen says her son had big dreams as well as a heart of gold; she’s received hundreds of messages from those who looked up to him and were inspired by his life.

On April 11, 2019 David Karlin tragically passed away after a snowboarding accident at Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe. Survived by his wife Nancy and sons Brendan Fox, Michael Karlin, and Craig Karlin; as well as many grandchildren from both sides of the family.

Professional Career

David Karlin is a renowned author, educator and consultant in the field of digital and interactive design. He’s the creator of several online courses as well as several books such as Building Websites All-In-One For Dummies (co-author), Adobe Analytics for Dummies and HTML5 & CSS3 For Dummies. Additionally, he holds adjunct professor positions at both CUNY and NYU. As an experienced forensic mechanical engineer he has performed accident reconstruction for automobiles, trucks, pedestrians and aviation; fire cause and origin; slip/trip & fall analysis (certified English XL expert); low speed impact analysis (certified English XL expert); travel & SCUBA diving expeditions around the world.

As a patent attorney, Karlin provides clients with technical solutions across numerous fields such as medical devices, manufacturing equipment, consumer product packaging, electrical devices and optical devices; computer software; freedom-to-operate research; and patent procurement. Furthermore, his knowledge encompasses preparation and prosecution of patent applications both with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and foreign counterparts.

Achievements and Honors

Dr. Karlin is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in performing advanced eye surgeries such as cataract, refractive, glaucoma and cosmetic procedures.

He also has extensive expertise in implanting premium intraocular lenses, which have enabled patients to see clearly without spectacles for over 15 years. In addition to his ophthalmology practice, Karlin serves as adjunct professor at College of Southern Maryland and founded the Wayne Karlin Creative Writing Award which recognizes outstanding student work featured in Connections magazine at the college.

Karlin is a decorated Vietnam veteran who served for four years. His novels include “Marble Mountain,” “The Wished-For Country,” and “Prisoners.” He has received two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, five State of Maryland Individual Artist Awards in Fiction, as well as a Paterson Prize in Fiction.

Personal Life

Karlin had a deep-seated commitment to social justice. He regularly volunteered his time and skills by volunteering with homeless families and giving football gear to kids who needed it more than he himself did.

He was dedicated to his community and well-known for being a good friend to many. “He always saw that special kid who needed love,” his mom Colleen remarked.

He was a former Casa Roble High School football player and student who tragically passed away from a snowboarding accident at Sierra-at-Tahoe. On Saturday afternoon, scores of friends, family, former coaches, and grieving classmates gathered at Orangevale Park to commemorate his life.

Net Worth

David Karlin has an estimated net worth of $2 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in Los Angeles. He owns several private equity firms and invests in several museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The businessman is a partner at Platinum Equity and has been involved in more than 250 private equity deals. Additionally, he co-founded Oaktree – a global investment manager with $125 billion of assets under management.

He holds a dual role as director and majority stockholder at Westlake Financial Services Inc., an auto finance provider.

His firm has invested more than $10 billion in real estate, including a $1.7 million property in Austin, Texas. Additionally, it’s investing in a multi-family project near Washington D.C. and a hotel and entertainment complex in Dallas.