After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Lindstrom completed his doctorate degree in medicine in 1972. He conducted research, residency and fellowship training at the University of Minnesota and affiliated hospitals and extended his fellowship training at Mary Shield Hospital in Dallas and as a Heed Fellow at University Hospitals in Salt Lake City. In 1980, Dr. Lindstrom returned to the University of Minnesota, where he spent ten years on the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology, the last two as a full Professor and the Harold G. Scheie Research Chair. He continues as an Adjunct Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota. He entered private practice in 1990, and has led the growth and expansion of Minnesota Eye Consultants as managing partner. Dr. Lindstrom is Medical Director of the Phillips Eye Institute Center for Teaching and Research in Minneapolis and plays an active role in teaching and training at the Phillips Eye Institute and the University of Minnesota. He is also Medical Director of Laser Vision Centers, Inc., Midwest Surgical Services, and Associate Director of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank.

Dr. Lindstrom holds 31 patents in ophthalmology and has designed a number of intraocular lenses and instruments that are used in clinical practices globally. He serves on the Board of Directors of TLC Vision, Occulogix, Eyeonics and the Minnesota Medical Foundation, and Inner City Tennis. A frequent lecturer throughout the world on cornea, cataract and refractive surgery, he has presented over 35 named lectures and keynote speeches before professional societies in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. Lindstrom serves on a number of Editorial Boards, including JCRS, JRS and OSN where he is Chief Medical Editor. He has co-edited three books, published over 350 journal articles and 60 book chapters. His professional affiliations are extensive, including Global Education Director of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for refractive surgery, past President of the International Intraocular Implant Club, past President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and is a member of the American Ophthalmology Society. He is the recipient of numerous awards for distinguished service by national and international ophthalmology associations, including the LANS, Barraquer and the first lifetime achievement award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the Binkhorst Lecture Award from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Paton Award from the Eye Bank Association of America.