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12 Best Cataract Specialists in San Diego

Choosing a cataract specialist in San Diego starts with identifying the kind of eye care you need: a focused cataract consultation, related glaucoma or retina evaluation, or discussion of advanced surgery. Some clinics coordinate several specialties.

Pay attention to how thoroughly treatment options are explained, whether your concern is urgent and how long appointments may take to secure. Bring your medication list, prior eye records and specific questions about next steps.

Our method for this guide

Our ranking of cataract specialists in San Diego is editorial. It combines public reputation, how focused each business is on this service and the information it gives about its work.

No business can pay to be included. Those already in the guide may buy extra visibility, and it is always shown.

Top 3Complete listMapHow to pick one

Browse 12 local options

Island Eye Specialists, San Diego#1

Island Eye Specialists

5.0144 reviews
1317 Ynez Pl # A, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
Recommended for
Cataract and glaucoma evaluations

Island Eye Specialists provides ophthalmology care in San Diego, from routine examinations to advanced surgical treatment. The practice focuses on personalized attention, timely access, and clear communication, with services spanning cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and macular degeneration care.

Its cataract program includes laser-assisted surgery using the LenSx femtosecond laser and ORA measurements during surgery to support individualized lens planning. The office is also known for listening carefully, explaining risks and benefits in understandable language, and providing attentive follow-up. Appointments are recommended for evaluations and procedure planning.

Natalie A. Afshari, MD, FACS, San Diego#2

Natalie A. Afshari, MD, FACS

4.989 reviews
9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Corneal conditions and specialist evaluationsPatients considering advanced eye surgery

Natalie A. Afshari, MD, FACS is a San Diego ophthalmologist specializing in corneal care, cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, and advanced laser and refractive procedures including LASIK. Her clinical focus is supported by extensive academic training and a close connection to current vision research.

Dr. Afshari is known for thorough evaluations, patient explanations, and careful discussion of treatment plans and continuing care. Her approach is especially valuable for people managing complex corneal conditions or considering surgery who want time to understand the options and potential next steps. Appointments are required or recommended, and planning ahead is sensible for specialist care.

MLocal business
#3
Notable strengths
  • Comprehensive ophthalmology and optical services

Maulik S. Zaveri M.D., M.S.

5.058 reviews
8950 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste C130, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Cataract consultationsPatients seeking detailed treatment explanations

Torrey Pines Eye Care brings comprehensive ophthalmology and optical services to the La Jolla community in San Diego. Dr. Maulik S. Zaveri is associated with a careful, patient approach, taking time to explain vision concerns, treatment options, and expected outcomes in clear detail.

The practice is especially relevant for people exploring cataract care, retinal concerns, or other surgical eye treatments who value thorough explanations and considerate attention. Appointments are required or strongly recommended, and booking ahead is advisable.

American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, San Diego#4

American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates

4.7569 reviews
835 Third Ave Ste a, Chula Vista, CA 91911, United States
Recommended for
Patients needing specialty eye evaluationCoordinated cataract, retina, or glaucoma care

American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates provide broad ophthalmology care in San Diego, bringing together specialists in retina, cornea, cataracts, glaucoma, oculoplastics, and primary eye care. The practice supports routine examinations as well as advanced diagnostic and surgical needs.

Its collaborative model is designed to keep specialty care connected, with coordinated communication for patients and referring providers. Multiple regional locations, experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists, and a focus on personalized treatment make the practice suitable for patients who may need evaluation across more than one area of eye health. Appointments are recommended for specialist consultations and treatment planning.

Anne Hanneken, MD, San Diego#5

Anne Hanneken, MD

4.9463 reviews
9850 Genesee Ave Ste 700, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Retina evaluationsPatients seeking detailed treatment explanations

Anne Hanneken, MD is a San Diego ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal specialist whose work brings clinical care and active research together. Her practice covers retinal conditions, diagnostic imaging, and surgical treatment, with an emphasis on careful evaluation and understandable explanations.

Dr. Hanneken is particularly attentive when discussing findings, treatment options, potential complications, and follow-up. Patients are given time to ask questions rather than being rushed, while the office is described as organized, clean, professional, and personable from testing through consultation. Appointments are required or strongly recommended, especially for retinal evaluations and surgical planning.

EyeSee Specialists, San Diego#6

EyeSee Specialists

5.031 reviews
8950 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste C 130, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Urgent eye concerns needing prompt specialist attention

EyeSee Specialists focuses on urgent ophthalmology in San Diego, with particular attention to red eyes, flashes, floaters, corneal problems, abrasions, and minor eye trauma. Dr. Bishoy Said provides direct care through the consultation, examination, testing, and treatment process, keeping the visit focused and easy to follow.

The practice is designed for same-day and after-hours appointments, including situations that may otherwise lead to a lengthy emergency-room visit. Its appointment-only model suits people who need prompt specialist attention with clear next steps and a personalized assessment.

ALocal business
#7

Alexander Kim Nugent, MD

5.06 reviews
4405 Vandever Ave, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
Recommended for
Kaiser Permanente members seeking ophthalmology careCataract or eyelid procedures

Alexander Kim Nugent, MD provides ophthalmology care through Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, with a focus that includes cataract surgery and eyelid procedures. His consultations are characterized by clear answers, a friendly manner, and careful attention to concerns before treatment.

The practice stands out for making the path through consultation, surgery, and follow-up feel organized and understandable. It is a strong fit for Kaiser Permanente members seeking a personable ophthalmologist for cataract planning or precise treatment of eyelid growths and cysts.

Dr. Jason Moss, M.D., San Diego#8
Notable strengths
  • Detailed retinal and optic-nerve imaging

Dr. Jason Moss, M.D.

4.611 reviews
5555 Reservoir Dr #201, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
Recommended for
Cataract and glaucoma consultations

Dr. Jason Moss leads an ophthalmology practice in San Diego combining diagnostic imaging, cataract planning, glaucoma assessment, and surgical eye care. The clinic’s equipment supports detailed retinal and optic-nerve imaging, along with measurements used when planning cataract surgery and premium lens implants.

A calm, welcoming manner is central to the practice, with time devoted to questions and explanations before and after treatment. Dr. Moss is particularly relevant for people considering cataract surgery or seeking structured care for dry eye and other ongoing eye concerns.

Robert N. Weinreb, MD, San Diego#9
Notable strengths
  • Glaucoma management

Robert N. Weinreb, MD

4.511 reviews
9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Cataract or glaucoma surgical consultations

Robert N. Weinreb, MD is a San Diego ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and glaucoma management. His clinical focus makes the practice a relevant destination for patients comparing options for lens surgery or ongoing glaucoma care.

The approach described around Dr. Weinreb emphasizes precision, efficient testing, and thoughtful medical attention. A patient, compassionate consultation can be particularly useful when seeking a second opinion or wanting a clearer understanding of surgical choices and eye-health planning.

PLocal business
#10

Paul D. Huynh, MD, PhD

4.67 reviews
4844 University Ave # A, San Diego, CA 92105, United States
Recommended for
Cataract surgery and follow-upLaser eye procedures

Paul D. Huynh, MD, PhD is a Sharp-affiliated ophthalmologist serving San Diego, with a clinical profile centered on advanced eye care and laser-related treatment. The practice places importance on combining technical expertise with a personal, reassuring environment for people who may feel apprehensive about eye procedures.

Care is presented as organized and professional, with clean surroundings, reminder calls, and explanations of what needs to be addressed. Dr. Huynh is a relevant option for cataract patients, people needing laser follow-up, and families looking for calm guidance through surgical care.

Weldon Haw, MD, San Diego#11

Weldon Haw, MD

4.47 reviews
9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Cataract surgery requiring advanced or complex care

Weldon Haw, MD is a San Diego ophthalmologist associated with UC San Diego Health and specializing in cataract surgery, including advanced laser and refractive techniques. His profile also includes complex front-of-eye procedures and corneal surgery, making him relevant for patients whose needs extend beyond routine cataract care.

The care style combines surgical expertise with attentive guidance, particularly for people who feel anxious about vision correction. Demand can require planning well ahead, so patients considering treatment should arrange the consultation process early.

Francis Mah, MD, San Diego#12
Notable strengths
  • Advanced corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery

Francis Mah, MD

4.26 reviews
10710 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Recommended for
Corneal disease and transplant consultationsAdvanced cataract or refractive surgery

Francis Mah, MD is a San Diego ophthalmologist specializing in advanced corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery. His clinical interests include corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, corneal infections, transplant procedures, and small-incision laser cataract surgery, giving the practice a particularly strong corneal-care identity.

The consultation style is patient and compassionate, with attention to comfort, practical treatment choices, and a smooth surgical process. Dr. Mah is especially relevant for people seeking specialist care for corneal disease, cataracts, or refractive correction rather than a general eye examination. Appointments are recommended, and scheduling should be planned in advance.

How the options stack up

#BusinessRatingReviewsRecommended for
#1Island Eye Specialists 5.0144Cataract and glaucoma evaluations
#2Natalie A. Afshari, MD, FACS 4.989Corneal conditions and specialist evaluations
#3Maulik S. Zaveri M.D., M.S. 5.058Cataract consultations
#4American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates 4.7569Patients needing specialty eye evaluation
#5Anne Hanneken, MD 4.9463Retina evaluations
#6EyeSee Specialists 5.031Urgent eye concerns needing prompt specialist attention
#7Alexander Kim Nugent, MD 5.06Kaiser Permanente members seeking ophthalmology care
#8Dr. Jason Moss, M.D. 4.611Cataract and glaucoma consultations
#9Robert N. Weinreb, MD 4.511Cataract or glaucoma surgical consultations
#10Paul D. Huynh, MD, PhD 4.67Cataract surgery and follow-up
#11Weldon Haw, MD 4.47Cataract surgery requiring advanced or complex care
#12Francis Mah, MD 4.26Corneal disease and transplant consultations

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Map of cataract specialists across San Diego

This selection covers specialist eye practices across San Diego rather than one single medical cluster. Use the listing locations to identify which clinic is practical for examinations, follow-up appointments and any procedure-related visits. Distance matters more when several visits may be needed. Before booking, check travel time, referral requirements, parking arrangements and whether the same location handles testing and specialist consultation.

What each one offers

  • Cataract consultationsDiscuss symptoms, diagnosis, treatment timing and possible surgical next steps.
  • Glaucoma evaluationsArrange cataract and glaucoma consultations when pressure or optic-nerve concerns overlap.
  • Retina evaluationsSeek retina assessment when vision changes may involve more than cataracts.
  • Corneal assessmentsExplore specialist evaluations for corneal conditions affecting vision or surgery planning.
  • Advanced surgery discussionsAsk about advanced eye surgery when standard options may not fit your goals.
  • Coordinated specialty careUse clinics that can connect cataract, retina or glaucoma evaluations.
  • Prompt eye attentionContact an appropriate specialist promptly for urgent eye concerns.

Choosing cataract specialists in San Diego

  1. Define the appointmentAsk whether the visit is for cataract diagnosis, surgical planning, a second opinion or a broader eye evaluation.
  2. Check related specialtiesIf you have glaucoma, retina or corneal concerns, verify that the practice can evaluate them or coordinate a referral.
  3. Prepare surgery questionsAsk which lens choices, recovery expectations and follow-up visits will be discussed at the consultation.
  4. Clarify urgencyWhen vision changes are sudden or concerning, explain the symptoms and ask how quickly the office wants to see you.
  5. Confirm records neededCheck whether you should bring prior scans, medication details, referral paperwork or information about previous eye procedures.

Frequent questions

Should I see a cataract specialist or a general eye doctor first?

That depends on whether cataracts have already been diagnosed and whether other symptoms are present. A specialist consultation is useful for treatment planning, while a broader ophthalmology evaluation may help when the cause of vision changes is uncertain.

Can cataract specialists also evaluate glaucoma or retina problems?

Some practices offer coordinated cataract, glaucoma and retina care, while others focus more narrowly. Ask what examinations are performed in-house and how referrals are handled if another specialist is needed.

What should I bring to a cataract consultation?

Bring a current medication list, previous eye records, glasses or contact-lens details and a written list of symptoms. Include questions about surgery, recovery, lens options and the likely follow-up schedule.

How quickly should urgent eye concerns be assessed?

Call promptly and describe the symptoms rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes, a curtain-like shadow or significant redness may require immediate medical guidance.

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