Tom Chang MD, eye surgeon and educator, is a world-renowned ophthalmologist who has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is a researcher. He and his associates have performed stem-cell surgeries that improved vision and changed the lives of hundreds of people. He emphasizes the need for catching eye diseases early. Many degenerative and progressive diseases can be detected at an eye exam before symptoms even begin developing. The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
Tom Chang MD Lecturer and Educator
Tom Chang MD has given more than 150 lectures on ophthalmology in 15 countries. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Mandarin. In addition to his lectures, he has published more than 50-peer reviewed articles.
Dr. Chang is the founder and manager of Acuity Eye Group which has multiple locations throughout California. In 2005, Dr. Chang, clinician, surgeon, and educator, founded the Retina Institute of California (RIC).
Tom Chang MD, along with other team members, performed the first implantation of stem cells for the treatment of macular degeneration. Since that time, the eye surgeons at RIC have performed more sub-retinal stem cell surgeries than any other center in the world.
His main research and treatment interests are in macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He believes patients must be educated on the importance of speaking up when they have any concerns about their vision or any other eye problem.
Tom Chang MD and Patient Relationships
Tom Chang MD believes patient care is a collaborative process between doctor and patient. With this approach, patients learn to be proactive about their own care. They learn how early detection can improve outcomes. This means they will have annual examinations and regularly communicate with their eye care professional.
When patients are well-informed, they make better decisions. Dr. Chang believes that far too often patients hesitate to ask questions. Doctors should establish communication with their patients so their patients will feel free to ask questions about any of their concerns or changes in their health. Tom Chang MD works diligently to create an environment that is welcoming and where patients will ask the questions they need to ask and not be intimidated.
Some specific educational topics patients should be aware of are:
- Periodic visits. People should routinely see their ophthalmologists once a year.
- Consult an ophthalmologist if vision changes. Contacting their ophthalmologist when there is any change in their vision.
- Sun safety for the eyes. Repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause retina damage and increase the risk of cataract development. Protective eyewear should always be worn outside by children and adults, even on cloudy days. The glasses should provide 100 percent UV rays protection.
- Physical eye protection. This should be used in certain jobs and hobbies. It is devastating when an accident causes someone’s vision to be lost or compromised when the loss could have been prevented by the use of eye protective gear.
- Healthy diet. A healthy diet is good for overall well-being and health, but particularly to maintain eye health.
- Hydration for the eyes. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day helps maintain proper hydration for the eyes so that dust and debris can be washed away to keep the eye free from damage.
Tom Chang MD works to develop streams of communication with his patients. There is proof that patient engagement improves patient outcomes.