David F. Chang, MD

Sub-specializing in cataract and lens implant surgery

The Bay Area’s premier cataract surgeon, Dr. Chang has been regularly voted by his peers into the national edition of Best Doctors in America and was listed as one of the top 3 ophthalmologists in the US in the first 2 polls of eye doctors conducted by Newsweek. In the 2014, 2018, and 2023 surveys, he was voted the 5th most influential ophthalmologist in the world by the international readership of The Ophthalmologist. He has maintained his private practice in Los Altos since 1984 and developed and founded the Peninsula Eye Surgery Center, which opened in 2005. He limits his practice to cataract and intraocular lens implant surgery.

About Dr. Chang 2021 Newsweek 2022 Newsweek

Los Altos Cataract Surgeon

Cataracts are the most common cause of blurred vision over the age of 50. Although there is no medicine or diet to cure cataracts, surgical removal of the cataract and replacement with a permanent artificial lens implant can restore lost vision.

Because cataracts are so common, and because cataract surgery is my specialty, I have written this booklet for patients to answer commonly asked questions about cataracts. Although each individual’s condition may differ, advances in cataract surgery continue to benefit more patients than ever before. I hope that this information will help you to better understand your situation, and to view it with less apprehension.

Continue Patient Cataract Brochure

Please start by reading the brochure “Understanding Cataracts” which was written by Dr. Chang. Then go to the selecting your lens implant section next. Please complete the questionnaire that you can find in either section. Dr. Chang has also published a book for patients that explains all aspects of cataract surgery. Although written for the public, it is obviously very relevant to his own patients.

Read before your consultation

Cataract surgery replaces your natural clouded lens with an artificial lens implant, and this section explains the different lens options that exist. Start by reading the introduction and then download and complete the lifestyle questionnaire prior to your eye examination. There is an important handout for patients who have had prior LASIK or PRK.

Read before your consultation

Comparison of Multifocal and Conventional Monofocal Lens

This section has important information about COVID policy, preop instructions, anesthesia, and Penninsula Eye Surgery Center, where Dr. Chang performs the surgery. It also answers questions about eye medications and our pharmacy recommendations.

Read before your surgery

This section covers postop instructions, getting temporary reading glasses, and has a video with useful postop hints. It answers frequently asked questions about the eye drops, including how to get refills.

Read before and after your surgery

Dr. Chang's Cataract Book for Patients

Dr. Chang's Cataract Book for Patients

Cataract Information Center

learn more about cataracts

About Dr. Chang

About dr. chang

Dr. Chang is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award, from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Learn more about Dr. Chang’s humanitarian service award

This is awarded annually to 2 American ophthalmologists who have demonstrated a career-long pattern of humanitarian service. The award recognizes Dr. Chang for his longstanding efforts to address global cataract blindness by expanding surgical training in underserved countries, including Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Haiti, and China.

Learn more about Dr. Chang’s humanitarian work