Dr. Paul C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Refractive Surgery Pioneer in Los Angeles
Dr. Paul C. Lee is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of the California Center for Refractive Surgery (CCRS), recognized as one of the most trusted and accomplished LASIK and vision correction surgeons in Los Angeles and Southern California.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lee combines precision surgical expertise, innovative techniques, and a patient-focused approach to deliver exceptional outcomes in LASIK, SMILE, ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
Dr. Lee is renowned for introducing advanced vision correction technologies to the region—many of which are now standard practice worldwide. At CCRS, every detail is carefully designed around the patient experience, from comprehensive diagnostics to personalized surgical planning and long-term visual care.
Education, Residency & Fellowship
Academic Excellence:
- B.S., UCLA – Chancellor’s Scholarship, UCLA Alumni Scholarship, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Dean’s Honors
- M.D., UC San Diego School of Medicine – Weiss Preventive Medicine Scholarship; NIH Grant for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) research presented at ARVO
Residency & Fellowship:
- Ophthalmology Residency, University of Louisville – Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute; University of Louisville Resident Research Award
- Fellowship, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Tulane University – C.S. O’Brien Professorship Lecturer on LASIK complications
Dr. Lee’s early contributions to OCT technology helped shape modern eye care and reflect his lifelong commitment to advancing vision correction science.
Clinical Experience & Surgical Expertise
Over 25 Years of Specialized Refractive Surgery
- Performed over 50,000 refractive procedures, personally conducting all exams and surgeries
- Began performing LASIK in 1997 and underwent LASIK himself in 1998, demonstrating a personal and professional commitment to excellence
Areas of Expertise:
- Advanced Laser Refractive Surgery: Bladeless Wavefront LASIK, Topography-Guided Custom Ablation (Contoura LASIK), SMILE, traditional LASIK
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery: Reversible vision correction for high prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes using the latest EVO ICL technology
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Presbyopia-correcting lenses (EDOF, diffractive, light-adjustable, small-aperture lenses) tailored to long-term visual goals
- Premium Cataract Surgery: Advanced intraocular lens selection to match lifestyle and vision needs
- Specialized Procedures: Astigmatic keratotomy, conductive keratoplasty (CK), Intacs, secondary intraocular implants, IOL exchanges, combined procedures
- Corneal & Anterior Segment Disease: Diagnosis and management of complex corneal conditions
Innovation Leadership & Clinical Distinctions
Under Dr. Lee’s leadership, CCRS has become a premier center serving thousands in Los Angeles and Southern California, offering the full spectrum of modern vision correction procedures.
Thin-Flap LASIK Innovation:
- Early promoter of thin-flap LASIK, developing specialized microkeratome blades for 90–110 micron flaps
- Thin-flap LASIK is now the modern standard
Bladeless Wavefront LASIK:
- First surgeon in California to offer VisuMax–Wavelight EX500 Bladeless LASIK
- CCRS first in the U.S. to acquire the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser in 2010, the laser was FDA-approved for SMILE in 2016.
SMILE Surgery Leadership:
- First non-FDA U.S. surgeon certified in SMILE (2015) before FDA approval of SMILE in 2015.
- First non-FDA U.S. surgeon to perform SMILE Astigmatism correction in 2018
- Operated on NBA champion Draymond Green in 2019
EVO ICL Expertise:
- Recognized as a Top ICL Surgeon nationwide (2014)
- First non-FDA surgeon to perform ICL for astigmatism correction
- One of the few U.S. surgeons to surpass 1,000 procedures in 2022
- Over 2,500 ICL procedures completed as of 2025
- Second U.S. surgeon to perform newly approved EVO ICL (2022)
Refractive Lens Exchange Pioneer:
- One of the first on the West Coast to offer office-based RLE with advanced intraocular lenses in 2016
- CCRS provides a premium procedure with cost efficiency and convenience
Founder, California Center for Refractive Surgery
Founded in 2000, CCRS was created to provide fully customized vision correction beyond LASIK, recognizing that every eye is unique. CCRS evaluates:
- Prescription & eye health
- Age & lifestyle
- Long-term visual goals
Under Dr. Lee’s leadership, CCRS has become a premier center serving thousands in Los Angeles and Southern California, offering the full spectrum of modern vision correction procedures.
Credentials & Honors
Board Certification: Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Professional Affiliations: Fellow, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Member, American Society of CataractRefractive Surgery
Awards & Recognition:
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor (since 2019)
- Newsweek America’s Best Eye Doctors (2023)
Dr. Lee performs SMILE on Draymond Green of the Warriors
Actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang undergoes successful ICL surgery
Social Influencer Ashley Yi following her successful ICL surgery
The actor Daniel Kim of Hawaii Five-0 and son after SMILE
Why Comprehensive Vision Correction Matters
Modern vision correction extends far beyond LASIK. Factors such as age, prescription strength, astigmatism, corneal thickness, dry eye status, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals all play a critical role in determining the ideal surgical plan.
At the California Center for Refractive Surgery (CCRS), Dr. Paul C. Lee takes a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to ensure every procedure is precisely tailored.
The CCRS Comprehensive Approach
Every patient receives a full spectrum of evaluations and planning, including:
- Advanced Corneal Evaluation: Topography, tomography, and ray-tracing technologies to assess corneal structure and function.
- Complete Ocular Assessment: Analysis of the eye’s full focusing system, including tear film, cornea, and natural crystalline lens.
- Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Thorough assessment of ocular health and candidacy across all procedures.
- Personalized Candidacy Assessment: Careful evaluation for LASIK, SMILE, ICL, RLE, and refractive cataract surgery, each requiring specialized diagnostic devices and expertise.
- Long-Term Refractive Planning: Strategic planning that addresses both immediate vision correction and evolving long-term visual needs.
- Compassionate, Experienced Care: Support from a skilled team working closely with Dr. Lee to guide patients toward the “Right Procedure”, never a one-size-fits-all solution.
Patient Care Philosophy
Personalized, Precision-Focused Approach
Dr. Lee believes that optimal vision correction begins with listening, thorough assessment, and individualized planning. Every patient receives a customized treatment plan aligned with their lifestyle, visual goals, and long-term needs.
Meticulous Surgical Technique
Renowned for his detail-oriented approach, Dr. Lee applies meticulous precision across all procedures-LASIK, SMILE, ICL implantation, RLE, and cataract surgery-to deliver clear, youthful vision and exceptional outcomes.
Commitment to Advanced Technology
CCRS employs state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical platforms, including:
- iTrace: Ray-tracing and wavefront analysis to assess eye function.
- Contoura Topolyzer: Detects high-order aberrations for advanced laser planning.
- Argos Swept Source OCT Biometer & Verion Image Guided System: Ensures precise RLE and cataract surgery planning.
- Unity CS Console: Advanced lens removal for RLE and cataract procedures.
- Precision Surgical Lasers: Cutting-edge platforms for LASIK, SMILE, and other laser surgeries.
Patient Recognition & Testimonials
Awards and Professional Recognition
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor (since 2019)
- Named One of America’s Best Eye Doctors by Newsweek Magazine (2023)
Patient Feedback
Dr. Lee’s patients consistently praise his expertise, precision, and compassionate care:
- Yelp: 4.8/5.0 stars (488+ reviews)
- Birdeye: 4.8/5.0 stars (187+ reviews)
- US News Health: 5.0/5.0 stars
Patient Testimonials
Patients consistently highlight the confidence they feel in Dr. Lee’s recommendations and the life-changing impact of their results:
“I chose Dr. Lee for his 20+ years of LASIK experience and referrals. The entire process was smooth and thorough.”
— K.V., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I had SMILE surgery and have had zero regrets. I don’t even think about my vision anymore.”
— J.D., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“During my consultation, Dr. Lee determined I was a better candidate for SMILE due to dryness concerns. My only regret is not doing it sooner.”
— H.W., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I got ICL surgery and now have 20/20 vision after years of struggling with thick glasses and contacts.”
— S.M., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Other doctors told me my vision couldn’t be corrected. Dr. Lee was able to correct it, and now I’m officially glasses free.”
— A.A., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Both my wife and I had RLE surgery — back to 20/20, no more glasses.”
— R.P., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Even after a post-surgery complication while I was out of the country, Dr. Lee personally ensured the right treatment was applied.”
— R.A., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Note: Patient testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary and are not guaranteed. A patient consultation is required to set realistic expectations based on your medical history and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Paul C. Lee, LASIK & Vision Correction Expert in Los Angeles
Dr. Paul C. Lee is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery from Tulane University. He earned his MD from UC San Diego School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Louisville. Dr. Lee maintains active membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, ensuring he stays at the forefront of advanced vision correction techniques.
With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Lee has personally performed more than 50,000 refractive procedures, including LASIK, SMILE, ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange. He began performing LASIK in 1997 and continues to personally conduct all exams and surgeries, ensuring precision, safety, and outstanding long-term results for his patients.
Dr. Lee offers the full spectrum of modern vision correction surgery, including:
- LASIK (traditional and advanced thin-flap techniques)
- SMILE surgery (minimally invasive laser correction)
- EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedures
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
- Bladeless Wavefront LASIK
Every procedure is carefully selected based on eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals, ensuring each patient receives the most effective and personalized treatment.
Yes. Dr. Lee is a national leader in LASIK and vision correction innovation, with a legacy of firsts:
- Pioneered thin-flap LASIK, now the modern standard
- First in California to offer VisuMax–Wavelight EX500 Bladeless LASIK
- First non-FDA U.S. surgeon certified in SMILE surgery
- First to perform SMILE on the West Coast
- Recognized as a Top ICL Surgeon nationally, with over 2,500 ICL procedures performed
At the California Center for Refractive Surgery (CCRS), Dr. Lee combines laser and lens-based expertise to recommend the ideal procedure for each patient. By evaluating eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term vision goals, CCRS ensures each patient receives a customized treatment plan beyond LASIK eligibility alone.
CCRS is a full-spectrum vision correction center with a unified philosophy of care under Dr. Lee’s leadership. Key differentiators include:
- Comprehensive offerings: LASIK, SMILE, ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange
- Expertise in both laser and lens-based surgery
- Early adoption of advanced vision correction technologies
- Personalized candidacy evaluation for all procedures
- Continuity of care and long-term follow-up
- Surgical planning designed for lifetime visual success
Dr. Lee emphasizes precision, personalization, and patient education. He takes time to understand visual goals and lifestyle needs, conducts a thorough clinical assessment, and designs a customized treatment plan. With a focus on advanced technology and patient safety, he ensures each patient receives the “Right Procedure” for their eyes, rather than a generic solution.
Founded in 2000, CCRS is a leading vision correction center in Los Angeles and Southern California, offering comprehensive, advanced procedures in state-of-the-art surgical facilities. CCRS combines clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered care to deliver exceptional outcomes.
CCRS Milestones in Vision Correction Innovation
- 2001: Thin-flap LASIK innovation
- 2010: Early adoption of ICL surgery
- 2013: First acquisition of ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser
- 2014–2015: First U.S. non-FDA study surgeon certified in SMILE
- 2016: Expanded lens-based surgery suite for comprehensive care
- 2022: Surpassed 1,000 ICL procedures
- 2025: Surpassed 2,500 ICL procedures; opened Pasadena flagship office
CCRS ensures patients benefit from both decades of expertise and the latest innovations in vision correction surgery.
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