Comprehensive Vision Correction beyond LASIK
Awarded one of America’s Best Eye Doctors by Newsweek*
*2023 Newsweek eye doctor ranking
Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Communities Since 2000
In 2000, Dr. Paul C. Lee established California Center for Refractive Surgery (CCRS) with a clear emphasis on refractive surgery (vision correction) dedicated to offering methods beyond LASIK. Since then, CCRS has led vision correction in Los Angeles as a full-spectrum vision correction center at every step of the way.
Explore our history of innovation and procedural milestones.
While many centers focus primarily on LASIK, CCRS was built to offer the full spectrum of modern vision correction procedures under one experienced surgeon and one unified philosophy of care for a customized vision correction experience.
Patients throughout Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, San Gabriel, and Altadena choose CCRS for individualized surgical planning designed around long-term visual success — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- What Sets CCRS Apart from Other LASIK Centers in Los Angeles?
- Led by a Pioneer in Vision Correction
- Why Comprehensive, Total Care in Vision Correction Matters
- A Full Spectrum of Vision Correction Procedures
- Advanced Technology Supporting Precision for All Types of Surgeries
- A Legacy of Innovation Since 2000
- Trusted by Patients Across Los Angeles with Family Referrals
What Sets CCRS Apart from Other LASIK Centers in Los Angeles?
- Full-spectrum refractive surgery — not limited to LASIK
- Expertise in both laser and lens-based procedures
- Early adoption of advanced technologies
- Comprehensive candidacy evaluation
- Unified surgical philosophy under one experienced leader
- Continuity of care across decades
Practicing refractive surgery for over 20 years with the idea that vision correction surgery should go beyond LASIK
Led by a Pioneer in Vision Correction
Dr. Paul C. Lee founded CCRS to deliver customized refractive solutions backed by advanced technology and surgical expertise. He inherently recognized that no two eyes are the same, depending on prescription, health of the eye, age of the patient, and more.
Dr. Lee began performing LASIK in 1997 and underwent LASIK himself in 1998, reinforcing both his professional and personal commitment to vision correction surgery.
With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Lee has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, implementing and refining technologies that shaped the world of vision correction:
- One of the first surgeons to promote thin-flap LASIK through the invention of a thin flap blade for microkeratomes.
- First surgeon in California to offer advanced Bladeless Wavefront LASIK (VisuMax–Wavelight EX500)
- Top ICL Surgeon in the nation
- First non-FDA surgeon to perform ICL surgery to correct astigmatism.
- First non-FDA U.S. surgeon certified in SMILE
- First non-FDA surgeon to perform SMILE on the West Coast
- One of the First surgeons on the West Coast to offer office-based Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery utilizing the advanced technology and intraocular lenses.
Dr. Paul C. Lee has examined and performed more than 50,000 combined refractive surgery procedures. Many centers boast a high volume of LASIK or combined surgical experiences of all the surgeons. At CCRS, Dr. Lee has personally performed all examinations and surgeries on all his patients, giving him the most comprehensive and complete understanding of the effectiveness of various surgical methods. Dr. Paul C. Lee’s experience includes LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL, RLE (Utilizing all available advanced intraocular lenses), Refractive Cataract Surgery, Astigmatic Keratotomy, Conductive Keratoplasty, (CK), Intacs, Secondary Intraocular Implants, IOL Exchanges, Combined vision correction procedures, and more.
Rather than limiting patients to one technology or one surgical method, Dr. Lee has developed expertise across both laser and lens-based vision correction, allowing CCRS to recommend what is most appropriate for each individual.
Why Comprehensive, Total Care in Vision Correction Matters
Modern vision correction requires more than determining LASIK eligibility.
Age, prescription strength, astigmatism, corneal thickness, dry eye status, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals all influence surgical planning.
At CCRS, every patient receives:
- Advanced corneal evaluation through topography, tomography, and ray tracing technologies
- Analysis of the complete focusing mechanisms of the eye: tear film, cornea, and the natural crystalline lens
- Comprehensive ocular health evaluation
- Personalized candidacy assessment for LASIK, SMILE, ICL, RLE, and Refractive Cataract Surgery, each of which requires different diagnostic devices and expertise.
- Long-term refractive planning
- Compassionate care by an experienced staff who have worked with Dr. Lee for many years.
The result is that patients are guided toward the “Right Procedure” that benefits each patient, not for the convenience of the office.
A Full Spectrum of Vision Correction Procedures
CCRS offers the complete range of advanced solutions:
LASIK
LASIK remains one of the most recognized forms of laser vision correction and continues to be an excellent option for appropriately selected candidates.
Dr. Lee was among the early adopters and innovators of thin-flap LASIK techniques — now considered a standard in modern refractive surgery — and later introduced advanced bladeless and wavefront-guided platforms to further enhance surgical precision.
Dr. Lee collaborated in developing thin-flap LASIK technology, pioneering 90–110 micron flaps at a time when thicker flaps were standard. Thin-flap LASIK is now the accepted standard in modern LASIK surgery.
At CCRS, LASIK is not presented as the default solution. It is recommended only when diagnostic evaluation confirms it is the most appropriate long-term option.
SMILE
SMILE is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure designed to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism with precision without creating a corneal cut for a LASIK flap.
CCRS has been at the forefront of SMILE since its earliest introduction in the United States.
Timeline Highlights:
CCRS became the first practice to acquire the commercially available ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser and performed the first VisuMax All-Laser LASIK
Dr. Lee became the first U.S. non-FDA study surgeon to perform SMILE
Dr. Lee became the first U.S. non-FDA study surgeon certified in SMILE surgery
FDA approval of SMILE in the United States
Dr. Lee performed SMILE surgery on NBA champion Draymond Green
This early adoption and procedural mastery allow CCRS to offer SMILE with a depth of experience few centers can match.
EVO ICL
EVO ICL is a reversible, lens-based procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. By correcting vision without altering the natural eye, EVO ICL is a procedure that emphasizes long-term vision care. While applicable to the widest range of prescriptions, EVO ICL is the method of choice for patients with higher prescriptions, thin corneas, and dry eyes, who are not ideally suited for laser surgery. Unlike LASIK or SMILE, EVO ICL does not remove corneal tissue, making it an important option for certain patients seeking high-definition visual outcomes.
Dr. Paul C. Lee is recognized as one of the top EVO ICL surgeons in the United States. His extensive experience with this advanced lens-based procedure allows CCRS to confidently treat patients who may not be candidates for laser correction.
Because CCRS offers both laser and lens-based procedures, patients are evaluated comprehensively — not steered toward a single solution. For many individuals with higher levels of nearsightedness, EVO ICL can provide exceptional clarity while preserving corneal structure.
CCRS became one of the first centers in the U.S. to offer ICL surgery for high nearsightedness
Dr. Lee recognized as the Top ICL Surgeon in the Nation
Dr. Lee became one of the few surgeons in the nation to have performed more than 1,000 ICL procedures
Dr. Lee became the second U.S. surgeon to perform the newly approved EVO ICL (The surgery was performed on his associate, Dr. Mania Asadourian, who became the first U.S. optometrist to receive the EVO ICL surgery.)
PRK
PRK is a surface-based laser procedure that may be appropriate for patients with thinner corneas or specific structural considerations.
Although recovery differs from LASIK, PRK remains an important part of a comprehensive refractive practice. Because CCRS offers multiple surgical pathways, PRK can be selected strategically when it provides the safest and most predictable outcome.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
RLE is a lens-based procedure typically recommended for patients over 40 experiencing presbyopia, an age-related near-vision difficulty requiring reading glasses.
By replacing the natural lens with a premium intraocular lens, RLE can reduce dependence on both distance and reading glasses.
Dr. Lee applies the same meticulous refractive planning principles used in laser surgery to RLE procedures, ensuring precision that is integral to RLE’s customized approach.
This personalized approach is especially critical in RLE, as there is an array of options for advanced technology intraocular lenses (ATIOLs) with different capabilities. Dr. Paul C. Lee strives for maximum outcome through his inherent understanding of the functioning of the human eye, sincere desire to analyze the vision needs of each patient, expert understanding of the functioning of different types of ATIOLs, utilizing advanced diagnostic and surgical devices, expert surgical skills honed by performing thousands of various intraocular procedures, and personalized pre- and post-operative care.
CCRS became one of the first U.S. centers to offer office-based Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery using advanced intraocular lenses (ATIOLs) to correct near vision in aging eyes.
With this forward-thinking approach, Dr. Paul C. Lee made an early investment in incorporating a lens-based surgical suite into his laser practice. This pioneering commitment allowed Dr. Lee to offer the premium procedure at a significantly reduced cost, while providing the comfort and convenience of one-stop care. His longstanding commitment enabled CCRS to establish a vital relationship with ATIOL-producing companies, allowing him to stock and offer a wide variety of ATIOLs, crucial for a customized RLE surgery.
Premium Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery at CCRS is performed with a refractive mindset — not simply lens removal.
Advanced intraocular lens options are selected based on each patient’s visual goals, lifestyle demands, and long-term clarity expectations.
Because CCRS integrates refractive and cataract surgery under one leadership model, patients do not need to transition to a different provider as their vision changes over time.
Learn more about Cataract Surgery
Advanced Technology Supporting Precision
Technology at CCRS supports decision-making — it does not dictate it.
Through advanced technologies in diagnostics and precision surgical platforms, CCRS evaluates candidacy across all procedures before making a recommendation.
This process entails the use of diagnostic devices such as iTrace that combine ray-tracing and wavefront technology to assess the functioning of different parts of the eye; Contoura Topolyzer to perform wavefront analysis to detect high-order aberration; Argos Swept Source OCT Biometer, which, coupled with Verion Image Guided System, allows the most precise planning for RLE and Cataract Surgery; and the Unity CS console, the most advanced lens removal platform used during the RLE and Cataract Surgery.
A Legacy of Innovation Since 2000
Since its founding in 2000, CCRS has consistently expanded procedural offerings and adopted advanced technologies:
Thin-flap LASIK innovation
Early adoption of ICL surgery
First acquisition of VisuMax femtosecond laser
First U.S. non-FDA study surgeon to perform and be certified in SMILE
Incorporation of lens-based surgery suite to complement laser surgery suite
Surpassed 1,000 ICL procedures
CCRS established its Pasadena flagship office, incorporating the latest innovations in vision correction surgery.
This ongoing evolution ensures patients benefit from both experience and innovation.
Trusted by Patients Across Los Angeles with Family Referrals
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Schedule Your Complimentary Comprehensive Vision Evaluation
If you are considering LASIK or exploring alternatives, schedule your complimentary comprehensive vision evaluation at CCRS.
Dr. Lee will evaluate your eyes, review all available options, and recommend the procedure most appropriate for your long-term visual goals.
Serving patients throughout Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino, San Gabriel, and Altadena.
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