David F Chang's Online Review Report Card

I had cataract surgery a little over a year ago. As I write this I am in the waiting room of the Stanford eye institute. Although my vision is pretty good - probably even better than I thought it would be- I have had terrible side effects. My eyelashes fell out. My eyelids are swollen. My eyes are irritated and sore all the time. If I look suddenly to the side blood vessels pop and my eyes are bright red. Dr Changs' office says this is not what they deal with and told me it was not associated with the surgery. I was fine before this. I’ve seen several Drs and none can say what’s wrong. Just know that cataract surgery can have complications and they aren’t nothing. I would not have had this surgery if I knew this would be the outcome.

A year after my cataract surgery in which the Dr. implanted lenses, I had another doctor check my eyes. He was very complimentary of the result of the surgery and how I'm seeing. I rate my current vision as a miracle! I lost my glasses! THANK YOU DR. CHANG.

I am very emotional as I write this. I owe my vision to Dr. David Chang. I mean this 100%!! I am a little 'slow' in writing this review, because I had my surgery over 1 year ago. I have been a patient at Stanford Eye Clinic for 53 years. They have taken great care of me, but when I was 58 y/o (last year), I was told that I had the cataracts of a 90 y/o person. The Dr's at Stanford were shocked that I still had a drivers license. I laughed and told them; "Yes, I have a auto and motorcycle license". They stated that I may lose my eyesight 'soon', due to my cataracts. I asked if they would schedule me for surgery, but they said that there was a 99% chance that no one at Stanford would touch me, because I am was a VERY High Risk patient. This is when a wonderful Dr. at Stanford referred me to Dr. David Chang. It took a while to get a consult with Dr. Chang, because he is so busy, but I was finally able to be seen by him- I was extremely nervous that he would deny my surgery. Well, after examining me he said "Let's schedule you ASAP". I am a 225 weightlifter and I like to think that I am 'macho', but I cried like a baby upon hearing this. (In fact, I am crying as I type this)!!!So in closing, I just want to say "Thank You from the bottom of my heart".

I had my right eye operated by Dr. Chang a few month ago. I see a lot of specks (floaters) on the operated eye about a month after the surgery. I called Dr. Chang's office and was told the symptom is irrelevant from the surgery, but age related. I just wonder how many patients of Dr. Chang generated this symptom after the surgery.

I would encourage anyone to look harder for a doctor to fix your cataracts. I should have known that Dr. Chang wasn’t the right doctor. He had no interest in my questions or concerns and he lets you know he is the smartest person in the building. He has lots of certificates and awards letting everyone know how good he is but I have been terribly disappointed with my results. The office called the day before my follow appointment and said that the doctor had jury duty. I live in Monterey and had to take time off to get there.Again no concern for anyone but themselves.I have found a doctor that listens and mentored under doctor Chang. I’ve had several friends that have had the same procedure and they are thrilled with their results .

Masterful surgeon, highly recommended

I had cataract surgery 2 days ago and had a remarkably great experience. The surgery center staff was professional and comforting in a perfectly clean and up to date facility. I was impressed with Dr. Chang. He is a highly competent surgeon and was warm and pleasant throughout the process. My result so far is excellent. I cannot wait to have the cataract in my other eye removed!!!

The best cataract doctor anywhere. He literally wrote the book on treating cataracts. Very personable, takes the time to answer questions.

I just had cataract surgery performed by Dr. Chang for my both eyes in July. The outcome is excellent. Dr. Chang's skill is amazing; Dr. Yamanishi was very patient to answer all of my questions. My vision is fully restored and I no longer need glasses. Thank you very much!

Far more expensive than originally communicated but performance of the medical team was first class.Dr David Chang clearly laid out the strengths and weaknesses of each possible approach to cataract surgery. I selected the higher cost Vivity multi-focal lenses (they will be with me for the rest of my life). I was told to expect slightly less than perfect vision at the furthest distance, perfect vision at mid distance as well as for the computer, and that I would need reading glasses up close for the first time in my life. Post-surgery, this is exactly what I ended up with. Clearly communicated and delivered as promised.But on the billing side, a very nasty surprise. During the pre-op visits, I was told to expect to pay $2,800 per eye ($5,600 in total) based on typical insurance reimbursement rates. In reality, I paid over $8,700.What was the biggest gotcha? Out of network costs. I was smart enough to ask Dr Chang's office in my first scheduling call whether they were "within network" for my insurance (United Healthcare). They said yes. But they never communicated that the surgical center used was not associated with them and that they were NOT within network. And therefore insurance paid a much lower percentage.Beware!