Find a Top Ophthalmologist Near Me in Pasadena, CA – Book an Appointment Instantly

About Retina Eye Specialists

Retina Eye Specialists was founded by Dr. Raghu Murthy, MD, FACS, in 2004. Located in South Pasadena, California, the team at Retina Eye Specialists includes ophthalmology and retina specialists who provide comprehensive eye care, including a dilated fundus exam and digital imaging studies.

The team uses in-office-based treatments when appropriate for the treatment of retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other vitreoretinal diseases. The provider also does outpatient microsurgical procedures when necessary at the leading hospitals and surgery centers in the Los Angeles area.

Retina Eye Specialists is committed to ensuring patients understand their condition and treatment options. The provider takes time to answer any questions and provide high-quality care in a warm and welcoming environment.

Retina Eye Specialists is currently accepting new patients and accepts most major insurances. Same-day appointments are available for emergencies and same-week appointments for non-emergencies.

Feel free to call the South Pasadena office at (626) 202-2446. You can also book an appointment online today.

Learn More About Dr. Murthy

Nicole M. Fuerst, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Fuerst Eye Center, which has two locations in Glendale, California and West Covina, California. Dr. Fuerst takes a patient-centered approach to care, treating each patient like a member of the family. She specializes in performing cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. 

Dr. Fuerst completed medical school at the prestigious Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She then completed her ophthalmology residency at the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received multiple teaching awards. She continued her training at the renowned Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina. While at the Duke Eye Center, Dr. Fuerst completed a two-year clinical and research fellowship in cornea and external disease, where she learned and performed the latest techniques in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery.

Committed to her profession, Dr. Fuerst has published many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She’s also been awarded for her research presentations on a variety of topics in the field of ophthalmology.

She has been voted to Southern California Super Doctors Rising Stars 2022-2024 and Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2023-2024. Known for her extensive skill and expertise, Dr. Fuerst receives many referrals from other eye doctors for routine and specialty eye procedures. 

David J. Fuerst, MD is an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract, corneal, and refractive surgery at his practice, Fuerst Eye Center, which has two locations in Glendale, California and West Covina, California. He is one of few refractive surgeons specializing in surgery of the cornea — the part of the eye treated by LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and most other types of refractive surgery. 

Because of his training, experience, and outstanding results, Dr. Fuerst receives many referrals from other eye care specialists for both routine and complex eye surgery, as well as referrals from his satisfied patients.

After completing his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, Dr. Fuerst continued his training at the University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, completing his fellowship in cornea and external disease. 

Dedicated to his profession, Dr. Fuerst is a recognized mentor and educator. He served as the residency program director at White Memorial Medical Center and as an on-staff teacher at the University of Southern California (USC), which are both located in Los Angeles.

Dr. Fuerst provides compassionate care and treats each patient like a member of his family.

Scott W. Beeve is a board-certified ophthalmologist practicing at Beeve Vision Care Center in Glendale, California. He specializes in laser vision correction and holds multiple certifications in laser and refractive surgeries, including iDesign iLASIK and multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Dr. Beeve has been performing LASIK procedures since 1999 and is a leading provider of cataract surgery. He also offers comprehensive eye care services, including diagnostics and treatment of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, emergencies and dry eyes. 

Since 2000, Dr. Beeve has been voted Glendale’s Best and Foothills’ Best Ophthalmologist by the Los Angeles Times-Glendale News-Press Readers Poll. He also received the Pasadena Best Doctors Award, the KCAL Best of LA, the Patients Choice Award for Best Ophthalmologists, and the Consumers Research Council of America Top Ophthalmologists awards year after year. 

Dr. Beeve also remains active as part of the medical staff of the Eye Surgical Center, Verdugo Hills Hospital, and Glendale Adventist Hospital. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 

Graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loma Linda University, Dr. Beeve later earned his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his internship in internal medicine and pursued his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. 

When not working with his patients, Dr. Beeve focuses on his work as a board member and volunteer eye physician and surgeon as part of his family’s Beeve Foundation for World Eye and Health.

Elson Lai, MD, is a board-certified eye physician and surgeon and proud to serve men and women throughout the San Gabriel Valley at Rosemead Eye Center in Rosemead, California. A product of nearby Arcadia High School, Dr. Lai went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in molecular and cell biology. It was as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley that he first developed a fascination with the eyes.
After graduation, Dr. Lai attended the Chicago Medical School where he was awarded Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, which is given to the top 10% of medical students. He then completed his internship in internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where he served as surgical chief. This is the largest program in the country and known for its high surgical volume and pathology.

Dr. Lai trained in a number of innovative surgical techniques during his ophthalmology residency, including intraocular lens implantation during cataract surgery. His residency class was the first to start using the multifocal and toric lens as residents. This technique involves replacing the natural lens with advanced technology lenses. These lenses not only fix cataracts but correct astigmatism, near or farsightedness, and presbyopia, thus allowing patients to be less dependent on glasses.

Dr. Lai’s interests include cataract and refractive surgery, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and treatment and management of glaucoma. He belongs to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Los Angeles Society of Ophthalmology. His volunteer work includes providing free eye exams to the community at the Taiwanese Lions Club of San Gabriel Valley, going on Medical Missions, and training ophthalmology residents at LAC+USC Medical Center.

It’s Dr. Lai’s philosophy that his patients deserve the same quality of care that he’d provide for his own family. He’s excited to be back in Southern California and providing compassionate care that uses the most cutting-edge techniques available.

Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Medical Director for Omni Eye Care, with convenient locations in Covina and El Monte, California. With her extensive training, Dr. Lapsi is committed to providing the highest quality of ophthalmic care to her patients, utilizing the most recent medical and surgical advances. Her philosophy is to be actively engaged and dedicated to delivering this mission to her patients.

She attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, nationally recognized for its excellent training programs. Subsequently, she completed her residency at the University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology, a rigorous, top-tier program emphasizing a strong foundation in medical and surgical ophthalmology. At the University of Washington, she trained with many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists considered to be pioneers in the field.

Dr. Lapsi’s areas of interest include cataract surgery and glaucoma. Additionally, diabetic screening and macular degeneration care are central to her patient-centric approach. First and foremost, the goal of Omni Eye Care is to assist patients in maintaining excellent vision and eye health.  

When she is not practicing ophthalmology, Dr. Lapsi spends time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and photography, as well as traveling with her family. If you’re interested in ophthalmology services in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Lapsi is an exceptional eye physician and surgeon. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal eye health.

Nicole M. Fuerst, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Fuerst Eye Center, which has two locations in Glendale, California and West Covina, California. Dr. Fuerst takes a patient-centered approach to care, treating each patient like a member of the family. She specializes in performing cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. 

Dr. Fuerst completed medical school at the prestigious Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She then completed her ophthalmology residency at the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received multiple teaching awards. She continued her training at the renowned Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina. While at the Duke Eye Center, Dr. Fuerst completed a two-year clinical and research fellowship in cornea and external disease, where she learned and performed the latest techniques in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery.

Committed to her profession, Dr. Fuerst has published many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She’s also been awarded for her research presentations on a variety of topics in the field of ophthalmology.

She has been voted to Southern California Super Doctors Rising Stars 2022-2024 and Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2023-2024. Known for her extensive skill and expertise, Dr. Fuerst receives many referrals from other eye doctors for routine and specialty eye procedures. 

David J. Fuerst, MD is an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract, corneal, and refractive surgery at his practice, Fuerst Eye Center, which has two locations in Glendale, California and West Covina, California. He is one of few refractive surgeons specializing in surgery of the cornea — the part of the eye treated by LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and most other types of refractive surgery. 

Because of his training, experience, and outstanding results, Dr. Fuerst receives many referrals from other eye care specialists for both routine and complex eye surgery, as well as referrals from his satisfied patients.

After completing his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, Dr. Fuerst continued his training at the University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, completing his fellowship in cornea and external disease. 

Dedicated to his profession, Dr. Fuerst is a recognized mentor and educator. He served as the residency program director at White Memorial Medical Center and as an on-staff teacher at the University of Southern California (USC), which are both located in Los Angeles.

Dr. Fuerst provides compassionate care and treats each patient like a member of his family.

Meet Dr. Swaraj Bose, MD

Click here for Dr. Bose's CV

Dr. Swaraj Bose is a leading neuro-ophthalmologist, orbital surgeon and strabismus specialist serving patients in Beverly Hills and Culver City area, providing the best care for a broad array of conditions, including complex and specialty issues such as optic neuropathies, lacrimal disorders, eyelid disorders, cranial nerve palsies and ocular diseases. As an accomplished surgeon and research scientist, Dr. Bose works closely with patients to determine the best course of care for optimal outcomes, even in the most complex cases. His advanced skills and expertise combined with a personal, compassionate approach help patients feel confident in the medical and surgical care they receive, and he is committed to taking time with each patient to ensure every question and concern is completely addressed.

After receiving his bachelor of science degree in zoology at Delhi University, Dr. Bose completed his medical degree at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and an internship and residency in general medicine and ophthalmology in India. Upon his arrival in the U.S., he completed an additional internship in internal medicine at the Veterans Administration Hospital and New York University Medical Center, and a residency in ophthalmology at New York University Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Bose has completed fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology, neuroplastics and orbital surgery (Doheny Eye Institute University of Southern California – Los Angeles), neurovascular neuro-ophthalmology (New York University Medical Center and New York Eye & Ear Infirmary), and glaucoma research and visual psychophysics (Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania).

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Bose is an associate professor of ophthalmology and neurology at the University of California, Irvine, and an attending physician at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He has received several awards and accolades, including Best Doctors in America, America’s Top Ophthalmologists, Castle-Connolly’s Best Doctor in Southern California and Physician of Excellence Award (OCMA). In addition, Dr. Bose has held several university research and teaching positions, has served as principal and co-investigator on numerous NIH-funded clinical studies, and has been widely published.

"Providing Professional & Compassionate Eye Care"

Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Medical Director for Omni Eye Care, with convenient locations in Covina and El Monte, California. With her extensive training, Dr. Lapsi is committed to providing the highest quality of ophthalmic care to her patients, utilizing the most recent medical and surgical advances. Her philosophy is to be actively engaged and dedicated to delivering this mission to her patients.

She attended the University of Washington School of Medicine, nationally recognized for its excellent training programs. Subsequently, she completed her residency at the University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology, a rigorous, top-tier program emphasizing a strong foundation in medical and surgical ophthalmology. At the University of Washington, she trained with many of the world’s most renowned ophthalmologists considered to be pioneers in the field.

Dr. Lapsi’s areas of interest include cataract surgery and glaucoma. Additionally, diabetic screening and macular degeneration care are central to her patient-centric approach. First and foremost, the goal of Omni Eye Care is to assist patients in maintaining excellent vision and eye health.  

When she is not practicing ophthalmology, Dr. Lapsi spends time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and photography, as well as traveling with her family. If you’re interested in ophthalmology services in the San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Lapsi is an exceptional eye physician and surgeon. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal eye health.

Daniel B. Park, MD, is a glaucoma fellowship-trained eye physician and surgeon based in Culver City and Torrance, California, who specializes in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and cataracts. Serving the greater Los Angeles community at Los Angeles Glaucoma Grou, Dr. Park is trained in both traditional and the most cutting-edge medical and surgical treatments of these ocular conditions, including laser procedures, cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), Xen implantation and incisional glaucoma surgeries (tube shunts and trabeculectomies).

Daniel Krivoy, MD, is an eye physician and surgeon who specializes in medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Krivoy is an experienced and skilled surgeon who utilizes the most up-to-date techniques for management of cataracts and glaucoma, including femtolaser cataract surgery using the latest intraocular lenses all current minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) and laser treatments, frequently performed in conjunction with cataract surgeries.

He is immediate past President of the Los Angeles Society of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Krivoy completed two years of clinical and research sub-specialty fellowships in Glaucoma and Ocular Imaging at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary under the direction of world-renowned Drs. Robert Ritch and Jeffrey Liebmann. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the New York Medical College after a Medical-Surgical Transitional internship at St. Barnabas Medical Center-Mount Sinai Medical School in New Jersey. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and an Active member of the American Glaucoma Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

His extensive involvement in academic activities started before moving to California and include having held the title of Assistant Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology at the New York Medical College, where he acted as Director of the Glaucoma Service at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, a teaching hospital of the ophthalmology residency program.

Dr. Krivoy continued to teach residents as a Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and volunteers his time at the glaucoma clinics at county hospital Harbor-UCLA. 

Now in successful private practice in Los Angeles, he is principal investigator in numerous clinical trials and is a scientific advisor for innovative companies in his field. He has published numerous scientific papers and published book chapters, and has lectured and presented numerous scientific papers nationally and internationally. He is a reviewer for the Journal of Glaucoma and has been a frequent participant at joint events of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology as a glaucoma expert. He is proud to provide free care to patients in need through the foundations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.

Dr. Krivoy was born and grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and fully bilingual. He has made important contributions to the residency training programs in Venezuela through the Venezuelan Society of Ophthalmology, where he founded a lecture series for residents which is still active today. In his native Venezuela, he volunteered his work to underserved populations and spent several months deep in the Amazon with native Yanomami Indians in the Venezuelan-Brazilian border.

About Natalia Tilki, DO

Natalia Tilki, DO, is one of the most prominent ophthalmologists in Los Angeles, California. She combines her unique European experience with advances in modern American ophthalmology. Dr. Tilki sees patients at her private practice, Emerald Eye Center Inc., located in Encino, California.

Beginning her medical training at the most prestigious universities in Moscow, she completed a master's degree in biology and anthropology at Moscow State University. She then received her medical degree at the Moscow Academy of Medicine in Moscow, Russia. Eventually, she gained invaluable experience while working with the modern-day pioneer in refractive and cataract surgery, Dr. Svyatoslav Fyodorov.

Once in the US, Dr. Natalia Tilki completed her second medical training at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, New York, and her residency at Midwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and Stanford, California. In addition, she completed a cornea research fellowship at Louisiana State University, where she conducted numerous research projects and was published in various major American journals.

Since opening her private practice, Emerald Eye Center Inc., in Los Angeles, California, in 2006, Dr. Tilki has been specializing in anterior segment surgery and management of diabetic retinopathy.

Some of her specialties include:

•  - Cataract surgery, including premium intraocular lenses, allowing patients to see without glasses
•  - Glaucoma management, such as various laser surgeries and Ahmed valve placement.
•  - Pterygium removal with graft
•  - Lasik, PRK, clear lens exchange

Dr. Tilki has been very successful in the diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, including laser surgeries and intravitreal injections. Dr. Tilki’s very special and personal approach to each patient allows her to reach better visual outcomes and significantly improve her patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Mark Baskin is a board certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic plastic surgeon treating patients from throughout Los Angeles from his practice located in Encino, California. His patients benefit from his expertise in blepharitis and dry eye treatment.  He performs many ophthalmic surgical procedures that include eyelid lifts, eyelid ptosis repair, chalazion excision and eyelid reconstruction after cancer removal. He is an expert in the administration of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin and the injection of dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse. He and his staff pride themselves on providing individualized, compassionate care in an intimate, warm setting not commonly seen today. 

Dr. Baskin completed his undergraduate training at Princeton University and received his medical degree from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, where he was an Edmund James Scholar. He completed an internal medicine internship at UCLA and a residency in ophthalmology at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois in Chicago He served three fellowships: in neurology at the King's College Medical School in London, England; in uveitis at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago; and in oculoplastic surgery with Dr. Pierre Guibor in New York City.

He is the founding director of the Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Clinic at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California in San Francisco. As an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), he teaches physicians in practice, residents, and fellows. He is the ophthalmic consultant to the world famous Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles. The Center has been featured on Oprah and the Discovery Channel and provides care to individuals from all over the world.

Dr. Baskin believes that eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and reconstruct anatomical defects required for maintenance of ocular health. For example, he performed reconstructive surgeries on a Ugandan woman severely disfigured by battery acid who came to the Grossman Burn Foundation for treatment. Dr. Baskin reconstructed her damaged lower eyelid allowing a prosthetic eye to be made and successfully worn. The surgery was performed at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in West Hills, California. To learn more about the ocular surgery Dr. Baskin performed on this patient, click here.

Known for dedication to perfection in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Baskin is a trusted provider, with area physicians who regularly referring patients. He strives to combine the skill of surgery with an artistic, delicate touch enabling achieving results for his patients which surpass their expectations.

In his spare time, he plays trombone in a jazz band that regularly performs throughout Southern California. He has lived with his family in Los Angeles since 1989.

A Message from Dr. Paikal

Dear Friend,

I welcome you to our website, and hopefully, at some point, to our office located in Encino, California. The purpose of this website is to give potential patients some basic information about my office and myself, David Paikal, MD. My practice specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology, where I favor conservative approaches, striving to be true to the bioethical tenet of “first do no harm.”

My staff and I will do everything possible to take the best care of you. The reason we can do so is because we love what we do: helping people to see better. Sometimes, that means admitting that we don’t have all the answers and referring you elsewhere. No one physician knows it all, and my staff and I are fortunate to have strong relationships with various sub-specialists, including academicians at universities, should the need arise.

In the great city of Los Angeles, we are blessed to have many world-class ophthalmologists, and therefore, your eyes will more than likely be in the best of hands with the majority of eye-care providers. Ultimately, your decision as a patient on whom to choose will really rest on who you feel most comfortable with, and where you can achieve the kind of patient-doctor relationship you are looking for.

My educational background is attached for those of you who are interested. I wish you health and happiness.

Sincerely,

David Paikal, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Ophthalmology
Assistant Clinical Professor, UCLA Stein Eye Institute

Educational Background

Renew Eye Clinic in Buena Park, California, is a full service ophthalmology practice dedicated to sustaining and enhancing eye health. Under the leadership of Michael Choi, M.D., the practice has earned a reputation for excellence in the region, going above and beyond to create outstanding outcomes. 

Preventive care is a foundation of the practice. Patients have access to comprehensive eye exams and professional guidance on how to make the most of their eye health and vision. There’s always time to ask questions and express concerns, and patient interaction is a critical part of the process. 

For those experiencing a problem with their eye health, in-depth diagnostics are the starting point for top-quality care. Once the source is identified, Dr. Choi and his team go to work constructing a personalized treatment plan.

From diabetic eye care, cataract surgery, and LASIK to treatment for glaucoma, dry eye, and macular degeneration, patients can expect world-class care. Treatment plans are tailored to suit each individual’s needs and lifestyle. 

State-of-the-art technology guides all diagnostic and treatment services at the practice. Team members attend ongoing training to learn how to leverage these tools to the greatest advantage. 

Dr. Choi spends considerable time and effort recruiting some of the best support and administrative professionals in the area. Everyone at Renew Eye Clinic shares a dedication to creating the very best patient outcomes.

Learn more about the practice philosophy by booking a visit at Renew Eye Clinic today. Appointments can be secured online or over the phone, so don’t delay. 

Dr. Nadji is a fellowship trained, board certified ophthalmologist. He takes pride in giving each patient individual attention and always allows them the chance to ask any and all of their questions. He specializes in sutureless cataract surgery and is one of the few surgeons in Santa Monica performing the newest laser cataract surgery. He is available for ophthalmic consultation and can screen for glaucoma, dry eyes, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetes.

Dr. Nadji graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern. He then moved to New York to complete his residency at Nassau University Medical Center and his cornea fellowship at Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island under the mentorship of Dr. Henry Perry and Dr. Eric Donennfeld, two leaders in the field. In fellowship, Dr. Nadji specialized in advanced cataract surgery, premium intraocular lenses, cornea transplants, and the latest techniques in laser and refractive surgery.

In his free time, Dr. Nadji can be found playing sports and enjoying the weather with his wife and baby girl. Dr. Nadji knows your time is valuable and aims for each patient to leave informed and satisfied.