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Department Ophthalmology
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English, Korean
Surgeon Yes
Locations Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Aging Face
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Botulinum Toxin Administration for Hemifacial Spasm
  • Botulinum Toxin Injections
  • Brow Lift
  • Cosmetic Botox Injections
  • Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
  • Cosmetic Surgery of the Face
  • Dysport
  • EyeLid and Brow Lifts
  • Eyelid And Oculoplastic Surgery
  • Eyelid Deformity
  • Eyelid Lesion Removal
  • Forehead & Eyebrow Surgery
  • Lacrimal and Orbital Surgery
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Oculoplastics
  • Ophthalmic Reconstructive Surgery
  • Opthalmic Plastic Surgery
View all 19 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Blepharitis
  • Blepharospasm
  • Drooping Eyelid
  • Ectropion
  • Entropion
  • Epiphora
  • Eyelid Tumors
  • Facial Aging
  • Lacrimal System Drainage
  • Orbital Diseases
  • Ptosis
  • Tear Duct Conditions
  • Tear System
  • Thyroid Eye Disease
View all 14 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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View All Plans
Biography

About Catherine Hwang, MD

Dr. Catherine J. Hwang was born in New York and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minor in Sociology and then traveled to Philadelphia where she obtained her M.D. degree at the University of Pennsylvania. She stayed at the University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, for her ophthalmology residency. She then moved to Los Angeles and completed an advanced oculofacial and orbital surgery fellowship at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA Medical Center (a fellowship certified by both the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery). After this two year fellowship, she completed an additional year of fellowship in cosmetic facial surgery and rhinoplasty in Santa Monica, CA. She also travelled internationally studying in Europe and Asia on botulinum toxin, fillers, and asian eyelid surgery.

Dr. Hwang travels extensively lecturing nationally and internationally. Recent lecture topics have included the evaluation and treatment of the aesthetic patient, facial aging, blepharospasm, and minimally invasive surgery. She is also an invited peer reviewer for numerous journals and continues to publish papers in peer reviewed publications.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2016

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California School of Medicine
Orbital
Los Angeles, CA USA
2010

Fellowship - Ronald Strahan, MD
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Santa Monica, CA USA
2010

Residency - Scheie Eye Institute
Ophthalmology
Philadelphia, PA USA
2007

Internship - Presbyterian Medical Center
Transitional
Philadelphia, PA USA
2004

Medical Education - University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA USA
2003

Undergraduate - Emory University
Atlanta, GA USA
1998

Additional Training

  • Fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery 2010-2011
  • UCLA/JSEI ASOPRS Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery Fellowship 2008-2010
  • UCLA/JSEI Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery Research Fellowship 2007-2008
  • Univ. of Pennsylvania , Scheie Eye Institute, Ophthalmology Residency 2004-2007
  • Univ. of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital, Transitional Internship 2003-2004
  • Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA Degree: MD 1999-2003
  • Emory University, Atlanta, CA Degree: B.S. Biology, minor Sociology 1995-1999

Professional Highlights

  • Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Oculofacial and Orbital Surgery 2010-2016
  • Director, Oculoplastics and Orbital Surgery Division, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration
  • Chair, Young ASOPRS Committee 2010-2016 
  • Vice  President, Los Angeles Society of Ophthalmology

Certifications

  • Ophthalmology

Specialty Interests

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) Ectropion (Eyelid Turn Out) Entropion (Eyelid Turn In) Eyelid Ptosis (Lid Drooping) Tear Duct Surgery Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Thyroid Eye Disease Orbit Tumors and Trauma Facial and Eyelid Spasm (Blepharospasm) Mohs Surgery Reconstruction Facial Reconstruction Cosmetic Surgery: Midface Lift Browlift Lip Augmentation Chemical Peels Fillers Botulinum Toxin

Awards & Honors

  • Cosmetic Surgery Foundation Award
  • American Society Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Merrill Reeh Pathology Award
  • National Eye Institute ARVO Fellowship Award
  • Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship

Memberships

  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Asian Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Asian Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Los Angeles Society of Ophthalmology
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Catherine Hwang, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 10/3/2022, Dr. Hwang has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

436 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.7 out of 5
Explains 4.7
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.7
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.7

56 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2023

Very knowledgeable and easy to understand the process of having eyelid surgery! Very Happy with Dr Hwang.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2023

Dr Hwang is the best! She accommodated my request for an appointment and was very attentive to my needs

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2023

Dr. Hwang Is and outstanding provider. I've been treated for this issue twice before and this is the first time seeing Dr. Hwang for it. She gave me more information and care then I had ever received previously.

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023

Dr. Hwang is an excellent communicator who is empathetic and relates well to patients. She engenders a sense of trust in her advice and recommendations.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

I love Dr Wang and Cleveland Clinic!

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2023

Love Dr. Hwang!

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Dr. Hwang is an excellent doctor. I would highly recommend her.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

My optometrist's office was the scheduler for my appoint with Dr. Hwang. My optometrists' office was able to make my appointment for me. Dr. Hwang Is wonderful! This Is the first time In 2 years that I have needed to see her and each time has been very re-assuring that I am receiving the best possible care I can get. Thank you!

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

She even called me back VERY quickly after a non emergency call regarding some stitches showing. Put me to ease in seconds!! Wonderful PA

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

It's always a pleasure to have your appointments and doctors at Cleveland Clinic!!!

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

Dr. Hwang is simply amazing and so approachable.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2023

She was excellent

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2023

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Hwang, her knowledge and expertise in helping me out of a scary situation. She is vastly impressive.

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Dr. Hwang provided me with several, detailed options to address my medical issues.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022

Dr Hwang and her staff are attentive and caring

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Dr Hwang and her office personnel are excellent!

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Excellent experience she is always very helpful and willing to answer questions!

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2022

She is amazing, confident about abilities and trustworthy.

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022

Dr. Hwoang was great

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022

The doctor was amazing

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022

Doctor was very friendly and very helpful.

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022

Dr Hang is the best. Would recommend her to anyone needing external eye surgery.

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022

Happy with doctors explaining my eye trouble

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2022

Dr Hwang is wonderful!

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2022

Dr. Wang's bedside manner is one of the best I've ever encountered in dealing with doctors

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2022

The MD had a PA working with her but it was Dr. Hwang who came out in the hall to call me into the room and to welcome me. She was very friendly and made it easy to trust the PA who did my procedure after Dr Hwang examined my eye.

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2022

I so appreciate having Dr. Hwang as my Doctor. She is very kind/caring and capable, which makes me feel very secure in getting my periodic treatments from her team.

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2022

Dr. Hwang and her staff are excellent.

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2022

Dr Hwang didn't explain any of the 'problems' she found in my eyes or the procedures to me. She dictated the 'findings' and procedures to her machine, as if she was talking to a medical professional, not a layman/patient. I left the office not knowing what was wrong with me, why I was being referred to another physician,why I needed a blood test.I will make an appointment with Dr Sutton so she can explain 'My Chart' to me. I will pursue alternative options that Dr Sutton might recommend. I doubt very much that I will go back to Dr Hwang. Very disappointed, and saddened.

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2022

Scheduled next appointment right after visit with Dr. Hwang.

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2022

Dr.Manzon's office was great!

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2022

Dr. Hwang is wonderful! Absolutely love her!

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2022

Dr Hwang and staff could not be more kind and professional. Pleasant personality plus outstanding medical skills make me feel happy and healthy. She even adjust her schedule so that I can make appointments that accommodate taking care of my grandchildren.

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2022

Love Dr Hwong and then urge who held my hand for botox injections!

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2022

I express that I really was not clear on what she was saying. I felt rushed and not able to give me the time of day. You could surely see she was in a hurry just to get through the appointment. Very disappointed.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2022

Catherine Hwang is a joy to have as my doctor.

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022

There was no problem that could be fixed by this care provider.

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2022

I am always satisfied with Dr Hwang and her entire staff

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2022

Exam went well without long wait to see the doctor.

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2022

Dr Hwang is the BEST of the BEST

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2022

Best doctor ever!

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2022

Dr Hwang and her staff are very professional and knowledgeable. I feel very comfortable asking them questions.

Reviewed on May 31, 2022

Dr. Hwang explained my test results so that I was able to easily see and understand her diagnosis. She offered an alternative to my initial request, made sure that I understood what she told me and was so easy to talk to. Wonderful person!

Reviewed on May 31, 2022

This is a new eye care Provider for me after more than 30 years (my Provider retired). Very happy with the entire experience.

Reviewed on May 10, 2022

Dr Hwang is the best! I look forward to my appointments! I have referred several family members and coworkers to her!

Reviewed on May 9, 2022

Love my doctor, she my very first Doctor who did a biopsy on my eye.she was very positive and it made me secure that I was in good hands!

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2022

Dr Hwang and assistant Heather are very professional and responsive.

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2022

Dr Hwang is the best. I have total respect and confidence for her.

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2022

I love dr. Hwang! She is knowledgeable, professional, listens carefully to my concerns and answers all my questions. Her entire staff is great and friendly.

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2022

Great staff in dr. Hwangs office!

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2022

Great doctor and support staff made everything easier!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2022

On a scale of 1-5 Dr Hwang is a 500.

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2022

Dr. Hwang and her staff are simply amazing. Very personable, attentive to needs, and extremely knowledgeable!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2022

She s the best Dr I've ever seen. She gave excellent care before, during, and after my surgery.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2022

Provider did not listen to my concerns. Very much in a hurry. More interested in fixing my eyelid instead of listening to my concern

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2022

This was a superb procedure. The Doctor explained the reasons for the particular exams, and the results, with clarity. Very smooth and reassuring process to come to a decision. Thanks.

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