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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
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.445.4431
Fax:
216.445.8475

Additional Locations

Ophthalmology

Cole Eye Institute, Akron

1 Park West Blvd.
Akron, OH 44320
Directions

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.445.4431
Fax:
216.445.8475
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Blepharoplasty
  • Botulinum Toxin Administration for Hemifacial Spasm
  • Botulinum Toxin Injections
  • Brow Lift
  • Cosmetic Botox Injections
  • Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
  • Cosmetic Surgery of the Face
  • Dysport
  • Eyebrow Surgery
  • Eyelid Deformity
  • Eyelid Lesion Removal
  • Eyelid Lifts
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Forehead Surgery
  • Lacrimal Surgery
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Oculoplastic Surgery
  • Oculoplastics
  • Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
  • Ophthalmic Reconstructive Surgery
  • Orbital Surgery
View all 21 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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Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

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 8/12/2023, 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

527 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 4.8
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.7

63 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2023

She couldn't give me an explanation for my problem until she had a biopsy. Dr. Hwang listened intently and typed notes in my chart. They were very accurate. She recommended biopsy for lesions on lids snd referred me to two neuro-ops at UH & CC.

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023

Dr Hwang is excellent

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023

Dr. Hwang was very thorough, compassionate, and answered all my questions completely!

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2023

Dr. Hwang was extremely caring and informative on my condition and the possibility of an upcoming surgery. She had a friendly disposition and addressed any of my concerns. I would highly recommend her.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023

I always have a good experience. I don't know what I would do without her she has changed my life. Thank you DR WANG

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023

I was very happy with my first visit to see Dr. Hwang.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023

My appointment was made for me when I had an appointment with Dr. Stern so I did not have the usual long wait on the phone.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023

I have recommended Dr. Gwanghwamun to friends. She is an amazing doctor and person!

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023

I was very appreciative of the time Dr Huang took to send me an email about my tumor lab results!

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023

Dr.Huang is the best physician you could ever expect to have at the Cleveland clinic.

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2023

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Catherine Hwang and am fortunate she was my oculoplastic surgeon. She's extremely skilled and I'm pleased with the results of my blepharoplasty - I see better and I look better. She's positive, upbeat, and has excellent patient rapport. I felt in good hands with her and I was.

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2023

Doctor Hwang was courteous, kind, and professional. Her explanation of the considered procedure was clear, concise and easily understood. Doctor Hwang was respectful and considerate In answering my questions and allaying my fears.

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023

She was great

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023

Dr. Hwang is awesome. She is such a pleasant person and dones a wonderful job!

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2023

Excellent physician

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2023

Dr. Hwang and Becky her NP are amazing

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2023

Dr. Hwang has helped me with all my eye issues and I value her opinion and being my Dr.

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2023

The doctor is wonderful!

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

The doctor is amazing.

Reviewed on May 24, 2023

Dr Hwang is always very attentive and professional

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023

Outsranding doctor. Very compassionate and skilled.

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023

Dr. Hwang is very professional and attentive. I have compete faith in her medical decisions as they apply to me.

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

I was very happy with the doctors services. She's very pleasant and takes her time to explain things to me

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023

Dr. Hwang came in the appointment first. Was very rushed and it was obvious. Rattled instructions to me so quickly I could not recall. Written instructions afterward did not seem to be what I recalled her saying. It was clear they were rushing through their day.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

The doctor was courteous and professional.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

Dr. Hwang was very personable and spent time explaining things to me.

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2023

Dr. Hwang is excellent in all respects from expertise to explaining.

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2023

MD was SO EXCELLANT

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2023

Dr. Hwang is the best! I highly recommend her!

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

Well organized department. Dr. Hwang simply put is gifted and born to do what she's doing.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Dr. Hwang has an outstanding "beside manner". She looks at you when conversing (not all doctors do), listens, addresses your questions, and has an easygoing manner that puts the patient as ease while still conveying extreme competency and knowledge.

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023

I find this doctor was good at clarifying what was going to happen, something a lot of doctor's doesn't do.

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023

Dr Hwang is always very attentive

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.

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