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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

Medical Office Building, 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 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 20 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

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 4.7
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.7

64 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Excellent experience. Kind, compassionate and competent. Great consultation for my needs. Dr Hwang and her APP had a great sense of energy, humor and bedside manner. Which made me feel very comfortable! Love this Cole Eye site!

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

Very grateful to be seen by a physician and that it was very clear the role the CNP/PA will have and that they appear to be very well supervised. This is unfortunately not always the case.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

I would definitely recommend Dr . Hwang to anyone including my own family members .

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Dr.Hwang and her intern are always very professional and caring

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024

So very lucky to have her as one of my doctors

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2024

Dr Hwang and her team were great. My only negative comments is the length of time I had to wait for my appointment lt took about 2 months.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

I love Dr Whang

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024

Dr. Hwang was attentive, informative and reassuring. She is a wonderful physician.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

It always takes weeks to see any doctor at the clinic!!!!

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

When scheduling to see Dr. Hwang after seeing Dr. Seipel, I had to wait several months to see her. It was OK though because my issue was not emergent.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

I have already recommended Dr. Hwang to others.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023

Dr.Hwang is an exceptional doctor. She listens to your concerns and provides outstanding care. She is simply amazing!

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023

Very good doctor. Could answer all my questions and fears. Would highly recommend her

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Dr. Hwang did a great job explaining everything that was going to happen with my procedure. She makes you feel like she truly cares for your wellbeing.

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2023

Dr Allan is a great primary care physician. He has been a great advocate for any medical issues I have had

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2023

Great place and staff is awesome, along with Dr.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr.Hwang is wonderful! She is ALWAYS pleasant and very honest and I appreciate her honesty!

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

I thought Dr. Hwang, was very unprofessional and didn't care at all about my health. It seems as if she's only in it for the money. She only saw me for about 15 minutes. The rest of the time was the rest of her team. She refused to reply to me on email. She had her team do it. Then, when my endocrinologist had some questions for her, she refused to answer me an email and wanted me to drive back two hours to see her again to answer a question. She refused to do a follow up video visit to answer the question. Even though I just saw her and I had an exam a week ago. Very unhappy. My grandmother had a bad experience too. She went blind in her 30s and went to Cleveland clinic and they barely gave her any help so I'm not surprised.

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

Although I was extremely confident that her knowledge,skill, and competence was outstanding, her ability to relate to me as a patient left something to be desired .

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

I praise Dr. Hwang for the surgery she performed. Excellent doctor.

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023

Dr. Hwang was very professional, compassionate and efficient.

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2023

Dr. Hwang is very considerate of my issues, kind, and a great listener. I feel like she really takes care to address my problems.

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2023

Dr. Hwang is very busy & as a result difficult to get an appointment with.

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

I'll Like to recommend dr.Hwang to everyone She did en extraordinary job!

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Becky her NP is Amazing, so kind and nice

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Highly recommend doctor Katherine she was kind and help me w my issue

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Dr. Huang was very detail oriented thru the visit. She listened to my history, came up with a plan and had an excellent bedside manner. Bedside manner is not my top priority with a doctor, but it is great that she's the whole package! Definitely recommend!

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023

During my visit with Dr. Hwang, 5 residents (or students) entered after she walked in and there were no introductions into who they were or why they were there. She proceeded with my exam and I was so overwhelmed by the amount of people in the room that I wasn't able to listen to what she was telling me. After a few minutes, I asked everyone to leave and was met with poor attitudes from the individuals (and even an eye roll). That ruined my entire appointment and I wasn't able to concentrate or absorb what Dr. Hwang was telling me. It was a very poor experience and one I hope doesn't happen again to anyone else.

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023

I loved the directness of Dr. Hwang. She didn't spend much time, but got right to the crux of the options and best treatment. Her nurse stayed to answer questions, which helped.

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023

The Dr was very professional and easy to talk to.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2023

She was excellent in all ways. She was very good at explaining my condition and options.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

She didn't explain that the ointment went inside my eye, not on the lid.

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

The appointment was absurdly quick. I had to surface all questions related to the condition returning and risks. None of this was offered proactively. Discussion of alternatives were also not offered, and I've come to find some may exist. When I went home, I found another small anomaly on my other eye, which she hasn't bothered to check. It felt like she just wanted to book a surgery. I didn't like that I was asking questions and she already had the office door open. Really one of the worst Cleveland Clinic medical experiences I have had - and I've had a lot.

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Dr was very through it seemed she checked everything possible.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

In my opinion I did not think this Dr was very professional and her Assistant not much better.I will not seek further contact with the Dr I saw. I was very disappointed.

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2023

I could not ask for a better appointment/procedure. They doctor and staff were amazing and cared for me with the upmost professionalism.

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 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 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 15, 2023

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

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 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

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