Catherine Hwang, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 216.445.4431
- Fax:
- 216.445.8475
Additional Locations
Ophthalmology
Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 216.445.4431
- Fax:
- 216.445.8475
Ophthalmology
Cole Eye Institute, Akron
1 Park West Blvd.
Akron, OH 44320
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 216.445.4431
- Fax:
- 216.445.8475
Ophthalmology
Avon - Richard E. Jacobs Health Center
33100 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.
Avon, OH 44011
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 440.695.4000
- Fax:
- 216.445.8475
Ophthalmology
Lorain Family Health Center
5700 Cooper Foster Park Road
Lorain, OH 44053
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 440.988.4040
- Fax:
- 440.988.4141
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
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
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout 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
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
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
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 9/30/2021, 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.
381 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.7 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.8 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.8 |
56 Patient Comments
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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.
Reviewed on Feb 25, 2022
Great Dr Her and her staff are amazing they take great care of me
Reviewed on Feb 25, 2022
Dr Wang very good. Explain everything thoroughly.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2022
Dr Catherine Hwang is the best doctor I could have asked for. She is amazing. She is so skilled at what she does and so kind. I am so blessed to have her as my doctor.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2022
Dr. Hwang is terrific - easy and warm and professionally top notch. I do not care for these surveys because they never give an NA option. I do not want to have to do one after each visit (4 each year). There should be a quick summary option.
Reviewed on Feb 2, 2022
I love Dr.Catherine Hwang / her team! She always do her best to find the best solution for my issues/ May God bless her and her family!
Reviewed on Jan 31, 2022
The doctor was professional kind courteous.
Reviewed on Jan 28, 2022
Dr Hwang was friendly, and very professional addressing my concerns and offering options
Reviewed on Jan 28, 2022
Dr. Catherine Hwang and her entire staff were great!
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2022
Dr Hwang's assistant Heather is very professional and always very responsive
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2022
Very pleased with Dr Hwang
Reviewed on Jan 5, 2022
Dr. Hwang is a penultimate professional and inspired great confidence in her ability to do this surgery.
Reviewed on Dec 17, 2021
Dr. Hwang was excellent! I have had a clogged tear duct in my right eye for over 2 years. 2 other doctors tried to unblock the duct with no success. I went to see Dr. Hwang for surgery to fix it and she tried the same technique to unblock the duct and was successful. I am so very grateful to her!!
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2021
Doctor was awesome !!
Reviewed on Dec 10, 2021
Very personable excellent doctor
Reviewed on Dec 6, 2021
*Dr. Hwang is the absolute best doctor. Her knowledge is incredible. She has an outstanding skill for her surgery.
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
Dr. Hwang was very thorough in her examination of my eye issue (excessive tearing). She did want me to request records from the doctor who I previously saw along with surgical notes.
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
Dr. Hwang and her nurse Becky were great: thorough, walked me through what was going to happen so I was prepared, listened carefully and answered my questions, and also very kind and empathetic. I would recommend them to anyone!
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
I rate this as a 4 only because Dr. Hwang is only in Akron a few times a month.
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
The doctor had her back to me typing for most of the appointment, she spent a total of about 4 minutes with me. I was left feeling hopeless and discouraged and would never go back to her. I do believe she is well educated but as far as being empathetic, it was non existent.
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2021
I have had great experiences previously with doctors at Cleveland Clinic but Dr Hwang changed that.
Reviewed on Oct 18, 2021
It was not easy to get an appointment with Dr. Hwang (referral). I was first given an appointment for more than a month away. Only when the ophthalmologist texted Dr. Hwang and asked for an earlier appointment for me, I was given one that was 2 1/2 weeks away.
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021
Dr Hwang and her staff are OUTSTANDING! I wish they were all this way!
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021
Dr. Hwang is an outstanding physician. Very knowledgeable and also very compassionate. She has always gone above and beyond in all aspects of my care.
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2021
Dr. Hwang has always been the best!!!! I have found others to be severely lacking in the care being provided. But this has NEVER been the case with Dr. Hwang. She truly is an outstanding provider and I highly recommend and respect her.
Reviewed on Sep 22, 2021
Always feel comfortable communicating with Dr. Hwang.
Reviewed on Sep 1, 2021
Dr. Whang is outstanding and I have recommended her to others.
Reviewed on Aug 27, 2021
Think that Dr. Hwang is terrific.
Reviewed on Aug 20, 2021
Had to book weeks out for a doc to assess my significant eye pain. Got this appt likely b/c of a cancellation. Disappointed that I could not schedule with my own docs within a reasonable time frame for my care. This doctors practice was very good but very far away and I don't want to have to fragment my eye care which is typically less than 10 minutes from my home. Emergent conditions related to vision cannot wait weeks for assessment. This in no way puts "Patients First"
Reviewed on Aug 17, 2021
Dr. Hwang continues to provide excellent care.
Reviewed on Aug 9, 2021
Dr Hwang's staff person Heather is excellent. Very professional and responsive.
Reviewed on Aug 9, 2021
Dr Hwang is excellent and someone I trust and respect.
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2021
Doctor Wang is true professional.
Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021
I felt like a number. I had to ask questions to get any information. The doctor said I'm going to insert numbing drops in your eyes. She did not tell me why. I assumed I would be getting some type of a procedure or her touching my eye in some manner. I was very disappointed her knowing that I am a first time visitor to her. I expected a better welcoming, I expected explanation of what she was going to do of which was nothing but looking in my eyes. There was no explanation as to the condition or what she saw. She was in and out of my room in a matter of several minutes. I had to ask twice what exactly the proposed procedure is about that I should be coming back for. I had to ask the nurse "why did she put numbing drops in my eyes if she didn't do anything?". I said "would you please go ask her now before I leave." The nurse came back and said, she looked at your eyes through the microscopic lens I guess. I will not be back.
Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021
Dr. Krueger, Dr. randleman, Dr. Abdamalik are absolutely excellent. I received excellent treatment, very good results, and a very warm welcoming and quite caring service and explanations of all diagnoses and treatment.
Reviewed on Jul 16, 2021
Dr. Hwang is always professional and very personable, the perfect combination! She is really smart, but also down to earth and easy to talk to.
Reviewed on Jul 12, 2021
Dr. Hwang gave me a honest diagnosis but letting me to make the decision between surgery or Botox injections. I just wished she could make the decision for me.
Reviewed on Jul 8, 2021
The doctor was wonderful. Even though she let a resident do most of the stitching, she watched carefully, offered suggestions, and did a few of the stitches herself. She was very kind and talked me through the procedure.
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2021
Dr. Hwang was excellent.
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2021
This is the first time I had an appointment with the doctor, and I would definitely return for her services.
Reviewed on Jun 18, 2021
last appointment for me. no return of cancer in over three years! dr. Hwang had been very good to me and for me. thank you Cleveland Clinic