Dr. Joanne Choi, MD – Cornea Specialist in San Francisco

Meet Dr. Joanne Choi

Dr. Joanne Choi is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cornea specialist providing comprehensive eye care and advanced surgical treatment for corneal diseases, cataracts, and refractive vision correction. With extensive training in corneal and external disease management, Dr. Choi offers customized surgical solutions designed to restore clarity and improve quality of life for patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her clinical expertise spans corneal transplantation, cataract surgery with advanced lens technology, and evaluation for refractive procedures including LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and refractive lens exchange. Dr. Choi is particularly skilled in managing complex anterior segment conditions such as Fuchs corneal dystrophy and keratoconus, bringing both technical precision and a deep commitment to understanding each patient’s unique visual goals.

Education and Professional Training

Medical Education

Dr. Choi earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Developmental Biology, cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2014. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, in 2020. During her medical school training, she completed an interim research year at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center under the mentorship of Dr. David N. Zacks, where she conducted research in retinal cell biology and photoreceptor degeneration.

Residency Training

Following medical school, Dr. Choi completed a Transitional Year Residency at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan (2020–2021), followed by a comprehensive Ophthalmology Residency at the Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan (2021–2024). Her residency training provided extensive experience in all aspects of ophthalmology, with particular emphasis on anterior segment surgery, corneal disease management, and complex surgical cases.

Fellowship Training

Dr. Choi completed her Fellowship in Corneal and External Disease at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, Maryland (2024–2025). The Wilmer Eye Institute is one of the nation’s premier ophthalmology training centers, and this fellowship provided advanced expertise in corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, ocular surface disease, and management of complex anterior segment pathology.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Choi is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, demonstrating that she has met rigorous standards of knowledge, clinical competency, and ethical practice in ophthalmology.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Choi maintains active membership in leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing ophthalmology and corneal disease management:

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – The world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, dedicated to advancing the science and art of ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) – A premier organization focused on cataract and refractive surgery innovation and education
Cornea Society – A specialized organization dedicated to advancing corneal disease research, education, and clinical practice
Women in Ophthalmology – An organization promoting leadership, mentorship, and professional development for women in the field of ophthalmology

These memberships reflect Dr. Choi’s dedication to staying current with the latest advances in corneal disease management and maintaining the highest standards of clial practice.

Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise

Corneal and External Disease Management

Dr. Choi has received specialized training in the diagnosis and surgical management of corneal diseases, including:

Corneal transplantation – Including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)
Fuchs corneal dystrophy – A progressive corneal condition affecting the inner layer of the cornea
Keratoconus – A progressive corneal ectasia requiring specialized management and surgical intervention
Corneal scarring and opacity – From trauma, infection, or prior surgery
Ocular surface disease – Including dry eye syndrome and related conditions

Cataract Surgery and Advanced Lens Technology

Dr. Choi performs cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens (IOL) options, including:

Standard monofocal IOLs
Multifocal and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses for reduced dependence on glasses
Toric IOLs for astigmatism correction
Advanced surgical techniques to optimize visual outcomes

Refractive Surgery and Vision Correction

Dr. Choi evaluates patients for a comprehensive range of refractive procedures:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) – For myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – An alternative surface ablation technique
EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens) – A reversible vision correction option for moderate to high myopia
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – For presbyopia and refractive error correction in patients over 45

Recognition and Academic Contributions

Clinical Awards and Honors

Dr. Choi has been recognized for her contributions to anterior segment surgery and ophthalmic research:

2024 Stanley Grandon M.D. Prize for Best Presentation in Anterior Segment Research – Kresge Eye Institute 69th Annual Clinical Conference, Detroit, Michigan. Her presentation, “The Effect of Lifitegrast on Corneal Endothelial Cells in Dry Eye Disease,” was selected for this prestigious award recognizing excellence in anterior segment research.

Publications and Research

Dr. Choi has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading ophthalmology journals, including Frontiers in Medicine, Journal of Clinical Medicine, Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Her research interests include corneal endothelial cell biology, refractive surgery outcomes, and advanced surgical techniques for corneal disease management.

Her published work includes studies on:

Visual outcomes of implantable collamer lenses and small incision lenticule extraction for myopia correction
Corneal endothelial cell response to topical medications in dry eye disease
Mutation screening in inherited retinal dystrophies
Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal lenticule implantation for corneal ectasia

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Choi is committed to advancing ophthalmology education and has served as a lecturer for incoming ophthalmology residents, providing instruction in slit lamp biomicroscopy and other foundational clinical skills. She has also delivered lectures on pediatric ocular trauma to emergency medicine physicians and fellows at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan/Detroit Medical Center.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Choi believes that optimal eye care requires a personalized, patient-centered approach. She takes time to understand each patient’s unique visual goals, lifestyle needs, and concerns before recommending treatment. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Choi develops individualized treatment plans that align with each patient’s preferences and expectations.

Her philosophy emphasizes:

Thorough evaluation – Comprehensive clinical assessment using advanced diagnostic technology
Transparent communication – Clear discussion of treatment options, realistic outcome expectations, and potential risks and benefits
Customized solutions – Tailored surgical and non-surgical approaches based on each patient’s anatomy, visual needs, and goals
Commitment to excellence – Rigorous adherence to evidence-based practices and ongoing professional development

Community Involvement and Service

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Choi is deeply committed to community service and expanding access to eye care for underserved populations. Her community involvement includes:

The Vision Detroit Project (2016–2019) – Worked with ophthalmology faculty and residents to provide free eye exams addressing eye-care disparities in Detroit, Michigan
Sight Savers at Wayne State School of Medicine (2015–2017) – Served as Director of Clinical Operations, leading free vision screenings to Detroit’s underserved population and teaching medical students basic eye examination techniques
Gleaners Community Food Bank (2015–2017) – Volunteered in food distribution efforts supporting food security in the community
SLAM! Program (2011–2014) – Provided free music education to underserved high schools in Los Angeles County, serving as both a music teacher and marketing officer

This commitment to service reflects Dr. Choi’s belief that healthcare professionals have a responsibility to contribute to the health and wellbeing of their broader communities.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional practice, Dr. Choi enjoys playing piano—she has studied classical piano for over 10 years and achieved Advanced Level certification through the Music Teacher’s Association of California. She also pursues ceramic wheel throwing (pottery) and enjoys cooking for friends and family while exploring new cuisines and restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Choi

What are Dr. Choi’s credentials and qualifications?

Dr. Choi is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She earned her MD from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed her ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University. She completed her fellowship in corneal and external disease at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital—one of the nation’s premier ophthalmology training centers. She maintains active membership in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Cornea Society, and Women in Ophthalmology.

What is Dr. Choi’s clinical experience?

Dr. Choi has completed extensive training in all aspects of ophthalmology, with specialized expertise in corneal disease management, corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and refractive surgery. Her training includes a dedicated research year in retinal cell biology and ongoing clinical experience in complex anterior segment cases.

What procedures does Dr. Choi perform?

Dr. Choi specializes in corneal transplantation (PKP, DMEK, DALK), cataract surgery with advanced intraocular lens options, refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL), and comprehensive management of corneal diseases including Fuchs dystrophy and keratoconus. She also evaluates and manages ocular surface disease and dry eye syndrome.

What is Dr. Choi’s approach to patient care?

Dr. Choi believes in personalized, patient-centered care. She takes time to understand each patient’s unique visual goals and lifestyle needs, performs thorough clinical evaluation, and develops customized treatment plans. She emphasizes transparent communication about treatment options, realistic outcome expectations, and potential risks and benefits.

Page Updated: April 1, 2026

The doctors at San Francisco Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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