UCLA Ophthalmology: Comprehensive Eye Care and Urgent Services

The UCLA Health system, anchored by the Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye Centers, provides a wide spectrum of ophthalmology services. With a commitment to preventing blindness through patient care, vision research, training, and community outreach, UCLA Health offers comprehensive programs and research-driven treatments, delivered by recognized experts.

Comprehensive Ophthalmology Services at UCLA Health

UCLA Health provides inpatient and outpatient care for individuals of all ages experiencing eye diseases, disorders, or injuries. The institute offers diverse treatments for serious eye conditions, including outpatient surgery and laser treatments, alongside regular eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, and contact lenses. They also offer information about eye conditions, referrals to private ophthalmologists, and operate a mobile outreach screening unit.

Accessing Care

UCLA Health accepts referrals from private physicians, self-referrals, and emergency intakes. The agency also operates a 24-hour trauma clinic hotline.

Specialized Centers and Programs

UCLA Health encompasses several specialized centers, each dedicated to specific areas of ophthalmology:

Aesthetic Center: Experts enhance appearance through surgeries like eyelid reshaping, fat transfer, or liposuction. Specialists trained in both ophthalmic and plastic surgery ensure safe, precise procedures.
Center for Community Outreach and Policy: This center conducts research in public health ophthalmology and provides community-based services. The Mobile Eye Clinic improves access to care in underserved communities.
Center for Eye Epidemiology: Specialists research blinding diseases using a team approach. The center is funded by private donations, including an endowment from the Ahmanson Foundation.
Clinical Research Center: This center supports studies that include patient care. They conduct almost 80 clinical research studies to better understand eye disorders and treatments.
Diabetic Eye Disease and Retinal Vascular Center: Ophthalmologists specialize in treating patients with diabetes-related eye conditions, using advanced techniques and research-based treatment options.
Eye Care Immediate Care: The UCLA Stein Eye Institute Immediate Care provides same-day evaluation and treatment for urgent eye problems.
Laser Refractive Center: Specialists provide vision correction treatments. They were the first site in Los Angeles to use FDA-approved laser treatment for myopia and astigmatism.
Macular Disease Center: The team offers care, rehabilitation, and collaborative research for macular degeneration. Patients often have access to new treatments through clinical trials.
Mobile Eye Clinic: This clinic provides eye exams and screenings in underserved communities. Each year, they provide eye care to thousands of adults and children in Southern California.
Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center: Established to coordinate research, education, and patient care of inflammatory eye disorders.
Ophthalmic Oncology Center: Specialists have expertise in teaching, research, and clinical management of tumors. The program is recognized for the diagnosis and treatment of ocular melanoma.
Optic Neuropathy Center: Experts treat conditions that affect the optic nerve, involving ophthalmologists, orbital surgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, or neurosurgeons.
Orbital Disease Center: They study and treat orbital diseases brought on by trauma, cancer, inflammation, or infection. They also have an active program in thyroid eye diseases.
Vision Genetics Center: This center addresses hereditary eye disorders, offering diagnosis, treatment, genetic counseling, and DNA testing.
Vision Rehabilitation Center: The team provides rehabilitation services to help people with low vision maximize their function and improve their quality of life.

Eye Conditions Treated

UCLA Health specialists diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Astigmatism
Blepharitis
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Diabetic eye disease
Dry eye

Treatment Options

UCLA Health offers a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments:

Nonsurgical Treatments

Anti-glare glasses
Artificial tears
Contact lenses
Eye drops
Eye patches
Warm compresses

Surgical Treatments

Blepharoplasty
Corneal transplant
Orbital decompression
Photodynamic therapy
Pneumatic retinopexy
Strabismus surgery
Vitrectomy

UCLA Stein Eye Institute Immediate Care

The UCLA Stein Eye Institute Immediate Care provides same-day evaluation and treatment for urgent eye problems such as sudden vision changes and eye pain. Located on the first floor of the Jules Stein Building, specialists are available to see patients with urgent symptoms that cannot wait for a routine appointment.

Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Eye Care Specialists

UCLA Health ophthalmologists provide ongoing care for a range of eye conditions and vision problems. Highlights of the program include:

Comprehensive Care: Complete ophthalmology care delivered by leading eye care specialists.
Teaching and Training: As an academic center, UCLA Health trains residents and fellows in comprehensive ophthalmology.
Access to Advanced Treatments: Access to the latest technology and dedicated ophthalmic surgery rooms through the Stein Eye Institute.

Areas of Care in Comprehensive Ophthalmology

In addition to clinic services for general eye care, UCLA Health offers specialized outpatient and inpatient services, including:

Ophthalmology Urgent Care Center: Available for patients with eye issues requiring immediate care, such as infections, injuries, or new flashes or floaters. Calling ahead is recommended.
Contact Lens Practice: Experts treat patients who have had a previous unsuccessful fit with standard soft contact lenses, including those with eye surgery, corneal scars, or other eye problems.
Dry Eye Center: Specialists treat patients who have been unsuccessful in controlling dry eye with common standard treatments.
Inpatient Consultation Service: Attending physicians and ophthalmology residents evaluate and treat patients in the hospital who have eye issues of any nature.

Accessing Urgent Care Services

For eye-related concerns requiring immediate attention, several options are available to UCLA students:

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The Ashe Center: The fastest way to schedule an appointment is by logging into MyStudentChart. If no appointments are available online, call (310) 825-4073 (Option 1).
24/7 Nurseline: All registered UCLA students have access to advice and information from a registered nurse at (310) 825-4073.
UCLA Health Immediate Cares: Students can access local UCLA Health Immediate Cares for urgent medical concerns. A copy of the After Visit Summary (AVS) must be provided to the Insurance Services Office at The Ashe Center through MyStudentChart within seven days of the visit.
Urgent Care Centers: In-network Urgent Care visits have a co-payment.
LiveHealth Online Telemedicine (24/7/365): Online video appointments with an Anthem network provider. LiveHealth Online appointments are $0 for UCSHIP students.
Ronald Reagan Emergency Department at UCLA Health: A comprehensive emergency facility staffed to provide 24-hour response to the emergency care needs of the community.

Key Considerations for Urgent Care

It is important to carry your UCSHIP Anthem Blue Cross insurance card with you.
Follow up with your Ashe Center Primary Care Provider (PCP) at least 24-48 hours after being seen in an urgent care facility to ensure continuity of care.
Unless you have a life-threatening condition, it is best to go to an Urgent Care center near you.

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