Dr. Steve H. Chang, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist in Reno, Sparks & Carson City, NV
Dr. Steve H. Chang is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cataract and refractive surgeon serving patients throughout Northern Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe. As President and Managing Partner of Nevada Eye Consultants and Medical Director of the Eye Surgery Center of Northern Nevada, Dr. Chang brings over two decades of surgical expertise and a commitment to delivering personalized, advanced eye care to the communities he serves.
With over 17 years of experience performing advanced cataract and refractive surgery procedures, Dr. Chang has helped thousands of patients throughout Northern Nevada and the San Francisco Bay Area achieve clearer vision and improved quality of life.
“I believe every patient deserves access to the most advanced surgical techniques available,” says Dr. Chang. “My goal is to help people see their best at every stage of life, whether that means correcting refractive errors or restoring vision through cataract surgery.”
Education & Training
Dr. Chang’s path to ophthalmology began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with Honors, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular and Cell Biology (1992-1996). He continued his medical education at New York Medical College, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2002.
Following medical school, Dr. Chang completed a transitional year internship at Cornell University’s New York Hospital Medical Center Queens (2002-2003). He then pursued his ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College from 2003 to 2006, where he trained alongside pioneers in corneal and cataract surgery. His exceptional clinical skills and leadership earned him the distinction of Chief Resident during his final year—a position reserved for the top resident in the program.
To further refine his surgical expertise, Dr. Chang completed an additional year of specialized fellowship training in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery at the internationally renowned Assil Eye Institute in Beverly Hills, California (2006-2007). This elite training program, led by renowned surgeon Dr. Kerry K. Assil, is reserved for a select group of surgeons committed to mastering the most advanced techniques in vision correction surgery.
Professional Experience & Leadership
Director of Cataract and Lens Surgery, Pacific Vision Institute (2007-2008)
Before joining Nevada Eye Consultants, Dr. Chang served as the full-time Director of Cataract and Lens Surgery at Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco—one of the most prestigious eye centers in California. In this role, he performed thousands of advanced cataract and refractive procedures, establishing himself as one of the Bay Area’s leading vision correction surgeons.
ICL Surgery Expertise & National Recognition
Dr. Chang was the only certified ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgeon in San Francisco during his tenure at Pacific Vision Institute and received the prestigious Visian ICL Award of Excellence for his outstanding surgical outcomes. His expertise in ICL surgery has been featured on multiple local and national news broadcasts, including ABC7 San Francisco and KTVN Channel 2 News in Reno, highlighting his innovative approach to vision correction for patients who are not candidates for LASIK.
“The most rewarding part of my work is seeing patients experience life-changing vision improvement,” Dr. Chang reflects. “Whether it’s a young professional finally free from thick glasses or a retiree regaining independence after cataract surgery, these moments remind me why I chose this field.”
Leadership at Nevada Eye Consultants (2008-Present)
Since joining Nevada Eye Consultants in 2008, Dr. Chang has held multiple leadership positions:
- President and Managing Partner, Nevada Eye Consultants (2024–Present)
- Medical Director, Eye Surgery Center of Northern Nevada (2024–Present)
- Elected Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, Renown Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center (2015–2019)
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Nevada School of Medicine (2016–Present)
As Elected Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at two major Northern Nevada hospitals, Dr. Chang provided leadership and oversight for all ophthalmology services, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and surgical excellence across the region.
In his role as Clinical Assistant Professor, Dr. Chang serves as Lead MD Clinical Instructor for third and fourth-year medical students from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, as well as third-year students from Pacific University School of Optometry. His commitment to education ensures the next generation of eye care providers receives exceptional training in the latest surgical techniques and patient care protocols.
Board Certification & Professional Memberships
Dr. Chang is a published researcher and active contributor to ophthalmology literature. His commitment to advancing the field through research and education demonstrates his expertise and dedication to evidence-based patient care.
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
- Assil KK, Chang SH, Bhandarkar S, Sturm J, Christian W. “Photopic pupillometry–guided laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopic presbyopia.” Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2008;34:205-210.
- Assil KK, Sturm J, Chang SH. “Verisyse Lens Implantation in a Three Year Old with Aneisometropic Amblyopia- 4 year Follow-Up.” Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. 2007;33:1985-1986.
Professional Publications & Patient Education:
- Chang SH. “Cataract Surgery in Today’s World.” Good Life Magazine. March 2022.
- Chang SH. “See Clearly in 2020.” Good Life Magazine. October 2022.
- Chang SH, Fornefeld M. “Building a Successful Lens Based Practice Model.” Insert to Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. April 2020.
- Chang SH. “Roadmap for IOL Success.” Optometric Management. 2007 November:26-30.
- Chang SH. New Vision After Cataract and Lens Surgery: A Complete Guide to Seeing Young Again. PVI Publishing.
Conference Presentations & Speaking Engagements:
- 2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting (New Orleans, LA) – “Techniques for Enhancing Recovery Following Cataract Surgery” (Sun Ophthalmics)
- Sun Ophthalmics Key Opinion Leader/Speaker – Presented at approximately 26 promotional events throughout the United States (2017–2020)
- 6th Annual San Francisco Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery Symposium (San Francisco, CA) – “Presbyopic IOLs: What, When, Why?”
Research Abstracts & Poster Presentations:
- Chang SH, Zaidman GW. “Visual Rehabilitation in Combined Cataract Extraction, IOL Placement and Corneal Transplant, Phaco vs. ECCE.” Poster presented at 2006 ASCRS and ARVO meetings.
- Chang SH, Zaidman GW. “Posterior Amorphous Corneal Dystrophy or Dysgenesis?” Poster presented at 2005 ARVO meeting.
- Chang SH, Zaidman GW, Beuerman R. “Relationship of Changes in Corneal Innervation and Pathology.” Poster presented at 2000 ARVO meeting.
Media Features & Recognition
Dr. Chang’s surgical expertise and innovative approaches have been featured in multiple media outlets:
- KTVN Channel 2 Local News (Reno) – Featured for ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) live surgery event and “Meet the Doctor” segment
- KTVU Channel 2 Local News (San Francisco) – Health feature on Refractive Lens Exchange
- KGO Channel 7 Local News (San Francisco) – Health feature on Visian ICL technology
Awards & Recognition:
- EVO ICL Award of Excellence – Recognized for outstanding surgical outcomes in ICL surgery
- Chief Resident, New York Medical College Ophthalmology Residency Program (2005-2006)
Serving Northern Nevada Communities
Dr. Chang is honored to bring his advanced surgical skills and patient-centered care to the Northern Nevada population. He serves patients throughout the region, including:
Primary Service Areas:
- Reno, NV
- Sparks, NV
- Carson City, NV
- Truckee, CA
- Lake Tahoe (North and South)
Extended Service Areas:
- Fernley, NV
- Fallon, NV
- Incline Village, NV
- Susanville, CA
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Chang lives in Reno with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, playing baseball, basketball, and golf—activities made all the more enjoyable by excellent vision.
Patient Reviews & Testimonials
Dr. Chang is highly regarded by both his patients and colleagues. Patients consistently praise his thorough approach, surgical skill, and caring demeanor:
Why Choose Dr. Chang?
Exceptional Training & Credentials
- Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
- Fellowship-trained at the prestigious Assil Eye Institute
- Chief Resident during ophthalmology training
- Over 17 years of surgical experience
Leadership & Teaching Excellence
- President and Managing Partner of Nevada Eye Consultants
- Medical Director of Eye Surgery Center of Northern Nevada
- Former Chairman of Ophthalmology at two major hospitals
- Clinical Assistant Professor training the next generation of physicians
Research & Innovation
- Published in peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals
- Active clinical investigator in FDA studies
- National speaker at professional conferences
- Award-winning ICL surgeon
Patient-Centered Care
- Personal experience with LASIK surgery
- Comprehensive consultation process
- Advanced technology and techniques
- Proven track record of excellent outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a board-certified ophthalmologist near me in Reno or Carson City?
Dr. Steve Chang practices at Nevada Eye Consultants, conveniently located in Reno, with comprehensive ophthalmology services available for patients throughout Northern Nevada, including Sparks, Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and Truckee. As a fellowship-trained cataract and refractive surgeon with over 17 years of experience, Dr. Chang offers advanced surgical techniques and personalized care you can trust.
What makes Dr. Chang’s training unique?
Dr. Chang completed an additional year of specialized fellowship training at the prestigious Assil Eye Institute in Beverly Hills, California—one of only a select group of surgeons to receive this elite training in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. This advanced training, combined with his experience as Director of Cataract and Lens Surgery at Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco, positions Dr. Chang among the most highly trained ophthalmologists in Northern Nevada.
Does Dr. Chang perform ICL surgery?
Yes, Dr. Chang is a certified ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgeon and received the Visian ICL Award of Excellence. He was the only certified ICL surgeon in San Francisco during his time at Pacific Vision Institute. ICL surgery is an excellent option for patients with high myopia or those who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK. According to the FDA, the Visian ICL is approved for the correction of myopia and provides excellent visual outcomes with high patient satisfaction rates.
What insurance plans does Nevada Eye Consultants accept?
Nevada Eye Consultants accepts most major insurance plans. Please contact our office at (775) 329-2300 to verify your specific insurance coverage and benefits. Our knowledgeable staff can help you understand your coverage for consultations, surgical procedures, and follow-up care.
How many cataract surgeries has Dr. Chang performed?
Dr. Chang has performed thousands of cataract and refractive surgery procedures over his 17+ year career, including his time as Director of Cataract and Lens Surgery at Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco and his current practice at Nevada Eye Consultants. For specific procedure volume statistics and outcomes data, please contact our office.
Schedule Your Consultation
with Dr. Chang
If you’re seeking an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, or Lake Tahoe, Dr. Steve Chang offers the advanced surgical expertise and personalized care you deserve. Whether you’re considering cataract surgery, LASIK, ICL, or comprehensive eye care, Dr. Chang and the team at Nevada Eye Consultants are here to help you achieve your best vision.
The doctors at Nevada Eye Consultants have approved this content.
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