Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology
Andrew A. Kao, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist who returned to his native Bakersfield to practice ophthalmology at Empire Eye and Laser Center in 2016. He was valedictorian from Stockdale High in 2001 and went on to graduate with honors from UC Berkeley. He received his medical degree from UC San Francisco. He next completed a fellowship in ocular pathology at the top eye hospital in the country, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Kao completed his residency at the longest running eye hospital in the US, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, in Manhattan, NY, and was recognized as the top resident in his class. He then undertook a year-long fellowship in ocular oncology at UC San Francisco, where he learned to care for ocular surface and intraocular tumors, in addition to teaching cataract surgery to residents. He enjoys providing the most advanced ophthalmologic treatment to his hometown.
Outside of work, Dr. Kao enjoys traveling, reading, watching Giants baseball and Cal football, and spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Kao was voted Best Ophthalmologist in The Bakersfield Californian 2021 and 2022 Best Of Readers’ Choice Poll, and was also featured in Bakersfield Life Magazine’s “20 Under 40” in 2022.
