Doctors
Hyong (Rick) Choe, M.D., M.A. - Ophthalmologist / Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Choe’s academic career started at the University of Maryland where he studied biology and psychology. He excelled in his medical training at Boston University, and graduated Cum Laude. Additionally, he was elected to Omega Alpha, a medical honor society.
Dr. Choe served his residency at University of Maryland, where he was elected the Chief Resident. After his residency, Dr. Choe was awarded the Frances Howard Goldwyn fellowship at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute of the University of California Los Angeles. His research has been presented in both national and international meetings.
Furthermore, Dr. Choe’s unique contributions to ophthalmology include his contribution to the invention of a surgical instrument, writing multiple chapters in various ophthalmology textbooks and a vision screening program for elderly nursing home residents in Maryland. He also has been awarded by the National Eye Institute for his research and laboratory work in ophthalmology.
Dr. Choe’s interest in ophthalmology began when a sewing needle penetrated his mother’s eye. This incident, which occurred when he was in high school, made him realize the importance of sight and inspired him to choose a career in the field of ophthalmology.
The most fascinating aspect of ophthalmology for Dr. Choe is improving his patient’s quality of life by restoring and improving their eyesight. One of the truly rewarding benefits of his profession is seeing the smile on his patient’s face after refractive surgery. Dr. Choe believes that eyesight should be highly treasured, and clear vision is something that should not be taken for granted.
Dr Choe has performed over 25,000 refractive procedures and continues to strive for excellence in patient care. He is known for his warmth and caring bed-side manner.
Dr. Choe is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Research to Prevent Blindness, and American Medical Association.
He enjoys playing soccer, basketball, tennis and ping-pong in his spare time. Being a refractive surgeon at Vision Plus Medical Group enables Dr. Choe to do what he enjoys the most.
American Academy of Ophthalmology | The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Dr. Paul Yoo, O.D.
Dr. Paul Yoo, O.D. is the director of optometric services for Vision Plus Medical Group. In addition to performing comprehensive LASIK consultations and LASIK follow-up, he provides primary eye care services (including glasses and contact lenses) for those patients who may not be good surgery candidates. Being a TPA certified optometrist in the state of California, Dr. Yoo is also licensed to treat a variety of conditions which affect the overall health of the eyes. Dr. Yoo, a native of Southern California, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley and then returned home for his optometric degree from Southern California College of Optometry.
Since his graduation, he has been extensively involved in the field of LASIK with many years of experience as an optometrist in a large LASIK corporation. His primary reason for joining Vision Plus Medical Group was to fulfill his ideal of what it is to be a doctor in the traditional sense, which he felt was being lost in the corporate mentality. Today, he is most pleased with his decision. He states that the most gratifying aspect of being a doctor is the trust the patients place in you not only to take care of them and their family for the time being, but for many years to come.
Dr. Yoo is married and has two dogs. He states that his hobbies include anything active. However, his favorite pastime by far is surfing, which he claims is a unique physical and spiritual experience each time out. These days, because of his busy schedule, he enjoys walks at the park and the beach with his lovely wife and loyal dogs.
