Paul J. Dougherty

Physician Member

Dr. Paul J. Dougherty is a nationally recognized leader in laser and lens-based vision correction. As the medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision, with multiple locations across California, Dr. Dougherty has performed over 40,000 vision correction procedures. He is also an assistant clinical instructor of ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine.

Dr. Dougherty has served as a principal investigator for multiple FDA clinical trials, including CATz topography-guided LASIK, the Visian ICL for myopia and hyperopia, the Raindrop Implant for presbyopia, and advanced intraocular lenses such as the Tetraflex Accommodating and Softec HD IOLs. He was among the first U.S. surgeons to perform laser vision correction on an investigational basis prior to FDA approval in 1995 and was an early adopter of LASIK, undergoing the procedure himself in 1997. In recognition of his expertise, he was recently honored with the Staar Surgical Green Jacket Award as one of the leading implanters of the Visian ICL in the U.S.

A Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Dougherty went on to graduate first in his class at the UCLA School of Medicine. He completed his residency at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute, where he conducted award-winning research in laser vision correction, followed by a fellowship in corneal and refractive surgery at the Phillips Eye Institute under Dr. Richard Lindstrom.

An esteemed educator and thought leader, Dr. Dougherty frequently lectures on advanced surgical techniques and has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery. He is the author of See For Yourself: The Eye-Opening Guide to Permanent Vision Correction and has been featured in national media, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Doctors, CBS Early Show, The Today Show, E! Entertainment News, People Magazine, and USA Today.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Dougherty is deeply committed to philanthropic efforts. He founded the Andrew Dougherty Vision Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing pro-bono vision correction surgeries for underserved individuals in the U.S. and worldwide. His foundation has supported patients in regions devastated by war and natural disasters while also training local surgeons in the latest cataract and refractive surgery techniques. His humanitarian efforts were recently featured on ABC’s Nightline following a mission to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Dr. Dougherty’s passion for innovation, education, and global vision care aligns with Unifeye Vision Partners’ commitment to clinical excellence and patient-focused care.