Dr. Elson Lai, MD
Ophthalmologist
9428 Valley Blvd, Suite 201, Rosemead, CA 91770
At a glance
4.80 stars (56 reviews)
96% are satisfied with this provider ·
Accepts 20 insurances
Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, EyeMed, Medicare, more+ ·
Works at Rosemead Eye Center
Affiliated with Methodist Hospital
and San Gabriel Valley Medical Center
4.80
56 reviews
Bedside manner
4.8
Wait time
4.8
Recent reviews
Dr. Lai is very konwledgeable, professional and patient, Dr. Lai and staff would spend time going thru steps of procedures and answering my questions, his office in Rosemead has all the state of art equipments, I feel confident in him, highly recommended.
December 3, 2018Spencer L.Verified patient
The doctor is professional and helpful. Only a slightly inpatient, and I believe it’s because we took longer time to respond due to language barrier, I wouldn’t blame him for that. Overall experience is great, I will definitely go there again.
July 23, 2018Jingjing Z.Verified patient
Elson Lai does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
EyeMed
UnitedHealthcare
VSP
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
EyeMed
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Glaucoma
Cataract
Cataract surgery with lens implant
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Glaucoma
Cataract
Cataract surgery with lens implant
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
More about Dr. Elson Lai, MD
Dr. Elson Lai is a board-certified eye physician and surgeon by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He graduated from Arcadia High School where he was an All-California Interscholastic Federation Water Polo player, attended the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology.
At Berkeley, his fascination with the eyes began. He completed his honors thesis with his mentor, Vice Chancellor of Research, Dr. Beth Burnside on the “Characterization of Human class III myosin, a Cytoskeletal Associated Protein in the Photoreceptor.” He received his Doctorate of Medicine at the Chicago Medical School, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and became a recipient for the Dean’s Award. Dr. Lai served as the chapter president of the American Medical Association and initiated the Healthy Kids Project, which currently is still serving the North Chicago Area.
Dr. Lai completed his internship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois where he received an Outstanding Clerkship Teacher award in Internal Medicine and his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, which is the largest ophthalmology program in the country and regarded as one of the country’s best and most challenging residency programs. The residency program at University of Texas Southwestern is known to graduate doctors with experiences in high surgical volume and clinical pathology, and the program was also the first in the nation to train their residents the most advanced techniques in intraocular lens implantation during surgical cataract cases, which include Toric and ReSTOR lenses. These lenses allow for correction of astigmatism and multifocal vision, both of which allow patients to be less dependent on glasses. Dr. Lai also served as Surgery and Clinic Chief during his residency.
Education & experience
Education
Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Doctor of Medicine
University of Texas, Southwestern, Residency in Ophthalmology
University of California, Berkeley (Bachelor’s)
Practice
Rosemead Eye Center
Affiliation
Methodist Hospital
San Gabriel Valley Medical Center
Certifications
American Board of Ophthalmology
Professional memberships
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Awards and publications
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Background
Languages spoken
English
Chinese (Mandarin)
Gender
Male
NPI number
#1750549192
Elson Lai does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
Similar providers on Zocdoc
Top-rated
Closest to you
Available today
Dr. Nicholas Marsico, MD
Ophthalmologist
10.5 mi420 E 3rd St, Suite 603, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
10.5 mi420 E 3rd St, Suite 603, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
Dr. Yi Jiang, MD
Ophthalmologist
4.9193 reviews
11.5 mi852 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA, 91740
4.9193 reviews
11.5 mi852 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA, 91740
Dr. Danielle Richardson, OD
Optometrist
4.92422 reviews
18 mi605 N W Knoll Dr, Ste B, West Hollywood, CA, 90069
Next available: Apr 23
4.92422 reviews
18 mi605 N W Knoll Dr, Ste B, West Hollywood, CA, 90069
Next available: Apr 23
There are currently no additional providers matching this criteria
Dr. Johnathon (Eric) Downing, MD
Ophthalmologist
10.5 mi420 E 3rd St, Suite 603, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
10.5 mi420 E 3rd St, Suite 603, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
Dr. Quynh Alcazar, OD
Optometrist
5.0011 reviews
11 mi10620 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA, 90650
5.0011 reviews
11 mi10620 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA, 90650
Dr. Danielle Richardson, OD
Optometrist
4.92422 reviews
18 mi605 N W Knoll Dr, Ste B, West Hollywood, CA, 90069
Next available: Apr 23
4.92422 reviews
18 mi605 N W Knoll Dr, Ste B, West Hollywood, CA, 90069
Next available: Apr 23
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.80
Wait time
4.75
Bedside manner
4.79
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
56 reviews
Most relevant
A great experience, the staff was polite and attentive. Dr Lai was great and I plan on seeing him every year.
March 22, 2016James D.Verified patient
Had a pleasant experience there. Good front office staff, short wait - in & out as it should be.
More than 1 year agoJennifer H.Verified patient
Modern clean office.Dr Lai did a through exam.He explained what a cataract surgery would involve.
May 22, 2019Ernest M.Verified patient
I loved the center. All modern, hi-tech, very clean. I'm scheduled for a follow up.
July 10, 2017Alexander P.Verified patient
Very patient with my insurance and knowledgeable, excellent manner and clean office!
February 17, 2018Dalia W.Verified patient
What a great doctor. I am so happy I found his office. Would recommend 100%
September 29, 2017Jayson B.Verified patient
Very detailed eye-exam & Dr. Lai is very professional & friendly.
More than 1 year agoAW
Excellent experience. Very professional business. Great staff.
September 19, 2016Maryann G.Verified patient
excellent! Professional, kind. Close to home. Just right.
July 20, 2015Yvonne D.Verified patient
Informative and helpful. Great service.
December 13, 2018Luis F.Verified patient
Dr. Lai is very konwledgeable, professional and patient, Dr. Lai and staff would spend time going thru steps of procedures and answering my questions, his office in Rosemead has all the state of art equipments, I feel confident in him, highly recommended.
December 3, 2018Spencer L.Verified patient
Front staff were condescending and very unwelcoming when I tried to explain information that was relayed to me. Front office rudeness is one of the reasons I delay seeing medical professionals.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
The doctor is professional and helpful. Only a slightly inpatient, and I believe it’s because we took longer time to respond due to language barrier, I wouldn’t blame him for that. Overall experience is great, I will definitely go there again.
July 23, 2018Jingjing Z.Verified patient
I don't often write reviews, but I feel compelled to write one about my experience with Dr. Lai. Firstly, I appreciate that he doesn't overbook his appointment schedule. I was able to see him the day after I scheduled my appointment, and he took me in right away. I was immediately impressed with his attentiveness, professionalism, and knowledge. He was very efficient and proactive, wasting no time in identifying the issues I was having with my eyes and getting me immediate treatment for relief from those issues. I highly recommend Dr. Lai if you are in need of any kind of medical care for your eyes.
More than 1 year agoThor T.Verified patient
Dr. Lai was very professional but friendly. He was the first ophthalmologist (in my 50 years) who cared to explain to me that treatment for dry eyes can be with either water or oil... and that the blurriness can be caused by dry eyes. And I thought it was simply from aging! Lol. Office was super clean and staff was extremely friendly. Would highly recommend!
August 4, 2017Angeline H.Verified patient
Visited Dr. Lai a 3-4 times for my CSR problem. My issue lasted a good 5-6 months. Dr. Lai is great, he explains my problem in detail. Office is very clean and great relaxing ambient. No wait if you come to your appointment on time. One time I do have to wait but it was only 5 minuets. Compare to hours I waited at my regular Optometrist. Dr. Lai is very knowledge, I would trust him and his recommendations.
More than 1 year agoPeter S.Verified patient
Very professional, courteous and friendly
December 8, 2016Arthur L.Verified patient
VERY PROFESSIONALLY HANDLED.
September 27, 2016James R.Verified patient
Total experience was very good. Dr. Lai was thorough and very personable. He is high tech and set me up with a portal to his office and my medical records. I will see him again for sure for my eye checkups
July 20, 2016Gregory T.Verified patient
He speaks with confidence explaining the facts to help me understand my eye problem. He acts and show his concern for me as a patient. I am very comfortable to have him with all of my eye care.
5/27/2016
May 31, 2016Initials hidden
The desk personal was polite, pleasant and made the process very easy. There was no wait at all. The doctor was outstanding, he explained everything in detail and was compassionate. It's nice to see somebody who cares about his patients.
I highly recommend him!
March 22, 2016Maria H.Verified patient
My appointment was timely, and Dr. Lai's office is clean, efficient and modern. I am very happy with the appointment and would recommend him.
January 4, 2016Hilde L.Verified patient
Professional, courteous and understanding.
December 22, 2015Hilde L.Verified patient
Outside of the building belies a beautifully put together interior with well integrated technology systems, pleasant assistants and very professional doctor.
October 13, 2015Initials hidden
In full disclosure, I have known Dr. Lai for over 20 years. I have know him to be caring, generous, patient and incredibly hardworking. These traits have certainly carried over to his professional work. He was attentive, honest, thorough, and spent the time not only to explain what he was doing and looking for, but also educating me on long term eye care. Additionally, he offered an explanation of the pros and cons for numerous contact options and recommended a certain pair for my current needs. His staff was friendly and courteous. His office is new, modern, and very clean.
August 27, 2015Bryant R.Verified patient
Fabulous visit with Dr. Lai. He was incredibly thorough, knowledgable, caring and informative. I will never go anywhere else! Thank you!!
July 27, 2015Aurielle Z.Verified patient
Dr. Lai does not want to give me a paper prescription for an eyeglass which is the main reason I went to his office. He said that it is in the system and his clinic is going to make the eyeglass. I said that I want to have the eyeglass done at another place which I know is cheaper. I had a hard time getting it; my daughter had to make a scene at his office the second time we went there. He finally gave it to me. Now, the bill is showing an additional charge for the prescription. I thought the first time I went there I already paid the co-pay and there will be no more additional fees. This doctor is trying to force me to use his clinic for the eyeglass and gave me a penalty when I did not.
August 4, 2015Initials hidden
Great visit with Dr. Lai as he is super knowledgeable and professional. Arrived to the clinic, signed some paper work and was seen immediately. Came in for contacts and new prescription for glasses. the office was clean and the equipment was new as other doctors places I've been to looked old. I would recommend this place for sure!
August 9, 2015Amy H.Verified patient
Visit was very fast and proffesional. Dr.Lai answered every question I had and even gave me new information about my sight and prescription I didn't know. Would highly recommend to anyone.
May 28, 2015Pedro G.Verified patient
Very please with The visit
More than 1 year agoLN
Great visit experience
More than 1 year agoYW
May 29, 2019Natalie L.Verified patient
February 21, 2019Xi L.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
November 2, 2018Yi-hsuan T.Verified patient
October 15, 2018Marlo A.Verified patient
April 3, 2018Ronald L.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
December 11, 2017Phat V.Verified patient
November 10, 2017Gregory T.Verified patient
October 24, 2017Micheal D.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
July 31, 2017Initials hidden
February 28, 2017Initials hidden
July 1, 2016Timothy H.Verified patient
April 19, 2016Satenik D.Verified patient
April 19, 2016Angelyn L.Verified patient
April 12, 2016Denise C.Verified patient
July 25, 2015Tyler V.Verified patient
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Which hospital is Dr. Elson Lai affiliated with?
Dr. Elson Lai is affiliated with Methodist Hospital and San Gabriel Valley Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. Elson Lai work with?
Dr. Elson Lai works with Rosemead Eye Center.
Where is Dr. Elson Lai's office located?
Dr. Elson Lai's office is located at 9428 Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770.
Which board certifications does Dr. Elson Lai have?
Dr. Elson Lai is certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Elson Lai?
Dr. Elson Lai frequently sees patients for Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, Refractive Surgery Consultation, and Retina Consultation. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Elson Lai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Elson Lai speak?
Dr. Elson Lai speaks English and Chinese (Mandarin).
How do patients rate Dr. Elson Lai in reviews?
56 patients have reviewed Dr. Elson Lai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.8/5. They have a 4.79/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.75/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.