Founded in 1998 by Dr. James D. Shuler, M.D., F.A.C.S., Empire Eye and Laser Center has been serving Kern County for over two decades. In 2008, this landmark practice came under the stewardship of long-time associate, Dr. Joseph H. Chang, M.D. Dr. Chang brought on his brother, Dr. Daniel H. Chang, M.D., a fellowship-trained sub-specialist in the surgical correction of vision through cataract and refractive (including LASIK and PRK) surgery in 2009 and the rest is history.Empire Eye and Laser Center is committed to enhancing each patient's quality of life by delivering superior surgical and medical eye care, as well as aesthetic treatments, in a caring environment that promotes a memorable experience.
Follow us
Services
Providing advanced training and experience in the treatment of ocular disease through patient care, clinical research, education and scholarship in an integrated eye care model. This residency in ocular disease is based in an integrated OD/MD model and is a rigorous 54 week educational experience designed to provide advanced clinical training in the examination, diagnosis and management of a broad scope of ocular conditions and diseases.
Daniel H. Chang, M.D. is a board certified ophthalmologist who graduated with honors from the California Institute of Technology. He received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine, completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Emory University, and finished a prestigious cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants.
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.
Born in Paris, France, Dr. Dang grew up in the suburbs of Paris. He moved to the United States at the age of 16. Dr. Dang earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from University of California San Diego, and went on to receive his Doctorate in Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. He received his Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in the fall of 2016.
Reviews (10)
Allison Padilla
Jun 05, 2022
Nancy Trupe
May 21, 2022
Philip Northover
May 20, 2022
Sheri Lynn
May 19, 2022
So I'm officially 2 weeks out from LASIK and the experience was amazing. Office staff was always helpful and prompt, I don't think I waited for more than 5-10 minutes before being seen by the doctors and techs. The doctors were super patient with all my questions and when it was discovered that I had some retinal degeneration, they insisted that I make sure to get a second opinion before proceeding with surgery.
The surgery itself was very quick and the surgeon talked me through exactly what he was doing the whole time and constantly made sure I was comfortable. Definitely the best experience I could have had.
The surgery itself was very quick and the surgeon talked me through exactly what he was doing the whole time and constantly made sure I was comfortable. Definitely the best experience I could have had.
Denise Haynes
May 19, 2022
The facility is spacious and modestly decorated. Seating is comfortable. My appointment began at the scheduled time. Front staff is nice, efficient. Medical assistants and Dr. are friendly, informative and give as much time is needed. My only complaint is the continued requirement for the not--proven-to-be-effective face mask.
Rebecca Edwards
Apr 11, 2022
Always helpful, accommodating on appointment changes, staff knowledgeable. My doctor very thorough, asks how I am first, informs me of other possibilities I might consider or need in future. Really happy with Empire Eye, they also give their time, effort, service to not so fortunate. Luv their attitude thank you all
James Braud
Mar 26, 2022
I had cataract surgery there and was pretty apprehensive about it. The doctor and staff made me feel comfortable with it and the overall experience was one of the best things I could have imagined. Not only do I now have the best vision I can ever remember, It was about as painless as anything could be. The most impressive thing about this office is the blend of compassion and efficency that makes it special. Everyone is always in a good mood and seems genuinely happy to be at work.
Stephanie Carter
Feb 21, 2022
Friendly staff and Dr. Didn't wait more than 5 minutes before being called into a room. The whole process (check-in, eye exam with dilation, and chat about my eyes) took less than 45 minutes. I loved that I was able to get in and out. I forgot my sunglasses, so they gave me some super fancy ones to wear home (just kidding, they were the flimsy plastic ones but worked well). I will never see another eye doctor. Highly recommend!
Robbin Remigio
Feb 11, 2022
Toody Clites-Porter
Jan 10, 2022
I have been a patient with Empire Eye for a very long time. I have found the Staff and Doctors to be very knowledgeable and Professional! They go out of their way to make sure all your needs have been met before you leave and are constantly asking if you have any questions. The Doctor's at Empire Eye make a point to introduce themselves and tell you about " who they are & where they went to Medical School " They offer many different services and explain all procedures that you might be interested in. Dr. Dang travels Internationally to very poor areas and provides free medical eye screening, surgeries are provided by Doctors that Travel with this group.
Eye Glasses are dispensed to the patients that require them, they are made right there on site! And you should see the JOY these patients share when they are able to have clear vision! Dr. Dang and his practice also provide these services to students in areas of Kern County! Many glasses are dispensed same day at their schools. Many personal are there to assist & move the students along.
The offices of Empire Eye are very clean, staff dressed appropriately and all are happy, and happy to assist! I'm super glad to have seen and experienced all the above I've mentioned! I have seen 5 of the Eye Doctors at this Facility and have found them all to be Educated and knowledgeable. They are courteous and smile always! It's just a Happy Place to visit! Thank you to All the Staff for making my Visits awesome and all the people I have referred have been extremely happy!
Eye Glasses are dispensed to the patients that require them, they are made right there on site! And you should see the JOY these patients share when they are able to have clear vision! Dr. Dang and his practice also provide these services to students in areas of Kern County! Many glasses are dispensed same day at their schools. Many personal are there to assist & move the students along.
The offices of Empire Eye are very clean, staff dressed appropriately and all are happy, and happy to assist! I'm super glad to have seen and experienced all the above I've mentioned! I have seen 5 of the Eye Doctors at this Facility and have found them all to be Educated and knowledgeable. They are courteous and smile always! It's just a Happy Place to visit! Thank you to All the Staff for making my Visits awesome and all the people I have referred have been extremely happy!
