Andrew A. Kao, MD

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 received his medical degree from UC San Francisco. Then he 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 and teach residents about cataract surgery.

He enjoys providing the most advanced ophthalmologic treatment in his hometown. Outside 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.