Hi, I am Dr. Dagny Zhu, a Harvard-educated, board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. As a key opinion leader in advanced laser and lens-based vision correction, I educate surgeons worldwide on the latest surgical and ocular surface treatments and serve as a medical advisor to multiple ophthalmic companies. I lead several FDA clinical research trials and have been featured in over 300 lectures, scientific presentations, publications, and media outlets, including Forbes, CNN, the Today Show, and InStyle.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous accolades, including “Rising Star” on the Powerlist by The Ophthalmologist, “Top 50 Global KOL” by MediaMice, “Top 40 under 40” by Ophthalmology Management, Castle Connolly “Top Doctor,” and “Outstanding Female Leader” by Millennial Eye. Beyond my clinical and academic work, I am passionate about eye health education and share my expertise as a podcast co-host and healthcare influencer (@DZEyeMD), engaging with over 100k followers across social media.
Born in Shanghai, China, I immigrated to the U.S. at age three with my working-class parents and grew up in Southern California. I graduated as valedictorian of my high school class and earned a full-tuition Regents scholarship to UCLA, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. At Harvard Medical School, I discovered my passion for ophthalmology while conducting cutting-edge research on corneal immunology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
As a medical student, I co-founded the Medical Mandarin course for doctors-in-training and joined Operation Burns in Mumbai, India, assisting plastic surgeons in treating burn victims with severe skin and eyelid contractures. I then returned to Southern California to complete my ophthalmology residency at USC’s Doheny Eye Institute, training at one of the nation’s largest public hospitals and caring for a predominantly Latino community. Following residency, I pursued fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the #1 eye hospital in the world.
Currently, I serve as Medical Director and Partner at NVISION Eye Centers in my hometown of Rowland Heights, CA, and hold a clinical faculty appointment at Western University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
I also sit on the editorial boards of major ophthalmology publications and hold leadership positions in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Additionally, I am an inductee of the prestigious World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences, AECOS, and Cedars Aspens societies.
Fluent in Mandarin, Shanghainese, and Spanish, I take pride in serving the diverse communities of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing classical piano, painting, singing karaoke, and spending time with my family as a proud mom to my son, Atlas.
As an ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and laser vision correction, I see firsthand how critical it is to protect our eyes from oxidative stress, inflammation, and age-related decline. The eyes are among the most metabolically active organs in the body, and because they’re constantly exposed to light, oxygen, and environmental stressors, they need targeted nutritional support to maintain long-term function and clarity.VisionMD® by 1MD Nutrition® is a comprehensive eye health formula I recommend to patients and anyone serious about preserving their vision. It features clinically studied ingredients—including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as astaxanthin—which are vital for filtering blue light, maintaining macular pigment density, and supporting retinal health. These ingredients have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and visual fatigue while promoting sharper, clearer vision.*
The formula also includes powerful antioxidants like vitamin E and zinc in forms aligned with the National Eye Institute’s AREDS2 recommendations. Together, these nutrients work synergistically to nourish the delicate structures of the eye, help reduce the risk of age-related changes, and support visual performance under daily strain—from screens, sunlight, or aging.*
VisionMD® provides a science-backed, proactive approach to ocular wellness—and it’s a formula I trust for both myself and my patients.
Warmly,
Dr. Dagny Zhu
Ophthalmologist & 1MD Nutrition Physician
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