Dr. Audrey Tai

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Cataract & Cornea Surgeon — Orange County, CA

Dr. Audrey Tai is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist serving patients throughout Orange County, California. She specializes in cataract surgery, refractive lens surgery, LASIK, PRK, and corneal transplantation — bringing academic excellence, subspecialty training, and nationally recognized surgical skill to every patient she sees. Dr. Tai personally performs every step of every surgery, and her practice, Athena Eye Care, was founded on a single guiding principle: that every patient deserves personalized, expert, state-of-the-art eye care delivered with genuine compassion.

Education & Training

Dr. Tai's path to becoming one of Orange County's most trusted eye surgeons began with a foundation of rigorous academic achievement. She graduated with High Honors from Rutgers University, earned a Master's degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California. Her academic excellence was recognized throughout her training with membership in the Sigma Sigma Phi and Alpha Epsilon Delta national honor societies, and with the East West and Hilda S. Foster Scholarships.

She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University at Buffalo, where her clinical leadership earned her appointment as Chief Resident — a distinction reserved for the most capable and trusted physicians in a training program.

Dr. Tai then pursued one of the most competitive subspecialty pathways in ophthalmology: a fellowship in Corneal Disease, External Ocular Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine — a program internationally renowned for innovation in corneal and refractive surgery. There she trained alongside national and international leaders in the field, gaining hands-on mastery of the most advanced surgical techniques and technologies available.

Academic Appointments & Teaching

Dr. Tai serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine and at Western University of Health Sciences, teaching ophthalmology to a new generation of physicians and surgeons. She has also been invited to serve as teaching faculty at multiple national training courses, helping train fellow ophthalmologists in advanced corneal transplant procedures. As an expert cornea specialist, she receives referrals from other ophthalmologists throughout Orange County.

Board Certification & Recognition

Dr. Tai is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is recognized as a top physician by some of the most respected physician-rating organizations in the country:

• Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2022–2026)
• Super Doctors honoree
• Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Clinical Focus

Dr. Tai offers the full spectrum of advanced surgical and medical eye care:

• Cataract surgery — including Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), the most precise approach to cataract removal available today.
• Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) — the full range, including Multifocal and Extended-Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) lenses, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.
• LASIK & PRK — laser vision correction tailored to each patient's eyes and goals.
• Cornea & corneal transplantation — subspecialty care for corneal disease and external ocular disease.
• Comprehensive ophthalmology — eye exams, dry eye, glaucoma, and general eye health.

→ Learn about cataract surgery with Dr. Tai → How to choose a cataract surgeon in Orange County

Approach to Care

Every patient — and even each eye of each patient — is different. Dr. Tai focuses on customized treatment built around each individual's vision needs and lifestyle. She reviews your eye health, conducts advanced testing, and partners with you to develop the best treatment plan for your goals. Whether you are exploring cataract surgery, considering LASIK, managing a corneal condition, or seeking a second opinion, you will receive honest, evidence-based guidance.

Dr. Tai combines the precision of a highly trained subspecialist with the warmth of a physician who genuinely invests in her patients' wellbeing. In addition to English, she is fluent in Mandarin, and her patients hold her in high regard — reflected in a 5.0-star rating across 117 Google reviews.

Precision, Personalization, Peace of Mind

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Dr. Audrey Tai complete her training?

Dr. Tai graduated with High Honors from Rutgers University, earned a Master's degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University at Buffalo, where she was appointed Chief Resident, then a fellowship in corneal, external ocular disease, and refractive surgery at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine.

Is Dr. Audrey Tai board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Tai is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, with subspecialty fellowship training in corneal disease, external ocular disease, and refractive surgery.

What does Dr. Tai specialize in?

Dr. Tai specializes in cataract surgery, including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens implants; LASIK and PRK refractive surgery; and corneal disease and corneal transplantation. She also provides comprehensive ophthalmology care.

Does Dr. Tai speak languages other than English?

Yes. In addition to English, Dr. Tai is fluent in Mandarin.

What is Dr. Tai recognized for?

Dr. Tai has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2022-2026) and recognized by Super Doctors, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine and at Western University of Health Sciences, and has been invited as teaching faculty at national training courses for advanced corneal transplant procedures.