M. Amir Moarefi, MD

Dr. Amir Moarefi voted as a Southern California SUPER DOCTOR in 2025.

Los Angeles’ Premier Cataract and Laser Vision Correction Surgeon

Amir Moarefi, MD is a fellowship-trained and board certified ophthalmologist specializing in Cataract surgery, laser vision correction (LASIKPRK, SMILE), and anterior segment surgery (Glaucoma, Pterygium, Eyelids). As a highly acclaimed ophthalmologist, Dr. Moarefi has made a positive global impact during his career.

Dr. Moarefi completed a prestigious Refractive Surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Eye Clinic (Considered the top fellowship in the country), with a focus on cataract surgery, advanced-technology lens implants, implantable contact lenses (ICL), clear lens exchange, and other delicate procedures. His work has led to numerous publications in prominent peer-reviewed publications. He has also published numerous textbook chapters in the field of Laser vision surgery and Ophthalmic immunology. 

Dr. Moarefi completed his residency in ophthalmology at the prestigious Case Western University – University Hospitals, and completed his medical Internship at UC Irvine Medical Center and the Long Beach Veterans’ Hospital. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Chicago Medical School, after completing two Master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Healthcare Management & Administration.

Dr. Moarefi has always been eager and excited to provide the latest advancements and technologies to his patients. He has been amongst the first and youngest surgeons in the country to implant various technologies in his patients eyes. 

Named by Los Angeles Magazine as a “Top Ophthalmologist” four years in a row, and is consistently recognized as a Southern California SUPER DOCTOR, Dr. Moarefi has been quoted and interviewed by major publications such as NPR, NBC Nightly News, WebMD, Medscape, and Fox News, for his humanitarian work here in Los Angeles. Dr. Moarefi’s passion for eye surgery extends to mission work in India and Syria, performing sight-restoring surgery on blind patients. Born in Los Angeles, Dr. Moarefi’s professional career led him to Chicago, San Francisco, New York, and Cleveland, but he has always been excited to return home and give back to the community that raised him.

Dr. Moarefi is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Refractive Surgery Alliance.

Travel is Dr. Moarefi’s passion, having visited over 85 countries. He has lived in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, volunteering and operating at underserved medical clinics, teaching English, learning Spanish, and trekking some of earth’s most beautiful environments. Aside from his deep commitment to helping his patients see better — in his spare time, Dr. Moarefi enjoys cooking, scuba diving, surfing, yoga, and spending time with family.

Dr. Moarefi considers it an honor to be a part of your vision correction journey.

 

Education

  • B.A. in History, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • M.S. Master in Biomedical Sciences, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Masters in Healthcare Administration, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • M.D., Chicago Medical School
  • Executive MBA Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

Professional Training

  • Internship, UC Irvine
  • Ophthalmology Residency, Case Western University – University Hospitals
  • Fellowship in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Cleveland Eye Clinic
  • Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Small Incision Cataract Surgery, LV Prasad Hospital Hyderabad, India
  • Fellowship of Surgical Blepharoplasty, Americana Hospital, Havana, Cuba

Skills & Expertise

As a cataract, refractive, and oculoplastic specialist at LA Sight, Dr. Amir Moarefi provides the full scope of procedures and treatments to prevent blindness, achieve vision correction, and improve eye health and aesthetics.

  • Cataract surgery:
    • Cataract removal and implantation of intraocular lenses (IOLs)
    • Laser-assisted cataract surgery
    • Specializing in the use of presbyopia correcting and advanced intraocular lenses
  • Refractive surgery:
    • Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
    • LASIK, PRK, SMILE
    • EVO ICL surgery
  • Pterygium surgery
  • Cornea surgery:
    • Collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus
  • Glaucoma treatment:
    • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) at the time of cataract surgery
  • Oculoplastic treatments
    • Surgical Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
    • Botox, Fillers, and Facial Rejuvenation (Diplomate of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)

Though he has a broad range of expertise, Dr. Moarefi’s special interest is in helping people achieve freedom from glasses and contacts by using the latest innovations in laser vision procedures. He is passionate that by actively listening to his patients and explaining their options, he can help patients choose the best procedure for their lifestyle and goals.

Throughout his education and professional career, Dr. Moarefi has had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by recognized leaders in the fields of ophthalmology and eye surgery. Through these opportunities, he has been able to receive valuable training and career guidance that has helped him become the nationally-recognized ophthalmologist and eye surgeon he is today. Additionally, he has experience in many of the latest surgical techniques, technology, and lenses which help improve patients’ outcomes and treatment experiences.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Showcased in MillennialEYE’s Mar/Apr 2023 Issue as “One to Watch”
  • Visiting Professor at the University of Puerto Rico
  • Invited to teach at the Johnson&Johnson® national cataract training course for eye care professionals in San Jose, CA
  • Named among the Super Doctors “Rising Star Honorees” in the category of Ophthalmology
  • Honored as a “Top Doctor” in 2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 by Los Angeles Magazine

Board Certification

  • American Board of Ophthalmology

Professional Affiliations

  • Refractive Surgery Alliance
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

To learn more about our laser eye surgeon, Dr. Amir Moarefi, or the laser eye surgery procedures we offer at our practice in Los Angeles, California, please contact us today!