Randal Pham, MD, MS, FACS

WAIT TIME: MINIMUM 3 HOUR
CUSTOMER SERVICE: NOTHING LESS THAN TERRIBLE
DR.‘S WORK ETHIC: WORSE I HAVE EVER SEEN.
When I first took my mother in law to see Dr. Pham, I was told that there were several takes to the procedure that my mother in law could potentially receive. After discussing the options with my family, we chose the basic option and decided that we would not pay anything extra, that ranged from 1500 to 2050 in two separate payments. The first procedure for her left eye went very well. However, after the right eye procedure, Dr. Pham told my mother in law that she would have to redo the procedure for her right eye. We took the time to let her redo the surgery and when we went to our latest appointment, he told my mother in law she had to redo her other eye once more! How ridiculous that he said there was something off in her eye when he was the one to do the precedure. The wait is long, the service is terrible, and the work ethic is absolutely terrible. I would like to hope people do not cause themselves the suffering by wasting time here.

This doctor gave wrong diagnosis!
Medical professionalism: 0 out of 5
Service: 1 out of 5
I waited for 3 hours to see him. Because I had a hard stop due to kids duty, I indicated to the nurse multiple times I needed to go. Finally, doctor arrived and he gave me a quick exam under the slit lamp which took about 5 mins. He then said he hated to pass on the bad news, but I had Epithelial Ingrowth cells on both eyes! He asked me to come back to see him and make sure I at least gave him 3 hours because he was very busy (in a rude tone).
Shocked and extremely worried, I immediately researched on the web (like anyone else would do) to find out what epithelial ingrowth was all about. Feel free to google it but basically it’s an complication not uncommon in LASIK patient where cells started to develop around the corneal flap and can impair vision depending on the degree of growth and distance from the visual axis. I was so very concerned but at the same time seriously doubted the result of this 5-​min exam.
I decided to seek separate advice from two different ophthalmologists from Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Vision Center at Sunnyvale and Palo Alto locations respectively) to get my 2^nd and 3^rd options, over the course of next 1.5 months. Doctors there are top notch and I received super thorough exams and professional service. Both doctors confirmed I did NOT have epithelial ingrown cells. What a relief!
What can be worse than a doctor giving incorrect diagnosis? If I were to trust the exam, I am not sure what subsequent mis-​treatments I might receive. If more time is needed, any accountable person would suggest to re-​schedule rather than rushing to a conclusion.
I feel obligated to pass on my experience. I normally don’t write review. In fact, this is my first one.

I had cataracts developing for several years although I’m in my early 50’s. I did a significant amount of research to find a cataract surgeon and Dr. Pham was clearly a leader in the field. I was initially somewhat reluctant to go to an eye doctor in Little Saigon but after more research I determined that many of the other prominent eye doctors primarily focused on Lasik with little focus on cataract surgery. I also discovered that Dr. Pham used the most advanced equipment available along with being a pioneer in the field, having published a number of papers.
I finally went to Dr. Pham who confirmed my cataract diagnosis and then explained the options available to me. He was thorough and spent plenty of time to make me feel comfortable with the procedure. Scheduling was never an issue nor did I ever have a long wait in his office as per some other reviews.
Dr. Pham completed the procedure which included laser removal of my lens along with a premium IOL implant. I decided to pay the extra amount for the premium multi focal IOL for two reasons. The first is, these are my eyes and I intend to use them for the rest of my life and a few extra dollars is worth making them as good as possible. The second reason is that I would regret pinching pennies and feel sorry later that I didn’t implant the best IOL possible. The procedure was relatively painless and was completed in less than an hour. The next day I went back to have the patch removed and I was able to read small print without any glasses at all which was amazing since I have needed reading glasses for the last 12 years. I was also able to see mid and long distance as well; and not just ok but spectacularly clear.
I had the other eye done a month later with equal results. Ultimately, I’m sorry I didn’t have this done sooner. It has been an amazing transformation of being able to see with total clarity and unencumbered with glasses since the procedures. One significant improvement from when I had cataracts is my color perception. The cataracts added a yellow hue to everything I saw. Now, the blue sky is truly blue and not a dull greenish color and my daughter’s pink blanket is an amazingly bright pink. You never realize how much you miss until you get your full eyesight back.
I would highly recommend Dr. Pham to anyone, anywhere. As a side note, I would highly recommend getting the procedure done as soon as possible. If you delay it you will only be older and your eyes will be less resilient at healing; not to mention all the things you miss when you have cataracts, like seeing the stars at night.

Dr. Pham performed a very successful cataract surgery on my father’s eye. My dad’s surgery with other doctors unfortunately have not been as successful. So when he heard about Dr. Pham’s excellent skills, he promptly scheduled an appointment. Walking into the office, it is clearly evident that he is good at what he does as it is constantly packed. The workers are no slouch either, running around trying to tend to each patient as soon as they’re able. In terms of care for his patients, he is very considerate of each’s circumstance, providing help in any way he can. On surgery day, he showed up early and walked us through the procedure, which really calmed the nerves and reassured us that we were getting quality service.
We are very pleased with the results as my dad is now able to see clearly with minimal recovery time. The doctor will work with you to handle all of the required forms swiftly. He was the right doctor to go to and is highly recommended by our family.

Today, April 17^th, had my 2^nd «Yag cap» by Dr. Pham. Very Brief, painless, procedure to save my eye from the cells trying to take it over, and very interesting to learn about this. Thanks again Dr. Pham

Excellent doctor for Cataract Surgery. DR Pham gave me back my sight. You can choose O Connor Hospital or his Office. No separate surgery centers, is best way. Friendly, and experienced. Staff is always right on.