As seen In
Successful Procedures
National & Global Lectures
Trade Articles & Press Features
Research & Textbook Publications
Years of Experience
NOT EVERY EYE
SURGEON IS THE SAME.
Here’s What Makes Dr. Zhu Different.
NOT EVERY EYE SURGEON IS THE SAME. Here’s What Makes Dr. Zhu Different.
Dr. Dagny Zhu is a Harvard-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery and extensive experience in cataract and refractive procedures. As an Orange County refractive eye surgeon, she combines advanced technology, clinical research, and a highly personalized approach to help each patient choose the vision correction option best suited to their eyes, goals, and lifestyle.
01- UCLA + Harvard + USC + Bascom Palmer
You deserve an exceptional standard of eye care. UCLA undergraduate. Harvard MD. USC/Doheny ophthalmology residency. Cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. This training informs the judgment, precision, and individualized care Dr. Zhu brings to every surgical recommendation.
02- Leader in Same-Day Bilateral Surgery
For appropriately selected patients, Dr. Zhu offers an office-based model in which both eyes may be treated in one visit. This approach can reduce repeat visits and downtime while keeping care centered around patient comfort and safety. She also teaches and lectures on advanced surgical approaches to ophthalmologists nationally and internationally.
03- FDA Researcher & Global Speaker
Dr. Zhu participates in FDA clinical research and has delivered 250+ national and international lectures and scientific presentations. Her work spans refractive surgery, cataract surgery, presbyopia, and keratoconus—helping evaluate and advance emerging technologies in eye care.
04- Most Experienced RLE Surgeon in OC
Dr. Zhu was an early adopter of advanced presbyopia-correcting lenses, including the PanOptix trifocal IOL, and works with a broad range of premium IOL technologies. Her experience with refractive lens exchange in Orange County, also called custom lens replacement, helps eligible patients age 45+ explore options for reducing dependence on glasses.
05- Fluent in Spanish & Mandarin Chinese
Dr. Zhu offers consultations in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, helping patients communicate comfortably and understand their options while serving the diverse communities of Orange County and Southern California.
See Clearly at
Every Stage of Life
Everyone's Eyes Are Different. Your Solution
Should Be Too.
Dr. Zhu offers the full spectrum of modern vision correction — and will recommend only
what is right for your specific eyes, lifestyle, and goals.
Modern LASIK + PRK — WaveLight Plus | AI-Powered | 3D Digital Eye Twin | Whole-Eye Ray-tracing
Best for: Ages 21-45
Life outcome: Wake up seeing clearly. No more contacts or glasses. Higher chance of seeing better than 20/20 with less nighttime haloes and glare compared to standard LASIK or PRK
AM I A CANDIDATE? →
EVO ICL — Implantable Collamer Lens
Best for: High prescriptions, thin or irregular corneas
Life outcome: See clearly when LASIK is not the best option. Removable. Biocompatible. No dry eye
LEARN MORE →
CLR aka RLE — Custom Lens Replacement aka Refractive Lens Exchange
Best for: Ages 45+ with presbyopia who rely on reading glasses, bifocals, and/or progressives
Life outcome: No more glasses for near, intermediate, or far vision. Drive, read, and live freely.
SEE IF I QUALIFY →
Cataract — Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Best for: Cataract patients seeking visual freedom from glasses or contact lenses
Life outcome: Cataract removal plus unaided vision at near, intermediate, and far.
BOOK EVALUATION →
Additional Services
• Keratoconus Treatment — Corneal Crosslinking (CXL), Corneal Ring Segments or Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
• Pterygium Removal with amniotic membrane graft
• Floater Treatment — YAG Laser Vitreolysis
Dr. Zhu Uses Only Technology She Would Trust for Her Own Eyes.
WaveLight Plus (Allegretto Ex500)
Whole-Eye Ray Tracing | 3D Digital Eye Model
Whole-Eye Ray Tracing | 3D Digital Eye Model
WaveLight Plus uses detailed whole-eye measurements and ray-tracing data to support a highly personalized laser vision correction plan. The technology is designed to model how light travels through the individual eye so treatment can be tailored beyond a standard glasses prescription. It supports advanced custom LASIK in Orange County planning when LASIK is appropriate. Visual outcomes vary by patient.
EVO ICL
- Implantable Collamer Lens | AI-Assisted Sizing
- Implantable Collamer Lens | AI-Assisted Sizing
EVO ICL is an implantable lens option for eligible patients, including many with higher prescriptions or corneas that may not be ideal for laser vision correction. For patients researching EVO ICL Orange County options, the Collamer lens is removable, and Dr. Zhu uses advanced UBM imaging and AI-assisted planning tools to support ICL sizing and surgical planning.
Premium IOLs
Trifocal | EDOF | Blended Vision
Trifocal | EDOF | Blended Vision
Dr. Zhu has experience with a broad range of premium IOLs, including trifocal, extended-depth-of-focus, and adjustable lens technologies. There is no single best lens for everyone—the goal is to match the lens technology to each patient’s eye health, visual priorities, and lifestyle, including patients considering premium lens surgery in Orange County.
Ziemer Z8 Femtosecond Laser
Bladeless Cataract + LASIK Surgery
Bladeless Cataract + LASIK Surgery
The Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser provides computer-guided, bladeless laser assistance for selected steps of cataract and refractive surgery. This is part of Zhu Vision’s advanced eye surgery technology platform. Dr. Zhu determines whether laser-assisted treatment is appropriate based on the individual eye and planned procedure.
At Zhu Vision, You’re More Than Just A Number.
Zhu Vision is a physician-owned ophthalmology practice in Orange County, offering convenient, personalized surgical care, clear communication, and patient comfort.
Both Eyes. One Day. No IV. No Fasting. There's a Better Way.
For appropriately selected patients, Dr. Zhu offers same-day bilateral eye surgery in an office-based setting, allowing both eyes to be treated during one visit when clinically appropriate. Patients interested in office-based eye surgery in Orange County may benefit from fewer surgical days and less disruption to daily life. Eligibility depends on the procedure, eye health, medical history, and Dr. Zhu’s surgical evaluation.
“I am deathly afraid of needles, hospitals, surgery centers…Enter the phenomenal Dr. Zhu. She is not only a brilliant and gifted surgeon but also kind and compassionate. As far as the surgery itself, it was needle free, painless and finished very quickly. “
– Debi Beno
The Surgeon You've Been Looking For.
FROM FIRST-GENERATION IMMIGRANT TO HARVARD-TRAINED EYE SURGEON
Born in China and raised by a single mother on government assistance in Southern California, Dr. Dagny Zhu’s journey reflects hard work, determination, and a commitment to helping others. After training at Harvard, USC/Doheny, and Bascom Palmer, she returned to Southern California and now leads Zhu Vision in Orange, CA, providing advanced refractive and cataract care as an ophthalmologist in Orange, CA and cornea specialist in Orange County to the community she proudly calls home.
"I will treat you like family and recommend what's best for your eyes–even if that means no surgery at all."
– Dr. Dagny Zhu
"I will treat you like family and recommend what's best for your eyes–even if that means no surgery at all."
– Dr. Dagny Zhu
Dr. Zhu Doesn’t Just Use New Technology. She Helps Evaluate and Advance It.
- FDA clinical trial investigator in keratoconus, presbyopia, cataract, and refractive surgery
- National and international speaker with 250+ lectures and scientific presentations
- Medical advisor and consultant to ophthalmic medical-device and pharmaceutical companies
- Author and contributor to peer-reviewed research, scientific publications, and ophthalmic trade media
- Leadership and involvement in national and international ophthalmology and refractive-surgery organizations
The Eye Surgeon Other Surgeons & Doctors
Choose for Themselves
Richard Foulkes, MD
As an ophthalmologist, I’ve long been aware of Dr. Zhu’s expertise through her research and her presence as a leading voice in ophthalmic surgery forums. She is widely recognized as one of the outstanding minds in our field. Dr. Zhu is an early adopter of the latest intraocular lens technology…she employs the latest femtosecond laser technology…Additionally, she offers same-day bilateral surgery…This is cataract surgery at its absolute best in 2025. Dr. Zhu is truly a star in our field. I have complete confidence in trusting my vision to her.
Sheri Palejwala, MD, FAANS
Gloria Wu, OD
Dr. Dagny Zhu in the News
as seen in
100,000 FOLLOWERS and Counting
Honesty You Can Trust
Dr. Zhu will match the right option for you based on your eye exam and goals. The refractive consultation is always free, always honest. She will tell you “no surgery” if that’s what’s best. Your eye health is our top priority.
Investing in Your Vision Is
Investing in Your Life.
Investing in Your Vision Is Investing in Your Life.
- Vision correction financing options, including promotional 0% interest plans through participating partners
- HSA / FSA eligible procedures when permitted by your plan
- Transparent pricing with costs reviewed before treatment
- Compare the long-term cost of glasses and contacts with eligible laser eye surgery in Orange County or lens-based vision correction
Vision Correction in Orange County: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about choosing an Orange County eye surgeon, finding an Orange County ophthalmologist, comparing vision correction options, cataract care, and visiting Zhu Vision.
Who is Dr. Dagny Zhu?
Dr. Dagny Zhu is a Harvard-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery. She leads Zhu Vision in Orange, California, where she provides personalized laser and lens-based vision correction, cataract care, and corneal treatment for patients seeking an Orange County ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon in Orange County.
What vision correction procedures does Zhu Vision offer in Orange County?
Zhu Vision offers LASIK and PRK, EVO ICL, custom lens replacement in Orange County or refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery in Orange County, and treatment for selected corneal conditions. Dr. Zhu recommends a procedure only after evaluating your prescription, corneal health, lens health, age, visual goals, and lifestyle.
How do I know whether LASIK, EVO ICL, or lens replacement is right for me?
The best option depends on your age, prescription, corneal measurements, eye health, and goals. LASIK or PRK may suit many younger adults, EVO ICL may be considered for higher prescriptions or certain non-LASIK candidates, and lens-based procedures may be appropriate for presbyopia or cataracts. A comprehensive evaluation determines candidacy.
Does Zhu Vision offer cataract surgery in Orange County?
Yes. Zhu Vision provides cataract surgery in Orange County, including laser-assisted techniques and a range of standard and premium intraocular lens options. Patients seeking a cataract surgeon in Orange County can be evaluated by Dr. Zhu, who individualizes lens selection based on eye health, daily visual demands, and the patient’s goals for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
For appropriately selected patients, Dr. Zhu may offer same-day bilateral eye surgery in an office-based setting. Whether both eyes can be treated during one visit depends on the procedure, overall health, eye findings, and surgical evaluation. Not every patient or procedure is appropriate for same-day bilateral treatment.
Where is Zhu Vision located?
Zhu Vision is located at 1010 W La Veta Ave, Suite 615, Orange, CA 92868. The practice serves patients seeking an Orange County ophthalmologist, Orange County eye surgeon, or refractive eye surgeon for LASIK, EVO ICL, cataract surgery, custom lens replacement, and advanced corneal care.