American Eye Associates

Medi Eslani, MD, FAAO · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Advanced cataract & glaucoma care, from a surgeon-scientist.

Fellowship-trained at UC San Diego, Dr. Eslani brings academic precision to cataract surgery, advanced technology lenses, laser vision correction, and glaucoma & MIGS, caring for patients across San Diego County and the Imperial Valley.

★★★★★ Rated 5.0 on Google · 220+ patient reviews
Fellowship-Trained Specialist and Surgeon
Board-CertifiedAmerican Board of Ophthalmology
Fellowship-TrainedGlaucoma Specialist
4 Local OfficesAcross San Diego County
Multilingual CareCare in your language

What we treat

Specialized care, tailored to your eyes

Focused expertise in the conditions that matter most to your long-term vision.

Where to start

What brings most people in

Most patients arrive describing a problem rather than asking for a procedure. Here is where each of the common ones usually leads, though your examination always decides.

Facing cataract surgery and not sure who to trust with your eyes? Start with our plain-English guide to comparing surgeons.

Why Dr. Eslani

Expertise you can feel at every visit

Fellowship-trained focus

Subspecialty training in glaucoma plus extensive cataract and refractive experience, so complex problems are handled with confidence.

Advanced technology

Modern diagnostics and advanced-technology lens options matched to your eyes and lifestyle, never a one-size-fits-all plan.

Unhurried, personalized care

Clear explanations and time to ask questions, so you understand every step before, during, and after your procedure.

A multilingual team

Spanish- and Tagalog-speaking technicians help our diverse San Diego County and Imperial Valley patients feel understood and well cared for.

Locations

Care across San Diego County and the Imperial Valley

Four offices, so specialist eye care is a reasonable drive rather than a day trip.

South Bay

Chula Vista

835 Third Ave, Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Convenient for Bonita, Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Imperial Beach, and San Ysidro.

South Bay

National City

1520 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Convenient for Paradise Hills, Bonita, and southeastern San Diego.

North County

Escondido

1118 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025. Convenient for San Marcos, Vista, Poway, and Rancho Bernardo.

Imperial Valley

El Centro

1452 S La Brucherie Rd, Ste A, El Centro, CA 92243. Convenient for Imperial, Brawley, Calexico, and Holtville.

Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog. Hours vary by office, Monday to Friday, and your records follow you between locations.

About

Medi Eslani, MD, FAAO

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist · Fellowship-Trained Glaucoma Specialist

Dr. Medi Eslani is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist at American Eye Associates, serving San Diego County and the Imperial Valley. He completed his ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship at the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, training under Dr. Robert N. Weinreb, one of the world's foremost authorities on glaucoma.

Before becoming a surgeon, Dr. Eslani built an internationally recognized research career in cornea and ocular surface disease under Dr. Edward Holland and Dr. Ali Djalilian, and served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, and was honored with the prestigious Heed Fellowship.

Today he pairs that deep academic foundation with advanced surgical skill across cataract, refractive, glaucoma, and ocular surface care. Patients value his thorough, unhurried consultations, and our Spanish- and Tagalog-speaking team helps make exceptional eye care comfortable and accessible for every community we serve.

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Fellow, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Fellowship, UC San Diego
Heed Fellowship Award
70+ peer-reviewed publications
American Glaucoma Society · ASCRS · AAO
Schedule with Dr. Eslani

Your First Visit

What to expect when you come in

A first consultation runs longer than a routine eye appointment, because the imaging and measurements that determine your options take time and cannot sensibly be rushed.

Plan the time

Allow longer than a routine visit

Between testing, imaging, and time with Dr. Eslani, a first surgical consultation takes longer than most people expect. Booking it on a day you are not rushed makes for a better visit.

Bring a driver

Your eyes will be dilated

Dilation is necessary to examine your retina and optic nerve properly, and it leaves vision blurry and light-sensitive for several hours afterward. Arrange a ride and bring sunglasses.

What to bring

Glasses, medications, records

Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription, a list of your medications including eye drops, your insurance card, and any records from previous eye surgery, particularly LASIK, PRK, or RK.

No pressure

You will not be asked to decide

You will leave understanding your options, the trade-offs, and what each would cost. Deciding is a separate step, and nobody is asked to commit on the day of their consultation.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need a referral to be seen?
Usually not. Most patients can request an appointment directly. Some insurance plans do require a referral from your primary care doctor or optometrist, so it is worth checking your own plan before your visit.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Medically necessary care is. Standard cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Elective procedures, including LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange, are not covered, and advanced technology lenses involve an additional out-of-pocket cost. Our team will verify your specific benefits before your visit.
Which office should I book?
Whichever is most convenient for you. There are offices in Chula Vista, National City, Escondido, and El Centro. When you request an appointment the team will confirm which office and day work best, and your records follow you between locations.
What languages are available?
Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog. Spanish- and Tagalog-speaking technicians support patients across San Diego County and the Imperial Valley.
Is Dr. Eslani board certified?
Yes. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, with ophthalmology residency and a glaucoma fellowship completed at the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego.
What conditions does Dr. Eslani treat?
Cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, and ocular surface disease. That includes cataract surgery with advanced technology lenses, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and sustained-release implants, LASIK and PRK, refractive lens exchange, and medical and surgical treatment of dry eye.
Can I be seen for a second opinion?
Yes, including patients who have had surgery elsewhere or who have had previous LASIK, PRK, or RK. Bring whatever records you have, since earlier measurements and operative details affect how current treatment is planned.
Can I keep seeing my own optometrist?
Yes. Many patients are referred for a surgical opinion and continue routine eye care with their existing optometrist afterward. Co-management is routine and welcome.

Request a Consultation

Take the first step toward clearer vision

Request your appointment online below and our team will be in touch to confirm your visit.

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Our offices

Chula Vista835 Third Ave, Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911
National City1520 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950
Escondido1118 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025
El Centro1452 S La Brucherie Rd, Ste A, El Centro, CA 92243

Mon–Fri · Hours vary by office