About Our Ophthalmologists (Eye MDs) at Austin Eye

Shannon Wong, MD – FAQ

What sets your practice apart from most ophthalmology practices?

3 things: 1) technology, 2) experience, 3) personal care.

1. We are continuously evaluating new technologies which can optimize the care that we provide. Once we determine that an advance in technology can provide you with a measurable benefit we will incorporate that technique, instrument, laser, or lens to our practice. We are early adopters of new advanced technology to help improve your vision. Over time we have maintained a reputation for providing the most advanced care and we are committed to continuing that philosophy into the future.
2. Because we are usually among the first in the Austin area to provide the newest techniques and technology in medical and surgical vision correction, we tend to gain experience faster. We have treated thousands of patients with laser vision correction and cataract and refractive lens implant surgery. Experience has taught us how to best advise you about your options and to help select the best option to help you meet or exceed your expectations about vision improvement. Quite often our experience tells us that we need to advise against surgery even though you might be highly motivated to have a certain type of surgery. Our experience helps to ensure that if you choose eye surgery that we will make sure each step of the process goes smoothly and that you achieve the best vision to improve your lifestyle.
3. We are driven to provide the best possible experience for you. We have a great team of well-trained office staff. I will evaluate your vision and explain the nature of your vision problems and answer all your questions to your satisfaction. I tend to carry a computer with me to help illustrate and educate you about your vision and how we can help you see your best. I am always available via phone, email or cell phone should you have additional questions after your visit to our practice.

What is the philosophy by which you care for your patients?

I treat each patient as if I were treating my wife or my mother. So I have your long-term interests in mind. I want you to feel that you received the best care by a physician that is well-trained, giving you the best medical judgment, making the best recommendation to benefit you, and thoroughly explain the situation with you. I am not motivated to sell you on any particular idea or surgery. I am motivated to give you the best possible care and offer the full-spectrum of options to help you improve or preserve your vision.

Do you “just do surgery?”

We do what is known as comprehensive ophthalmology. That means we are here to help individuals from toddlers to people 100+ in all aspects of vision care: optical such as providing routine eye exams and prescribing glasses or contacts, medical: such as treating individuals with red, irritated eyes, infections, screening for and treating individuals with glaucoma or diabetic eye disease or cataracts, and surgical: such as cataract surgery, refractive lens surgery for individuals who wish to see younger, or laser vision correction for those who are younger to see without glasses altogether.

What standards can be used to compare one ophthalmologist with another?

People are pretty good judges of character. I would choose for my own care whether it be a lawyer, accountant or a physician someone who has integrity, experience, honesty, and who is well-educated. Our practice has been around since 1969 when my father Dr Mitchel Wong opened the Austin Eye. Over the past 5 decades we have maintained our reputation for providing the best possible care for generations of families in and around the Austin area. We work very hard each moment to maintain the trust that has been earned over that time.

What is your interest within ophthalmology?

I specialize in what is known as refractive surgery. That means we do surgery to help people see without relying on spectacles and contact lenses. So we do a lot of laser vision correction such as custom iLASIK and a lot of cataract and lens implant surgery. What is even more fun that refractive surgery is the positive impact in the way that we are able to improve the quality of life for those that we care for.

Educational background, how long in practice?

I grew-up in Austin. I graduated from high school at St. Stephens Episcopal School, college at Rice University, Medical School at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, ophthalmology residency at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and have been in practice in Austin since 1997.

Are you available?

Absolutely. I am available for my patients via email, phone or cell phone 24/7.

How do you stay up-to-date?

I read about 7-8 medical journals each month, communicate via email with thousands of ophthalmologists around the world year round, and attend continuing education courses at national ophthalmology meetings several times each year. Additionally, we use DVDs, the internet, Youtube and other technologies to continuously learn new techniques to help care for you. I have a love for learning that keeps me striving to stay at the leading edge of eye care.

How do I know that I’ll be receiving the best care possible?

My philosophy is that I will care for you as long as I believe that I can do as good or a better job than anyone else in the field of ophthalmology. I will employ my training, compassion, expertise, and energy to help you in the best way possible. I am well trained, hard working, honest, caring and know that I have to earn the trust and respect of each person that I care for. I will employ the best techniques and technologies to help you in the best way possible.

How experienced are you?

I have been in medical practice since 1993. I have been practicing ophthalmology since 1994. I have cared for tens of thousands of patients young and old. I have done over 5000 laser vision correction procedures and over 5000 cataract and refractive lens procedures over the past 13 years.

What do you enjoy doing away from work?

I spend time away from work with my wonderful wife Betty and our 3 young boys who are growing up quickly. I enjoy jogging, cycling, exercise, watersports, and the outdoors.

Describe your personality.

I am detail-oriented. In my work, I want each step of your experience with our office to be the best. I expect our staff to be knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. I want to be thorough in my evaluation of each persons concerns about their vision. If they choose to have surgery, I want to make sure that all aspects of the procedure have been explained to them so that you are making an educated decision and that you know that I will make sure each detail of the surgical process is performed in the best, most accurate, and safest way possible. Again, if you were my mother or my wife, I would want you to have the best possible care. That is my commitment to you. I love the honor and privilege of caring for my patients.