Fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon at The Vision Institute, Dr. Muniz Castro brings Bascom Palmer training and compassionate care to Coachella Valley.
Fellowship-trained cataract and corneal surgeon with 20+ years' experience, Dr. Fram is internationally recognized for corneal transplantation and past AAO leadership roles.
Fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and former UCLA Stein Eye Institute professor, Dr. Hou combines MD/PhD expertise to treat complex retinal diseases with precision.
A pioneering refractive and cataract surgeon with 25+ years' experience, Dr. Khodabakhsh serves as Clinical Chief of Ophthalmology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and former UCLA professor, Dr. Prasad brings 20+ years treating complex retinal diseases through research and surgical innovation.
Internationally renowned vitreoretinal surgeon with 30+ years' experience, Dr. Schwartz pioneered anti-VEGF and stem cell therapies, publishing over 250 scientific studies.
The depth of an academic center.
The attention of a private practice.
Our Palm Springs eye doctors take the time to understand your case, explain your options, and recommend only what’s appropriate.
Seven physicians. Seven areas of focused expertise. No generalists filling gaps.
Academic-caliber care, brought directly to the Coachella Valley. No referrals out.
The Vision Institute brings together seven physicians whose training, research, and clinical leadership rival any academic center in the country — now united under one roof in Rancho Mirage. We formed this partnership for a simple reason: the Coachella Valley deserves ophthalmology in Palm Springs that matches the caliber found in the country's leading institutions, without sacrificing the personal attention every patient deserves.
Whether you're here for a routine exam or a complex diagnosis, you'll be seen by a physician who has the depth of expertise to get it right, and the time to make sure you feel it.
Every eye is different, and so is every lifestyle. Our team evaluates your vision, goals, and daily demands to recommend the right path forward, from LASIK and PRK to advanced lens-based procedures. Home to the best ophthalmologists in Palm Springs, we build every treatment plan around your life, not the other way around.
Cataracts develop gradually, often clouding vision so slowly you don't notice what you've lost. Our physicians perform advanced, precise cataract surgery using premium lens options tailored to your vision goals—restoring clarity and color with minimal downtime. It's one of the most transformative procedures in modern ophthalmology.
The retina is where vision truly happens, and it's where conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment can threaten sight if left untreated. Our retina specialists bring advanced diagnostic technology and surgical precision to protect and preserve your vision, because when it comes to sight, there's no room to wait.
Vision touches everything, from the faces you recognize to the work you do and the independence you rely on. That's why our team treats every exam and procedure with the seriousness it deserves. When you're looking for the best eye doctor in Palm Springs, restoring and protecting your sight isn't just our specialty. It's our purpose.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide—and most people don’t know they have it until vision is already lost. Early detection and ongoing management aren’t just helpful. They’re the difference between a stable life and preventable vision loss.
Our glaucoma specialists use the latest diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgical options, and advanced medication protocols to stay ahead of the disease—so you can too.
Our facility was designed to match the standard of our physicians.
From diagnostic imaging to surgical suites, every tool at The Vision Institute reflects the precision our physicians bring to your care. Designed for patients seeking an expert ophthalmologist in Palm Springs, our practice offers a calm, refined space where advanced medicine feels approachable, not clinical.
Forms, portal access, financing information, and everything you need before your visit.
Patient PortalWe accept PPO and Medicare. Financing options available for elective procedures.
FinancingArticles, condition guides, and procedure explainers written by our physicians.
Read the Blog
