Empire Eye and Laser Center

Empire Eye and Laser Center Quality Worth Seeing... At Empire Eye and Laser Center, we strive to provide quality care through the latest, most advanced technologies available.

We also recognize that even the greatest medical developments are only as good as the difference they make in people's lives. We, therefore, emphasize that the most important person in the practice is you, the patient.

11/22/2025

💡 SMILE vs. LASIK: What's the Difference?

Both SMILE and LASIK are advanced, laser-based procedures for corneal refractive surgery. They are both effective at correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism, and they both provide good vision quite quickly.

So, how are they fundamentally different?

The LASIK Approach
👉 A laser creates a protective flap in your cornea.
✨ A second laser reshapes the inner part of the cornea.
⬇️ The flap is then placed back down.
⚠️ While this procedure has been done for over 20 years with great outcomes, there are short and potentially long-term concerns regarding the stability of the flap and cornea.
💧 LASIK can also lead to dry eyes, which is why we carefully screen patients before surgery.

The SMILE Approach
🔬 A single laser creates a microscopic, disc-shaped piece of refractive tissue inside your cornea.
🤏 This disc is removed through a small incision.
🛡️ Because we do not lift a separate flap, the structural integrity of the cornea is better preserved in both the short and long term. 🌟 For certain patients who may not be a candidate for LASIK, SMILE may be a better procedure.

The best part? We offer both procedures! We can assess your eyes and let you know if SMILE or LASIK may be best for your vision goals.

Do you have any questions about SMILE vision correction? 👇 DM us or leave a comment below!

It's your LAST CHANCE to save and enjoy clear vision before the holidays! 🤩This month, save up to $400 on laser vision c...
11/19/2025

It's your LAST CHANCE to save and enjoy clear vision before the holidays! 🤩

This month, save up to $400 on laser vision correction and celebrate the season with clearer vision! Plus, with Cherry financing as low as 0% for up to 24 months, visual freedom is more attainable than you think!

We are thrilled to announce that Empire Eye and Laser Center now offers an advanced LASIK alternative: SMILE.

SMILE, along with LASIK and PRK, may be able to help reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts.

WHAT IS SMILE?
It stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a minimally invasive laser procedure that requires only a tiny incision to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

WHY CHOOSE EMPIRE?
🏆 Our vision correction specialists have been voted BEST OPHTHALMOLOGIST by our local community five years in a row and have helped thousands of patients reduce or even eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts. Local physicians, eye care providers, family, friends, and staff have all trusted Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao with their eyes, and all procedures are performed right here in Bakersfield, so you don't have to drive to LA for first-class care.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to explore your vision correction options, THIS IS IT!
Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION to find out if you're a candidate. 📲Call or text 661.88.LASIK now and start your journey toward the vision you've always wanted.

OFFER TERMS & CONDITIONS:

$200 per eye off full "non-cash" price regardless of payment type. Only valid for Dec. 2025 surgeries paid for in Nov. 2025. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or credits. Individual results and experiences may vary. Offer subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. 0% APR and other promotional rates subject to eligibility through Cherry Financing. Exact terms and APR depend on credit score and other factors. Down payment in the amount of monthly payment will be due at the time of purchase. Call 661.88.LASIK for full details.

11/18/2025

🫣 We don't know about you... but we still have trauma from the infernal "air puff" test.
That's probably why we abolished it at our office a long time ago. 🚫 💨 👀

11/15/2025

👀Wait… you haven’t heard of SMILE yet?

Let’s change that.

SMILE is our newest laser vision correction option here at Empire Eye and Laser Center. It treats nearsightedness and astigmatism with atiny incisioninstead of creating a corneal flap. That means the procedure isminimally invasiveand may be a great fit for patients withthinner corneas, dry eye tendencies, or active lifestyleswho want freedom from glasses and contacts.

✨ Many patients appreciate the short recovery time and how comfortable the process can be.
If you've been thinking about vision correction, now is the perfect time to see what your options are.

📲 DM us to schedule your free consultation, and let's find out if SMILE is right for you.

11/14/2025

Our docs are amazing at taking care of people's eyes. When it comes to rearranging the schedule, however, our front office team reigns supreme. 👸

11/08/2025

🤩 SMILE Vision Correction: 5 Quick Facts!

Tired of glasses? SMILE vision correction is a game-changer, and it's now available right here in Bakersfield at Empire Eye and Laser Center! Here are 5 facts you need to know about this advanced LASIK alternative:

Fact 1: SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It's minimally invasive and treats nearsightedness and astigmatism. 🔬

Fact 2: The procedure uses just one laser and a tiny incision, even smaller than what's needed for traditional LASIK. ✨

Fact 3: No flap required! This may make it great option if you have thinner corneas, a tendency for dry eyes, or a very active lifestyle. 🏃‍♀️💧

Fact 4: Recovery is quick! Many patients see improved vision and get back to their regular routine in just a few days. 🗓️

Fact 5: You don't have to drive to LA! We are proud to bring this advanced technology to Kern County. 📍

Ready to explore your options for clearer vision and reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts? Let's find out if SMILE is right for you.

DM us or tap the link in our bio to schedule your free consultation today!

Got questions about SMILE you'd like us to answer in our upcoming video series? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

11/06/2025

🫶 Happy Ophthalmic Technician Appreciation Week to our incredible team of "techs" !!

You are most definitely the "somehow" when it comes to ensuring clinic runs smoothly.
Your expertise, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every patient receives the highest level of care.

From preparing rooms and maintaining equipment to delivering compassionate care and patient service, your commitment to excellence doesn't go unnoticed.

THANK YOU for your hard work, passion, and invaluable contributions! We couldn’t do it without you. Here’s to the heroes behind the scenes! 👏💙

🦃 Give Thanks for Clear Vision This Fall! ✨This month, save up to $400 on laser vision correction and celebrate the seas...
11/03/2025

🦃 Give Thanks for Clear Vision This Fall! ✨

This month, save up to $400 on laser vision correction and celebrate the season with clearer vision! Plus, with Cherry financing as low as 0% for up to 24 months, visual freedom is more attainable than you think!

We are thrilled to announce that Empire Eye and Laser Center now offers an advanced LASIK alternative: SMILE.

SMILE, along with LASIK and PRK, may be able to help reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts.

WHAT IS SMILE?
It stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a minimally invasive laser procedure that requires only a tiny incision to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The benefits of all our procedures are life-changing. Imagine experiencing everything from holiday gatherings to outdoor activities without the hassle of glasses and contacts.

WHY CHOOSE EMPIRE?
🏆 Our vision correction specialists have been voted BEST OPHTHALMOLOGIST by our local community five years in a row and have helped thousands of patients reduce or even eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts. Local physicians, eye care providers, family, friends, and staff have all trusted Dr. Chang and Dr. Kao with their eyes, and all procedures are performed right here in Bakersfield, so you don't have to drive to LA for first-class care.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to explore your vision correction options, THIS IS IT!
Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION to find out if you're a candidate. 📲Call or text 661.88.LASIK now and start your journey toward the vision you've always wanted.

OFFER TERMS & CONDITIONS:

$200 per eye off full "non-cash" price regardless of payment type. Only valid for Dec. 2025 surgeries paid for in Nov. 2025. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or credits. Individual results and experiences may vary. Offer subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. 0% APR and other promotional rates subject to eligibility through Cherry Financing. Exact terms and APR depend on credit score and other factors. Down payment in the amount of monthly payment will be due at the time of purchase. Call 661.88.LASIK for full details.

10/30/2025

😉 All in good fun, of course. We are actually super proud of our highly qualified and trained techs. They are the best!

10/29/2025

✨ “I only regret not doing it sooner.” ✨

A big congratulations to our very own Dr. Ranjeet Bajwa, one of our talented optometrists at Empire Eye and Laser Center, on his successful EVO ICL surgery!

After years of struggling with poor vision, Dr. Bajwa chose EVO ICL, and it’s given him a clear new outlook on life. 👁️

EVO ICL is an implantable lens that sits behind your natural lens, offering sharp, lasting vision correction without removing corneal tissue. It’s an excellent option for those who:
✔️ Aren’t candidates for LASIK or PRK
✔️ Struggle with contact lens discomfort or dry eyes
✔️ Want quick recovery and outstanding visual results

We’re so happy for you, Dr. Bajwa. Here’s to many years of clear, comfortable vision ahead!

To learn more about EVO ICL visit: https://www.empireeyeandlaser.com/evo-icl-surgery/

See first comment for important safety information about EVO ICL.

10/25/2025

😃 SMILE is here!

We're excited to be the first in Bakersfield to introduce the new Zeiss VISUMAX 800 laser. 🤩

This industry-leading technology takes our laser vision correction procedures, LASIK and PRK, to the next level. More importantly, it brings the advanced SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure right here to Kern County for the first time.

SMILE is an advanced alternative for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, it doesn't require a flap in the cornea. This makes the procedure less invasive, and it may be a great option for patients with thinner corneas or who lead a very active lifestyle.

Our commitment is to bring you the best technology for the clearest vision. We can't wait to share the life-changing results of SMILE and see the smiles it puts on our patients' faces.

Want to know more? Keep an eye out for our upcoming "SMILE 101" video series next month. Turn on notifications so you don't miss a thing! 🔔

If you're dreaming of freedom from glasses or contacts, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
DM us or call/text (661) 88-LASIK to schedule your FREE consultation and find out if SMILE is right for you.

Your journey to clear vision starts here!

10/21/2025

Come in! We will help you find the best option for your vision! 🤭

Address

4105 Empire Drive
Bakersfield, CA
93309

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16613253937

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Our Story

Empire Eye and Laser Center is committed to enhancing each patient's quality of life by delivering superior surgical and medical eye care, as well as aesthetic treatments, in a caring environment that promotes a memorable experience.

Our highly trained ophthalmologists, optometrists, and aesthetics providers are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes in a warm, friendly environment. They enjoy spending time with each patient and helping them understand their conditions and treatment to empower them to participate in their own care. At Empire Eye and Laser Center, we are passionate about nurturing an exceptional patient experience and strive to provide the highest quality care through innovation and state-of-the-art technology. We also recognize that even the greatest medical developments are only as good as the difference they make in people’s lives. We, therefore, emphasize that the most important person in our practice is you, the patient.