Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD

OphthalmologyMaleAge 45

Ophthalmology

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD is an ophthalmology specialist in Newport Beach, CA and has over 22 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Aleppo / Faculty of Medicine in 2000. He is affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. His office accepts new patients.

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD

Newport Retina & Macular Degeneration Center

20311 SW Birch St Ste 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Accepting new patients

Accepting new patients

At a Glance

  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Experience and Background Checks

Experience
Background

Background Check

No malpractice claims found for California
No disciplinary actions found for the years we collect data
No board actions found for the years we collect data
Learn more about background checks

Experience Check

Check Dr. Kawji's experience treating your condition or procedure

Dr. Kawji's Top Procedures and Conditions

Treatment Frequency
Retinal Dystrophy
very high
very high

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Kawji treats Retinal Dystrophy more than 96% of his peers

Dr. Kawji treats this condition more than 96% of his peers

Retinal Cysts
normal
normal

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Kawji treats Retinal Cysts more than 79% of his peers

Dr. Kawji treats this condition more than 79% of his peers

Retinoschisis
normal
normal

Treatment Frequency

Dr. Kawji treats Retinoschisis more than 79% of his peers

Dr. Kawji treats this condition more than 79% of his peers

Dr. Kawji's conditions and procedures:

  • Retinal Dystrophy
  • Retinal Cysts
  • Retinoschisis
  • Acute Endophthalmitis
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
  • Aphakia and Other Disorders of Lens
  • Benign Neoplasm of Choroid
  • Benign Neoplasm of Eye
  • Benign Tumor
  • Blind Hypotensive Eye
  • Blindness
  • Cataract
  • Cataract Surgery Complications
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
  • Chorioretinal Scars
  • Choroidal Neovascular Membranes (CNVM)
  • Chronic Endophthalmitis
  • Conjunctival Hemorrhage
  • Contusion of the Eyeball
  • Corneal Abrasion or Laceration
  • Diabetic Eye Disease
  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Drusen
  • Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Endophthalmitis
  • Eye Cancer
  • Eye Infections
  • Eye Injuries
  • Eye Trauma
  • Floaters
  • Foveal and Macular Hypoplasia
  • Hyphema
  • Hypotony of Eye
  • Iridocyclitis
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular or Retinal Edema
  • Malignant Neoplasm of Eye
  • Migraine
  • Nearsightedness
  • Ocular Hypertension
  • Optic Neuritis
  • Parasitic Endophthalmitis
  • Pars Planitis
  • Progressive High Myopia
  • Purulent Endophthalmitis
  • Retina Diseases
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear
  • Retinal Hemangioma
  • Retinal Hemorrhage
  • Retinal Ischemia
  • Retinal Neovascularization
  • Retinal Telangiectasia
  • Retinal Vascular Occlusion
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Senile Cataracts
  • Sjögren's Syndrome
  • Uveitis and Iridocyclitis
  • Vascular Disease
  • Visual Field Defects
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage
  • Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetes Eye Care
  • Retinal Laser Photocoagulation
  • Scleral Buckling

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Dr. Kawji's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Kawji

4.7

Based on 52 ratings

5 Star
92%
92%
4 Star
0%
0%
3 Star
2%
2%
2 Star
0%
0%
1 Star
6%
6%
What went well
No reviews yet
What could be improved
No reviews yet

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RecentHighestLowestMost Helpful
Reply
Punctured a major blood vein in my eye and told me accidents happens. Asked me to pay more than my share of cost upfront then refused to refund me the difference after my insurance has fully paid the doctor. I have filed a complaint via the Better Business Bureau, CA Medical Board of California and Blue Shield of CA. One of the worst doctor I have seen.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
SC – Apr 25, 2023
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Reply
A true Professional that we need more of. Caring and thorough. Wonderful staff.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Marguerita Alvis – Feb 26, 2023
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Reply
DO NOT TRUST
Kawji and his entire team are dishonest and scheming. They will say anything to get you to commit to a costly appointment just to refer you to another office. They are not to be trusted with your money or your eyes. Watch out for the billing because they will purposefully bill you in a manner that is outside of your insurance just so that they can get more money out of you. Truly a terrible experience with this office.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Hayley Maria KeAloha Tsang – Aug 05, 2022
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Reply
Dr Kawji is an exceptional doctor in the field. He treated my wet MD and able to stop the leaking in my retina. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who needs the same kind of treatment.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Vic N – Oct 10, 2020
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Reply
My wife and I have had to visit Dr Kawji’s office on several occasions and on each visit he never disappoints. The level of care he shows is exceptional. We have gone both when his waiting room was full and other times when there were less people, regardless of either, he truly takes the time to explain what is going on with you. Highly recommend
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
FA – Aug 19, 2020
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Reply
Highly recommend. Searching for eye Dr. late night on holiday weekend due to retina detachment symptoms and Dr. Kawji responded immediately to my inquiry (11pm). Exam and assessment was very thorough, office staff very pleasant, and, as others comment, Dr. Kawji's bedside manner is courteous and comforting. Left feeling I had found the best Dr. for an important medical condition.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
BG – Jul 11, 2020
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Reply
Dr. Kawji is professional, effective and proficient. His office is very clean and his staff are courteous and efficient. The procedure on my eye was well explained. I highly recommend Dr. Kawji for his medical expertise.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Dale S. – Jun 20, 2020
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Reply
Very impressed with Dr. Kawji and how he runs his practice. I got in within 10 minutes and was actually seen by him, not just put in a holding room with another wait time. He was knowledgeable and gave a very thorough exam. In my case, I had recently started seeing crescent shaped flashes of light around the left perimeter of one of my eyes. He did all the necessary tests and then gave me peace of mind that it was a common result of my eyes aging and not my retina detaching or being pulled. My insurance has a very high deductible ($8500.00) so I paid cash for the exam which included the tests and the consultation...$300.00 which I thought was reasonable. I would highly recommend Dr. Kwaji. I was also given a next day appointment.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
D. Mathison – Mar 14, 2020
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Reply
Dr. Kawji is highly competent, has an excellent bedside manner and is very accomodating. Me and my wife have used Dr. Kawji and have had the same experience. I can easily recommend him.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 22, 2019
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Reply
I was referred by another physician who spoke very highly of Dr. Kawji and now I know why. He repaired retinal tears in my eyes and saved my vision. He is kind and he cares about his patients and is a top physician. If you go to him you are treated with kindness and respect and he cares about every patient. Something that seems to be rare these days of massive corporations making medicine a profit machine and not serving the needs of the patient.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Pam Moss – Sep 05, 2019
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Reply
Excellent doctor with great credentials and friendly staff. Appointments are always on time and he has a professional and caring bedside manner. I had been to another ophthalmologist who gave me a 20% success rate for a Stage 4 macular hole that I had left untreated for a year. Dr. Kawji gave me a 50% success rate and succeeded. I couldn't be happier with the results. Highly recommended.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
May 10, 2019
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Reply
He is an expert in his field, excellent bedside manner.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 26, 2019
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Reply
My father and I been to Dr.Kawji's center several times. Dr.Kawji is the best. I highly recommend him to anyone. He is patient and down to earth. He listens to you, makes sure to explain everything and answers all of your questions.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 26, 2019
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Reply
Dr. Kawji and team were of the utmost professionalism during my visit. At. Time when I was concerned about the state of my eyes due to Diabetes, Dr. Kawji understood my anxiety and put me at ease by explaining what he was looking for and finding step by step. Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. Will be in for the next check-up when needed.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 24, 2019
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Reply
Excellent!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Amy Mahar in Santa Ana, CA – Jan 30, 2019
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Reply
Dr. Kawji saw me on an emergency basis in his office. I had emailed him at 10:00pm with concerns about a possible detached retina. He saw me the next morning and performed a thorough exam. Fortunately it turned out ok. I found him to be extremely helpful and kind. He explained my situation thoroughly. He is a wonderful doctor.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 15, 2018
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Reply
As many have mentioned, Dr. Kawji saw me the same day for a potential tear. He fit me in with minimal waiting, examined me, and treated the tear with laser. He was so nice and gentle with the exam and laser. I would definitely recommend him again.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Costa Mesa, CA – Nov 22, 2018
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Reply
My experience with Dr. Kawji was above 5-Star. His compassion and ability to see me as an emergency was truly meaningful. He cares deeply about his work and his ability to help patients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to all of my peers.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Meredith Rattay in Irvine, CA – Nov 05, 2018
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Reply
Dr. Kawji is a real doctor and a great human being. He saved my eye sight after another doctor made a huge error that almost cost me my vision. Dr. Kawji loves his job and it shows. He took the oath and he truly puts patients first!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dee in Huntington Beach , CA – Jun 08, 2018
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Reply
I had an eye problem while out of the country and Dr. Kawji Was nice enough to see me on emergency basis. He was very reassuring knowledgeable and thorough. He was highly recommended by my ophthalmologist and I’m so glad that I was able to him on such short notice. His office staff is very nice and accommodating.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lori in CA – May 17, 2018
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About Me

Care Philosophy

I treat everyone like family.

Biography

Retina specialist and surgeon.

Specialties

  • Ophthalmology
  • Ophthalmic Surgery

Board Certifications

Education

2011
INDIANA UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Residency Hospital
2011
IU Health University
Residency Hospital
2007
University of Southern California / Keck School of Medicine
Fellowship Hospital
2006
University of Texas, Houston
Residency Hospital
2000
University of Aleppo / Faculty of Medicine
Medical School

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic

Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD?

View contact information to make an appointment.

Does Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD accept any insurance plans?

A list of accepted insurance providers is available on the Healthgrades insurance check. It is always a good idea to verify your insurance when making an appointment.

Does Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD accept new patients?

New patients are generally accepted by Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD on Healthgrades. To arrange an appointment, call the number on undefined's profile.

What conditions does Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD treat?

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD frequently treats the following conditions: Retinal Dystrophy, Retinal Cysts, and Retinoschisis. See more on Healthgrades.

What is Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD's office address?

Dr. Kawji's office is located at 20311 SW Birch St Ste 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660. You can find other locations and directions on Healthgrades.

What languages is Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD fluent in?

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD is able to speak English and Arabic. View profile to see all.

Is Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD affiliated with any hospitals?

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD is affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.

How much experience does Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD have?

Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD has over 22 years of healthcare experience.

Does Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD receive good ratings from patients?

There is a star rating of 4.7/5 for Dr. Shahem Kawji, MD. Patients say that they trusted the provider's decisions and the provider explained conditions well. See all patient feedback on Healthgrades.

Locations

Newport Retina & Macular Degeneration Center

Main Office20311 SW Birch St Ste 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660
1

Affiliated Hospitals

Dr. Kawji is affiliated with the following hospital. Select the hospital below to learn more.

Learn more about how Healthgrades measuresHospital Quality.

Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA

85% Patients that would definitely recommend, 15% higher than the national average

14 Awards Received

Award Highlight: Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2023)