Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center

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Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center A nationally recognized ophthalmology practice offering premiere cataract, LASIK, cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics surgical care and medical eye care.

Another World-Class Surgeon Joins The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center Join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., back to ...
06/19/2026

Another World-Class Surgeon Joins The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center Join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., back to Encino this Summer

For more than 40 years, our practice has served the San Fernando Valley with one purpose: delivering exceptional ophthalmic care with integrity, innovation, and compassion. Dr. Colvard laid the foundation, and we have continued to build that legacy through surgical excellence, thoughtful patient care, and continued investment in advanced technology so patients can receive outstanding vision care right here in Encino.

The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center has earned national recognition for compassionate, personalized care, advanced technology, and physicians who lead in ophthalmic surgery, teaching, and research. Today, we are proud to continue that tradition by welcoming an exceptional new surgeon to our team.

This August, our Encino practice will welcome Dr. Ashkan Kashanchi—known to many patients simply as Dr. Ash. A Los Angeles native with deep roots in the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Ash is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon dedicated to preserving vision, reducing treatment burden, and helping patients achieve long-term eye health.

Dr. Ash began his academic journey at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, then graduated with high honors from Brandeis University, where he studied Philosophy and Biology. He earned his medical degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas at Houston, and pursued advanced glaucoma fellowship training at UC San Diego under internationally recognized glaucoma expert Dr. Robert Weinreb.

Just as important, Dr. Ash shares the culture of care that defines The Colvard Kandavel Eye Center. He combines modern surgical techniques with highly personalized treatment, treating each patient with the same thoughtfulness he would want for his own family.

A Valley Story, A Forward-Looking Vision

Dr. Ash’s story feels especially meaningful in Encino. He is not simply joining a practice—he is returning home to serve the community that helped shape him. That connection, combined with his advanced subspecialty training, brings something rare to patient care: world-class expertise grounded in genuine community roots.

Our physicians trained at many of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including UCLA, USC, Johns Hopkins, UC San Diego, Columbia, and NYU, and we hold academic appointments at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye Institute. Dr. Ash will expand that culture of excellence this August.

A More Modern Approach to Glaucoma Care

For many patients, glaucoma treatment once meant daily eye drops. Today, modern care offers more options. For the right patient, newer laser treatments and minimally invasive procedures can lower eye pressure while reducing dependence on medication. Dr. Ash emphasizes this approach: preserve vision while easing treatment burden with even better efficacy whenever possible.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT, should serve as an effective first-line treatment for some patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. In the landmark LiGHT trial, many patients treated with SLT remained drop-free for years, with minimal risk and fewer needing additional surgery. As SLT and other minimally invasive procedures continue to advance, glaucoma care is becoming more convenient, more comfortable, and safer.

Dr. Ash offers a full range of modern glaucoma procedures, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and traditional glaucoma surgery when needed. He tailors treatment to each individual, choosing the safest and most effective option based on the stage of disease, the eye itself, and the patient’s goals.

Advanced Cataract Surgery, Personalized for Real Life

Dr. Ash also specializes in advanced cataract surgery, with a strong emphasis on precision, customization, and visual quality. His expertise in refractive cataract surgery, including laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens technology, helps improve visual performance and reduce dependence on glasses.

For patients, cataract surgery no longer means simply removing a cloudy lens. It now offers an opportunity to match vision more closely to everyday life—whether that means sharper distance vision, greater freedom from glasses, or a more customized visual outcome.

These decisions depend on both the individual and the health of the eye. Cataract surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and Dr. Ash guides patients through modern options with care and clarity to achieve results that support daily life.

Innovation with Heart

In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Ash has contributed to research on the global burden of blindness and remains actively engaged in ophthalmic innovation. He also helps develop technology that supports people living with visual impairment.

That commitment led him to create Pheelio, a project focused on empowering independence for people with visual impairment. Its mission is to reduce the burden of vision loss through research-backed solutions that support visually impaired and underserved communities. Dr. Ash developed this technology to help patients use their drops more effectively and improve glaucoma drop compliance, especially for vulnerable populations.

A Warm Welcome to a Remarkable New Physician

As our practice continues its longstanding commitment to the San Fernando Valley, we are proud to welcome a physician who reflects the best of where ophthalmology is headed: advanced training, thoughtful innovation, and deeply personal care. As glaucoma care enters a new procedural era, Dr. Ash will join Dr. Justin Dredge as our second glaucoma specialist at The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., to Encino this August. We are honored to have him join our team and excited for our patients to experience his exceptional care. Ask him about his latest innovation for the visually impaired at Pheelio.com

Another World-Class Surgeon Joins The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center Join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., back to ...
06/19/2026

Another World-Class Surgeon Joins The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center
Join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., back to Encino this Summer

For more than 40 years, our practice has served the San Fernando Valley with one
purpose: delivering exceptional ophthalmic care with integrity, innovation, and
compassion. Dr. Colvard laid the foundation, and we have continued to build that
legacy through surgical excellence, thoughtful patient care, and continued
investment in advanced technology so patients can receive outstanding vision care
right here in Encino.

The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center has earned national recognition for
compassionate, personalized care, advanced technology, and physicians who lead
in ophthalmic surgery, teaching, and research. Today, we are proud to continue
that tradition by welcoming an exceptional new surgeon to our team.

This August, our Encino practice will welcome Dr. Ashkan Kashanchi—known to
many patients simply as Dr. Ash. A Los Angeles native with deep roots in the San
Fernando Valley, Dr. Ash is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and cataract
surgeon dedicated to preserving vision, reducing treatment burden, and helping
patients achieve long-term eye health.

Dr. Ash began his academic journey at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, then
graduated with high honors from Brandeis University, where he studied Philosophy
and Biology. He earned his medical degree from the Saint Louis University School
of Medicine, completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas at
Houston, and pursued advanced glaucoma fellowship training at UC San Diego
under internationally recognized glaucoma expert Dr. Robert Weinreb.

Just as important, Dr. Ash shares the culture of care that defines The Colvard
Kandavel Eye Center. He combines modern surgical techniques with highly
personalized treatment, treating each patient with the same thoughtfulness he
would want for his own family.

A Valley Story, A Forward-Looking Vision

Dr. Ash’s story feels especially meaningful in Encino. He is not simply joining a
practice—he is returning home to serve the community that helped shape him.
That connection, combined with his advanced subspecialty training, brings
something rare to patient care: world-class expertise grounded in genuine
community roots.

Our physicians trained at many of the world’s most prestigious institutions,
including UCLA, USC, Johns Hopkins, UC San Diego, Columbia, and NYU, and we
hold academic appointments at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye
Institute. Dr. Ash will expand that culture of excellence this August.

A More Modern Approach to Glaucoma Care

For many patients, glaucoma treatment once meant daily eye drops. Today,
modern care offers more options. For the right patient, newer laser treatments and
minimally invasive procedures can lower eye pressure while reducing dependence
on medication. Dr. Ash emphasizes this approach: preserve vision while easing
treatment burden with even better efficacy whenever possible.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that selective laser
trabeculoplasty, or SLT, should serve as an effective first-line treatment for some
patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. In the landmark LiGHT
trial, many patients treated with SLT remained drop-free for years, with minimal risk and fewer needing additional surgery. As SLT and other minimally invasive
procedures continue to advance, glaucoma care is becoming more convenient,
more comfortable, and safer.

Dr. Ash offers a full range of modern glaucoma procedures, including minimally
invasive glaucoma surgery and traditional glaucoma surgery when needed. He
tailors treatment to each individual, choosing the safest and most effective option
based on the stage of disease, the eye itself, and the patient’s goals.

Advanced Cataract Surgery, Personalized for Real Life

Dr. Ash also specializes in advanced cataract surgery, with a strong emphasis on
precision, customization, and visual quality. His expertise in refractive cataract
surgery, including laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens technology,
helps improve visual performance and reduce dependence on glasses.

For patients, cataract surgery no longer means simply removing a cloudy lens. It
now offers an opportunity to match vision more closely to everyday life—whether
that means sharper distance vision, greater freedom from glasses, or a more
customized visual outcome.

These decisions depend on both the individual and the health of the eye. Cataract
surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and Dr. Ash guides patients through modern options with care and clarity to achieve results that support daily life.

Innovation with Heart

In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Ash has contributed to research on the global
burden of blindness and remains actively engaged in ophthalmic innovation. He
also helps develop technology that supports people living with visual impairment.

That commitment led him to create Pheelio, a project focused on empowering
independence for people with visual impairment. Its mission is to reduce the
burden of vision loss through research-backed solutions that support visually
impaired and underserved communities. Dr. Ash developed this technology to help
patients use their drops more effectively and improve glaucoma drop compliance,
especially for vulnerable populations.

A Warm Welcome to a Remarkable New Physician

As our practice continues its longstanding commitment to the San Fernando
Valley, we are proud to welcome a physician who reflects the best of where
ophthalmology is headed: advanced training, thoughtful innovation, and deeply
personal care. As glaucoma care enters a new procedural era, Dr. Ash will join Dr.
Justin Dredge as our second glaucoma specialist at The Colvard-Kandavel Eye
Center.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ash Kashanchi, M.D., to Encino this August. We are
honored to have him join our team and excited for our patients to experience his
exceptional care. Ask him about his latest innovation for the visually impaired at
https://pheelio.com/.

Advancing Vision Through Discovery: Research at the Colvard-Kandavel Eye CenterAt the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center, our ...
03/25/2026

Advancing Vision Through Discovery: Research at the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center

At the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center, our mission has always extended beyond providing exceptional clinical care. From the earliest days of the practice, research and innovation have been integral to how we improve vision for our patients and advance the field of ophthalmology. Today, our research department is growing, and we are proud to share our current research endeavors and the extraordinary team behind it.

Recently, our research department celebrated another accepted publication. A peer-reviewed publication represents one of the highest standards of validation in medicine. It means that the research performed by our physicians and clinical research team has undergone rigorous review by experts around the world and has been recognized as a meaningful scientific contribution.

Even small degrees of misalignment in toric lenses can affect astigmatism correction and visual outcomes. This study evaluates the accuracy of toric intraocular lens alignment during cataract surgery and compares traditional manual marking techniques with modern digital marking systems used during surgery. By studying the precision of different marking methods, this research contributes to improving surgical accuracy and optimizing patient vision after cataract surgery. The publication will appear in Clinical Ophthalmology later this year and reflects the collaborative work of our surgeons and research team:

Clinical research allows our physicians to remain at the cutting edge of medicine while providing patients with opportunities to participate in the development of tomorrow’s treatments. Through carefully designed clinical trials, patients may gain access to innovative therapies years before they become widely available. This partnership between physicians, researchers, and patients is what drives progress in modern medicine.

The center’s research initiatives are led by Dr. Rom Kandavel, Dr. Justin Dredge, and Dr. Steven Yoon, whose dedication to scientific inquiry complements their daily work caring for patients. Each of these physicians believes deeply that advancing knowledge is part of their responsibility as ophthalmologists. Their leadership has allowed the practice to participate in important multicenter clinical trials while also pursuing investigator-initiated studies that address questions arising directly from patient care.

Dr Yoon is exploring the biology of chalazia, the inflammatory eyelid lesions commonly associated with “Styes”. He is conducting genetic and microscopic analysis of chalazion samples to identify specific species of Demodex mites that may contribute to eyelid inflammation. Understanding which species are present may ultimately help physicians develop more targeted and effective treatments for chronic eyelid and meibomian gland disease.

Dr Kandavel and Dr Dredge participated in studies involving minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices such as the iStent and iDose (Phase 3 FDA studies) which helps lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients through a micro-implants placed during cataract surgery. These advances have transformed glaucoma care at our center by allowing our surgeons to reduce eye pressure while minimizing the need for long-term medications.

Behind every successful research program is an exceptional team, and we are fortunate to have one. Our clinical research coordinators, Lida Delshad, Tamanna Alam, M.D., and Grace Jung, play an essential role in bringing these studies to life. From patient recruitment and regulatory compliance to study coordination and follow-up, their meticulous work ensures that every research protocol is conducted with the highest standards of safety and scientific integrity. Their dedication allows patients to participate in groundbreaking research in a structured and supportive environment.

Training the Next Generation of Physician-Scientists

Since 2020 and particularly as NIH research funding has declined nationally in the last two years, the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center has developed an active partnership with UCLA to provide meaningful clinical research opportunities for premedical students interested in ophthalmology and academic medicine. This collaboration allows many motivated students to gain hands-on experience in clinical research while contributing to meaningful scientific work.

Currently we have two UCLA interns working within our research department on a large retrospective study comparing surgical complication rates between laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery. The project analyzes thousands of surgical cases performed at the center and will provide valuable insight into the safety profiles of these two surgical approaches. When completed later this year, this investigation is expected to become one of the largest studies of its kind ever published, further demonstrating the center’s commitment not only to innovation but also to mentorship and education for the next generation of physicians and researchers.

The culture of research and innovation at our center is deeply rooted in the legacy of Dr. Michael Colvard, whose career helped establish a tradition of physician-scientists within the practice. Dr. Colvard believed strongly that great physicians must also be pioneers—individuals willing to explore new ideas, develop new techniques, and contribute to the advancement of medicine. That philosophy continues to guide our work today.

In keeping with that tradition, Dr. Dredge and Dr. Kandavel serve as volunteer clinical faculty at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. Their involvement with UCLA to education and mentorship. Through collaboration with academic colleagues and teaching opportunities, they contribute to training the next generation of ophthalmologists.

For patients, the presence of an active research program within a clinical practice offers meaningful advantages. Clinical trials provide opportunities to access emerging therapies, contribute to scientific discovery, and receive highly structured follow-up care from dedicated research professionals. Participation is always voluntary, and every study is conducted under strict regulatory oversight designed to protect patient safety.

For our patients, this distinction underscores something important—care at Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center is informed not only by the latest advances in ophthalmology, but often by discoveries made right here within our own practice.

We are proud of the extraordinary work being done by our physicians and research staff, and we look forward to sharing many more breakthroughs in the years ahead.

Participate in Our Dry Eye Research Study

Our research program is currently actively recruiting patients for our Tryptyr clinical trial, evaluating one of the newest FDA-approved therapies designed for moderate to severe dry eye disease.

Participation in this study is simple and designed to be convenient for patients. The study requires only three appointments over approximately one month, and participants will receive two months of the medication at no cost. The study is also designed to be minimally invasive—the only data collected is a symptom questionnaire about dry eye comfort and quality of life.

Participants will also receive an Amazon gift card as a thank-you for contributing to research that may help improve treatment for dry eye disease.

To be eligible, participants must not have had previous corneal surgery or glaucoma. Patients who have had cataract surgery are still eligible.

If you are interested in participating or learning more, please call our office and ask for Lida on our research team, who can help determine whether you may qualify for the study.

Your participation helps advance the future of eye care while potentially improving your own comfort and vision.

www.colvardvision.com


Selected Publications and Presentations:
1. Kandavel R, Dredge J, Jackson H, Landingin J, Henderson SK, Alam T, Hall B. Intraoperative Degree Misalignment in Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation When Using Conventional Compared to Digital Marking. Clinical Ophthalmology. In Press 2026.

2. Kubba R, Kandavel GR, Scott J, Roldan C, Jackson H. Bandage contact lens for in-game corneal abrasion can allow immediate return to play. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 2024;6:1351906. doi:10.3389/fspor.2024.1351906.

3. Kandavel R, Colvard M, Dredge J, Bayle M, Alam T, Snyder J, Hall B. Comparative Study Between Non-Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus and Monofocal Intraocular Lenses. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2023;17:1161–1168.

4. Kandavel R, Dredge J, et al. Phacodynamics and Postoperative Corneal Thickness Following Cataract Surgery Using Two Different Phacoemulsification Platforms. Paper Presentation. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) International Meeting. March 2023

Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center Named The Ophthalmologists For The 2026 FIFA World CupThe Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center The Co...
12/24/2025

Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center Named The Ophthalmologists For The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center The Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center is proud to announce a landmark achievement in our long history of providing world-class vision care. Building on years of experience caring for elite athletes—including professional soccer powerhouses, Los Angeles Galaxy and Angel City FC—we have been selected as the Ophthalmologists for the FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States with matches in Los Angeles in 2026. This honor reflects not only our dedication to cutting-edge ophthalmic care but also the trust we have earned among some of the world's most celebrated athletes.

At the heart of our team are specialists whose expertise spans the full spectrum of eye health. Dr. Justin Dredge, our fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, brings exceptional skill to our glaucoma and cataract service. Dr. Yoon, our specialty-trained oculoplastic surgeon, provides advanced surgical care for both functional and aesthetic eye and orbital surgeries. Our general ophthalmologists, Dr. Steve Rabinowitz and Dr. Robert Medina, offer comprehensive care that blends meticulous clinical judgment with a personal touch—ensuring that every patient, from professional athlete to community member, receives the highest standard of treatment. Dr. Kandavel continues to perform state-of-the-art cataract surgery and comprehensive consultations. Dr. Dredge and Dr. Kandavel both continue resident education and mission trips throughout the year.

Our physicians are supported by a dedicated, long-term staff whose commitment and warmth have become a hallmark of the patient experience. Their deep knowledge and compassionate approach ensure a smooth and reassuring journey for every patient.

In response to growing demand, we are also proud to share that our clinic will be undergoing a major expansion in 2026. Over the next year, we will be acquiring additional space, outfitted with the latest diagnostic technology and designed to enhance patient comfort. This investment reflects our unwavering focus on accessibility, innovation, and efficiency—so that we can continue to set the standard in ophthalmology.

Happy New Year! From the physicians and staff at the Colvard-Kandavel Eye Center.

Address

5363 Balboa Boulevard, Suite 545
Encino, CA
91316

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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