Kirk Hou, MD, PhD
Accepting new patients

Kirk Hou, MD, PhD

  • Retina and Vitreous Diseases
Doheny Eye Center UCLA Pasadena | 625 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 280, Pasadena, CA 91105

About

Dr. Kirk K. Hou, MD, PhD, is a leading specialist in Vitreoretinal Surgery, known for utilizing evidence-based medicine and advanced technology to provide personalized care for his patients. He practices in Westwood and Pasadena, treating patients from all over Southern California. Dr. Hou's clinical expertise includes the management of common retinal diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal Vein Occlusions, and uveitis-related retinal complications. His surgical practice covers retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane (macular pucker), full-thickness macular holes, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and other vitreoretinal abnormalities. He also specializes in secondary intraocular lenses.

Dr. Hou completed his MD/PhD at Washington University School of Medicine, his Residency in Ophthalmology at UCLA School of Medicine, and his Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at UCLA School of Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, he is actively involved in research, focusing on novel therapies for retinal degenerations, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). He participates in clinical trials investigating innovative treatments for diabetic macular edema and macular degeneration.

Dr. Hou is also available for same-day emergency evaluations and accepts a wide range of insurance options, including for international patients.

Languages

English, Spanish, Chinese - Mandarin

Education

Medical Board Certification

Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology, 2021

Fellowship

Vitreoretinal Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, 2021

Residency

Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine, 2019

Internship

Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 2016

Degrees

MD, Washington University School of Medicine, 2015
PhD, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 2015

Recognitions

  • John and Theiline McCone Fellowship, University of California - Los Angeles, 2019-2020
  • Heed Fellowship, The Heed Ophthalmic Foundation, 2019-2020
  • Sigma-Aldrich Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis, 2011-2013
  • See More

Locations

Hospital Affiliations

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Medical Services

Research

Interests

  • Nanoparticles
  • Drug Delivery
  • Retinal Diseases

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Centivo
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Health Net of California
  • Interplan (part of HealthSmart)
  • L.A. Care
  • Medicare Advantage
  • MultiPlan
  • UFCM Health System
  • Prime Health Services
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare

The list of health care plans above may not be comprehensive and could change. 
Please contact your benefits coordinator or health insurance company directly to verify coverage.

Visit our health insurance information page for more details.

Recognitions

Fellowships:

  • John and Theiline McCone Fellowship, University of California - Los Angeles, 2019-2020
  • Heed Fellowship, The Heed Ophthalmic Foundation, 2019-2020
  • Sigma-Aldrich Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis, 2011-2013

 

Awards:

  • Fellow Teaching Award, Univsity of California - Los Angeles, 2021
  • Resident Teaching Award, University of California - Los Angeles, 2019
  • Needleman Prize in Pharmacology, Washington University in St. Louis, 2015
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Washington University in St. Louis, 2015
  • Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society, Princeton University, 2006
  • Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, Princeton University, 2006
  • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society, Princeton University, 2006
  • Richard K Toner Prize, Princeton University, Excellence in Thermodynamics, 2006
  • Procter & Gamble Award, Princeton University, Outstanding Design Project, 2006
  • Ticona Senior Thesis Award, Princeton University, Outstanding Senior Thesis, 2006