Joann J. Kang, MD

Joann Kang, MD, is Director, Cornea and Refractive Surgery and Associate Professor, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Montefiore Einstein. A well-recognized physician and surgeon, Dr. Kang is devoted to patient care, surgery, research and teaching. Her clinical and surgical expertise includes cataract surgery, full and partial thickness corneal transplantation, ocular surface surgery/reconstruction, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and laser vision correction such as laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Dr. Kang received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. She then pursued her Doctorate in Medicine at Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. After completing her transitional medicine internship at Maimonides Medical Center, she completed her three-year ophthalmology residency at Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago and was elected chief resident in her final year. Following this, she completed a corneal and external disease fellowship at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.

Dr. Kang’s research focus is on corneal transplantation, Boston keratoprosthesis and sutured intraocular lenses. She has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, review articles and abstracts. She is an editorial board member for BMC Ophthalmology and Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation. Dr. Kang lectures as an invited speaker at conferences and symposia and is involved in multiple research protocols and clinical trials.

Dr. Kang has trained and mentored many medical students and residents. She is the recipient of multiple awards in recognition of her teaching and contributions to the department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Kang is board certified and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Cornea Society. She serves on national committees for the Eye Bank Association of America, the Eye and Contact Lens Association and the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Dr. Kang is also a member of the Medical Advisory Board and the Associate Medical Director at the Eye Bank for Sight Restoration.