Andrew A. Kao, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist who returned to his native Bakersfield to practice ophthalmology at Empire Eye and Laser Center and Advanced Center for Eyecare in 2016. He was valedictorian from Stockdale High in 2001 and went on to graduate with honors from UC Berkeley. He received his medical degree from UC San Francisco. He next completed a fellowship in ocular pathology at the top eye hospital in the country, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

Dr. Kao completed his residency at the longest running eye hospital in the US, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, in Manhattan, NY, and was recognized as the top resident in his class. He then undertook a year-long fellowship in ocular oncology at UC San Francisco, where he learned to care for ocular surface and intraocular tumors, in addition to teaching cataract surgery to residents.

He enjoys providing the most advanced ophthalmologic treatment to his hometown, and has performed thousands of sight-restoring surgeries. He is also a volunteer surgeon, board president, and Chief Medical Officer at Advanced Center for Eyecare, a non-profit clinic that provides medical and surgical care to the underserved in Central California and beyond. He is also involved on the boards of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Greater California Council of Scouting America.