The California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CAEPS) is the only statewide organization representing California ophthalmologists and their patients. We stand as guardians of vision, dedicated to ensuring every Californian receives the highest standard of eye care from the most qualified professionals.
Protecting the Sight of All Californians
CAEPS
Our Story
CAEPS was born from a simple but powerful belief: vision is precious, and protecting it requires unwavering dedication. We are a community of California’s most skilled eye physicians and surgeons who understand that behind every pair of eyes is a life filled with moments worth seeing clearly.
In Memory of CAEPS’s Visionary Leader
Craig H. Kliger, MD
The California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CAEPS) would not have achieved its current success without the support of Craig H. Kliger, MD. Dr. Kliger served as the longtime Executive Vice President of CAEPS, the backbone of the organization and a trusted voice for physicians throughout California and beyond.
Dr. Kliger was a respected ophthalmologist, skilled advocate, and steadfast leader whose influence and dedication to protecting both the field of ophthalmology and patients spanned decades. In addition to his dedicated leadership, Dr. Kliger was known for his sharp intellect, wry humor, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.
Dr. Kliger earned his medical degree from Tulane University and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California Irvine. He went on to complete fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the University of California Los Angeles, establishing himself not only as a talented surgeon but also as someone deeply interested in the policy and ethical dimensions of medical care. Early in his training, as a medical student, he served on the American Medical Association’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs — an uncommon achievement that foreshadowed his lifelong devotion to advocacy.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: To advocate for excellence in eye care and empower ophthalmologists through education and legislative advocacy.
Vision: A California where every person has access to exceptional eye care delivered by highly trained ophthalmologists, ensuring that vision—our most precious sense—is protected and preserved.
What Makes Us Different
Unlike national organizations, CAEPS focuses exclusively on the unique needs of California ophthalmologists and their patients. We’re not just another medical association—we’re your neighbors, your colleagues, and your advocates who understand the specific challenges facing eye care in the Golden State.
We are the ONLY statewide organization fighting specifically for California ophthalmology.
what we do
How We Protect You and Your Patients
Legislative Advocacy That Works
Assembly Bill 2236 (AB 2236) Optometry: certification to perform advanced procedures (2021-2022) threatened to allow inadequately trained practitioners to perform eye surgery. CAEPS led the fight that resulted in Governor Newsom’s veto. One vote made the difference—and your membership made that victory possible.
Education That Empowers
We provide continuing medical education for ophthalmologists at every career stage, from residents and fellows to seasoned practitioners, ensuring California maintains the highest standards of eye care.
Patient Protection
Through public education initiatives, we help Californians understand when they need an ophthalmologist versus other eye care providers, ensuring patients receive appropriate care from qualified professionals.
Practice Support
When necessary, we work directly with third-party payers on reimbursement and coverage issues, fighting the battles that impact your practice and your ability to provide excellent patient care.
CAEPS Young Ophthalmologists (CAEPS YO)
The future of ophthalmology in California is bright, and it starts with our young physicians. CAEPS YO provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and empowerment through education and legislative advocacy for residents, fellows, and early-career ophthalmologists.
When your practice faces challenges, when patients need protection, when your profession is under threat – CAEPS is here for you.
If you’re a California ophthalmologist at any stage of your career—practicing, retired, resident, or fellow—you belong with us. If you work at a university with an ophthalmology training program, your support strengthens our entire profession.
The question isn’t whether you can afford to join CAEPS.
The question is whether you can afford not to.
Vision is precious to all of us. California’s ophthalmologists are dedicated to providing the best possible care for this most valuable sense. We live in an era when most potentially blinding eye diseases can be controlled with proper diagnosis and treatment—but only when patients have access to properly trained specialists.
CAEPS is dedicated to bringing these benefits to every citizen of California.
Your patients are counting on you. Your profession needs you. California’s vision depends on us.