Faculty Profile: Philip Kwok, OD
College of Optometry Chief of Primary Care Optometric Service and Assistant Professor Philip Kwok, OD, joined Western University of Health Sciences in 2018. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from UC Berkeley in 2001 and completed a residency in Hospital-Based Optometry at the Fresno VA Medical Center. He has a background primarily working with sub-specialists in ophthalmology (refractive, cornea, cataract, retina, glaucoma) to achieve the best surgical outcomes possible. His areas of interest are mainly in the diagnosis, treatment and management of ocular disease, particularly the more challenging cases.
What is your fondest memory of the College of Optometry professionally and/or personally?
My fondest memory is still my interview day. Despite it being a long day, I was so pleasantly surprised by how welcoming a college could be.
What do you love about the College?
Sounds cliché, but I love that we are like a family.
Why did you choose the College of Optometry?
The College has so much potential to grow and become even stronger as an optometric educational institution. I would really like to contribute to that process. I also chose the College because it plays an important role as part of a graduate health science university where health professionals are learning and working in a coordinated effort.
Why did you choose the profession of optometry?
Like many optometrists, I found the eyes and vision fascinating. After working in an optometry office, and gaining a full understanding of the various aspects of the profession, I knew this was the right profession for me.
What is the last thing that really moved you – happy, excited, tears of joy, or any emotion?
The Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Finals – a tribute to Kobe Bryant!
What have you done recently to leave your mark on the world around you?
It’s nothing recent, it’s what I’ve been doing for the last 10+ years of my career. I have to the best of my ability provided high quality eye care to the Hispanic population in their own language and made them felt as comfortable as I possibly could.
What have you done recently to help the environment?
We bought barrels to save rain water, that we can then use to water the plants with. They have a spigot at the bottom to dispense the water so they are easy to use, and the top can be sealed to prevent mosquitoes.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I know that I can make a difference when I get out of bed, first for my family, then for the College.
