Director’s Message

Welcome to the UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science!

I’m truly grateful to have been selected as the associate dean for clinical affairs for our school. Collectively, we are a clinic that cares so deeply about our patients and our community. My approach to eye care is simple: start by listening. I believe the best care comes from really understanding each patient’s concerns, goals, and daily life, and then working together to support not just good vision, but overall health and well-being. Eye care should feel accessible, preventive, and empowering – that mindset guides everything we do here.

After completing a residency in pediatric optometry and head trauma rehabilitation, I gained a strong appreciation for how important specialized and rehabilitative vision care can be. Vision affects how we learn, move, recover, and function every day. I’m passionate about providing care that is thoughtful, personalized, and responsive to each person’s unique needs.

Here at UC Berkeley, we care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Whether someone is coming in for a routine eye exam or needs help managing a more complex vision or eye health issue, our focus is always on high-quality, evidence-based care that supports lifelong eye health. We also offer specialty services you won’t find just anywhere, allowing us to address more complex or unique vision needs using advanced technology and innovative approaches.

What really makes our school special is the people. Our clinical faculty include leaders in the field and world-renowned experts, and we are fortunate to work closely with Berkeley’s vision science researchers who are actively developing solutions to some of the toughest challenges in eye and vision care. That close connection between research and patient care means our patients benefit directly from the latest advances in eye care.

As a teaching clinic, education is a big part of who we are. We’re proud to train future optometrists in an environment that values compassion, curiosity, and excellence. Under the close supervision of experienced faculty clinicians, interns gain hands-on clinical experience while delivering high-quality care. This educational mission enables us to provide excellent patient care, while preparing the next generation of optometrists to serve their communities.

We are continuing to grow. In addition to our two campus clinics, we will soon open a new clinic in Emeryville, CA. This new clinic – the latest addition to the UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim Centers of Excellence for Eye Care and Vision Health, will allow us to meet a growing demand for the top-rate eye care that we have been providing to our patients since 1923, when our school was founded.

Thank you for choosing UC Berkeley for your eye care! We look forward to working with you and supporting your vision for years to come.

Dr. Lillian Wang
Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Health Sciences Clinical Professor
Phone: (510) 642-0945
E-mail: liwang@berkeley.edu