Ocular Oncology
Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Thyroid Eye Clinic
St. Louis University School of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Oculofacial surgery; Eyelid, lacrimal and orbital surgery; Thyroid eye disease (orbital decompression and eyelid surgery); Craniofacial disorders involving the eyelids and orbits; Orbital and eyelid tumors; Facial aesthetics - soft tissue fillers and injectables.
2023 Top 2 Most Influential Ophthalmologists in the World, The Ophthalmologist (UK)
2023 An Inaugural Inductee in The Ophthalmologist Hall of Fame
Don O. Kikkawa, MD, FACS is Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Chief of the Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Vice Chairman at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Department of Ophthalmology and UCSD Shiley Eye Institute in La Jolla. Dr. Kikkawa joined the UCSD Ophthalmology faculty in 1993 and is co-director of the UCSD Thyroid Eye Center and also a former program director of UCSD's ophthalmology residency.
Dr. Kikkawa earned a BA (magna cum laude) in biochemistry from UCSD, La Jolla and an MD (magna cum laude) from St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. He completed his internship at the UCSD, his residency at Jules Stein Eye Institute (UCLA) and a fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Orbital Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Dr. Kikkawa's clinical interests include aesthetic and reconstructive oculofacial surgery; orbital surgery; thyroid orbitopathy; craniofacial disorders involving the eyelids and orbits; and tumors.
His professional activities include: President, ASOPRS (2014); Director, ASOPRS Accredited Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship; Vice President (2012) and President Elect (2013) of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS); Scientific Program Chairman, ASOPRS 2010; Program Chairman American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Inaugural Oculofacial Subspecialty Day, 2010; Oculoplastic Program Coordinator, World Ophthalmology Congress, Abu Dhabi, 2012; Program Chairman, ASOPRS Spring Meeting, 2009; Medical Advisory Board, American Society of Ocularists; and volunteer surgeon for DOCS (Doctors Offering Charitable Services) and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Dr.Kikkawa has also served as an Instructional Course director at several AAO Annual Meetings and was AAO LEO Chair in 2007.
Dr. Kikkawa is on the editorial board of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (OPRS) and serves as scientific referee for several other important ophthalmology journals. He has numerous publications and has authored or contributed to several important titles on ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery including: Clinical Atlas of Procedures in Ophthalmic and Oculofacial Surgery (Section Editor), Ophthalmology Clinical and Surgical Principles, Color Atlas of Oculoplastic Surgery and Video Atlas of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Midfacial Rejuvenation.
He has been invited to lecture at many national and international symposia: among them the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the World Ophthalmology Congress, the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the National Graves Foundation.
Dr. Kikkawa's many honors include: Best Doctor’s in America; America's Top Doctor; San Diego Magazine’s Physicians of Exceptional Excellence; AAO's Senior Achievement Award; the Marvin H. Quickert Thesis Award; the ASOPRS Research Award; and the Lester T. Jones Surgical Anatomy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
My husband had to have eye surgery due to a health issue, EVERYONE was extremely helpful, professional, kind, and caring.
Dr. Kikawa is the most amazing surgeon. He is world renowned but not pretentious, he explains everything and is genuinely concerned about his patients. after my husbands surgery, the Dr's office called the next day to check on him and the surgery center called to check also. I am very impressed with everyone there.
If I had to say anything that could use any improvement, it would be the long wait , you do have to plan on being there a long time. other than that ALL GOOD :)
Thank you Dr. Kikawa and staff (too many to name ) for the great care for my Husband.!!!
Feb 2019
I was lost suffering from thyroid eye disease until I found the most amazing staff and the Dr's. From the time I called and made my first appointment there was a kind person on the other side of the phone to easy my fear. It has been one year since my last surgery and recently went in for a follow up walking into the office I didn't realize I was going to be so emotional but it was so full circle.
I was so broken when i first arrived not ever thinking I would be me ever again and Dr. Kikkawa, Dr. Ko, Dr. Lila, Denise and all of the amazing staff have given me my life back. I want others who are going threw this disease to feel the same joy. I know people mentioned having to wait to be seen but just know they give each patient so much time and attention.
Jan 2019
Dr. Kikkawa is incredible. He helped my young daughter with the removal of a strange bump near her eye. We were told by others we would have to put my 6yr old daughter under anesthesia for removal since it was such a sensitive area.
But Dr. Kikkawa's calm demeanor and strong confidence comforted her so much so that he was able to remove it on the 1st visit with some numbing cream and a snip.
2 weeks later we can barely see a thing. Incredible!!! He also followed up with a personal phone call to check-in. I highly recommend him and am ever so grateful for his amazing work.
May 2020
Hi I want to thank your staff and Dr Kikkawa, excellent work on my eye today. very happy an success surgery. Thank you god bless you.
Apr 2020