Orange County, California

Modern Vision Correction

Abinaya Thenappan, MD

Fellowship-Trained Cataract & Refractive Surgeon | Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

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Meet the Surgeon

Board-certified cataract and refractive surgeon.

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cataract and refractive surgeon serving patients throughout Orange County, California.

Education

Medical School: Columbia University
Residency: University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute
Cataract and Refractive Fellowship: Cleveland Eye Clinic

With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision, she combines modern surgical techniques with the latest technology to provide personalized care. Whether you're seeking greater freedom from glasses or exploring cataract surgery, Dr. Thenappan looks forward to being part of your journey to clearer vision. Consultations are offered in both English and Spanish.

Dedicated Fellowship Training

One of the few Orange County surgeons to complete a dedicated cataract and refractive surgery fellowship.

Complete Vision Correction

Offering the full spectrum of modern vision correction, including LASIK, SMILE PRO, PRK, EVO ICL, refractive lens exchange, and premium cataract surgery.

Technology-Driven Care

Utilizing the latest laser platforms, diagnostics, and premium lens technology to personalize every surgical plan.

Personalized Recommendations

Every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to each patient's eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.

Dr. Thenappan completed a highly specialized fellowship under nationally recognized leaders in cataract and refractive surgery, training across the full spectrum of modern vision correction. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in ophthalmology and has presented her research and surgical experience at national and international meetings. As an active educator and speaker, she shares advances in cataract and refractive surgery through invited lectures, surgical panels, and professional conferences.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Thenappan enjoys spending time with her husband, exploring Southern California, playing tennis, biking, and traveling. She is passionate about compassionate, patient-centered care and helping her patients achieve their best possible vision.

Recent moments

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan using refractive surgery technology

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan operating in a surgical suite

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan at a refractive surgery event

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan performing an eye examination

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan in a recent professional photo

Dr. Abinaya Thenappan speaking on an ophthalmology panel

Services

Advanced vision care, explained clearly.

Cataract Surgery

Helping you rediscover the moments that matter most

Evaluation and surgical planning for clouded lenses using today’s most advanced lens technologies.

Vision Correction

Experience life with greater visual freedom

Consultations for patients interested in reducing dependence on glasses or contacts with modern refractive options.

General Eye Care

Protecting your vision today and for years to come

Thoughtful medical and surgical care to protect your vision through every stage of life, from routine exams to complex conditions.

Vision correction procedures

The full spectrum of modern vision correction.

Every eye is different. Dr. Thenappan reviews anatomy, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle goals to help patients understand which procedures may be appropriate.

Laser Vision Correction

LASIK

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With a quick recovery and long-lasting results, LASIK has helped millions of people enjoy greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

SMILE PRO

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness and astigmatism through a tiny incision. Designed to preserve more of the cornea's natural structure, SMILE offers rapid visual recovery while minimizing disruption to the ocular surface.

PRK

PRK is a proven laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea without creating a corneal flap. It is an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas, certain occupational requirements, or those who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. PRK provides visual outcomes comparable to LASIK with excellent long-term results.

Lens-Based Vision Correction

EVO ICL

EVO ICL is an implantable lens designed to provide sharp, high-quality vision while preserving the natural cornea. The procedure is reversible, does not permanently reshape the eye, and offers an excellent option for patients seeking long-term freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the eye's natural lens with a premium intraocular lens to reduce dependence on glasses while preventing future cataracts. It is an excellent option for patients with presbyopia, high prescriptions, or those seeking a permanent vision correction solution.

Premium Cataract Surgery

Premium cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an advanced intraocular lens customized to your visual needs. Today's premium lens technology can reduce dependence on glasses while restoring clear, vibrant vision.

Surgical philosophy

Precision should feel personal.

Modern vision correction is not one procedure for every patient. It is a careful match between anatomy, technology, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Patient reviews

Trusted by Patients Across Southern California

From routine eye care to life-changing vision correction, read real experiences from patients who trusted Dr. Thenappan with their vision.

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★★★★★

“Dr. Thenappan has cared for me through two completely different experiences: a serious eye ulcer and later my SMILE surgery. I have been able to trust her with my eyes from the very beginning, and because of her help getting me through an eye ulcer, I didn’t look beyond her office at other surgeons for my SMILE surgery. She has always addressed any of my concerns with patience and, when I have asked, has explained lots of different components of the eye to help me understand. It is clear she is passionate about what she does, and I am thankful for her support. What stands out most about Dr. Thenappan is the rare combination of technical excellence and authentic compassion. She is an incredibly talented surgeon, but she is also someone who truly listens to her patients and understands how vulnerable eye issues and surgery can feel. I cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone seeking outstanding ophthalmologic care. She changed my vision and my quality of life!”

More patient experiences

★★★★★

“There are not enough words to thank Dr. Thenappan for her amazing skills and care . I had cataracts and lenses done in both eyes and now see 20/20 distance and no longer need glasses except for readers. She is kind , informative and walks you through every step with such kindness. I highly recommend her without a single hesitation!”

★★★★★

“Dr. Thenappan was fantastic, caring, and gave me great vision via ICL surgery. The surgery has been life changing and I couldn't be more satisfied!”

★★★★★

“Dr Thenappan is not only an excellent surgeon but also is very caring and continues with wonderful follow up with her patients. She listens and explains her analysis of any issues so that the patient fully understands the options available to them. Thank You Dr Abinaya Thenappan for going the extra mile!! Dennis Sundstrom, Cataract Surgery Patient”

★★★★★

“We had our first consultation with Dr. Abinaya and it was truly a wonderful experience. She is incredibly informative, kind, and genuinely caring—she made us feel completely comfortable from the very beginning. She took her time with us, never made us feel rushed, and addressed all of our concerns with such thoughtfulness and attention to detail. It’s rare to find a doctor who is not only so knowledgeable but also so warm and compassionate. Dr. Abinaya is truly a gem, and we feel so grateful to have found her.”

★★★★★

“Dr. Thenappan is top notch doctor everyone should have the privilege of working with. She’s thorough, explains herself well and puts the patient at ease. Very impressed!!!”

★★★★★

“The service I received from Dr. Thenappan was excellent. The staff was friendly and helpful. She did a great job with my first exam, took time to talk to me and explained everything clearly. She was a very kind person.”

★★★★★

“They did a fantastic job on my eyes”

★★★★★

“Always prompt, professional, and detailed oriented. Thorough exam, quality procedure with laser clean up done to perfection. Attentive listener. 👍”

★★★★★

“Anazing office with very friendly and helpful staff, highly skilled and state of the art in so many ways. So happy to have Dr. Thênappan leading this talented and skilled group for my eyes' health!”

Next steps

Schedule at the practice location that works best for you.

Dr. Thenappan sees patients through Coastal Vision and Salvay Vision. To get started, choose the practice and location that is most convenient for you, then call the office directly to request a consultation with Dr. Thenappan.

Coastal Vision

Orange, Chino, Irvine, and Long Beach

Schedule by phone: (888) 501-4496
Locations: 363 S Main St, Suite 325, Orange, CA 92868; 14726 Ramona Ave, Suite 200, Chino, CA 91710; 15825 Laguna Canyon Rd, Suite 201, Irvine, CA 92618; 4300 Long Beach Blvd, Suite 400, Long Beach, CA 90807

Salvay Vision

Newport Beach

Schedule by phone: (949) 520-7970
Location: 1501 Superior Ave, Suite 315, Newport Beach, CA 92663