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Catherine Sheils, MD

Catherine Sheils, MD

Cataract, Comprehensive, Dry Eye, Glaucoma

Reviews

Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma Specialist

Please welcome Catherine R. Sheils, M.D., to the team at Eye Care of San Diego. Dr. Sheils is a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma and cataract surgery. Dr. Sheils provides exceptional eye care to help her patients achieve optimal vision. She is accepting new patients. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Dr. Sheils brings a warm and personable approach to care. Her commitment to building strong doctor-patient relationships is rooted in trust and open communication. Dr. Sheils understands the importance of making her patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey to better vision.

Dr. Sheils’ academic achievements include completing a glaucoma fellowship at the Shiley Eye Institute at the University of California, San Diego under the guidance of the renowned Dr. Robert Weinreb. She has expertise in the full range of glaucoma surgery, including both traditional methods and innovative minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. Furthermore, Dr. Sheils is skilled in performing cataract surgery with the latest technology, including the use of premium intraocular lenses to treat astigmatism and presbyopia, thereby reducing the dependence on corrective eyewear.

Dr. Sheils graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University, where she was a four-year member of the Division I NCAA ski team. She returned to her hometown to obtain her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.  She subsequently completed her ophthalmology residency at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine. Driven by her passion for learning and embracing innovation, she actively engages in professional memberships, including the American Glaucoma Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Women in Ophthalmology, California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Sheils finds joy in activities like hiking, tennis, and exploring the dynamic San Diego food scene.

Fluent in English and possessing a working knowledge of medical Spanish, Dr. Sheils ensures effective communication with a diverse range of patients. Call to schedule your appointment today.

College:
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude in Sociology, Secondary Field in Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA (2009-2013)

Medical School
Doctor of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY (2014-2018)

Internship
Internal Medicine Internship Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA (2018-2019)

Residency
Ophthalmology Residency, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA (2019-2022)

Fellowship:
Glaucoma Fellowship, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA (2022-23)

  • American Board of Ophthalmology, Board Certified
  • American Glaucoma Society
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Women in Ophthalmology
  • California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Starr Schulman Fellow, California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum (2021, 2022)
  • Glasgow-Rubin Citation for Academic Achievement, American Medical Women’s Association (2018)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society (2017)
  • Pathology Honor Society Award, Intersociety Council for Pathology information (2017)
  • Harvard Center for Public Interest Careers Post-Graduate Fellowship (2013-2014)
  • Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Honor Society (2013-2014)
  • Departmental High Honors in Sociology, Harvard University (2013)
  • Four-time National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team, Division I Alpine Skiing (2010-2013)
  • Francis J. Tolland Award Finalist. Given annually to the senior varsity athlete who has made the most significant contribution to the Harvard community (2013)
  • heils CR; Chihara E; Minckler D; Mosaed S; .Chapter 102: Aqueous Shunts and the Cornea. Glaucoma, 3rd edition, publication date pending, editor Sharaway.
  • Hussey V; Sheils CR; Salimiaghdam NS; Young K; Farid M. The Impact of Amphotericin B Fortified Preservation Media on Donor Rim Cultures and Post Transplant Infection. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology; 2022 Sep; 70 (9): 3294-3297.
  • Han, M; Sheils CR; Crow RW. Vision Loss Associated with Autoimmune Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy. Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology. 2022 Jun1; 42(2): e485-e487.
  • Sheils CR; Mosaed S. Comment: Surgical Treatment: Clinical Outcomes with the XEN45 Gel Stent. International Glaucoma Review. Issue 21-4. Published online June 2021.
  • Mosaed S; Lieu JHK; Minckler DS; Fitzgerald RL; Grelotti D; Wilsey B; Sones E; Sheils CR; Weinreb RN; Marcotte TD. The Effect of Inhaled Cannabis on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Adult Subjects. touchREVIEWS in Ophthalmology. 2021 May15(1):33-37.
  • Sheils CR; Cypen S; Tao JT. Blindness Secondary to Odontogenic Orbital Cellulitis During the COVID-19 Dental Shutdown. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021 Jan-Feb 01; 37 (1): e33-e35.
  • Sheils CR; Cypen SG; Bhatter P; Tao JP. Orbital Microscopic Polyangiitis with Secondary Angle Closure due to Uveal Effusion. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 2021 Jan-Feb 01;37(1):e33-35.
  • Sheils CR; Fischer WS; Hollar RA; Blanchard LM; Feldon SE. The Relationship Between Optic Disc Volume, Area and Frisén Score in Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2018 Nov; 195: 101-109.
  • Sheils CR; Hartmann A; Kuriyan AE. Visual Disturbance in a Middle-Aged Woman with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2018 June 1; 136 (6) 702-703.
  • Minami CA; Sheils CR; Pavey E; Chung JW; Stulberg JJ; Odell DD; Yang AD; Bentrem DJ; Bilimoria KY. Association between State Medical Malpractice Environment and Postoperative Outcomes in the United States. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2017 Mar; 224(3):310-318.
  • Sheils CR; Dahlke AR; Kreutzer L; Bilimoria KY; Yang A. Evaluation of Hospitals Participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Surgery. 2016 Nov; 160(5): 1182-1188.
  • Minami CA; Sheils CR; Bilimoria KY; Johnson JK; Berger ER; Berian JR; Englesbe MJ; Guillamondegui O; Hines HH; Cofer JB; Flum DR; Thirbly RC; Kazaure HS; Wren SM; O’Leary KJ; Thurk JS; Kennedy GD; Tevis SE; Yang A. Process Improvement in Surgery. Current Problems in Surgery. 2016 Feb; 53(2): 62-96.

    PRESENTATIONS AND ABSTRACTS
  • Sheils CR; Hussey V; Salimiaghdam N; Mittal A; Farid M. The Impact of Amphotericin B Fortified Preservation Media on Donor Rim Cultures and Post-Transplant Infection. Eye Bank Association of America Annual Meeting: Scientific Symposium. 2021 June 12. Abstract also published in the International Journal of Eyebanking.
  • Sheils CR; Mosaed, S. Navigating Presbyopia Correction in Mild Ectasia with High Expectations. Association for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Grand Rounds. 2021May 19.
  • Sheils CR; Conger J; Cypen SG; Tao JP. Blindness from Odontogenic Orbital Abscesses Related to COVID-19 Pandemic Suspension of Dental Care. American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Scientific Symposium. 2020 November 20.
  • Cypen SG; Sheils CR; Bhatter P; Tao JP. p-ANCA Vasculitis Presenting as Concomitant Orbital Mass and Angle Closure Secondary to Uveal Effusions. American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Virtual Spring Scientific Symposium. 2020 June 25.
  • Sheils CR; Dahlke AR; Yang A; Bilimoria KY. Are NSQIP Hospitals Unique? Oral presentation, Medical Student Quick shot Session, Academic Surgical Congress. 2016 February 2. Jacksonville, FL.
  • Sheils CR; Dahlke AR; Yang A; Bilimoria KY. Are NSQIP Hospitals Unique? A Description of Hospitals Enrolled in ACS-NSQIP. Oral presentation, Patient Safety and Quality Session, Academic Surgical Congress. 2016 February 3. Jacksonville, FL
  • Sheils CR; Arias SA; Sullivan AF; Boudreaux E; Miller I; Camargo CA Jr. Substance Use and Suicide Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients. Poster presented at 18th Annual Regional Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Meeting. 2014 March 26. New Haven, CT.
  • Sullivan AF; Espinola JA; Chen DK; Sheils CR; Brown DFM; Camargo CA Jr. United States emergency department openings, closures, and annual visit volumes: 2001 to 2011 [abstract]. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2014; 4(64); S32.

Services Offered:

Dr. Sheils is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery. She utilizes both traditional and laser-assisted techniques and offers premium intraocular lenses designed to reduce dependence on glasses, for issues like astigmatism and presbyopia

As a glaucoma specialist, She offers comprehensive glaucoma management including both traditional and minimally invasive surgical options, laser procedures, and advanced drainage techniques, helping patients prevent vision loss through early detection and personalized care.

Dr. Sheils brings expertise in treating dry eye and Eye Care of San Diego provides a full spectrum of care, from diagnosing symptoms like redness, burning, or blurry vision to advanced treatments.

Dr. Sheils’s Patient Reviews


Learn More: Read Our Blogs

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Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, and the Latest Treatment Options 

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Cataracts

When Should You Get Cataract Surgery? Signs, Symptoms & Treatment in San Diego

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 60. As we age, the natural lens in the eye can become cloudy, resulting in blurry vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, and dull colors.  At Eye Care of San Diego, our expert ophthalmologists help patients across Southern California determine the right…

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Explore the Success Rates and Advantages of Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

If you’re over 40 and tired of juggling reading glasses, or if you’ve noticed the first signs of cataracts, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) could be your path to lasting clear vision. This advanced procedure is helping people across San Diego see the world more clearly, often without the constant need for glasses or contacts. At…

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Eye Conditions Men in San Diego Are More Likely to Face

Are you a man living in San Diego? If so, it’s time to pay closer attention to your vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, men are at higher risk for a number of serious eye conditions — often due to genetics, lifestyle, or workplace exposure. Many of these issues can lead to permanent…

Revolutionize Cataract Care at Eye Care of San Diego
Cataracts

Revolutionize Cataract Care at Eye Care of San Diego

Cataracts don’t just affect your eyes—they affect how you experience the world. This Cataract Awareness Month, it’s time to discover a solution that doesn’t just restore vision but redefines it. Imagine having cataract surgery and then fine-tuning your eyesight after your eyes have healed. That’s the promise of the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)—a revolutionary advancement now available at Eye Care of San Diego.

Our Doctors

locations

Serving Our Community

Eye Care of San Diego has four convenient locations to provide Southern California patients with access to a wide range of vision correction options. The talented ophthalmologists at Eye Care of San Diego can provide everything from LASIK surgery to dry eye treatment. For more information about the eye care services that we provide or to schedule a consultation with our ophthalmology team, contact Eye Care of San Diego today.

All Locations

Mission Hills

3939 Third Avenue
San Diego, California 92103
Additional Mission Hills Information

La Jolla (Previously Eye Care of La Jolla)

9834 Genesee Avenue
Suite 200
La Jolla, California 92037
Additional La Jolla (Previously Eye Care of La Jolla) Information

Sorrento Valley

5330 Carroll Canyon Road
Suite 210
San Diego, CA 92121
Additional Sorrento Valley Information

Eye Specialist of Escondido

201 West Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025
Additional Eye Specialist of Escondido Information

Escondido (Closed – New Location Coming Soon)

700 West El Norte Pkwy.
Escondido, CA 92026
Additional Escondido (Closed – New Location Coming Soon) Information