Summary

Dr.  Emma McDonnell, MD is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Emma McDonnell is a board-certified oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery, and facial reconstruction. With advanced training in blepharoplasty, brow and forehead lifts, orbital and facial trauma, and tear duct surgery, she provides expert care for adults and children.

Originally from Southern California, Dr. McDonnell is passionate about bringing her expertise back to her home community. She is fluent in English and proficient in Spanish, allowing her to provide personalized, patient-centered care to a diverse population.

AMERICAN EYE ASSOCIATES

Over 30 Years of Surgical & Retinal Expertise

Leading Ophthalmology & Retina Focused Care Team in California

As a leading ophthalmology practice serving San Diego and Imperial County, American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates provide advanced medical and surgical solutions for a wide range of eye conditions. These include retinal diseases, corneal disorders, cataracts, and reconstructive oculoplastic procedures.

Our story began in 1988, when the practice was founded as California Retina Associates, quickly becoming a respected name in retinal care throughout Southern California. The practice, known for its clinical expertise and dedication to preserving vision, built a strong foundation to fuel decades of growth and innovation.

We rebranded as American Eye Associates—a name that better represents the full-spectrum care we now provide. Today, we operate under a dual-brand identity, honoring the strength of our retinal legacy through California Retina Associates while representing our broader ophthalmic expertise under American Eye Associates.

With offices in Chula Vista, El Centro, Escondido, El Cajon, and National City, we ensure dedicated eye care is always within reach. Whether you need an eye exam, vision-saving surgery, or personalized aesthetic care, our experienced team is here to help—on your schedule and in your language. No matter where you are, our trusted eye care team is here to help you preserve and improve your vision with compassionate, expert-led care.

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Provider Video

Office Location

American Eye Associates

835 3rd Ave Ste CChula Vista, CA 91911

Quick Facts

  • accepting new patients
  • 54 insurance plans accepted
  • speaks English
  • Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • 7 specialties
  • 6 areas of expertise
  • 1 office location
  • Female

Insurance Plans Accepted by Dr. Emma C. McDonnell

  • Accepts Medicare
  • Accepts Medicaid
  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Alignment Healthcare
  • AMG IPA
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Avanta IPA
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Brand New Day
  • CareCredit
  • Champion Health Plan
  • CHAMPVA
  • Cigna
  • Clever Care Health Plan
  • CommuniCare Advantage
  • Community Care
  • Community Health Group
  • CommunityCare IPA
  • CorrectCare Integrated Health
  • Davis Vision
  • Easy Access Care IPA
  • EyeMed
  • GEHA
  • Health Net
  • Health Net Federal Services (HNFS)
  • HealthPartners
  • Humana
  • ICPMG
  • Imperial Health
  • Imperial Health Holdings
  • Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
  • Integrated Health Partners
  • Medicare
  • Medicare Partners
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Perlman Clinic Medical Group
  • Pinnacle Claims Management
  • Premier Patient Care
  • Primary Care Associates
  • Prime Health Services
  • Prospect Medical
  • Regal Medical Group
  • San Diego PACE
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • Sharp Health Plan
  • Spectera
  • Tricare
  • TRICARE for Life
  • TRICARE Prime
  • United Physicians International
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • VA Community Care
  • VSP Vision Care
  • Western Growers
  • WPS Military and Veterans Health

Specialty Expertise

Dr. Emma C. McDonnell has the following 6 areas of expertise

  • Brow and Forehead Lifts
  • Eyelid and Skin Cancer Reconstruction
  • Orbital and Facial Trauma Surgery
  • Tear Duct Surgery (DCR Dacryocystorhinostomy)
  • Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment
  • Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Certifications, License, & Education

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, California, 2027, Active

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Fellowship

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Residency

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Medical School

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dr. Emma McDonnell accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Dr. Emma McDonnell has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Where is Dr. Emma McDonnell's office located?
Dr. Emma McDonnell's office is located at 835 3rd Ave Ste C, Chula Vista, CA, 91911.
Does Dr. Emma McDonnell accept my insurance?
You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Emma McDonnell accepts on their Vitals profile.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Emma McDonnell?
You can find contact information for Dr. Emma McDonnell here on Vitals.
Is Dr. Emma McDonnell accepting new patients?
Dr. Emma McDonnell is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Emma McDonnell's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.

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