Summary

Dr. Gregory Stainer, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Gregory A. Stainer is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained corneal and external disease specialist with extensive experience in LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser-assisted vision correction. He has performed over 35,000 cataract surgeries, 10,000 LASIK procedures, and over 1,000 corneal transplants, making him a highly regarded specialist in advanced vision correction techniques.

With a strong research background and clinical expertise, Dr. Stainer has participated in extensive studies on LASIK and laser vision correction, traveling across the United States to remain at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements. His surgical proficiency extends beyond refractive surgery, as he also has experience with multiple types of lasers for aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Stainer is a recognized leader in corneal and refractive surgery research, with over 15 peer-reviewed publications, including “A Comparison of Intracapsular and Extracapsular Lens Extraction Combined with Keratoplasty.”

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.

Read More Read less

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
  • University of California, San Diego
  • 5 specialties
  • 4 areas of expertise
  • 1 office location
  • Male

Insurance Plans Accepted by Dr. Gregory A. Stainer

  • 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. Gregory A. Stainer has the following 4 areas of expertise

  • Aesthetic & Reconstructive Laser Surgery
  • Cataract Surgery & Premium Lens Implants
  • Corneal Transplant Surgery (PKP, DSAEK, DMEK)
  • LASIK, PRK & Laser Vision Correction

Certifications, License, & Education

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Fellowship

University of California, San Diego

Residency

University of Wisconsin

Medical School

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does Dr. Gregory Stainer speak?
Dr. Gregory Stainer speaks English.
Does Dr. Gregory Stainer accept my insurance?
You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Gregory Stainer accepts on their Vitals profile.
Is Dr. Gregory Stainer accepting new patients?
Dr. Gregory Stainer is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Gregory Stainer's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.
Where is Dr. Gregory Stainer's office located?
Dr. Gregory Stainer's office is located at 835 3rd Ave Ste C, Chula Vista, CA, 91911.
Does Dr. Gregory Stainer accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Dr. Gregory Stainer has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.

Ensuring Data Transparency and Trust: A Guide to Vitals Doctor Listings and Reviews

Our provider data is gathered directly from physicians and publicly available databases. Providers who verify their profiles gain the ability to update information, offering additional details about their specialties,education, treated conditions, performed procedures, and accepted insurances.

Reviews on Vitals are submitted by users only. Recognizing the valuable insights these reviews offer into a doctor's reputation, we maintain internal policies and protocols to ensure the quality and accuracy of all reviews. Importantly, providers cannot delete or alter reviews independently. Reviews can only be deleted or changed following an internal assessment by our customer service team.

Your feedback is highly valued and we encourage you to contact our support team should you encounter any issues.