Paul Azar, M.D.
- B.S., University of Southwestern Louisiana
- M.D., Louisiana State University, 1970
- Residency, Louisiana State University Department of Ophthalmology, 1974
- National Institute of Health Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Union University, Albany, New York, 1974
- 256th Infantry Brigade Battalion Surgeon, Louisiana National Guard
- Pioneered first intraocular lens techniques in Louisiana, 1974
- Currently, Dr. Paul practices comprehensive ophthalmology with an emphasis on external disease and refractive surgery.
Dr. Paul Azar Jr’s vision was to establish quality and compassionate Eye Care for Acadiana. He has successfully assembled staff and a work environment that accomplishes this goal. Dr Azar is a third generation Ophthalmologist. The immediate family has over 40 Ophthalmologist.
Dr. Azar started practicing ophthalmology in Lafayette Louisiana in 1975. He brought the first microscopic surgery to Acadiana. He was the first surgeon to complete successful lens implantations for cataracts. He was also the first to use FDA approved Laser surgery in this area. This included LASIK, PRK and YAG laser for cataracts. Dr. Azar has practiced ophthalmology for over 40 years. He is board-certified in ophthalmology. Dr Azar received his bachelor of science from the University of Louisiana cum laude. He completed residency and internship at Louisiana State University.
He also has completed fellowships in cornea, pathology and pediatric ophthalmology at Union University in Albany, NY.
Dr. Azar is a veteran of 27 years of military service. This included Active Duty for operation Desert Storm. After Katrina hurricane devastated Louisiana in the Gulf Coast, he started the University medical Center ophthalmology department in Lafayette. This allowed LSU Ophthalmology to have a site for residents to train after the School in New Orleans was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. This program continues to serve the people of Acadiana. During Rita and Katrina, Dr Azar was the medical director of the Cajundome which served as a shelter for 60 days. He published a book and a documentary detailing this event. Dr Azar is a full Professor of Ophthalmology at LSU and Tulane Medical Schools. He has served on the Louisiana Judicial Commission, Cajundome Commission, Louisiana Medical Society and Emergency Medical Services for Louisiana.
He has successfully completed over 40,000 Cataract Implantations and 10,000 refractive surgeries. He continues to see patients and teach.
He’s received many honors including the Civic Cup, the Jewel Lowe 232-HELP humanitarian award and the LSU medical school alumnus the year. He continues practicing primarily seeing patients that have corneal, pediatric and refractive problems.