Late at night, when other doctors had gone home or gone to bed is when Richard Leung practiced and worked to perfect his craft.

Working at the University of Southern California Medical Center as a resident ophthalmologist- that’s eye doctor in layman’s terms- Leung would practice making perfect cut until he could virtually do it without looking. "Learning eye surgery is like learning a golf swing. You have so much to think about when you’re swinging, and eye surgery is kind of the same way," Leung said. "By building my skills, I developed it like a golf swing."

It’s that kind of determination and attention to detail that’s gotten him to where he’s at today. Leung is founder and operator of the San Diego Eye Center, has won numerous professional awards and also spends time instructing students at the University of California-San Diego.

When listening to Leung speak, one can sense his passion and enthusiasm. He likes to use catch phrases other doctors use like "safe, professional, care" and "providing patients with the highest quality of service," except there’s a difference with Leung- you can feel the sincerity and honesty in his voice when Leung speaks.

Í founded the Eye Center just based on offering the best care," he said. "I really make an effort to treat others correctly. It’s probably something that was just instilled in me. Also, I’ve been at the cutting edge of technology."

The combination of Leung’s compassion for patients and desire to have the latest in medical equipment are illustrated in the story of Debra Bowes.

A victim of a horrible fire accident which left her with no ears, nose or hands, Bowes is unable to wear glasses.

"She had to put her contacts in by putting them on her forearm and throwing them into her eyes," Leung said

However, through a new technique which Leung was first to perform in San Diego County, Bowes’ life has changed. The technique, known as Down-up LASIK made it possible for Bowes to never have to wear contacts again.

Down-up LASIK is the latest technique in laser surgery which is used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Unlike other techniques, the recovery time for LASIK is only a matter of hours, frequently giving the patient better 20/20 vision.

So sure is Leung of the surgery’s results that he had it performed on himself, and also performed it on his own wife.

"It’s amazing.I can see so clearly now," Leung said. "It’s great, I love it!"

Of Debra Bowes, Leung said her tale is an illustration of why he enjoys his profession so much.

"There’s nothing like being able to help someone see better. Just to be able to see your alarm clock in the morning, or to be able to hold your children without worrying about knocking off their glasses," Leung said.

His patients are seemingly as appreciative of Leung’s work as he is enthusiastic about it. A sampling of the comments he has received include these remarks: "The most incredible experience in my life." "This has changed my world." "Words can not express my gratitude at the miracle of sight and appreciation for your skills."

Although his practice is now thriving, the early years of founding the San Diego Eye Center were not easy for Leung.

"It wasn’t easy. I was paying off loans for three years," he said.

But eventually the business took off, and he and his wife were able to move from their one-bedroom apartment to Rancho Sant Fe.

"The guys who moved us asked if we hit the lottery," Leung recalled with a laugh.

And while we’re speaking of glowing terms about the benefits of eye surgery, Leung’s real passion is for his family.

A recent father, his two children and his wife are what Leung said are the most important things in his life.