In Memoriam: Shiu Y. Kwok, MD, PhD, JD

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Shiu Y. Kwok, a beloved ophthalmologist, academic scholar publishing over 50 papers, and mentor who dedicated over four decades to the care and well-being of his patients in San Francisco.

Dr. Kwok’s first career was a molecular biologist. He earned his PhD in molecular biology from UCLA in 1972. Upon graduating, he worked in labs of notable Nobel Laureate Prof. Paul D. Boyer (chemistry), Nobel Laureate Prof. Gerald M. Edelman (biochemistry), and Nobel Laureate Prof. Rosalyn Yalow (immunochemistry).

Dr. Kwok’s journey in medicine began at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, where he earned his medical degree in 1979. He completed his internship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine-Bronx Veterans Administration Medical Center, followed by his residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Kwok further specialized in ophthalmology through fellowships at Cornell Medical College, Proctor Foundation of Eye Research UC San Francisco, and Doheny Eye Institute University of Southern California. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Kwok was known for his compassionate thoughtful care and commitment to restoring and preserving vision for his patients. His multilingual fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin allowed him to serve a diverse patient base in the community he cherished. Dr. Kwok was also a civic leader taking pride in giving back to the community as a co-founder and medical advisor for Vision Care Services Foundation San Francisco Chinatown Lion’s Club, and Chair of Prevent Blindness Northern California.

Beyond his science and medical career, Dr. Kwok’s intellectual curiosity led him to earn a JD from University of San Francisco. His legacy endures through the lives of the countless patients he cared for and the students he mentored. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, humility, and lifelong dedication to excellence in his work.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dr. Kwok will take place at the Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse, 300 Finley Road, San Francisco, on Saturday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m. To ensure sufficient seating, please RSVP to celebrationNOV16@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in Dr. Kwok’s honor to help establish the Shiu Y. Kwok, MD, PhD Endowed Professorship at UCSF Ophthalmology. Contributions will support future research and education in the field he cherished. Donations can be made through the All May See Foundation, ensuring that Dr. Kwok’s legacy of service, knowledge, and compassion continues to inspire future generations.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues as we honor the life of a remarkable man.

(pictured above from left to right: Wendy, Shiu and Joan Kwok at the All May See 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2022)