Such heart breaking & tragic news 

Mina,
You lived a life that touched so many and had a smile that filled the room...
You created memories that will last forever creating a light all their own.

My prayers are for those you leave behind who face the empty space.

I am shocked and devastated to hear of Mina's loss. I met Mina at University of Iowa during my vitreoretinal fellowship. She was doing a visiting fellowship with Ed Stone and would travel back and forth from Rochester as part of her training. And then she became one of my close colleagues in a small and tight-knit group of IRD specialists in the US. When I think of Mina, I see her big bright beautiful smile, and it brings tears to my eyes to think that she is no longer here with us. I have been haunted by her tragic and sudden loss since I learned of it. This world can be a capricious, chaotic place, often with so much pain and senseless loss. I know in my heart that she is in a better place now. There are no answers to the empty question mark left in the void her death has created. No answers for now. We can only grieve her loss, pray for her family, and know that she is indeed in a perfect place now without pain. Mina, you will be missed by the thousands upon tens of thousands of lives you touched here. Never a kinder more cheerful more beautiful soul did I meet. May God bless all of us left behind with peace and strength to go on, and hope for the day when we meet again.

I have known Mina almost ten years and I still remember the first time when I met her. She had great smiling and warm heart. She was a great ophthalmologist and scientist. She was very knowledgeable and helped so many patients. She was a great mentor to me and we had made great research progress of the ophthalmology field and we both wish to help patients with our research findings. My thoughts and best wishes to Eddie and Mina’s family.

My husband had an appointment with Dr. Chung just a couple of weeks ago and she looked back on photos of his eyes to compare and remarked that we’ve been with her for 15 years.  She was a remarkable person! So intelligent and kind.  We could email her and count on a rapid response! We are in shock - our prayers are with her husband and family.

I am a patient of Dr Mina Chung, I am at a loss for words, I m so heartbroken, I have not stopped crying and have been reading this over and over ...I don’t understand...I keep asking .. why why why God??? She was unique, beautiful inside and out... the sweetest nicest person I have ever met in my life... I truly believe there is no other nor will there be another like her....I have an appt scheduled with her on 3/11 for a shot in my eye...I don’t Know how will I be able to go... I am haunted by this tragedy to the point that this is all I can think about... I relive her fall..and what she must of felt..in front of her husband...such a caring women she didn’t deserve this ...Dr Chung... may you Rip.... I will never forget how you helped me ....with my macular degeneration ... how you truly care ... I felt it way back the second I met you ..your eyes were the windows to your soul... you sure did touch my soul ... you are truly an angel of God... Prayers and my condolences to the family and all the people who’s lives you touched.... and your husband... you will be missed ... I will miss you very much and I will never for as long as I live forget you.... Heaven did indeed gain an angel that day

My husband & I met Dr Chung only once. As she delivered life changing news, while cautioning is not to overreact, 
She was so warm and compassionate,. Our prayers go out to her family and friends, Too Young to Leave us.
Joel & Jan Osserman

This is a devastating loss not only for the ophthalmic community and the patients that Dr. Chung cared for but a personal loss for those who knew her.
She will be remembered for always having a heart warming smile on her face and her calming demeanor.

Our hearts go out to her husband and family.

Mina crafted these elaborate private lectures-while simultaneously performing highly complex surgeries- which dissected pretense and misconceptions, leaving her residents with a profoundly deep understanding of ophthalmology.

Words cannot express the immense respect and gratitude I feel towards her. Mina’s excellence was not merely a standard to emulate, but was a gift to her trainees, gracefully compelling us to strive for the potential that she saw in us, excellence beyond what we conceived possible in ourselves.

Her impact therefore will remain inspiring and comfortingly palpable, even as we mourn the loss of her physical presence.

I am so sad to learn of this tragic accident and my heart goes out to Dr. Chung's family and colleagues. She provided her patients with outstanding care, compassion, and respect. She was a great supporter of ABVI's mission and she will be deeply missed by all. 

So sorry to hear this. She was their when I needed her. Everything was explained thoroughly so I would understand before surgery. Just saw her two weeks ago. The happy news, " she would she me in a year for follow up." She always had a smile. I know her staff will miss her, I know they really loved working for her. They all were compassionate and caring. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Mina was a year ahead of me in residency at LAC+USC. She was quick to put me at ease when I was a fumbling first year with her kindness, intelligence, and most of all her wonderful sense of humor. She had a beautiful smile and was quick to laugh at the many absurdities we encountered as LA County residents. My thoughts and prayers are with Mina's family, friends, colleagues and patients.

My heart is broken for the family of Dr. Chung and all who worked with her at the Flaum Eye Institute. She worked with both of my daughters, who have retinitis pigmentosa, since they were diagnosed as children. She always took her time with us, patiently answering all of our questions. She cared about my children as people and what their hopes and dreams were. We knew she was working on research in RP and would be in touch with us about any advances. I am in shock of her loss for our community. Rest in Peace, Dr. Chung. You will be missed.

I'm shocked and saddened to learn of the lose of Dr. Chung. I've been her patient for several years after acquiring a retinal disease. She was always cheerful and glad to see me, one could not help enjoying being in her presence. I will miss Dr. Chung, just for being such a kind doctor and person.

I will be eternally grateful for Dr. Chung saving my left eyesight 10 years ago. A small piece of plaque had lodged in my retinal blood supply, shutting down half the view in my eye. Dr. Chung came in from a run to diagnose and treat my eye, saving the vision. I have been under her care since, to the benefit of my great vision. Her charming care of her patients will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Doc!

I'd been a patient of Dr. Chung's since I was about 10 years old (I'm 23 now). I've been diagnosed with Choroideremia, like my cousin and my grandfather before me. I'd always thought that I was going to go blind eventually like my cousin and grandfather, but Dr. Chung gave me hope for my eyes. I could never repay her for giving me that hope and I will keep holding on to it in her memory. Thank you for everything, Mina. Your light and legacy will live on in all of those (myself included) that you've helped.

I was shocked by the news today. I was one of her patients since 2014. She operated on me several times always giving me hope. You will be missed. Prayers for your husband and family for comfort and peace during this very sad time.

Devestated...heart broken. I cannot even express how the news of you passing has rocked me. Mina was honestly one of the most amazing people I ever met. I met her in 2003 when I first moved to Rochester from Chicago and needed a retinal specialist. I didn't need her until 2017 when I became pregnant and my eyes changed. She was so compassionate, kind and patient. Her bedside manner was second to none and even though I was nervous to get injections in my eyes, so was flawless and made me feel so at ease. I never felt rushed and she was always so encouraging and kind. My heart hurts for the void that Mina will leave behind. Thanks to Mina's family for sharing her with us. Thank you to Mina for being such an amazing leader in her field and for giving me hope and sight after my daughter was born. I take solace in knowing that you died doing what you loved on a beautiful day surrounded by friends and family. You will truly be missed. Your smile will always be a beacon to me.

I met you as a patient and left as a friend. This should not have happened to such a kind, caring person. You will be sorely missed by myself and so many others. You left this world a much sadder and emptier place.

Mina was an wonderful physician, friend, and leader in our field. She always found the best in people. I'll miss her warmth and good humor. My thoughts and prayers are with Eddie and to her other friends, family, colleagues, and patients.

Mina, the first time I met you was as a patient, and you assured me with your kind, calm and professional demeanor that everything would work out all right, and it did. As we got to know you and Eddie on a personal level, we have grown to value your friendship, especially as you inspired us to keep adding adventurous trips and experiences to our bucket list. You lived life to the fullest and it rubbed off on those who had the good fortune of knowing you. You will be dearly missed. Eddie, we pray for your strength and courage. Many comforting thoughts to you and your family.

Dr. Chung was a brilliant and kind Ophthalmologist. She took excellent care of my mother after a retinal artery occlusion. I am so sad to hear this news. She has left a remarkable legacy.

Dave and I are very sorry to hear of Mina’s untimely passing. She was the kindest neighbor, always offering a friendly wave and beautiful smile. Our sincere condolences to her husband and family.

Dr. Chung was the only doctor in nys my daughter would go to after having 3 retinal detachments. Before then she traveled to Pittsburgh each time. Dr. Chung was her retina doctor for past 9 years. Then I had to go to her for a retina issue and then my husband has been with her for two years for injections into his eye. All of the community and beyond knew of her and her kindness,compassion and superior knowledge! You will be missed by our whole family and many more as well!

How can I begin to summarize the depth of loss left by her passing...
I met Dr Chung when we flew from out of state looking for help for our beautiful 5 week old baby boy who was born blind.  No doctor had given us any hope at all of sight. I honestly believe God worked through the hands of Dr Chung and Dr Aquavella! They are an amazing team. I have witnessed it. Not only did they use her surgical gift to help our son see as an infant, Dr Chung tirelessly worked for over 5 hours and successfully reattached my son’s retina 2 years later.  I am sure anyone else would have given up hours before, but she didn’t give up, and she was successful reattaching his retina.  He is now 5 years old, she has closely followed him, and he is doing (and seeing) wonderfully!  I speak for all of the moms and dads who have brought our babies to Dr Chung and Dr Aquavella, the team that together works miracles, you will be so desperately and deeply missed. 
We will be forever grateful to her for dedicating so much of her life to giving our babies the gift of sight, these children no one else could help. 
I will continue to pray for her family, friends, coworkers, and her patients as we all grieve and deeply miss her.

Such tragic news today. Mina your humility and inner strength were infectious. Aspen Retina is in 2 weeks and I was hoping to see you again and go down Hanging Valley or hike Highland Bowl to the top. You picked up ski late but you showed no fear and were so courageous never losing that infectious smile of yours. The retina family lost a brilliant mind and I feel your patients loss. I pray for Eddie, your family and colleagues in Rochester. RIP beautiful soul

If LA County was boot camp, Mina was our platoon leader--confident, kind, and always outworking the rest of us. I'll always remember that disarming smile of hers, flashed at moments least expected and most needed. I hadn't spoken to her in years, yet it feels like yesterday that I saw her last. I'm in disbelief and saddened. Thinking of her family. Miss you Mina.

I am so saddened by the loss of this wonderful woman. Dr. Chung was always a smiling face with a positive attitude when we saw her for my daughter's RP. We first met Dr. Chung when Sara was a senior in high school 16 years ago. Dr. Chung was the first doctor to diagnose Sara's eyesight issues through Usher's Syndrome. Every two years when we met with Dr. Chung she patiently answered my motherly questions and provided us with an update on the wonderful progressive research she and others were working on to hopefully in the near future enhance Sara's eyesight. I can only hope that those she was working on this progressive research will continue on to find a cure and honor her memory and what she strived for.

Since the three of us were runners, we also shared stories about our running especially in the Cherry Blossom race in DC. 

I cannot even imagine the hole in the heart of her family, husband and friends from her loss. It is a very sad loss for all of us especially those who she gave hope to on a regular basis. Our family is so sad to lose such unique person. We hope that all the goodness and positiveness in her shortened life will help all of us get through this sad time and eventually bring smiles to our faces when we remember her.

Dr. Chung was so wonderful. I am a woodworker and after being put on steroids by another dr. I lost depth perception and cut the end off of three fingers on the table saw. I felt my woodworking days were over. After she examined my eyes she said that I had developed central serous retinopathy due to the steroids she calmed my fears and she was sooo right. I stopped the steroids and my eyes improved over time. Her calm demeanor and knowledge made such a difference in my life. I truly will miss her ,love Dave

My heart is so heavy. I just had an appointment with Dr. Chung on February 3, 2020. Dr. Chung was very pleased with my eyes. She said my eyes was doing great and she will see me next year. I just want to thank Dr. Chung for all she did for me. Prayers are going up for her family and I know she will still watch over my eyes.

I’m a patient of Dr Chung. She was a good doctor. Greeted you always with a big smile. She took care of me. She will be greatly missed.

I am shocked and so very sorry to hear this. Dr. Chung performed an emergency surgery on me 5 years ago. Afterward her knowledge and calm demeanor reassured me, and I was so impressed by her ability and kindness. Taken from us way too soon.

Dr. Chung, you are an inspiration to my grandson Kobe and myself. You always showed kindness and patience. You gave us HOPE. Finding out today about you passing has brought many tears. We will miss you. I returned from a grocery shopping trip in tears thinking and praying for you. When I stepped out of my car there was a tiny feather that floated into my palm. A sign from heaven! Rest in peace

I’m not sure what more I can add to the accolades and tributes that have preceded this. I’ve known Mina since the residency “interview trail.” She was the consummate professional and colleague—always willing to help.

The ophthalmology community in Rochester and well beyond feels this tragic loss. My condolences to her family.

I am shocked by the immense sadness! I can not believe that we have lost Mina! She was such a wonderful colleague. I have known her for nearly 17 years. I still clearly remember my first time meeting her at the BRP group meeting at Fort Lauderdale during the 2003 ARVO annual meeting. I asked her what the retinal thickness was, with a bit of embarrassment for my naive question. She answered with a very bright and encouraging smile, to which I have been so grateful. We met almost every year at the ARVO annual meeting. Every time I could feel her warm and sincere encouragement. I admire her great achievement. It is tremendous loss to all of us fortunate to have known her. I wish her family and the folks of the UR CVS well and hope you all can recover from this tragedy soon. Mina will be missed by us for her caring and kind spirit, for her warm smile. May her spirit live on.

Dr. Chung was the first to "solve" the mystery that eluded me (and family). My family and I spent 18 years wondering why I was the only one to be deaf and could not see in the dark. We hit a gold mine with Dr. Chung after a referral from a new eye doctor who had replaced a retired one. She immediately gave us reassurance that things will be fine and stable. She was so good with my mother who always had questions and wanted to know what solutions were being explored to "solve" my retinitis pigmentosa. She understood the difficulty of working with RP, knowing that there's no immediate "cure" as we have for my deafness with a cochlear implant. We had to learn to trust her knowledge, judgment, and sense of optimism that, with time, she would find a way to restore my eyesight. Thank you, Dr. Chung, for everything.
Dr. Lin, we are thinking of all the wonderful times we have had with your wife. You're a lucky man.

I am stunned and deeply saddened hearing the news that Dr Chung has passed away. My elderly mother was a patient of hers for several years. We are very grateful to Dr Chung for both her great knowledge and kind nature. My mother has no vision in one of her eyes and macular in the other. Dr Chung was able to make sure my mom was able to keep as much sight as possible. We drove 2 hrs for each appointment as my mother was so comfortable with her. She was always extremely patient, kind and caring. She will be greatly missed by many. Prays to her family and friends.

I am so loss for words right now and saddened to hear this news. I’ve been seeing Dr. Mina Chung for several years now and she has given me so much hope with coping and living with retinitis pigmentosa. She has given me so much faith that she was so determined to find some cure for this disease or something to stop it from progressing. She always told me you are such a young beautiful girl with a bright future ahead and don’t let my sight stop me from living my life. She will be deeply missed and I am forever thankful for everything she has done for me. Heaven gained a beautiful angel ❤️

I'm so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Dr. Chung. She has helped me through my rare retinal disease for many years now. She is the person who convinced me to live my life to the fullest regardless of the disease and ultimately helped me make the decision to have my second daughter. Without her I don't know if I would have my sweet Emma and then reach stability in my disease. She had played such an important role in my life that I will never forget. She will always be remembered in our household.

I was a patient of Dr Chung and will never forget the kindness and expertise she showed to me. Her calm and reassuring ways helped me in so many ways. I am shocked and deeply saddened by her passing. I send my condolences to her family and friends as she was a bright light, a kind and gentle person, a beautiful being.

I am very saddened and shocked by the death of Dr. Mina Chung. I have known Dr. Chung since 2002 as a patient in her research moving closer to a cure for a rare macular eye disease called "Bests Disease" at the URMC Flaum Eye Institute. Her passing is a great loss. She was a very compassionate, kind, trusting Doctor. All my prayers for her, her family, friends, colleagues, students, and loved ones. What a beautiful person who will be missed.

I was a patient of Dr. Chung..she was so wonderful to us and helped us get through some difficult times. We will truly miss her and her kindness, soft spoken voice and beautiful smile. Our prayers and thoughts are with her and her family. I will dearly miss this beautiful women.

I'm so sad and shocked to hear of Mina's passing. Though I worked with Mina directly for only a short time, she continued to collaborate and be supportive for years to come. She was an exacting and brilliant physician as well as a compassionate practitioner. My deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues. Lost far too soon.

I will remember Mina’s warm welcoming smile when I joined the University of Rochester 10 years ago. That smile and her helpful guidance lasted throughout the years without fail and served as a beacon for what is good and what we should aspire to achieve. Mina’s mentorship and advice was valuable, but it was her leadership by way of example that always inspired me personally. I will miss her very much and I am saddened that we have lost a powerful positive force in this world. My thoughts and best wishes to Eddie and Mina’s family.

Mina was a great kind soul. I was about to invite her to serve on our Mediterranean Retina Meeting Board of Directors because she has always been someone who everyone likes and always was positive. I will truly miss her and the opportunity to work more closely with her. I am sorry that we have all lost her.

Mina and I met several years ago at conference when I was working in Syracuse, New York. Then, when I came to Rochester, Mina was very welcoming and very helpful. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Because of you:
Because of you I have been given sight again,
Because of you the world is now bright and clear,
Because of you my eyes are free from pain,
Because of you my sight releases me from fear,
Because of you my hearts has been blessed
Because of you I've known the best
Because of you are now Heaven bound
Because of you I pray peace be found.

Thank you Mina for the allowing me to have a small part of your life to share and to cherish forever,
Sincerely,
Frank Mangefrida 

Dr Chung has been our son's surgeon / specialist for his Coats' Disease since 2005. She was an amazing doctor,surgeon and friend, we are all devastated to hear of her unfortunate passing. This is a tremendous loss to URMC, and the future of eye care. My sincere condolences go out to the entire Chung family, and her dear friends/colleagues at URMC. She leaves a gaping hole in our family's life. So sad...

Dr Mina Chung was so many things to so many people. I didn’t know her personally, but she came into our life after so many had pushed us out the door. She diagnosed my now freshman in college, with a rare eye disease called Stargardt’s. My
daughter was just coming out of 7th grade at the time. Time and time again she sat there and listened to us talk, cry, spew frustrations and would do it with such compassion in her eyes, and in her responses. Most doctors are very business oriented. No emotion. All chart. She was the exact opposite of that. She really was an angel during a really hard time. She not only helped us, but was able to help my nephew, and guided my brother into an amazing study in Chicago for his macular degeneration. She was a real force. She was an angel. Our family will forever be grateful for her existence, and she will always be remembered as just that... an angel.

Mina's clinical wisdom guided my work at Rochester to apply our tools to the study of human disease, particularly in our collaborations on age-related macular degeneration. Mina was a very thoughtful mentor and she pushed us to drive our work to the highest level by constantly challenging us to improve. She often sent us some very difficult patients to image, I think to teach us what we needed to be able to overcome in the lab to be able to make a serious difference clinically. Though we may have not been the fastest team to publish our work, it was always of the highest scientific quality. Mina had amazing and seemingly unlimited energy and an infectious smile. We shared an appreciation for good food and I have many memories of some really outrageous meals we shared together, especially at ARVO, when she invited her research team out each year to celebrate our accomplishments. We published 6 papers together over the past 7 years and we still had a few more in the works. I am deeply saddened that we won't be able to work on those together now and that our collaborations have come to an end far too soon. My thoughts are with Eddie and her family.

Dr. Chung was a wonderful and caring provider. She had provided me with care for my retina damage for many years and was so professional, but friendly. It was a pleasure having her care for me and I will miss her. I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.