An Eye for the Sky: Dr. Suresh Kumar Pandey's Journey from Rural Roots to Global Ophthalmology

Dr. Suresh Kumar Pandey is an eye surgeon, educator, and author. He is the founder and director of SuVi Eye Institute and Lasik Laser Centre in Kota, Rajasthan. Dr. Pandey has authored several books on ophthalmology and medical entrepreneurship, including his recent memoir An Eye for the Sky: How an Eye Surgeon Helped Millions Dare to Dream, published by Penguin Random House, India.

Born in 1968 in the rural village of Mohna (district Chittorgarh) in Rajasthan, Dr. Pandey completed his early education without access to electricity or modern facilities. He graduated with a medical degree from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, and earned his postgraduate degree in ophthalmology from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Between 1998 and 2005, Dr. Pandey underwent advanced ophthalmology training at several internationally recognized centers, such as the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA; John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA; and the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney, Australia. His mentors included notable ophthalmologists Prof. David J. Apple, Prof. Randall J. Olson, Prof. M. Edward Wilson, Prof. Nick Mamalis, and Prof. Frank A. Billson. During this period, he also held roles involving teaching and research.

After completing his international training, Dr. Pandey returned to India in 2006 with his wife, Dr. Vidushi Sharma, also an ophthalmologist. They established the SuVi Eye Institute and Lasik Laser Centre in Kota, which has since developed into a regional center offering services in routine and complex microincision cataract surgery, refractive surgery, oculoplastic surgery, cornea, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal surgery. The institute also organizes community eye-care programs aimed at economically disadvantaged populations affected by eye diseases, including cataracts and refractive errors common in the region's harsh climatic conditions.

Throughout his career of more than 25 years, Dr. Pandey has performed over 100,000 eye surgeries. He has contributed more than 150 articles to peer‑reviewed journals and authored or co-authored approximately 40 chapters in ophthalmology textbooks. He has also written eight ophthalmic textbooks, including a widely used book on pediatric cataract surgery published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, USA. His scholarly work has been presented at numerous international ophthalmological conferences.

Dr. Pandey has received several awards in recognition of his clinical expertise and contributions to ophthalmic research. These include the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Gold Medal from the Indian Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society (IIRSI), and a State Award from the Government of Rajasthan in 2011, shared with Dr. Vidushi Sharma, for their work in ophthalmic education and public health outreach. He has also received accolades for outstanding surgical videos and scientific posters at international conferences.

Dr. Pandey’s memoir An Eye for the Sky: How an Eye Surgeon Helped Millions Dare to Dream offers a factual account of his educational background, clinical career, and efforts to expand access to quality eye care in India. The book underscores the value of medical education, the challenges of practicing ophthalmology in urban and semi-urban areas, and the role of ethical patient care.

In April 2025, during the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) and All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) joint conference held in New Delhi, Dr. Suresh Kumar Pandey presented his memoir An Eye for the Sky to his mentors, Professor Charles McGhee, Founding Director of the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, and Professor Frank Martin, former President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and a leading pediatric ophthalmologist from Sydney. This moment marked a touching tribute to the mentors who shaped his professional journey and global outlook in ophthalmology.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Pandey and Dr. Vidushi Sharma have emphasized a patient-centered approach and surgical excellence, prioritizing medical ethics and community service over commercial interests. Their work reflects a commitment to maintaining high clinical standards while addressing eye health needs in underserved populations.