When it comes to your vision, you deserve the very best care. Dr. Reena Patel is a board-certified ophthalmologist renowned for her expertise and dedication to patients seeking vision correction. As a highly skilled LASIK and cataract surgeon in Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Patel at Wichita Vision Institute offers advanced treatments and personalized care to help you achieve clearer, healthier vision. Discover more about why Dr. Patel is a trusted choice for comprehensive eye care by contacting her office at (316) 773-6400 or via email at [email protected].
Meet Dr. Reena Patel: Wichita’s Dedicated Eye Care Specialist
Dr. Reena Patel’s journey in medicine began with strong Midwestern roots, despite being born in the bustling city of New York. Growing up in Norfolk, Nebraska, she developed a solid foundation in academics, propelling her to excel in her studies. Dr. Patel completed her bachelor’s degree in biology in an accelerated three years at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Her passion for medicine led her to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where she earned her medical degree with high distinction. During medical school, Dr. Patel’s commitment to excellence was further recognized through her election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, a prestigious distinction, and honors for her insightful M.D. research thesis. Throughout her academic career, she consistently received accolades and scholarships, highlighting her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the field of medicine.
Dr. Patel’s rigorous postgraduate training included a transitional rotating internship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by an ophthalmology residency at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Demonstrating her leadership and expertise, she served as acting chief resident for five months during her residency. To further specialize her skills, Dr. Patel completed a cornea fellowship at the esteemed Dean A. McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, focusing on external disease and refractive surgery. Notably, during her fellowship, she had the unique opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Gholam Peyman, the very inventor of LASIK surgery, an experience that deeply shaped her approach to vision correction.
Dr. Patel’s Personal LASIK Experience: A Patient and Practitioner Perspective
Dr. Patel’s commitment to LASIK extends beyond her professional expertise; it’s rooted in her own transformative personal experience. “I underwent LASIK surgery myself in 1999, performed by one of my mentors,” Dr. Patel shares. At the time, she struggled with severe allergies and discomfort with contact lenses. “I couldn’t wear my contacts for extended periods, and my vision was often blurry. I disliked my glasses, feeling they restricted my peripheral vision. Without contacts or glasses, seeing even the largest letter on the eye chart was impossible.”
November 18, 1999, marked a life-changing moment for Dr. Patel. “The impact of LASIK surgery on my life was truly profound,” she recalls. “Immediately post-surgery, my vision was sharper than it had ever been with contacts or glasses. Leaving the surgery center, I was filled with amazement. It was incredible that a quick, painless 10-minute procedure could so dramatically improve my vision, freeing me from glasses and contacts I had relied on since the fifth grade.”
“LASIK changed my life,” Dr. Patel emphasizes. Her personal experience with LASIK was so impactful that it redirected her career path towards specializing in refractive surgery. “Even 21 years later, I remain impressed by my LASIK results, and the technology has only advanced further since then.” This firsthand understanding of the benefits of LASIK provides Dr. Patel with a unique empathy and perspective when treating her own LASIK patients.
Professional Excellence and Recognition as a Leading Eye Doctor
Dr. Reena Patel achieved board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2004, the same year she established Wichita Vision Institute. Her dedication to providing exceptional eye care has been consistently recognized within the medical community. Since 2006, Dr. Patel has been repeatedly selected for inclusion in the prestigious list of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Furthermore, the International Association of Healthcare Professionals has recognized her as a Top Ophthalmologist in Wichita, solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Patel is actively involved in advancing ophthalmic knowledge through research. She has conducted numerous clinical and basic science research projects, presenting her findings at national and international meetings. Her research contributions have also been published in various peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Patel remains at the forefront of innovation, currently participating in clinical treatment trials in Wichita. Her expertise is further acknowledged by her selection to the editorial review board of the esteemed Journal of Refractive Surgery.
Community Involvement and Commitment Beyond the Clinic
Dr. Reena Patel’s dedication extends beyond her patients and into the wider Wichita community. She generously donates her time and expertise to numerous charities and organizations, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility. Dr. Patel has collaborated with both local and national volunteer organizations, including Dress for Success, Lions Club, EyeCare America, Glaucoma EyeCare Project, Senior EyeCare Project, Public Health Service, Habitat for Humanity, and Project Access. Balancing her professional and community commitments, Dr. Patel is also a devoted mother to her son, actively participating in his school events, supporting his soccer endeavors, and sharing her love for college football and basketball.
Wichita Vision Institute, under Dr. Patel’s leadership, actively supports a wide range of local and national organizations focused on research and community betterment. These include the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, breast cancer research initiatives, the American Diabetes Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Sedgwick County Zoo, Tallgrass Film Festival, Wichita Art Museum, and numerous other worthy causes. Dr. Patel’s commitment to education and the future of ophthalmology is further demonstrated by her recent appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the KU School of Medicine.
Professional Affiliations: A Testament to Expertise and Collaboration
Dr. Reena Patel is an active and respected member of numerous professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and upholding the highest standards in ophthalmology. Her affiliations include:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- American Medical Association
- International Society of Refractive Surgery
- Medical Society of Sedgwick County
- Kansas Medical Society
- Kansas Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
- Alpha Omega Alpha Society
- American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives
- Sedgwick County Osteopathic Medical Society
- University of Nebraska Alumni Association
- Tulane Eye Alumni Association
- KU School of Medicine, Dept. of Ophthalmology
Dr. Patel’s extensive training, personal experience with LASIK, professional accolades, and community involvement clearly establish her as a leading Dr Patel Eye Doctor in Wichita. Patients seeking exceptional eye care, particularly LASIK and cataract surgery, can confidently choose Dr. Patel and Wichita Vision Institute for personalized and expert treatment.
