Sanduk Ruit

Sanduk Ruit (born September 4, 1954) is a renowned ophthalmologist from Nepal, celebrated for his innovative work in cataract surgery. He is the co-founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, and has been instrumental in restoring sight to thousands of people across Asia and Africa.

Early Life and Education

Sanduk Ruit was born in the remote village of Olangchung Gola in the Taplejung District of Nepal. Despite the challenges of growing up in a remote area, Ruit excelled academically. He attended St. Robert's School in Darjeeling, India, and later pursued his medical degree at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India.

Career

Ruit's career in ophthalmology began at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where he specialized in eye surgery. He further honed his skills in Australia, where he trained under the guidance of Fred Hollows, a prominent ophthalmologist known for his work in developing countries.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology

In 1994, Ruit co-founded the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology with the aim of providing affordable eye care to the underprivileged. The institute has become a center of excellence in eye care, research, and training. It is particularly known for its high-volume, low-cost cataract surgery model.

Innovations in Cataract Surgery

Ruit is best known for developing a small-incision cataract surgery technique that is both cost-effective and efficient. This technique allows for high-quality intraocular lenses to be implanted at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. His approach has been adopted in many developing countries, significantly reducing the cost of cataract surgery and making it accessible to millions.

Humanitarian Work

Dr. Ruit's humanitarian efforts have taken him to some of the most remote and underserved regions in the world. He has conducted numerous eye camps in countries such as Nepal, India, China, Bhutan, and Ethiopia, restoring sight to thousands of individuals who would otherwise remain blind.

Awards and Recognition

Sanduk Ruit has received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine and humanitarian work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006. He has also been honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India and the National Order of Merit by the King of Bhutan.

Also see

• Fred Hollows
• Cataract surgery
• Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology
• Ramon Magsaysay Award

References

• "The Barefoot Surgeon: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Sanduk Ruit, the Eye Surgeon Giving Sight and Hope to the World's Poor" by Ali Gripper.
• "Dr. Sanduk Ruit: The God of Sight" - Documentary by Al Jazeera.