Dr. Sanduk Ruit: The Visionary Eye Surgeon from Nepal
Dr. Sanduk Ruit is a renowned Nepalese ophthalmologist, celebrated for his revolutionary work in the field of cataract surgery. He is often referred to as the “God of Sight” for restoring the vision of thousands of people in developing countries. His innovative and cost-effective surgical techniques have made a significant impact in combating blindness in the world’s poorest regions.
Early Life and Education
Sanduk Ruit was born on September 4, 1954, in Olangchung Gola, a remote village in eastern Nepal near the border with Tibet. His family belonged to the indigenous Rai community, and they lived in poverty. His father, who was a small-scale trader, passed away when Ruit was still young. Despite the hardships, Ruit’s family placed great importance on education.
Ruit attended St. Robert’s School in Darjeeling, India, on a scholarship. His journey towards becoming a doctor began when he witnessed the death of his sister from tuberculosis, which profoundly impacted him and motivated him to pursue a career in medicine.
Medical Training and Career
Ruit completed his medical studies at King George’s Medical College in Lucknow, India, and then trained in ophthalmology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He also received further training in the Netherlands and Australia.
In the 1980s, Ruit started working with Dr. Fred Hollows, an Australian ophthalmologist known for his efforts in treating blindness in developing countries. Together, they focused on developing a low-cost method of cataract surgery.
Innovations in Eye Care
Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s most significant contribution to medicine is the development of a small-incision, sutureless technique for cataract surgery, which is both affordable and highly effective. He introduced the technique of using intraocular lenses (IOLs) to replace the cataract-damaged lens, which was previously only available to the wealthy in developed countries due to its high cost. Ruit’s method reduced the cost of the lenses from hundreds of dollars to just a few dollars, making them accessible to the poor.
In 1994, Dr. Ruit co-founded the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal. The institute not only provides high-quality eye care but also manufactures low-cost intraocular lenses, which are exported to over 50 countries. Under his leadership, the institute has become a world leader in eye care, training thousands of eye care professionals from around the globe.
Humanitarian Work
Dr. Ruit’s dedication to eradicating preventable blindness has taken him to some of the most remote and underserved regions in the world, including rural areas of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, North Korea, and Ethiopia. He has performed cataract surgeries in makeshift operating rooms, sometimes at altitudes of over 4,000 meters. His work has helped restore sight to over 150,000 people who were needlessly blind.
Ruit’s efforts have extended beyond eye care to include advocacy for broader public health issues. He has been a vocal supporter of improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in developing countries.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Sanduk Ruit has received numerous national and international awards for his contributions to medicine and humanitarian work. Some of the most notable recognitions include:
– Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006): Often considered Asia’s Nobel Prize, Ruit received this award for his efforts in restoring sight to the poor.
– Padma Shri (2018): One of India’s highest civilian awards, given for his contribution to medicine.
– Order of Australia (2007): Awarded by the Australian government for his humanitarian work in ophthalmology.
– Isa Award for Service to Humanity (2021): Awarded by the Kingdom of Bahrain for his exceptional humanitarian contributions.
Personal Life
Dr. Sanduk Ruit is married to Dr. Nanda Ruit, who is also an ophthalmologist. They have three children. Despite his global recognition and achievements, Dr. Ruit remains deeply connected to his roots in Nepal and continues to work tirelessly to bring sight to those who need it most.