Learn more about Dr. Patel: https://www.ksn.com/gooddaykansas/wichita-vision-institute/
Dr. Reena Patel was born in New York City but grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. She completed her bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in three years. She earned her medical degree with high distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society during her medical school career and received honors for her M.D. research thesis. She received numerous accolades and scholarships for her academic excellence throughout college and medical school.
Dr. Reena Patel completed a transitional rotating internship at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where she was acting chief resident for five months. Dr. Patel completed a cornea fellowship, specializing in external disease and refractive surgery, at Dean A. McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. During her training, she was fortunate to work directly with the inventor of LASIK, Dr. Gholam Peyman.
“I had LASIK in 1999 by one of my mentors. At the time, I had terrible allergies and was miserable in my contacts. I couldn’t keep my contacts in for long periods of time and my vision was filmy. I didn’t like my glasses and felt like the glasses blocked my peripheral vision. Going without contacts or glasses was not an option, as I couldn’t see the big “E” on the eye chart without them.
November 18, 1999, I underwent LASIK surgery. I did not realize the lasting impact the surgery would have on my life. Immediately after my LASIK, I could see better than I could without my contacts or glasses. I left the surgery center in wonderment. I was truly amazed that a 10-minute painless procedure could change my vision almost instantly and relieve me from my glasses and contacts that I had been wearing since fifth grade.
LASIK changed my life. I was so impressed with the results of my LASIK surgery that I changed my career path to specialize in LASIK. I am still impressed by my results 21 years later and the technology has only gotten better.”
Dr. Reena Patel became board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2004, the same year that she founded Wichita Vision Institute. She has been selected for inclusion on the list of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America since 2006. She also was chosen as a Top Ophthalmologist in Wichita by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals.
Dr. Patel has conducted multiple clinical and basic science research projects and presented findings at various national and international meetings. Her research has also been included in numerous publications. She is currently participating in clinical treatment trials in Wichita. She was also selected to join the editorial review board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Reena Patel is actively involved in her community. She donates her time to multiple charities and organizations. She has worked closely with local and national volunteer organizations such as Dress for Success, Lions Club, EyeCare America, Glaucoma EyeCare Project, Senior EyeCare Project, Public Health Service, Habitat for Humanity, and Project Access. Dr. Patel has one son and enjoys volunteering at his school, being a soccer mom, and watching college football and basketball with him.
Dr. Patel and her staff support numerous local and national organizations conducting research and providing betterment to Wichita. Wichita Vision Institute supports the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, breast cancer research, American Diabetes Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Sedgwick County Zoo, Tallgrass Film Festival, Wichita Art Museum, and multiple other causes.
Dr. Patel recently accepted a position as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the KU School of Medicine.
Dr. Reena Patel is an active member of the following organizations: