Trained directly with Dr. Gholam Peyman, inventor of LASIK. A distinction held by very few practicing surgeons.
Your Physician
Dr. Reena N. Patel
M.D. — Ophthalmologist & Medical Director
Board Certified
Corneal Fellowship
Mayo Clinic Trained
Founded WVI 2004
KU Clinical Professor
Education & Training
Dr. Reena Patel was born in New York City and grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. Her academic career is marked by exceptional achievement at every level — from an accelerated undergraduate degree to training alongside one of the most influential figures in modern ophthalmology.
Undergraduate
B.S. Biology — Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Completed in three years. Recipient of numerous scholarships and academic excellence awards.
Medical School
M.D. with High Distinction — University of Nebraska Medical Center
Elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Received honors for M.D. research thesis.
Internship
Transitional Rotating Internship — Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ
Broad clinical training at one of the world’s foremost medical institutions.
Residency
Ophthalmology Residency — Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans
Served as acting chief resident for five months.
Fellowship
Cornea Fellowship (External Disease & Refractive Surgery) — Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City
A Personal Connection to LASIK
Dr. Patel doesn’t just perform LASIK — she’s lived it. In 1999, she underwent the procedure herself, an experience that fundamentally shaped her career and deepened her empathy for every patient who sits in her chair.
Dr. Patel also has close family members who live with ocular diseases — dry eye, cataracts, severe glaucoma, and ocular cancer among them. These personal experiences drive the entire team at Wichita Vision Institute to deliver the kind of care they would give their own families.
“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.
Immediately after my LASIK, I could see better than I could with 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.
LASIK changed my life. I was so impressed with the results that I changed my career path to specialize in LASIK. I am still impressed by my results more than 20 years later — and the technology has only gotten better.”
— Dr. Reena N. Patel, M.D.
Professional Experience
Dr. Patel became board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2004 — the same year she founded Wichita Vision Institute. Since 2006, she has been continuously selected for inclusion on the list of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, and recognized as a Top Ophthalmologist by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals.
Dr. Patel recently accepted a position as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the KU School of Medicine. She has conducted multiple clinical and basic science research projects, presenting findings at national and international meetings and contributing to numerous publications. She is currently participating in active clinical treatment trials in Wichita, and was selected to join the editorial review board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery.
Community & Philanthropy
Dr. Patel is deeply committed to her community. She donates her time to multiple charities and volunteer organizations, and Wichita Vision Institute actively supports causes locally and nationally.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Patel has one son. She enjoys volunteering at his school, being a soccer mom, and watching college football and basketball with him.
Ready to Meet Dr. Patel?
Schedule a consultation and experience care that’s built around you.
