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| Biography of Dr. Sanduk Ruit |
Dr. Sanduk Ruit, born on September 4, 1954, in Olangchunggola, Taplejung, Nepal, is a world-renowned ophthalmologist celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to restoring eyesight in developing nations. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, an institution dedicated to providing affordable and accessible eye care. Ruit specializes in cornea and cataract surgery and is globally recognized for pioneering Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with intraocular lenses — a technique developed in collaboration with the late Fred Hollows of Australia. This innovation revolutionized cataract treatment by making it both cost-effective and highly successful, achieving outcomes comparable to advanced Western medical practices.
Dr. Ruit completed his early education at St. Robert’s School in Darjeeling and later attended Siddhartha Vanasthali School in Kathmandu. He pursued higher studies at Trichandra College before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, and later obtained a Master’s degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, in 1984. During his time in Australia, Ruit gained advanced surgical expertise and a vision to eliminate preventable blindness. Although he had opportunities to settle abroad, he chose to return to Nepal, where he worked at the Tripureshwor Eye Hospital and began his mission to make quality eye surgery accessible to all.
In 1986, Ruit and Fred Hollows jointly developed a strategy to introduce small-incision cataract surgery to developing countries using low-cost intraocular lenses. By 1995, he had designed a more affordable version of these lenses, which are now used in more than 60 countries worldwide. Under his leadership, the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, established in 1994, has performed over 100,000 eye operations, trained more than 500 medical professionals, and produced intraocular lenses for under $5 each. The institute also manufactures prosthetic eyes for around $3, dramatically reducing costs compared to imported alternatives. Through mobile eye camps conducted in remote and rural areas, Ruit and his team have brought sight to thousands of individuals who otherwise lacked access to modern medical care.
Dr. Ruit’s humanitarian work extends beyond Nepal. In 2006, he persuaded North Korean authorities to allow him to perform surgeries there, successfully operating on 1,000 patients and training local surgeons. In 2021, he launched the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation, aiming to screen one million people and cure 300,000 cases of cataract blindness by 2026. His innovative outreach programs continue to impact lives across Asia and Africa, making him one of the most respected figures in global ophthalmology.
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Ruit has received numerous awards and honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006), the Prince Mahidol Award of Thailand, the Asia Game Changer Award (2016), the Padma Shri (2018), and the ISA Award for Service to Humanity (2023) — which included a $1 million prize from the King of Bahrain. He was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (2007), conferred with the National Order of Merit of Bhutan (2015), and named Asian of the Year (2007) by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in India. In recognition of his global impact, an asteroid — 83362 Sandukruit — was named in his honor in 2010.
Dr. Ruit is married to Nanda Ruit, an ophthalmic nurse, and together they have one son and two daughters. His parents, Sonam and Kessang Ruit, played an important role in shaping his values and determination to serve others. Despite his remarkable achievements, Ruit remains humble and dedicated to his mission of eradicating avoidable blindness. He practices Hinduism and currently resides in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Known as the “God of Sight”, Dr. Sanduk Ruit has personally restored vision to over 180,000 people through small-incision cataract surgery. His efforts have transformed countless lives, proving that world-class healthcare can be achieved in even the most resource-limited settings. His favorite pastimes include traveling, singing, and photography, reflecting his deep appreciation for life and humanity. With unwavering commitment, compassion, and innovation, Dr. Ruit continues to inspire the world as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and service to mankind.