Sanduk Ruit

Sanduk Ruit

Name	Sanduk Ruit
Birth name
Birth date	September 4, 1954
Birth place	Olangchung Gola, Taplejung, Nepal
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Ophthalmologist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Co-founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Sanduk Ruit (born September 4, 1954) is a renowned ophthalmologist from Nepal, celebrated for his innovative work in the field of cataract surgery. He is the co-founder of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, and is known for developing a low-cost, high-quality cataract surgery technique that has restored sight to thousands of people in Nepal and other developing countries.

Early Life and Education

Sanduk Ruit was born in the remote village of Olangchung Gola in the Taplejung district of Nepal. His early life was marked by the challenges of living in a remote area with limited access to education and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Ruit excelled academically and was able to pursue higher education.

Ruit attended St. Robert's School in Darjeeling, India, and later went on to study medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He completed his postgraduate training in ophthalmology at the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu.

Career

After completing his medical training, Ruit worked at the Bhaktapur Eye Hospital in Nepal, where he began to develop his interest in cataract surgery. He was inspired by the work of Fred Hollows, an Australian ophthalmologist known for his efforts to combat blindness in developing countries.

In 1994, Ruit co-founded the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology with the aim of providing affordable eye care to the people of Nepal and training local eye care professionals. The institute has since become a leading center for eye care and research in the region.

Innovations in Cataract Surgery

Ruit is best known for developing a small-incision cataract surgery technique that is both cost-effective and highly effective. This technique involves the use of inexpensive intraocular lenses (IOLs) and can be performed in a matter of minutes, allowing for high-volume surgeries.

Ruit's method has significantly reduced the cost of cataract surgery, making it accessible to people in low-income countries. His work has been recognized internationally, and he has trained numerous surgeons from around the world in his techniques.

Awards and Recognition

Sanduk Ruit has received numerous awards for his contributions to ophthalmology and public health, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006. He has also been honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, for his efforts in restoring sight to the blind.

Legacy

Ruit's work has had a profound impact on global eye care, particularly in developing countries. His commitment to providing affordable and accessible eye care has inspired many in the field of ophthalmology and public health.

Also see

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