Dr. Sumit (Sam) Garg, MD, is a prominent figure in ophthalmology, serving at the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, a leading academic ophthalmology institution. Dr. Garg’s journey in ophthalmology began with extensive training at prestigious institutions, most notably UC Irvine, where he completed his training and witnessed the transformation of the ophthalmology department into the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Inspired by the combination of surgical practice and long-term patient care, as well as the field’s rapid innovation, Dr. Garg has been shaped by his mentors, colleagues, and family, particularly his parents, to become a leader in this evolving medical specialty.
Let’s dive into the detailed journey below!
What key innovations do you see shaping the future of ophthalmology in the next decade? Ophthalmology is a hot bed for innovation.
There continue to be changes in how we diagnose patients and deliver care. I think that, over the next 10 years, there will be continued innovations in medications for treatment of dry eye disease, retinal diseases and glaucoma. Areas of interest to me are advances in drug delivery, intraocular lens design, therapeutics for corneal endothelial disease, and the promise of a true accommodating IOL and robotic cataract surgery.
Can you highlight some pivotal advancements in ophthalmology education and research that you’ve led at UC Irvine?
At the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, our team has led significant advances in corneal surgical techniques using femtosecond lasers, micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, corneal biomechanics, and the treatment of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Our Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) is globally renowned for its contributions to vision science, particularly in genome editing to correct genetic mutations causing inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, and in developing cell-based treatments for this condition. Additionally, we are progressing on a pan COVID vaccine.
Our institute runs a highly sought-after training program for medical students, residents, and fellows, both domestic and international. We support patients and families affected by keratoconus through the National Keratoconus Foundation, the largest and oldest organization dedicated to this condition. We also host two major educational symposia annually, one on clinical ophthalmology and the other on research.
What innovative treatments or technologies have been introduced at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute under your leadership?
We are a leading academic ophthalmology institution with a diverse faculty excelling in their subspecialties, offering the latest innovations in cataract, oculoplastic, pediatric, strabismus, retinal, and glaucoma surgeries.
Our notable programs include a pioneering ocular stem cell transplant for severe ocular surface damage, led by Dr. Marjan Farid. This procedure, developed by Dr. Edward Holland, has made us the first “Center of Excellence” selected by the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration.
In corneal diseases and cataract care, we provide femtosecond laser cataract surgery, advanced intraocular lenses, cutting-edge corneal transplantation options, and corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus.
What do you see as the most promising developments in cornea and refractive surgery today?
I’m very excited about the research and innovation happening in corneal endothelial disease. Currently, for patients with corneal swelling from endothelial decompensation, our best option is a partial corneal transplant, which needs to be done in the operating room. There are several groups looking at using cultured human endothelial cells to treat this corneal swelling. One group (Emmecell) is using magnetized human corneal endothelial cells that can be injected into the patient’s eye in the clinic to treat the corneal swelling. Another exciting possibility is the development of a true accommodating intraocular lens to mimic the natural shape change of the human lens (LensGen). The advantages of this type of lens for replacement at the time of cataract surgery are numerous and there is true excitement within the ophthalmic community for this to come to fruition. The last technology I want to highlight is an innovative intraocular lens that has a drug-eluting feature that allows for sustained intraocular delivery of a medication to treat glaucoma without the need for topical drops (SpyGlass Ophthalmics).
What personal or professional milestones are you most proud of, and how do they reflect your contributions to ophthalmology?
Personally, I’m very proud of my children. They are both good people with good hearts and are hard working. I can’t wait to see how they grow in the next few years as they finish high school and start higher education. Professionally, I have been blessed to hold leadership positions within my institution and with national organizations like the ASCRS. As medical director and vice chair of clinical ophthalmology, I am involved with our department leadership and our chairman, Dr. Baruch Kuppermann, to help our department grow and take care of our patient base. These positions also allow me to affect decisions that impact strategic initiatives from a clinical perspective. Being a professor at UC Irvine has given me the privilege of being able to teach future ophthalmologists. Additionally, being in an academic institution has given me the opportunity to work on several research projects with both my colleagues and trainees. I am particularly proud of two textbooks that I have edited including a microsurgical manual for ophthalmic trainees and more recently a contemporary, comprehensive textbook on modern cataract surgery entitled “Steinert’s Cataract Surgery,” in homage to my late mentor, Dr. Roger Steinert. Lastly, I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership positions within the ASCRS. These positions have allowed me to participate in teaching, philanthropy, and advocacy on a national level. I look forward to many years of service to the ASCRS and our membership.
What motivates your commitment to enhancing global eye health through your involvement in various non-profit organizations?
Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. Corneal disease is the third leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. I treat both diseases daily. We are fortunate to have many organizations focused on treatment for these, and other vision-afflicting conditions. Supporting these organizations has been important to me as I grow in my career. I look forward to dedicating more of my time to helping deliver care in underserved areas (domestically and internationally) in the next few years.
