Dr. Kuldev Singh makes 2023 Power List

KULDEV SINGH, MD, MPH, professor of ophthalmology and director of the Glaucoma Service at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, has made The Ophthalmologist Power List for the fourth time — an honor that highlights his strong contributions to the field. 

The list, published by the ophthalmology industry news organization The Ophthalmologist, highlights the most influential and inspirational people around the world who work in every corner of the field of ophthalmology. Making the list is a distinguished honor every year, but 2023 marks a special milestone for the recognition. 

To celebrate the tenth Power List publication, The Ophthalmologist is honoring not just those who are influential now, but who have demonstrated a decade “of excellence and impact in ophthalmology,” through this year’s list.  

To mark the occasion, Singh agreed to talk about the honor, what motivates him, career highlights, what excites him about the future of ophthalmology, and his personal "Uber-Power List." 

You’ve made the Power List before, but this year’s Power List is unique because it honors people who have been the most influential and inspirational in the field of ophthalmology over the last decade. How does it feel to be recognized this year given that context?  

We are blessed to be surrounded by the best and brightest future leaders.  While grateful to be recognized as being influential, I am particularly honored to be described as being inspirational. The collective impact of those who are inspired will be far greater than anything I will be able to contribute as an individual.

What most drives you in your career on a daily basis?  

First and foremost is the desire to provide the absolute highest quality care to every patient. Next is to conduct meaningful research that broadly improves patient care. Finally, mentorship of the next generation to find excitement and fulfillment in the triad of patient care, research and education.

What are some of your favorite initiatives that you’ve been a part of, or the accomplishments that you are most proud of over the last decade?  

Two things come to mind.  Being inclusive and bringing all who want to contribute together with the knowledge that the collective wisdom of many is better than that of the few. Working to enhance collaboration amongst the many stakeholders in improving healthcare, most notably by working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on several initiatives.

As someone who has been recognized as highly influential in the field of Ophthalmology repeatedly, what advice do you have for people just getting started in this specialty?  

Engage your colleagues, particularly those in your own cohort of physicians and scientists who are working in other parts of the U.S. and throughout the world.  Collaboration across departments and institutions is now easier than ever and is a winning formula for making a meaningful impact.

What most excites you about this field when you think about the next 10 years?  

What we call glaucoma today is really many different diseases with overlapping features. I hope and expect that over the next decade, we will be able to leverage advances in genetics and data science to better define subcategories of glaucomatous disease, thus opening the door for novel targeted therapies to help patients.

Is there anything else you would like to add?  

While pleased to be selected to the Power List for the 4th time, it is important to realize that such honors are subjective and there are others who are deserving but may not be so recognized. Most importantly, I am fortunate to work with amazing colleagues, trainees and staff who are on my personal Uber-Power List.

BY JANICE TURI

Janice Turi is the web and communications specialist for the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine. Contact her at jturi@stanford.edu.