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Ming Wang, M.D., Ph.D. – Eye Surgeon Nashville, TN

MEET DR. WANG

 

The film “Sight” is based on Dr. Wang’s autobiography “From Darkness to Sight” and co-stars Greg Kinnear.

Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), PhD (laser physics), is a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist, and community activist. He is the founding director of Wang Vision Institute and a Clinical Professor for Meharry Medical College, both in Nashville, TN.

As an eye surgeon in Nashville, TN, Dr. Wang has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors. He has published over 100 papers, including one in the world-renowned journal Nature, as well as 10 ophthalmic textbooks

The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, a 501c(3) non-profit charity founded by Dr. Wang, has helped patients from over 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries worldwide, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge.

As a co-founder of another 501c(3) non-profit organization, the Common Ground Network, Dr. Wang is dedicated to helping people find common ground and solutions to problems in order to achieve more success and happiness.

Dr. Wang has received numerous awards including the Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Association of Chinese American Physicians, an honorary doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, NPR’s Philanthropist of the Year Award, and Kiwanis Nashvillian of the Year Award for his lifetime dedication to helping blind orphan children from around the world.

Dr. Wang’s patients include music stars such as Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Naomi Judd, and “Dancing with the Stars” pro, Julianne Hough.

Dr. Wang is the founding president of the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of the Tennessee Immigrant and Minority Business Group.

2022 Best Ophthalmologist

EDUCATION and TRAINING

After obtaining his PhD in laser physics, Dr. Wang was trained at the top three eye institutes in the U.S.:

  • MD (magna cum laude), Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
  • Residency, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
  • Corneal and Refractive Surgery fellowship, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL.

Specialties and Expertise

Dr. Wang was one of the first eye surgeons in the United States to perform bladeless, all-laser LASIK and ZEISS SMILE (small incision lenticular extraction). To this day, his LASIK and ZEISS SMILE procedures have exceptionally high rates of success. His world-renowned reputation led to him being selected as a LASIK surgeon for ABC’s national hit-show, Extreme Makeover.

Dr. Wang performs ZEISS SMILE and LASIK (age 18+), Implantable Contact Lens (age 21+), Forever Young Lens (age 45+), laser cataract surgery (age 60+), laser floater removal, INTACS® corneal implants and corneal cross-linking. He also runs an active international referral clinic for post-LASIK and post-cataract surgery complications.

A former panel consultant of the U.S. FDA Ophthalmic Device Panel, Dr. Wang holds several U.S. patents for his inventions of new biotechnologies to restore sight, including:

  • the world’s first amniotic membrane contact lens (AMCL).
  • an adaptive infrared retinoscopic device for detecting ocular aberrations.
  • a digital eye bank for virtual clinical trials.

Dr. Wang performed the world’s first femtosecond laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation (Alphacor) and the first INTACS® procedure in the U.S. using a new version for advanced keratoconus. He was a U.S. investigator in a FDA clinical trial for a procedure to treat age-related loss of near vision (presbyopia) as well as a clinical trial for cross-linking to treat keratoconus. He introduced the femtosecond laser to Tennessee and performed the state’s first bladeless all-laser LASIK, as well as the first such procedure in China.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Throughout his career, Dr. Wang has been a member of many professional organizations, including:

  • Alumni Societies for both Harvard and MIT
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Alumni Society
  • Nashville Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Wills Eye Hospital Alumni Society

Dr. Wang has also served on a number of editorial boards, such as the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and the Journal of Refractive Surgery.

PERSONAL

Dr. Ming Wang grew up in China in the 1960’s. He played the Chinese violin (erhu) and learned to dance in order to escape a life in labor camps as many innocent children were being deported to a life of poverty during these times. He eventually made his way to America with only $50.00. He then graduated with the highest honors from Harvard Medical School and MIT. 

Dr. Wang and his wife Anle live in Nashville, TN with their three cats: Spaghetti, Tennessee, and Lily.  Dr. Wang is a champion amateur ballroom dancer and was a finalist in the world pro-am international 10-dance championships. Playing his erhu, he accompanied country music legend Dolly Parton on her album, Those Were the Days.

Known also for his work in philanthropy, Dr. Wang organizes an annual classical ballroom dance charity event, the EyeBall, which has drawn attendees from all across the U.S. and around the world.

Dr. Wang’s autobiography, From Darkness to Sight, is an inspirational story of how one man turned fear, poverty, persecution, and prejudice into healing and love for others. It demonstrates how focus, determination, humility, and profound faith can inspire a life that, in turn, impacts the lives of countless others. The book has inspired an upcoming movie called “Sight.”

Reviews

"I had a fantastic experience at Wang Vision Institute in Nashville for my SMILE surgery.Dr. Abhi Guduru was exceptional, performing the procedure with skill and confidence. His calm approach and clear explanations made me feel at ease, and the staff’s support (reminding me to breathe!) was comforting. The ocular cleaning protocol they provided was thorough and helped ensure a smooth recovery. My vision is improving beautifully, and I’m excited to be glasses-free!Dr. Jake efficiently confirmed my candidacy with a detailed eye exam, ensuring SMILE was the right choice for me.Hafsa conducted testing with precision and kindness, making the process comfortable.Cameron was helpful, swiftly handling paperwork and answering my questions.The facility is welcoming, and the staff provided protective shields (3–7 nights), sunglasses, and drops for recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Guduru and the team for anyone considering SMILE in Nashville!"

M.B.

Google

"I got LASIK about two weeks ago at Wang Vision, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Dr. Kyle Jones was my surgeon and he was amazing—he answered all my questions and made me feel completely comfortable going into the procedure.The entire team, from the front desk to the doctors, was fantastic. I also want to give a big shoutout to Cameron, my surgical coordinator. He was super helpful and made the whole process smooth and stress-free from start to finish.It still blows my mind that I can wake up and see clearly without glasses or contacts. If you’re thinking about getting LASIK, I 100% recommend Wang Vision. You won’t regret it!"

B.R.

Google

"Easy Process - For me the whole processes was smooth and simple, well explained, starting with Karen with the initial processes, to Cameron with the financial part to Dr. Jones who was professional and caring. "

Anonymous

Healthgrades

"On 6/20/25 I had the LASIK SMILE procedure, it was such a smooth processes starting with the initial care with Karen to Cameron who helped me with the financial part, who was very professional about the process. Dr. Jones was very professional and caring. I wish I had done this years ago. I would recommend Wang Vision to anyone."

V.S.

Google

"I had a great experience at Wang Vision Institute! Every step of the process, the techs and surgeon explained what they were doing which put my anxiety at ease. Shoutout to Dr. Jones, Gabby (coordinator), and Scott (tech) and the whole team for providing an excellent experience! I ended up choosing SMILE to fix my nearsightedness (-2.50) and slight astigmatism. The recovery wasn’t as itchy/dry as I was expecting. I opted for the additional ocular surface package (to clean blepharitis in my eyelids) and tear retaining plugs which I think prevented the dry/itchy side effects common after laser eye surgery. Pricey but worth it! I am now 2 weeks post-op and my vision is near perfect. The only thing I am waiting on is being able to see fine text close-up (especially electronic text) as well as I did when I had glasses/contacts. Full recovery can take up to 3 months so I will give it time and continue to check-in with my doctor on the progress."

M.

Google

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