Dr. Kamran Massoumi is a prominent ophthalmologist and the visionary leader of the Oklahoma Eye Institute and Omni Surgical Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. His birth in 1967 in Tehran, Iran, introduced him to a family with significant ties in both politics and medicine. His paternal grandfather was an esteemed politician and military officer, notably serving as the Minister of Agriculture under the Shah’s regime. Contrasting this political background, his maternal grandfather pioneered Iranian ophthalmology, establishing a profound medical legacy that profoundly influenced him.
From an early age, Dr. Kamran was inspired by his maternal grandfather, Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was tasked with spearheading the development of Iran’s first ophthalmology department. His grandfather’s notable achievements included tackling the trachoma epidemic and performing the country’s first corneal transplantations. Known as the "Father of Ophthalmology in Iran," his grandfather’s dedication to medical advancement inspired him to pursue a similar medical path, fostering a commitment that would shape his career.
The Iran-Iraq War in 1983 marked a pivotal change in his life, prompting his move to the United States at 16. Settling in Marin County, California, he swiftly adapted to American life, completing his high school education at Marin Catholic High School. His academic journey continued at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained Medical Physics and Middle Eastern Studies degrees. His drive and academic excellence led him to St. Louis University Medical School, where he earned his medical doctorate with a distinction in research. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Initially contemplating a return to California after his residency, Dr. Kamran Massoumi was instead drawn to Western Oklahoma due to the urgent need for ophthalmological services in the area. He joined BVA in 2002, setting the stage for a significant transformation in eye care within the region. By 2014, he founded the Oklahoma Eye Institute, introducing advanced medical technologies and broadening the range of specialized eye care services available to the community.
Motivated to improve healthcare access, Dr. Kamran was instrumental in establishing the Omni Surgical Center in Lawton and an office-based operating room in Elk City. These facilities have been pivotal in reducing the necessity for long-distance travel for surgical care and enhancing residents' convenience and quality of life by providing crucial services closer to home.
Dr. Kamran Massoumi met his wife while studying in St. Louis; she is an accomplished individual with a background in International Business from Webster University. They are parents to two daughters, with the eldest pursuing a dual degree in law and healthcare management at the University of Oklahoma and the youngest preparing for her studies at Oklahoma State University. A family committed to martial arts, they share in the discipline and achievements of Taekwondo. Dr. Massoumi's endeavors also include global outreach, which is highlighted by his participation in medical missions, such as providing essential eye surgeries in Vietnam.
Dr. Kamran’s role in Western Oklahoma has revolutionized local eye care, making specialized services widely accessible and reducing the community’s dependency on distant metropolitan medical facilities. His ongoing initiatives focus on expanding his medical institutions' capabilities and nurturing future ophthalmologists' development.
Reflecting on the profound influence of his grandfathers, Dr. Kamran Massoumi’s career is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and a deep commitment to serving the community. As he plans for the future, his goals include further enhancing the services provided by the Oklahoma Eye Institute and Omni Surgical Center, ensuring the community continues to receive the highest standard of eye care. His narrative is about his achievements in medicine and his dedication to building a lasting legacy that combines historical reverence with innovative medical practices.