Dr. Uday Devgan: Master Surgeon, Global Educator, and Innovator in Modern Ophthalmology
How a California-based eye surgeon transformed cataract surgery and ophthalmic education around the world
Introduction
Dr. Uday Devgan is a world-renowned ophthalmologist whose expertise in cataract and refractive surgery has set benchmarks in the field of eye care. Based in Los Angeles, he is not only a top-tier surgeon but also a respected educator, author, and innovator. As the founder of CataractCoach.com and a clinical professor at UCLA, Dr. Devgan has dedicated his life to advancing surgical techniques and mentoring the next generation of eye surgeons.
With a foundation built on academic excellence and a passion for sharing knowledge, Dr. Devgan has become a household name in the global ophthalmic community. His journey from a high-achieving student in California to one of the most influential figures in modern eye surgery reflects a career driven by precision, compassion, and purpose.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Uday Devgan, MD, FACS, FRCS(Glasg) |
| Nationality | American |
| Accent | American (fluent in medical Spanish) |
| Profession | Ophthalmologist, Educator, Innovator |
| Specialty | Cataract and Refractive Surgery |
| Education | B.S. from UCLA, M.D. from USC (Summa Cum Laude), Residency at UCLA Jules Stein |
| Current Roles | Chief of Ophthalmology at Olive View-UCLA, Clinical Professor at UCLA, Founder of Devgan Eye Surgery |
Dr. Uday Devgan began his journey in Southern California, where he quickly stood out as a brilliant academic. Graduating valedictorian from Santa Monica High School, he went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA. His scientific foundation and passion for healthcare laid the groundwork for a prestigious medical career.
His academic performance continued to impress when he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the USC Keck School of Medicine. He was later inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a distinction reserved for the top 10% of U.S. medical students. With this stellar record, he secured a coveted spot at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute for his residency in ophthalmology.
Start of Career and Rise to Recognition
After completing his residency, Dr. Devgan rapidly advanced in his field. He opened Devgan Eye Surgery, a private practice in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, where he began performing high-volume cataract, lens implant, and LASIK surgeries. His reputation as a precise and patient-focused surgeon grew steadily across Southern California.
He soon took on a major public health role as Chief of Ophthalmology at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, where he has overseen surgical care and trained ophthalmology residents for over 20 years. In this role, he performs more than 3,000 surgeries annually, many in partnership with medical trainees, offering them direct surgical mentorship.
Academic Influence and Teaching Legacy
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Uday Devgan is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at UCLA, where his contributions have earned him multiple teaching awards (2002, 2007, 2012, 2017, 2021). His educational impact extends beyond UCLA, as he is known globally as the “surgeon’s surgeon”—someone who teaches the very best in the field.
Dr. Devgan is also the founder of CataractCoach.com, a free educational website that has revolutionized how ophthalmologists learn complex surgical techniques. With over 2,500 instructional videos and articles, the platform attracts over 100,000 subscribers and has recorded more than 50 million video views.
Surgical Expertise and Clinical Innovation
Dr. Devgan’s core expertise lies in cataract and refractive surgery, where he has been a pioneer in techniques that improve patient safety, speed of recovery, and visual outcomes. He is often consulted by manufacturers to help design surgical instruments and new intraocular lenses (IOLs) that align with real-world surgical challenges.
He is also deeply involved in innovation through ExSight Ventures, an ophthalmology-focused investment group. Here, he contributes as an advisor to the development of cutting-edge technologies like advanced lens systems and AI-assisted surgical tools. His involvement ensures that new inventions remain both practical and clinically effective.
Publications and Media Contributions
A natural educator, Dr. Devgan has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles in leading ophthalmic journals. He is also a regular columnist in Ocular Surgery News, where his “Back to Basics” series simplifies complex topics for practicing surgeons.
His communication style is engaging and practical, which makes his lectures and publications a staple in global ophthalmology conferences. Whether teaching residents in person or educating millions through his digital channels, Dr. Devgan brings clarity and approachability to eye care science.
Latest Developments and Future Focus
In 2024, Dr. Devgan expanded his innovation portfolio by joining ExSight Ventures as an advisor and investor. His collaboration has already influenced several startups aimed at improving surgical precision and diagnostics in ophthalmology.
He continues to travel internationally for speaking engagements and participates in forums such as “His Master’s Voice” and other global vision summits. His work on CataractCoach.com remains active, with daily updates that reflect the latest advancements and best practices in ophthalmic surgery.
Global Impact and Long-Term Legacy
Dr. Uday Devgan’s legacy is not only defined by his surgical precision but also by his relentless pursuit of knowledge-sharing. Through his private practice, academic positions, and online platforms, he has impacted thousands of surgeons and millions of patients around the world.
His commitment to education, paired with a deep sense of clinical responsibility, positions him among the top ophthalmologists globally. As technology evolves, Dr. Devgan continues to lead with vision—both literally and metaphorically—ensuring that future generations of eye surgeons carry forward the highest standards of care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dr. Uday Devgan?
Dr. Devgan is a leading American ophthalmologist known for cataract and refractive surgery, medical teaching, and surgical innovation.
Where does Dr. Devgan work?
He practices at Devgan Eye Surgery in Beverly Hills and serves as Chief of Ophthalmology at Olive View-UCLA. He is also a Clinical Professor at UCLA.
What is CataractCoach.com?
It’s an educational platform founded by Dr. Devgan featuring thousands of free surgical videos, articles, and tutorials for eye surgeons.
What does he specialize in?
Dr. Devgan specializes in advanced cataract surgery, premium intraocular lenses, and LASIK vision correction.
Is Dr. Devgan involved in innovation?
Yes, he is an advisor at ExSight Ventures, contributing to the development of advanced surgical tools and lens technology.
Conclusion
Dr. Uday Devgan’s contributions to ophthalmology extend far beyond the operating theatre. Through decades of clinical service, groundbreaking education platforms, and global mentorship, he has revolutionized how cataract surgery is taught and performed. His impact is felt not just by the thousands of patients whose vision he has restored, but by the countless surgeons he has trained worldwide.
Whether guiding future doctors in a UCLA clinic or reaching viewers through CataractCoach.com, Dr. Devgan remains a symbol of excellence, dedication, and innovation. His legacy is one of vision—in every sense of the word—and his ongoing efforts continue to shape the future of eye care for generations to come.
