Dr. Kamran Massoumi

Dr. Kamran Massoumi, the esteemed ophthalmologist, helms the prestigious Oklahoma Eye Institute and Omni Surgical Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1967, he hails from a lineage deeply embedded in politics and medicine. His paternal grandfather, a high-ranking politician and military officer, also served as the Minister of Agriculture under the Shah’s regime. On the maternal side, he is a descendant of Iranian royalty. Yet, his maternal grandfather chose a noble path, pioneering ophthalmology in Iran and setting a profound example for future generations.

Legacy of a Medical Pioneer

Kamran Massoumi’s path in medicine was primarily influenced by his maternal grandfather, renowned as one of the ancestors of Iranian ophthalmology. His significant medical contributions in Iran prompted Reza Shah Pahlavi to call him back to lead the country's first ophthalmology department. His relentless efforts to eradicate trachoma and perform the first corneal transplantations in Iran earned him the "Father of Ophthalmology in Iran." Such a rich familial legacy instilled in him the desire to pursue medicine from a very young age.

Relocation and Education in America

The Iran-Iraq War in 1983 necessitated a pivotal relocation to the United States for him and his family. Settling in Marin County, California, at 16, he quickly assimilated into American culture, completing his high school education at Marin Catholic High School. He later attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning Medical Physics and Middle Eastern Studies degrees. His academic journey continued at St. Louis University Medical School, where he excelled and earned his MD with a distinction in research, followed by an ophthalmology residency at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Oklahoma: A New Frontier in Ophthalmology

Originally planning to return to California after his residency, Dr. Kamran Massoumi instead found himself drawn to Western Oklahoma due to the acute shortage of ophthalmologists in the region. Joining BVA in 2002 marked the beginning of his impactful career in Oklahoma, where he significantly enhanced local eye care. In 2014, he established the Oklahoma Eye Institute, introducing advanced technologies and expanding the availability of specialized eye care services, solidifying his commitment to improving regional healthcare.

Innovations in Local Healthcare Access

Dr. Kamran's commitment to healthcare excellence led to establishing the Omni Surgical Center in Lawton and an office-based operating room in Elk City. These developments have greatly alleviated the need for long-distance travel for surgical care, bringing essential services closer to home for many residents and improving the overall quality of life in the community.

Family Values and Personal Interests

On a personal note, he met his wife while studying in St. Louis. She is an alumna of Creighton University with a Master's in International Business from Webster University. They have two daughters, the eldest of whom is pursuing a dual graduate degree in law and healthcare management at the University of Oklahoma, and the youngest is about to enter Oklahoma State University. Dr. Massoumi's family shares a passion for martial arts, with all members being accomplished black belts in Taekwondo. His interests extend to global cultures, underlined by his participation in medical mission trips, including a notable journey to Vietnam to perform eye surgeries.

Ongoing Impact and Future Aspirations

Dr. Kamran Massoumi’s tenure in Western Oklahoma has been marked by his dedication to service and the pursuit of medical excellence. His legacy in the area is defined by his transformative impact on eye care, making specialized treatments accessible within the local community and reducing dependency on metropolitan medical services. He continues to focus on expanding the capabilities of his institutions and training the next generation of ophthalmologists.

Visionary Leadership and Community Commitment

From the profound influence of his grandfathers to his leadership in Western Oklahoma's medical community, Dr. Kamran embodies perseverance and dedication. His career is a testament to a life committed to enhancing healthcare and serving the community. As he looks to the future, his plans include further expanding the reach and quality of services at the Oklahoma Eye Institute and Omni Surgical Center, ensuring that the community he serves has access to the best possible eye care. His story is not just about medical success but about building a lasting legacy that blends tradition with innovation in the heart of America.