About Kamran Riaz
Kamran Riaz, MD, is an ophthalmologist at OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute, where he offers subspecialized care in cornea and external disease, cataract surgery and refractive procedures, including LASIK and other laser vision correction techniques. Dr. Riaz is known for his expertise in complex anterior segment surgery, helping patients achieve optimal visual outcomes through advanced, individualized care. He is a clinical professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where he serves as the Thelma Gaylord Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology.
Dr. Riaz earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. He completed his internship in internal medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, followed by his ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University, where he served as chief resident. He then completed a fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
His clinical interests include complex cataract surgery and intraocular lens management, corneal infections, corneal transplantation (full- and partial-thickness, including DSAEK and DMEK), corneal cross-linking, secondary intraocular lens implantation and refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK, PRK and phakic intraocular lenses. He also specializes in the management of cataract surgery complications and innovative approaches such as dropless cataract surgery and clear lens exchange.
Dr. Riaz is a nationally recognized educator and researcher, with more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, 20 book chapters and more than 100 presentations at national and international meetings. He holds leadership roles in multiple professional organizations and contributes to key educational resources in ophthalmology, including serving in editorial roles and teaching board review courses. He is particularly passionate about resident and fellow education, especially in optics and refractive surgery.
He has received numerous honors for his contributions to patient care, teaching and research, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and the Aesculapian Teaching Award from the OU College of Medicine—the first ophthalmology faculty member to receive this distinction. He has also been recognized by Castle Connolly as a Top Doctor and Top AAPI Doctor and was named to “40 Under 40” by Oklahoma Magazine and The Journal Record.
Dr. Riaz is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Cornea Society.
Outside of work, Dr. Riaz enjoys history, sports and jazz music. He and his wife, Sanaa, also a physician, have three children.
