Megan Webber, Co-founder of KnowTheGlow, recently connected with Dr. Rahul Bhola during the IAPB 2030 In Sight Conference in Mexico. As a renowned pediatric ophthalmologist in Southern California, Dr. Bhola has made a significant impact on pediatric eye care, and Megan was eager to learn more about his impressive career.
Dr. Bhola’s journey from India to becoming one of the most respected pediatric ophthalmologists in the U.S. is a remarkable story of passion and dedication. Originally trained in India, Dr. Bhola’s aspirations brought him to the U.S. in the early 2000s, where he embarked on a path of relentless pursuit of excellence. His career took a pivotal turn when he met Dr. Rosenbaum, Vice-Chair of Ophthalmology program at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Centre, at a conference, leading to a fellowship at UCLA. What was initially a short-term research opportunity transformed into a year-long experience that helped him publish 16-17 papers, marking the beginning of his professional transformation.
Despite the challenges of redoing his training as a foreign graduate, Dr. Bhola trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S., including the University of Iowa and the University of California, Los Angeles, shaping his skills to become one of the most highly trained pediatric ophthalmologists in the country.
In 2017, Dr. Bhola was invited to lead the ophthalmology division at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in California. When he arrived, CHOC’s ophthalmology services were minimal, but under his leadership, the division grew exponentially. He expanded the team, and recruited additional pediatric ophthalmologists, pediatric optometrists and orthoptists, and today, the division sees over 14,000 patients annually across two clinics. His vision and leadership transformed CHOC into a leading center for pediatric eye care.
Beyond his work at CHOC, Dr. Bhola is deeply involved in global ophthalmology initiatives. He is passionate about education and improving access to care in underserved areas, working with organizations like the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS). Dr. Bhola also explores the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, developing predictive algorithms to identify children at risk for conditions like myopia and amblyopia, further showcasing his commitment to innovation.
Dr. Bhola’s contributions extend beyond clinical work. He is involved with “Beyond Blindness,” a nonprofit organization that supports children with vision impairments and their families, and co-founded *Ophthalmology Business Minute*, a magazine aimed at educating ophthalmologists on managing practices efficiently in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
His journey from India to chairing a leading pediatric ophthalmology program in the U.S. is a testament to his commitment to patient care, education, and innovation. Dr. Bhola’s story serves as an inspiration to the global eye care community, highlighting the importance of leadership and vision in transforming children’s lives.
