About Dr. Kamran Massoumi
Dr. Kamran Massoumi, MD, is an ophthalmologist, owner, and president of Oklahoma Eye Institute and the Omni Surgical Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was born in 1967 in Tehran, Iran, to a family deeply ingrained in the political and medical arenas.
His paternal grandfather was a high-ranking politician and military officer who also served as the Minister of Agriculture for Shah’s regime. On his mother’s side, Dr. Massoumi is a direct descendant of Iranian royalty. His maternal grandfather was only three generations removed from the king of Iran. However, he chose a career in medicine just like his grandfather—one of the first ophthalmologists in Iran.
Learning from His Grandfather
Dr. Kamran Massoumi’s grandfather is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Iranian ophthalmology. He started his preliminary schooling in Iran and moved to Leon, France, for medical school and, later, ophthalmology residency. Reza Shah Pahlavi, the former Shah of Iran from 1925 to 1941, later learned of his accomplishments and requested he return home to spearhead the 60+ years of rebuilding Iran’s first ophthalmology department.
He was instrumental in eradicating the trachoma pandemic, which had blinded millions, and performed the first cornea transplantations in Iran. Known as the “Father of Ophthalmology in Iran,” he laid the foundation for Dr. Massoumi’s passion for medicine. By age five, Dr. Massoumi had already decided to become an ophthalmologist and dedicate his life to improving vision care.
Journey to the United States and Education
Dr. Massoumi’s life changed drastically in 1983 during the Iran-Iraq War. At 16, he left his home country with his mother and younger sister to go to the United States, where his paternal grandparents lived. He settled in Marin County, California, and started a new life, learning English and adapting to American culture.
He completed high school at Marin Catholic High School before attending the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). Dr. Massoumi earned a double major in Medical Physics and Middle Eastern Studies here. Determined to pursue his dream of becoming an ophthalmologist, he worked tirelessly to bridge the language gap and adapt to the American education system. This earned him acceptance into the St. Louis University Medical School, where he obtained a medical doctorate in medicine along with a distinction in research. He then secured a residency position at Case Western University (University Health) in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in ophthalmology.
Building a Vision for Western Oklahoma
After completing his residency in Cleveland, Dr. Massoumi intended to return to California, but fate knocked on a different door. The BVA practice in Oklahoma notified him of the region’s severe shortage of ophthalmologists, especially in Western Oklahoma.
Having always been inspired by his grandfather’s work ethic and dedication to public service, Dr. Massoumi decided to embark on this unique opportunity to build an independent ophthalmology center.
In 2002, BVA welcomed Dr. Massoumi to the practice, and he quickly began transforming eye care in Western Oklahoma. Over the years, he introduced state-of-the-art technology, expanded specialized services, and opened new regional locations. His efforts led to the founding of the Oklahoma Eye Institute in 2014, where he brought retinal and plastic surgery specialties to the area. Currently, he performs cataract, glaucoma, and laser procedures, ensuring Western Oklahoma patients can access world-class eye care without leaving their hometown.
Expanding Access to Eye Care
Recognizing the need for surgery facilities closer to home, Dr. Massoumi pushed forward against opposition from local hospitals and opened Omni Surgical Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. The eye center has been running for over two years and has an office-based operating room in Elk City. These facilities alleviate patients’ travel burdens to other cities for surgical care.
Dr. Massoumi is still passionate about bringing world-class ophthalmology services to Western Oklahoma. His long-term plan is to attract more ophthalmology manpower and train them so that the region remains self-sufficient regarding its vision needs.
Personal Life and Interests
While attending medical school, Dr. Massoumi met his wife, a native of St. Louis. Mrs. Massoumi earned her undergraduate degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and later obtained a master’s degree in International Business from Webster University in St. Louis.
They have two daughters. Their eldest is pursuing a dual graduate degree in law and healthcare management at the University of Oklahoma. Their youngest is graduating from Corn Bible Academy in Clinton, Oklahoma, and is set to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall.
Martial arts and sports have played a significant role in their family. Dr. Massoumi has practiced Taekwondo for over twenty years, and his passion for the sport has been passed down to his wife and two daughters—all of whom are black belts. Notably, his youngest daughter holds a second-degree black belt. Both daughters also played varsity volleyball in high school.
Dr. Massoumi is also passionate about traveling. He loves learning about other cultures, meeting people worldwide, and gaining new perspectives. His travels have been both for pleasure and for humanitarian purposes. A few years ago, he traveled to Vietnam on a medical mission trip where he performed eye surgeries to restore vision for those in need.
Career Accomplishments and Impact
Dr. Massoumi’s proudest achievement is reshaping western Oklahoma’s eye care. He has helped build Western Oklahoma to the point that they are entirely independent of the big cities. With new surgical procedures and specialists, residents no longer have to travel to the metropolis for eye care.
His work will continue to impact the world for years to come. With the Oklahoma Eye Institute now over a decade old and his surgical centers growing stronger each year, Dr. Massoumi remains dedicated to expanding access to top-quality vision care.
What Lies Ahead
From a young boy inspired by his grandfather’s legacy to a pioneering ophthalmologist defining the future of Western Oklahoma, Dr. Massoumi’s story speaks to a life of perseverance and purpose. As he continues to build upon all he has achieved, his mission is as clear as ever: deliver world-class eye care to communities in need and secure the region’s vision.
Whether conducting complex procedures, teaching the next generation of eye surgeons, or creating programs to increase access to care, Dr. Kamran Massoumi’s mission is simple: to expand his ophthalmology services in Western Oklahoma and help people in every corner of the region access high-quality eye care.
