Professor Virender Sangwan is a distinguished ophthalmologist and a leading figure in the field of ocular research and innovation. He currently serves as the Director of Innovations at Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in India. Prior to this, he held significant positions, including the Paul Dubord Chair in Cornea and Director of the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad. He is also the founding secretary and an advisor of the Uveitis Society of India. Professor Sangwan is renowned for his groundbreaking research on corneal limbal stem cells, through which he has developed innovative methodologies for ocular regeneration.
His contributions to medical sciences have been widely recognized. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology by the Government of India. Earlier accolades include the Dr P. Siva Reddy Researcher of the Year Award from the Andhra Pradesh Akademi of Sciences in 2002, and the Dr Vengal Rao and Col Rangachary Awards in 2003 and 2005, respectively. Notably, he played a crucial role in initiating India’s first adult stem cell therapy, a project that received the Biotech Products and Process Development and Commercialization Award in 2007. His work in stem cell research was featured in Fortune magazine’s October 2007 issue.
Professor Sangwan has pioneered techniques for growing and transplanting limbal stem cells, significantly impacting the treatment of corneal injuries and restoring vision in numerous patients. His methodologies, including the cultivation of stem cells on amniotic membranes, have been implemented in over 1,000 successful transplants at LVPEI. His research has been extensively published, with over 14,200 citations and an H-index of 64 as of September 2023.
Beyond his research, Professor Sangwan has delivered keynote lectures internationally and serves as an editor for several leading ophthalmology journals. His influence extends globally through his involvement with various international ophthalmology societies and committees. His work continues to shape the future of ocular health and regenerative medicine.