A Conversation with Dr. Ming Wang – The Immigration Journey of a World-Renowned Ophthalmologist

In partnership with the Princeton Active Circle (PAC), the Museum of Chinese in America(MOCA) is thrilled to present a live oral history session with Dr. Ming Wang, one of the world’s leading cataract and LASIK eye surgeons. A Harvard and MIT alumnus with a PhD in laser physics, Dr. Wang achieved a groundbreaking milestone by performing the world’s first laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation. The interview, which celebrates the Museum’s acquisition of Dr. Wang’s personal photographs into its collection, will showcase these images to delve into the broader immigration journey of this distinguished Chinese American doctor. The conversation will touch upon on his childhood in China during the 1960s and 1970s, his immigration experience, academic and professional life, challenges with discrimination, the invention of the amniotic membrane contact lens that revitalized the vision of millions, and his philanthropic initiatives in eye care through the Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration. In addition to learning about Dr. Wang’s fascinating personal story, attendees will gain insights into the Museum’s approach to conducting oral histories, particularly when collaborating with collection donors to enrich the contextual depth of its collections. The program will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the panelists.