Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology
Dr. Prashanth Vallabhanath was named one of Portland’s Top Doctors in 2014 and 2016 by Portland Monthly Magazine.
Dr. Vallabhanath specializes in oculoplastic surgery which entails cosmetic, corrective and reconstructive surgery of structures around the eye.
“At EyeHealth NW, we are all personally invested in our patients. I do the best by my partner as well as my own patients because we are all in this together.”
Anyone who knows Prashanth Vallabhanath, MD affectionately calls him Dr. PV. He was born in India and raised in his early years in California. Then his family moved to Michigan where he went on to graduate from college and medical school at the University of Michigan. Dr. PV was initially drawn to medicine because of his interest in science and the desire for an intellectual challenge.
Then, he had a profound experience while working in the development and testing of prosthetic devices that restored sight to the blind. This took place in his third year of medical school when he worked as a Howard Hughes Research Scholar at the National Institutes of Health. In one particular experiment, electrodes were implanted into a woman’s visual cortex in her brain. Afterwards, she was able to see for the first time in over fifty years. It was a tremendous experience to be part of a revolutionary process and to see the emotional impact on the participants. “The building of these remarkable relationships with the blind participants really deepened the overall practice of medicine for me.”
After completing his studies and working in the intense environment of research and academia, Dr. PV was drawn to Portland by the balanced lives he saw people living here. Thus, coming to EHNW was the perfect fit. In 2000, when Dr. PV had a chance to choose from several jobs throughout the country, he chose EHNW because of its excellent standard of practice and the wonderful people. “I was impressed with the humility of the many accomplished doctors who were practicing medicine in its highest form yet still were very down to earth.”
At EHNW, Dr. PV specializes in oculoplastic surgery which entails cosmetic, corrective and reconstructive surgery of structures around the eye. He also spends a good portion of his practice on comprehensive ophthalmology. “I like the balance I get from the intellectual rigor of a surgical specialty while still seeing patients in a general practice.” Though Dr. PV enjoys the creative process in reconstructive surgery, the heartful relationships built with patients over their lifetime is the most gratifying part of his practice.
Between the business of working and raising two young children, you might find Dr. PV enjoying time with his wife and their two children exploring the coast or visiting the zoo. Dr. PV delights in learning from the wisdom and exuberance of his kids as he believes that, “Children can teach us so much.”
When he has a little more time to spare, Dr. PV makes regular trips to visit relatives in the Phillippines, his wife’s country of origin. On his past trips, he has had several opportunities to provide charitable medical services to those in need. Dr. PV has been very grateful for these experiences as he is reminded of how fortunate we are in this country.
I recently had an eye appointment at Eye Health NW and saw Dr PV. He was very efficient and personable! His knowledge of my eye challenge was impressive and quickly diagnosed! I have absolute trust and confidence in Dr PV! I am looking forward to my next visit in a few months. He is also accompanied by a very competent office staff!
I have been Dr. PV's patient for many years at EyeHealth NW. I lost my hard copy glasses, so I requested my glasses through EyeHealth NW patient portal this morning. Within a few minutes, the document was uploaded in my patient file and I was notified via an email. EyeHealth NW not only has the best doctors they also have superb customer services.
I would recommend Dr. PV to anyone looking for an excellent physician who also cares for his patients. His diagnosis is always explained clearly in layman's terms and he never makes me feel rushed.
"Dr. P.V is simply the best eye doctor I've ever had. I've gone from eye doctor to eye doctor, leaving feeling terrible because they've shamed me and made me feel like any issue with my eyes was my fault. Dr. PV strikes the perfect balance of carefully taking the time to explain to you anything you are concerned with but at the same time he keeps a tone that is not condescending and simply compassionate and kind."
"I would love to recommend Dr. Vallabhanath to any body. He is a very knowledgeable and most caring doctor i have ever met. My son had vision problems Dr. Vallabhanath had appointments with him Saturday and Sunday. On his day off visited with my son and took care of every little issues right away. A very caring and reliable Doctor. Thanks a million to Dr. Prashanth Vallabhanath"
