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Sonal B. Dave, M.D.

Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology

Dr. Sonal Dave was named one of Portland’s Top Doctors in 2014 and 2018 by Portland Monthly Magazine.

Dr. Dave has a deep sense of compassion in her medical practice.

Sonal B. Dave, MD is a comprehensive ophthalmology and sees patients with a wide range of eye conditions. Dr. Dave has a deep sense of compassion in her medical practice. Upon meeting her, patients immediately appreciate her warmth and positive energy. “I think what patients want and appreciate the most is that we give them our full attention and time. I focus on really listening to them and try to give the best possible care.”

Patients of Dr. Dave benefit from her kindness as well as her intelligence. She completed her residency at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the top rated ophthalmology department and residency program in the nation. She has been a noted participant in numerous research projects, including presentations at both national and international ophthalmology conferences. In addition, she serves on several national ophthalmology discussion panels and committees. She is also a published author in ophthalmology literature.

Part of what drew Dr. Dave to ophthalmology was the ability to help so many people and “transform lives in minutes.” For example, Dr. Dave has seen many of her cataract patients stumble into a room before surgery because they cannot see. Cataract surgery takes approximately fifteen minutes. Immediately afterwards, people walk out steadily with their vision intact. “When I can help someone in this way, it is the best reward possible.” Also, after LASIK surgery, patients often say, “Thank you so much. This has been a life-changing experience.”

Prior to coming to EHNW, Dr. Dave traveled to Nepal, India, Argentina and Samoa to learn and observe different techniques in other countries during her medically training. Now, she is excited to bring her medical expertise and skills to those in great need internationally. Cataract surgery lends itself very well to helping those in developing countries who would otherwise face a lifetime of blindness. Many of the EHNW have volunteered on international medical missions, and Dr. Dave looks forward to being part of a trip in the future.

What is most remarkable about Dr. Dave is her humility given her many talents and achievements. “My dad is from India, but I was completely raised as an Iowan.” This mix of small-town upbringing with ancestral roots abroad has helped form her humble roots and build a strong foundation that has enabled her curiosity, interests and heart to branch out internationally.

She also credits her travels and time living in Hawaii for shifting her focus from youthful ambition and competitiveness to a place of compassion and humility. She experienced the quieter pace of island life and saw people thrive amidst few material comforts. Afterwards, it became clear to her that, “What is most important in life is your interaction with people and helping them. Being a good person is what people notice and what matters in the end.”

Traveling continues to be her “absolute favorite thing to do.” Getting out there and seeing how other people live is amazing to me.” She has traveled to 35 countries, and the exposure to so many different cultures, values and experiences has made her much more tolerant and appreciative of people’s differences.

Patient Testimonials