Dr. Shehzad Batliwala

Ophthalmologist

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Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, known to his patients as “Dr. Shehz”, is a board-certified ophthalmologist whose unique blend of innovation, resilience, and meticulous foresight translates into unparalleled, individualized care for each patient.

Meet Dr. Batliwala

Dr. Shehzad Batliwala is a board-certified ophthalmologist and anterior segment surgeon who transcends traditional roles to embody visionary innovation and unwavering commitment to patient care. From his early days of high school when he founded SmartPhone ER—a retail franchise offering quick, expert phone repairs—to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Dr. Batliwala’s journey is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. These core principles translate seamlessly into his medical practice. As the first DO accepted to the prestigious Dean McGee Eye Institute residency program, he continually seeks mastery in complex eye surgeries under the mentorship of ophthalmology icon, Dr. Steven Vold. Dr. Batliwala’s surgical expertise includes advanced bladeless corneal refractive techniques like LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Beyond medicine, he has ventured into space medicine research with NASA and holds an Executive Master’s degree focusing on the business of space exploration. His Visionary Doc platform encapsulates his multidimensional ethos, advocating that anything is possible with meticulous preparation and a passionate spirit.

A lifelong learner with a multidisciplinary interest, Dr. Batliwala graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry with Honors from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2013. He then earned his medical degree with Honors from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, followed by his internship at John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth and residency at Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City.

After residency, he completed subspecialty training in bladeless corneal refractive surgery techniques, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, as well as advanced intraocular lenses that allow his patients to enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts after cataract surgery. His training demonstrates his commitment to providing patients with cutting-edge surgical options.

Adding another layer to his versatile background, Dr. Batliwala interned with NASA during his medical school years, resulting in published research and book chapters on the optics of the vision issues experienced by astronauts in microgravity. This marriage of his love for space and medicine later extended to his entrepreneurial pursuits. He earned an Executive Master of Global Management Graduate Degree, focusing on the business aspects of space exploration, from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

Dr. Batliwala’s surgical acumen includes the full spectrum of anterior segment surgeries, from the routine, such as cataracts and LASIK, to the most complex, such as glaucoma drainage implants, corneal transplants, and a myriad of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. He enjoys offering patients the latest surgical options to gain independence from glasses and contacts.

Dr. Batliwala isn’t just a physician; he’s a thought leader and adventurer at heart. With the creation of his blog and podcast, Visionary Doc, he offers a platform for vulnerable, authentic, and inspirational dialogue on a variety of topics—from the intricacies of eye care to the boundless possibilities of space exploration. Visionary Doc serves as a beacon for those who seek a deeper understanding of the world and their role in it, reflecting Dr. Batliwala’s own commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

His personal ethos of resilience and adaptability is epitomized in his successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, a feat he undertook to challenge his own limits. This adventure stands as a testament to his core belief that anyone can achieve extraordinary things when they set their mind to it and put in the work. The same level of grit, meticulous preparation, and fearless endeavor that took him to the summit of Kilimanjaro is what he brings to every surgery and to each patient’s care.

Awards and Honors

Best Original Research Award, Millennial Eye Live Meeting
Sparks Osteopathic Foundation Scholarship
Lubbock Osteopathic Fund Scholarship Award
Second Place at NASA Space Apps Challenge 2016
First Place Award for Best Original Research, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
Sigma Sigma Phi Academic Scholar Award
McGraw-Hill Education Lange Award
Dean’s List UNTHSC Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dean and President’s List, University of Texas at Tyler

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To schedule a consultation, fill out the consultation request form below, or call or text (479) 442-8653.

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