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.
Sonal B. Dave, MD, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery and sees patients with a wide range of eye conditions. Dr. Dave has a strong desire to help people in their time of need and improve their quality of life. “One of my greatest joys is seeing the happiness and relief on my patient’s faces after their medical problem has been resolved. I especially love seeing their excitement the day after cataract surgery. It brings me true happiness. My hope is for cataract surgery to be one of the best experiences in my patients’ lives. I truly want to help as many people as I can, all the while understanding the profound significance of taking care of every one of my patients’ eyes.”
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-ranked 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.
Dr. Dave was raised in rural Iowa but has always had a strong desire to broaden her life experiences through exploration and travel. This mix of small-town upbringing with international interests has helped build a strong foundation that has enabled her curiosity, interests, and strong desire to help others. Before coming to EHNW, Dr. Dave traveled to Nepal, India, Argentina, and Western Samoa to learn and observe different techniques in other countries during her medical training.
Dr. Dave credits her experiences in Western Samoa with shifting her focus from youthful ambition and competitiveness to a place of simplicity and compassion. She experienced the quieter pace of island life and saw people thrive amidst few material comforts. Afterward, it became clear to her that “What is most important in life is your interactions with people and helping others. Being a good person is very important to me and what matters in the end.”
Traveling continues to be one of her favorite pastimes. “Getting out there and experiencing other people and cultures is fascinating to me.” She has traveled to approximately 35 countries, and this broad exposure to so many people of different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles has made her much more appreciative of people’s differences. Aside from travel, Dr. Dave enjoys focusing on health, being in nature, doing yoga, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
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