Kapil G. Kapoor
37, Vitreoretinal Surgeon Ocular Oncologist
Partner/Vice President of Wagner Macula & Retina Center
Business community involvement:
Division Chair of Retina and Chair of Research Mentorship, Eastern Virginia Medical School Department of Ophthalmology; Co-CEO and CoFounder General Dentistry 4 Kids Virginia Beach; Bon Secours Surgery Center Safety Champions Committee, Member of Virginia Beach Medical Society, Medical Society of Virginia, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Civic contributions:
Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Secretary, Ability Center of Virginia Board Member, Lions Eye Clinic Volunteer Faculty, AAPI Hindu Temple Health Camp Volunteer
Something that makes you stand out in your industry?
Since completing my fellowship at Mayo Clinic six years ago, I have practiced vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology at Wagner Macula & Retina Center, engaged in the very rewarding task of saving sight and preventing blindness. Our geographic footprint has now grown to nine locations across Virginia and North Carolina. I feel passionately that patients in our community shouldn’t need to travel to elite universities for complex eye problems or to seek novel treatments from clinical trials but should be able to access these right here in Hampton Roads. As director of research, I lead a mentorship program guiding numerous medical students, Ph.D. students and residents to publish innovative research and present their work regionally and nationally. We have been leaders in conducting several randomized clinical research trials, bringing the most novel retinal treatments directly to our community.
Who keeps you motivated?
My parents who instilled in me to keep working hard until you reach your goals, my children who remind me that I need to lead by example and my wife because as I keep building toward the future, she reminds me to be present today.
Tell us about a recent accomplishment that you’re proud of.
Our research team just completed one-year trial data on a medication that has the potential to not only save sight but also to save billions of healthcare dollars annually. Yes, billions with a B! We have long championed methods of optimizing cost effectiveness in healthcare and to this end ran the very first trial in the United States on this medication ziv-aflibercept to be used for wet age-related macular degeneration right here in Hampton Roads!
What new idea or development are you most excited about in Coastal Virginia right now?
Excited that Ikea has come to our area!
What do you think is Coastal Virginia’s biggest challenge?
Improving travel within the region, to the region and from the region .
Favorite place in Coastal Virginia to go on the weekends?
The beach with my family!
From his nomination:
“Most blindness is preventable. Unfortunately, it follows socioeconomic status—the less privileged you are, the more likely you are to lose your sight. Kapil has committed himself to reversing this trend by active engagement in the community and through executive leadership, exemplary patient care, innovative research and community service.” —Elleni Kapoor, spouse