Samuel F. Passi, MD
Cataract, Refractive & Cornea Surgery Specialist
Dr. Samuel Passi is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract, refractive, and cornea surgery, as well as the management of dry eye disease. With advanced training from Duke University and Minnesota Eye Consultants, Dr. Passi brings exceptional surgical expertise and a commitment to innovative, patient-centered eye care to The Eye Institute of Utah.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Dr. Passi moved to Utah in 2000 and graduated from American Fork High School. He was awarded the prestigious Honors at Entrance Scholarship, a full-tuition award, which enabled him to pursue his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, graduating summa cum laude with both departmental and university honors.
He was subsequently selected as one of only two recipients in his class to receive the Robert H. Ballard Scholarship, a four-year full-tuition scholarship to attend the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he graduated in 2015 with honors in every clinical clerkship.
Dr. Passi completed his ophthalmology residency at the renowned Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina. Following residency, he pursued an anterior segment fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants, where he received specialized training in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery.
Clinical Expertise & Surgical Skills
Dr. Passi provides comprehensive care across the full spectrum of anterior segment disease, with advanced expertise in both medical and surgical management. His clinical and surgical experience includes:
- Refractive Surgery: LASIK, EVO ICL™, and PRK for vision correction
- Cataract Surgery: Advanced cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens (IOL) technologies
- Corneal Transplantation: Partial-thickness endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK, DSEK)
- Corneal Procedures: Pterygium excision and corneal cross-linking
- Refractive Lens Exchange: Surgical correction of presbyopia and refractive error
- Dry Eye Disease Management: Comprehensive treatment including LipiFlow®, intense pulsed light (IPL), and radiofrequency (RF) therapy
Dr. Passi’s surgical approach combines technical precision with a deep understanding of refractive outcomes. He utilizes intraoperative aberrometry and other advanced technologies to optimize results, particularly in complex cases such as post-refractive surgery cataract management and highly myopic or hyperopic patients.
Education & Professional Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Biology (Minor in Chemistry), University of Utah — Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Departmental and University Honors
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
Residency Training
- Ophthalmology Residency, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC (2016-2019)
Fellowship Training
- Anterior Segment Fellowship, Minnesota Eye Consultants — Subspecialty training in cornea, refractive, and external disease
Board Certification
- American Board of Ophthalmology, Certified in Ophthalmology (2020)
Professional Licenses
- Utah State Medical License
- Minnesota State Medical License
During Residency at Duke University:
- Ocular Innovation Award — Recognition for innovative contributions to ophthalmologic surgery
- Alexander Dastgheib Surgical Skill Award — Awarded for exceptional surgical technique and skill
- Primary Inventor of Two Surgical Devices — Demonstrated commitment to advancing surgical innovation
Conference Presentations & Publications:
- “Best Paper of Session” Award — American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, 2019
- Presentation: “Refractive Outcomes Using Intraoperative Aberrometry for Highly Myopic, Highly Hyperopic, and Post-Refractive Surgery Patients”
- This recognition reflects Dr. Passi’s active engagement in advancing the field through rigorous clinical research
Published Work:
- Co-author of peer-reviewed journal articles in the American Journal of Ophthalmology
- Contributor to medical textbooks including “Surgical Correction of Presbyopia: The Fifth Wave” and “Curbside Consultation in Cornea and External Disease”
- Published article: “The Best Way to Get Started With Toric IOLs” in CRSToday (April 2019)
Dr. Passi maintains active membership in leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing ophthalmology:
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society — Member
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — Member
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) — Member
These memberships reflect Dr. Passi’s commitment to staying current with the latest advances in ophthalmology and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.
Hospital Affiliations
- Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT
- LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
Community Involvement & Volunteer Service
Dr. Passi has always been deeply committed to giving back to his community and serving those in need. His volunteer work includes:
- Mission of Sight — Volunteer surgeon, providing humanitarian surgical eye care in Jamaica with his wife
- SEE International — Volunteer surgeon, helping treat and prevent blindness through cataract surgery in Africa
- 4th Street Homeless Ophthalmology Clinic — Co-manager, providing comprehensive eye care to underserved populations
- Primary Children’s Medical Center — Music volunteer, bringing comfort and joy to pediatric patients
- Global Health Scholar, University of Utah — Participant in public health projects in Kumasi, Ghana, and San Jose, Peru
Through these initiatives, Dr. Passi has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to expanding access to quality eye care and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Personal Interests
In his spare time, Dr. Passi enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves camping, fishing, and water skiing. Dr. Passi is also an accomplished guitarist and enjoys playing music in his free time.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Passi
Patient-Centered Approach: Dr. Passi prioritizes understanding each patient’s unique needs and visual goals, developing personalized treatment plans that align with their preferences and lifestyle.
Surgical Excellence: Recognition for surgical skill and innovation, combined with extensive experience, ensures optimal outcomes for patients.
Board Certification & Credentials: Dr. Passi’s board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology and membership in leading professional organizations demonstrate his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.
Advanced Training: With specialized fellowship training in anterior segment surgery and corneal disease, Dr. Passi brings subspecialty expertise to every patient encounter.
Research & Innovation: Dr. Passi’s awards and published contributions to ophthalmologic literature reflect his commitment to advancing the field through rigorous clinical research and innovation.
Comprehensive Care: From routine eye exams to complex surgical procedures, Dr. Passi provides comprehensive eye care across the full spectrum of anterior segment ophthalmology.
Community Commitment: Dr. Passi’s extensive volunteer work demonstrates his dedication to expanding access to quality eye care and serving those in need.
Contact & Scheduling
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Samuel Passi, please contact The Eye Institute of Utah.
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The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.