Dr. Avneet K. Sodhi Gaur of Assil Gaur Eye Institute. (Assil Gaur Eye Institute/Submitted)
By Ed Condran
When LeBron James returned quickly from a torn tendon in his right foot in 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was asked about his recovery. “I went to the LeBron James of feet,” James replied.
Well, when James aimed to improve his vision with Lasik surgery, the future NBA Hall of Famer went to the LeBron James of eyes, which is Beverly Hills’ Assil Gaur Eye Institute. The acclaimed eye center features world-renowned ophthalmologists Dr. Avneet K. Sodhi Gaur and Dr. Kerry Assil.
James had EagleVision Lasik, which stands for elliptical flap, aberrometry guided laser enhanced vision.
“We’re the only practice in Los Angeles that features EagleVision Lasik,” Gaur said. “It’s quite impactful. These high-end athletes really rely on their vision and they come to us to get the job done.”
Such NBA stars as Anthony Davis, Paul George and Jalen Brunson also had Eagle Vision Lasik at Assil Gaur Eye Institute.
“Many actors and actresses have come in as well,” Gaur said.
Michelle Williams, Marlee Matlin and Gary Sinise have had the procedure at the Assil Gaur Eye Institute.
“Actors rely on their vision,” Gaur said. “We’re here to help improve their lives. LeBron James said that his three-pointer improved after undergoing EagleVision Lasik. It feels so good when you can help improve a person’s vision.”
Gaur, who is the director of Glaucoma Services, Refractive & Cataract Surgery and Aesthetics, works in tandem with Dr. Assil, who is the medical director.
“I’ve been practicing ophthalmology for 10 years and I’m pleased to be deeply rooted in Los Angeles here at the Institute,” Gaur said.
Gaur is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cataract, refractive and glaucoma specialist with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions, including Tufts Medical/ Center/New England Eye Center and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston-Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary.
The Maryland native has performed thousands of cataract, glaucoma and refractive surgeries, including LASIK, PRK and EVO ICL and implantation of premium intraocular lenses, such as multifocal, extended-depth focus and Toric implants with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system as well as Laser-Assisted Cataract surgery.
Gaur is following in the footsteps of ophthalmic pioneer Dr. Robert Sinskey, who invented the Sinskey hook, which is an instrument he devised and is one of the most widely used instruments in cataract/implant surgery.
“Sinskey is the father of modern cataract surgery,” Gaur said. “We’re multi-specialty and we also have cutting-edge technology, which enables us to be one of the premier Lasik centers in Los Angeles.”
The Assil Gaur Eye Institute is not just about top-tier surgery. Bedside manner is a priority at the Institute.
“What’s unique about our office is that we humanize the experience,” Gaur said. “The doctors are human and relate well with patients. We’re patient-centric. We give the patients all the time and care they need.”
It seemed as if Gaur was destined for a life in medicine since just about everyone in her family is practicing. Gaur’s father is an ICU physician. Her mother is in primary care and her older brother is a cardiologist.
However, it’s surprising that Gaur’s father didn’t encourage his children to pursue the family business. “My father didn’t push us to go to medical school,” Gaur said. “He suggested to look at business school. There was no parental pressure. There is the stereotype that all Indians are doctors.”
However, Gaur naturally gravitated toward medicine. The only surprise was that she focused on eyes. What led Gaur to ophthalmology is her grandfather, who lost an eye due to an accident and had issues with his other eye due to diabetes and glaucoma.
“My grandfather’s situation had something to do with my choice,” Gaur said. “But once I started in ophthalmology, I just fell in love with it. I found my calling. I love the fast-paced environment. I love the instant gratification of helping people and restoring one of the most important senses.”
Gaur’s younger brother followed in her footsteps as an ophthalmologist. “My grandfather’s story resonated with my brother as well,” Gaur said. “He enjoys what he does, and he did rotations with me. It’s very competitive to become an ophthalmologist but I love it. This is what I was meant to do.”
There’s balance for Gaur, who is married with two prepubescent children. Her family is her support system. “I wouldn’t be here without my pillars,” Gaur said. “Those are my parents, brothers and husband. I have two boys that are 9 and 8 years old. I owe so much to my husband, Robin Gaur, who works for an aerospace defense company in management, and he does real estate all over Los Angeles. When I was offered the partnership with Dr. Assil, my husband was my biggest cheerleader. I’m very fortunate to have this supportive family and a career in which I can help people.”
Assil Gaur Eye Institute of Los Angeles
450 N. Roxbury Drive, third floor, Beverly Hills
310-651-2300
assileye.com
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