Wednesday, October 29, 2025 by Crystal Thornton, www.klove.com
Dr. Ming Wang is a Harvard and MIT graduate and one of the few laser eye surgeons in the world to also hold a PhD in laser physics. His extraordinary life story—from a childhood shaped by China’s Cultural Revolution to becoming a world-renowned eye surgeon and follower of Christ—has inspired the feature film Sight, based on his autobiography From Darkness to Sight.
'From Darkness To Sight,' The Inspiring Faith Story Of Chinese American Immigrant Dr. Ming Wang
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From Darkness to Light
Born in China, Dr. Wang grew up during one of the most turbulent periods in the nation’s history. As a teenager, he faced extreme poverty, political persecution, and the threat of being sent to a labor camp for life. At just 14 years old, he began learning to play the traditional Chinese violin (the Erhu) and to dance—hoping to join a government propaganda troupe, one of the few ways to escape hard labor.
“Over 20 million high school graduates were deported to labor camps during the Cultural Revolution,” Dr. Wang recalls. “I was about to be one of them. So I turned to music and dance, desperately hoping to avoid that fate.”
When China’s universities reopened after a decade-long shutdown, his parents encouraged him to leap ahead—jumping three school years in only a few months—to qualify for college before the opportunity disappeared.
“With my parents' help, I was accepted into the University of Science and Technology in China to study laser physics. In 1982, I came to America with $50 and a dream.”
Dr. Wang earned his PhD in laser physics at the University of Maryland, conducted postdoctoral research at MIT, and—despite racial discrimination—was accepted to Harvard Medical School. There, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with highest honors and finished first in his class for his thesis.
“I was told I’d never get into medical school because I was Chinese. But I didn’t listen. I worked harder—and God opened the door.”
Changing Lives Around the World
Today, Dr. Wang is one of the most sought-after laser eye surgeons in the world. He has performed over 55,000 procedures, including surgeries for more than 4,000 fellow doctors. He holds two U.S. patents for the amniotic membrane contact lens—an invention that has helped restore sight to millions globally.
Through his nonprofit, The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, he has provided free care to patients from 55 countries and 40 U.S. states—at no charge.
From Atheist to Believer
When Dr. Wang first arrived in America, he was an atheist who believed only in science. But that changed during medical school.
“It was the human eye that challenged my worldview,” he said. “It was too complex, too precise to be a product of random chance. My professor, a quiet Christian, asked me, ‘Can random metal pieces form a car? Then how can something more complex like the eye exist by accident?’”
That question became a turning point. Over time, Dr. Wang moved from disbelief to faith in Jesus Christ—a journey that later inspired the character of the Chinese student in the film God’s Not Dead.
“Yes, that cute Chinese student was me! I say ‘cute’ because the actor they chose was better looking than I am. But the story is true—I came to Christ through science.”
In Sight, Dr. Wang dedicates the film to his parents, whose love and perseverance helped him survive his darkest days.
Each year, he hosts the Eye Ball, a charity concert where he performs on the Erhu—the same instrument that once saved him from a labor camp.
“I play the Erhu as a tribute to America, to freedom, and to God.”
The Light of Kajal
The film also shares the story of Kajal, a 5-year-old orphan from India who was intentionally blinded so she could sing on the streets for money. Her courage and joy inspired Dr. Wang’s invention of the amniotic membrane contact lens.
“Kajal taught us that there are two types of sight—physical and emotional. Even in total darkness, her heart emitted light. That’s the power of love—and of Christ—in someone’s life.”
Though immigration laws prevented her from staying in the U.S., Kajal went on to earn a master’s degree in India. Dr. Wang is now working to reconnect with her.
A Message for America
Dr. Wang’s words for our nation are sobering—but filled with hope.
“We’ve taken freedom for granted. That’s why we’re so divided. The cure is appreciation—fall in love with America again. Watch Sight. Hear the stories of those who don’t have freedom. Then, choose to love your neighbor. That’s how we heal.”
To learn more about Dr. Ming Wang, his foundation, or the movie Sight, visit www.DrMingWang.com.
See Dr. Wang’s inspiring life story in the film Sight (FREE link here)
I’m Crystal Thornton with K-LOVE —where every story points back to the One who changes everything.
For more inspiring stories go to KLOVE.com/GodStories.
