Shivani Kamat, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the Glaucoma Fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in complex glaucoma, anterior segment disease, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery and has extensive experience in medical, laser, and surgical treatment of glaucoma, including combined cataract and glaucoma procedures as well as the latest glaucoma surgical devices and intraocular lens implant technology.
Dr. Kamat earned her medical degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She completed an internship in internal medicine at the UF Health Shands Hospital, a residency in ophthalmology at Loyola University, and a fellowship in glaucoma at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a primary teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.
Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, she joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2022. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor, where she served as the Glaucoma Fellowship Director and the Medical Director of the center’s community clinic in Brighton, Michigan.
Dr. Kamat founded and co-chairs Women in Glaucoma. She serves on multiple committees of the American Glaucoma Society and as an examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Dallas Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Kamat is actively involved in clinical research, her interests including the epidemiology of glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, anterior segment disease, and plateau iris syndrome. She has lectured widely and published numerous research articles on these and related topics in publications such as Nature, Ophthalmology, JAMA Ophthalmology, Journal of Glaucoma, and EyeNet Magazine, among others. In addition, she has served as a reviewer for Journal of Glaucoma, contributed to a book on gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy, and been interviewed for stories in national magazines and digital platforms.
Shivani Kamat, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at UT Southwestern specializing in complex glaucoma and anterior segment disease. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting from increased intraocular pressure. Anterior segment disease includes various disorders, with cataracts being the most common.
In medical school, Dr. Kamat was drawn to clinical practice and surgery, which led her to ophthalmology.
"Ophthalmology is unique because we are the primary care physicians for the eye," she explains. “Yet, we still need the skills to operate on the patient, allowing me to combine my two interests.”
As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Kamat is committed to building long-term relationships with her patients. She finds it deeply rewarding to accompany each patient on their journey to better vision and health.
"It's very gratifying to help my patients see better by removing cataracts or by providing treatment to manage their glaucoma as they combat this chronic disease," she says.
Patients who undergo cataract surgery at UT Southwestern often experience significant improvements in their quality of life.
"Frequently, the patient is in good health, but a cataract has developed, hindering their ability to carry out everyday tasks," Dr. Kamat says. "As a cataract surgeon, my goal is to restore the patient's sight so that they return to work, partake in their favorite activity, and see their friends and family with excellent vision."
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, she is part of a highly skilled team of ophthalmologists with extensive training.
"The diverse patient population at UT Southwestern means we encounter and operate on a wide range of cases, which increases our knowledge and expertise.” Dr. Kamat says. “Being part of a teaching hospital provides access to the latest equipment and research for cataracts, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care."
Glaucoma is a progressive disease with no cure that can lead to vision loss and blindness.
"Glaucoma is a tough field, with patients requiring nuanced treatment," Dr. Kamat says. "Our goal is to slow the disease."
Dr. Kamat enjoys the intellectual challenge of treating glaucoma and feels honored to work with her patients.
"This diagnosis is long-term, and I want to partner with my patients to help them through it. Each patient has different needs and goals, and it's my responsibility to find a treatment that works for them."
Treatment for glaucoma involves reducing eye pressure to avoid damage to the optic nerve, and each treatment is tailored to the patient. At UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kamat sees many complex cases.
"Treatment for glaucoma is constantly evolving," she says. "At UT Southwestern, we have access to new and novel surgical treatments, advanced research, and clinical trials, ultimately bringing better care to the patient."
Before joining the UT Southwestern faculty, Dr. Kamat practiced at the University of Michigan and spent a short time in private practice upon arriving in Dallas.
"Ultimately, I wanted to be part of a teaching hospital, and UT Southwestern seemed like a natural fit because of its reputation," she says. "I missed being around trainees. Education is an important part of my ethos, and I wanted to return to it."
Dr. Kamat is the Director of the Glaucoma Fellowship at UT Southwestern, training the next generation of ophthalmologists.
"It feels good to be able to teach these skills. There is a lot of need in the area, and it's an honor to give back to the community," she says.
Dr. Kamat operates with fellows at Parkland two days a month. When complex cases arise at Parkland, she is called in to handle them as needed.
She is also actively involved in research.
"One of the reasons I like working at a teaching hospital is to have access to the latest trials," she says.
Dr. Kamat is passionate about helping people achieve the best quality of life despite chronic and progressive diseases. She is eager to expand her voluntary and missionary work in the future.
"I would like to provide the gift of sight to those who do not have access to surgery,” she says. “I aim to bring my expertise to low-income and remote areas worldwide that can't readily get help."
Dr. Kamat moved to Dallas in 2022 with her husband, who is also an ophthalmologist, to be near family.
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