Ken Nischal

KANWAL ‘KEN’ NISCHAL MD, FAAP, FRCOphth 

Division Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Adult Motility 

Medical Director Digital Health, UPMC Children’s Hospital  

Associate Medical Director, UPMC 

Vice Chair, Dept of Ophthalmology, UPMC 

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, grew up outside London, UK in Slough.  

Gained his medical degree from King’s College Hospital, London University.  

Neurosurgery for 18 months prior to starting Ophthalmology as advised by his mentors. During his Neurosurgery, he was a trauma doctor and worked with Professor Watkins, who was the Formula 1 doctor; accompanied him as Formula 1 medical team. 

Trained in Ophthalmology at Oxford Eye hospital rotation, fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.  

Appointed to Consultant at Great Ormond Hospital for Children, London.  

There he developed a unique Pediatric Cornea service which quickly became a geo-center for children with rare diseases affecting the cornea and anterior segment disease; he developed a craniofacial ophthalmic service and an ophthalmic service for rare eye diseases. 

He was member of the medical advisory committee to the Department of Health, Her Majesty’s Government UK.  

Moved to Pittsburgh in 2011. 

Developed the division of Pediatric ophthalmology and Strabismus at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh: Vision Enhancement Center, Collagen Cross Linking Center, Myopia Treatment Center, Ocular genetic service, Pediatric electrophysiology service and eye movement service. 

Continued development of Pediatric Cornea service. 

Credited for developing the TIPP Rhexis technique for pediatric cataract surgery, Banded technique for traumatic pediatric cataract surgery. 

Co-founded Charity World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS) (reg’d.1144806 London UK). Co-executive officer of WSPOS. 3000 members, largest single pediatric society in the world, created to develop services for children’s eye care globally.