by Ming Wang
Host families: The foundation’s current focus is helping blind orphan children. It is hard to imagine anyone more deserving of assistance than these children. For example, Maria’s life has changed dramatically as a result of the help we have been able to provide. She has gone from being a blind orphan in Moldova who was at the brink of becoming a victim of human trafficking and prostitution, to a happy teenager who now lives in Franklin, Tennessee, is loved, and can see! Maria’s host family, the Hendriches, made all of this possible. If you are interested in being a host family, or you know someone who may be interested in serving as a host family, please inform us through our foundation’s website (www.wangfoundation.org). You can specify the age preference of the orphan(s) you would like to host, and how long you can host. The foundation works with several Christian missionary groups who travel around the world, so when we identify blind orphans that we may be able to help, we do our best to place them with the best matched host families.
Placentas: The foundation continues to conduct active research to further study the healing effects of the amniotic membrane and to improve the technology of the amniotic membrane contact lens based on our U.S. patents. The processing of these lenses involves fetal tissue research that does not touch or harm any part of an unborn child, as it utilizes post-birth placentas which are otherwise typically discarded after delivery.
If you know any pregnant women who are interested in donating their placentas after their babies are born, please inform us through our foundation’s website (www.wangfoundation.org). One placenta can be processed into nearly one hundred amniotic membrane contact lenses, and therefore has the potential of helping restore sight to one hundred older people!
EyeBall: Each year the foundation hosts its annual fundraiser gala—the EyeBall—which showcases the beauty of classical ballroom dancing, reminding attendees how precious the gift of sight is. Without sight, we would not be able to appreciate the elegance of this style of dancing. It is important to do what we can to help those who have lost the gift of sight. We need volunteers for future EyeBall events, as well as in-kind service and silent auction item donations.
Donations: Though the foundation’s doctors donate their services, there is still a significant need for funds related to other aspects of caring for these patients, including travel, lodging, clothing, and other medical care that is outside the range of specialties of the foundation doctors.
Therefore, any financial support is much appreciated! Helping blind patients, especially orphans, go from darkness to sight is the mission of the Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration. Together, we can all make a difference!
Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration
A 501(c)(3) non-profit charity
1801 West End Ave, Ste 1150
Nashville, TN, 37203
615-321-8881(O)
615-321-8874 (fax)
www.wangfoundation.com
Additional Endorsements for This Book
“I thought I knew Dr. Wang well, but reading this book gave me the full picture of the struggles he’s occasionally alluded to, but never dwelled upon. I didn’t know the details of how he learned his music and dancing skills to literally save his life during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, nor how he had to qualify for a university spot or face a life of labor. It sheds light on his focus and work ethic, things he admits have been costly yet helpful. From Darkness to Sight is for anyone who wants to know the man behind the surgical mask, or just to know more about the struggles of one determined immigrant who fled a bleak future and created a life of success and service in his adopted home country.”
—Charles G. Grummon, CFP®, Associate Vice President – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors
“I have personally never known a better student of dance and of life than Ming Wang. His open-mindedness and willingness to learn are matched only by his intellect, desire and talent. I have learned as much from Ming as he has ever learned from me… wisdom about life and the inspiring example he is of determination and generosity. Our partnership is unique and special; we both see dancing as the ultimate activity that is stimulating intellectually, physically and emotionally, and Ming has taken this tremendous love of dance and has found ways to not only share his passion, but to utilize dancing as a way to help others. I couldn’t ask for a better partner and friend.”
—Shalene Archer, former U.S. Professional American Ballroom Champion
“I am honored to be publishing From Darkness to Sight. Dr. Wang is a real visionary and self-made man whose story of dedication, perseverance and hope will inspire millions. It is the honest and compelling story of a young man who escaped cruel and inhumane communist deportation in China by coming to America, overcoming racial discrimination, earning degrees from Harvard and MIT, and becoming one of America’s leading LASIK surgeons.”
—David Dunham, Dunham Group, Inc., Publisher From Darkness to Sight
“In the Bible, Proverbs 16:9 reads: ‘In his heart, a man plans his way in life, but it’s the Lord who directs his steps.’ To me that encapsulates Dr. Ming Wang. All the challenges in his early life gave him an understanding and compassion for others, and the determination to make a difference. Couple that with brilliant wisdom and remarkable talent, and you have the makings of a man who God can use in a mighty way. He is driven by a never-ending thirst to find new ways of relieving pain and giving hope through the miracle of sight. The day will come when he will stand before his maker, who will say ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
—Rudy Kalis, Anchor, WSMV/Channel 4/NBC
“Ming Wang has a remarkable story, overcoming incredible odds to realize his dreams here in the United States. He has dedicated his life to helping people around the world, and I’m proud to know him.”
—Beth Harwell, Tennessee Speaker of the House
“Dr. Ming Wang is what I consider to be a modern Renaissance Man. While he is an accomplished musician, ballroom dancer, and certainly a profound man of science and medicine, he lives out daily his faith, and is an example of how we as followers of Christ should live our lives — not simply in words, but in deeds as well. He generously gives away his time, resources and medical skills to those who cannot see. He is a friend and someone I truly admire.”
—Glen Casada, Tennessee House Majority Caucus Chairman
“There are few people who influence my life as positively as Dr. Ming Wang. His personal friendship spurs me to continue pursuing my God-given dreams. His tenacity inspires me to trust God fully when mountains seem insurmountable. His fearlessness in proclaiming the connection of God and science helps countless people reach beyond their own humanity to a greater faith in The Divine.”
—David McCullough, Mayor, Cheatham County, Tennessee
“It is a real privilege to be able to comment on Dr. Ming Wang and his life. I have had the opportunity to hear him speak of how God has influenced his life, and I have seen it occur. He not only talks about God influencing his life, but I have listened to his testimony and have seen it in action. What a great opportunity to see him use his great gift in our city.”
—Joe Greene, Founder, Christian Executive Officers Fellowship
“A tornado in a hurricane! Ming is a world-class eye surgeon whose commitment to introduce breakthrough technology despite the restrictive medical atmosphere is paralleled in his personal life, where his relentless passion to help mankind is undeterred by the repeated storms that life throws in his way. A simpleton at heart with an IQ of an impatient genius, I believe what he has achieved is only testimony to his capacity which is yet to be called for a higher function.”
—Arun Gulani, MD, Gulani Vision Institute
“From Dr. Ming Wang’s struggle to survive as a young man in China to his great success and conversion to Christianity in the United States, Ming’s life story contains many lessons for all of us. It is not only Ming’s brilliant mind but also his love of Christ and servant’s heart that are propelling him forward with a life of passionate
purpose.”
—Jerry Moll, MA, MPA, IOM, AOM, Founder, President & CEO, Living Sent Ministries
“Having been taunted and bullied as a kid growing up in the projects wearing Coke-bottle glasses, when the opportunity to undergo LASIK became available nearly a quarter century ago, I thought it was too good to be true. It was a life-changing miracle, which occurred again recently when Ming replaced my cataracts with Forever Young lenses. Miracles do happen, especially when a gifted surgeon humbles himself, kneels down and prays with his patients. The Word as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 is appropriately applied to this gifted man of God: ‘I know the thoughts that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and they are plans to prosper you and to keep you from harm and to give you a hope and a future.’”
—Michael Sheppard, CEO/Chairman, NMC Inc. and Founder of The Sheppard Group
“Ming Wang was one of the first people we met in Nashville. His energy, faith and kindness have made us friends for life. As a board member of the Wang Foundation, I have been blessed to work for the cause of providing sight to those who could have never dreamed of ever seeing at all. Countless children and adults alike have been given this gift. Ming gave me the ‘sight’ to want to work tirelessly for others and to be an example of his deep commitment to faith and healing. His love of country and his struggles in life give him a dedication and love for what he does that is to be admired and honored. In countries where people already have so little, the gift of restored sight that the Wang Foundation can give will mean the gift of life as well. For many it means being able to work again, look after their families again, and regain their dignity. Ming’s life is a tribute to what is good and sane about humanity. God bless you, my dear friend, and thank you for being in my world.”
—Lynda Evjen, Evjen & Associates
“In 2010, due to mistakes of another specialist eye surgeon, I was going blind. At the last moment of hope, I met Dr. Ming Wang on a Friday morning at an event where he was a speaker. Booked for months, he instantly put all aside for me. I was in his office by noon, where he and his team worked on me until 5:00 that afternoon. By the next day, the invasive infection had been arrested, and my frightful experience began a steady reversal from its impending darkness towards full sight. Today, I see clearly, with thanks to God and to Dr. Wang. When I visited China in 1979, as one of the earliest Americans who was allowed to visit China after Mao Zedong began his rule in 1949, the young Ming was not far from where I visited. He was still in his years of struggle and searching. This year, I was able to read his life story several times as it was being written. Both then and now, perhaps because of what I saw in China and because I witnessed some of what he experienced, I found myself emotional again and again as I read passages of anguish, hope and eventual consummate victory, success, and spiritual blessing! My wife and I feel continually honored to be in his company, whether in his home or supporting him at public events. Together with his beloved Anle, he has become a treasured, intimate friend…worthy of my best love and highest respect! This book will be inspiring to any person who reads it…it has my enthusiastic recommendation!”
—Dr. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor/Writer/Builder
“Dr. Ming Wang’s engaging account of his struggle to find faith and freedom in the United States gives us an insightful glimpse into the travesties of the Cultural Revolution in China. Understanding this peculiar period of history is important for all Americans interested in developing relationships with the Chinese in business, education, medicine or ministry.”
—William H. Slater, MEd, JD, Headmaster, Hendersonville Christian Academy
“Over several decades, Dr. Ming Wang has brought to Tennessee and the nation a level of skill and excellence in surgical care that has restored sight to many and has inspired other physicians to follow his lead. He is a teacher, author, and mentor to a new generation of eye surgeons, making the future brighter. Dr. Wang’s life story is one of overcoming obstacles, mastering the excellent and making the science of eye care an art second to none. Having known and admired him over the years, I have been pleased to see him achieve the recognition that he so richly deserves. I predict more honors and recognition in the years ahead.”
—Spencer P. Thornton, MD, FACS, Past President, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery; Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee
“Engaging stories of inspiration and timeless truth must be told! From Joseph in Genesis to Disney’s Cinderella, we are enthralled by grand tales of heroes and heroines confronting massive hardships, and in the face of incredible odds, accomplishing great things and rising to unbelievable heights. We cheer as goodness and faithfulness, as well as courage, persistence, and honest hard work prevail. From Darkness to Sight is such a story! Invest a few minutes with Dr. Ming Wang and be enlightened, encouraged, and entertained!”
—James T. Hiatt, JD, MBA, Associate Vice President for Academic Programs, Dean, Skinner School of Business and Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University
“As the producer of the EyeBall, I have the blessed experience to know and appreciate Dr. Ming Wang on a level most may not. While Ming is probably the most talented man I have ever had the pleasure to know, from ophthalmologist to concert performer to competitive ballroom dancer to physicist, I have noticed he also shares a kindness with the world that you very rarely find these days. From Darkness to Sight is a brilliant read, encapsulating how this one man has struggled to become the world class expert he is on a multitude of levels, while simultaneously finding the inner peace through God to share those talents with humanity in a very real and remarkable manner. It is a pleasure and an honor to call Ming my friend.”
—Robert Swope, Producer, EyeBall, President/CEO, Sunrise Entertainment
“I had the pleasure of spending a year with Dr. Wang, as a fellow learning advanced laser eye surgery. His dedication to using technology to help people see is incredible, and he has made more contributions to our profession than I am able to count. He is a tremendous mentor and valued friend.”
—Lance Kugler, MD, President, Refractive Surgery Alliance
“We have known Dr. Wang for almost twenty years. He is a gifted scientist, clinician, and entrepreneur—an inspiring Renaissance Man. The title of his book, From Darkness to Sight, is a perfect metaphor for his life. He transformed personally from darkness to faith, freedom and generosity of spirit. And we, his friends and patients, are the beneficiaries.”
—John Dayani, President and CEO, Vanderford Capital Advisors
—Elizabeth Dayani, Founder and Vice Chairman, Cardiac Care Group
“Dr. Ming Wang is a truly unique person with a mix of talents and principles rarely found in a single individual. He is a superb and caring physician, a visionary and entrepreneur, an innovator and a philanthropist, a role model for immigrants seeking the ‘American Dream.’ Never mind that he dances a lot better than I do.”
—Harry Jacobson, MD, former Vice Chancellor of Health, Vanderbilt University
“As an immigrant to this country from Cuba, who knows first-hand the oppressiveness of communism, Dr. Ming Wang’s story is particularly moving to me. And like Dr. Wang, I too have been blessed to live in this country that honors hard work, liberty and freedom of religion. Dr. Wang is an inspiration to us all, especially the immigrant community, because he reminds us that this country is truly a place where anything is possible. I consider Dr. Wang a close friend and know that he is a man of God committed to public service. I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of From Darkness to Sight because it is one of the best personal accounts of the ‘American Dream.’”
—Raul Lopez, Executive Director for Latinos for Tennessee, a nonprofit organization promoting faith, family, and fiscal responsibility to Latinos in Tennessee
“Dr. Ming Wang is one of the premier pioneers of our time in surgical innovation and techniques. His surgical skill and magic touch have transformed the lives of the many patients who have sought his help and expert advic
e. He does not cease to amaze by introducing or embracing surgical techniques that are at the forefront of cornea and refractive surgery. I had the honor to watch his surgeries and to scrub with him on numerous occasions, and I can comfortably say that I would rank him among the top five surgeons in the world. His prolific career extends from helping patients with extremely disabling eye diseases (using basal stem cell transplants) to those who choose elective procedures (such as the Kamra implants) that are designed to provide a better lifestyle. His contributions to the field of ophthalmology as a surgeon, author, inventor and teacher will immortalize his name.”
—Ilan Cohen, MD, Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist
“It is a rare yet precious occasion when one encounters a person who can truly be described as ‘extraordinary.’ I can attest that I have met the embodiment of the word in Dr. Ming Wang. His remarkable life story, beautifully chronicled in his recent autobiography, From Darkness to Sight, is inspiring. His harrowing escape from the clutches of China’s Cultural Revolution and the Gang of Four is riveting. Dr. Wang’s accomplishments as a preeminent scientist and eye surgeon are only surpassed by his acts of philanthropy, which are inspired by his strong Christian faith. He is the embodiment of the harmony between science and religion. I am grateful to know Dr. Wang and honored to be among his friends.”
—Farzin Ferdowsi, CEO, MRCO, LLC
“Dr. Ming Wang is a generous man who has overcome much adversity to become a world-renowned eye surgeon and philanthropist. His powerful life story has the potential to impact and change the lives of millions of people who will be inspired and motivated by his remarkable story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder about the greatness of America and the sovereignty of God.”
—Carol M. Swain, Professor of Political Science and Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University
“More than any other immigrant to the Nashville area, Ming has raised the profile of the immigrant community. With his numerous contributions—both professional and cultural—as well as his business leadership, he has left his mark on our community. I am pleased to have collaborated with Ming in the founding of the Tennessee Immigrant and Minority Business Group. As a keen observer of Ming’s various and sundry activities, I once asked him when he ever had time to sleep. His quick response was: ‘Oh, I do get two or three hours every night.’ Apparently enough to keep the Energizer Bunny running!”