Refractive, Cornea, and Cataract Surgeon
An International Leader in Ophthalmology
Dr. Rahul Tonk is a distinguished refractive surgeon specializing in advanced laser and lens vision correction. He brings the highest level of academic medicine to Central New Jersey, practicing at Wills Laser Vision and Princeton Eye Group. This marks a homecoming after his tenure as Associate Professor and Associate Medical Director at the nation’s #1-ranked eye center, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL. Additionally, Dr. Tonk serves on the faculty at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, which is consistently ranked among the top 3 eye centers in America.
Recognized as a “Rising Star” on The Ophthalmologist’s global Power List and named to Ophthalmology Management’s “40 Under 40,” Dr. Tonk is a key opinion leader actively shaping the future of vision care. His expertise is sought after worldwide; he has delivered over 100 invited lectures and presentations at national and international meetings.
Elite Training and Surgical Volume
Dr. Tonk distinguishes himself through a level of advanced training that not all refractive surgeons possess. He completed a dedicated fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Bascom Palmer, training directly under the leaders in refractive surgery—including Dr. Sonia Yoo (Past President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery) and laser pioneers Drs. William Culbertson and Terrence O’Brien.
This prestigious lineage is matched by extensive experience: Dr. Tonk has successfully performed over 10,000 eye surgeries. This combination of elite mentorship and high-volume surgical experience allows him to handle even the most complex vision correction cases with precision and confidence.
The Surgeon’s Choice: A Personal Connection
Dr. Tonk offers a unique perspective that few surgeons can claim: he is a refractive surgery patient himself. Having undergone LASIK, he personally understands the life-changing freedom of waking up to clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts. This personal experience deeply informs his practice and builds a special trust with his patients.
When eye doctors need vision correction for themselves or their families, they frequently turn to Dr. Tonk. He has performed refractive surgery on numerous fellow ophthalmologists and even performed PRK on his own wife—the ultimate testament to his confidence in the safety, precision, and life-enhancing results of these procedures.
Philosophy of Care: Safety and Customization
Dr. Tonk’s approach to refractive surgery is defined by an obsession with detail and safety. He rejects the “assembly line” model of vision correction; instead, he personally evaluates every patient to determine their candidacy. He believes that every eye is unique and that surgery must be tailored to the patient’s specific lifestyle—whether they are an athlete, an artist, or a digital professional.
As a fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist, Dr. Tonk possesses a profound understanding of the corneal tissue that laser surgery reshapes. This expertise allows him to not only deliver pristine results for routine cases but also to expertly manage complex conditions and correct complications from prior surgeries performed elsewhere. By pairing this personalized, high-touch experience with the world’s most advanced technologies, Dr. Tonk ensures that patients receive the procedure best suited to their individual needs.
A Recognized Leader and Educator
Dr. Tonk is known as a “surgeon’s surgeon,” holding a pivotal role in shaping the future of the field as a member of the ASCRS Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee. He is an inductee of the prestigious AECOS and CEDARS/ASPENS societies, honors reserved for the foremost surgeon-innovators in ophthalmology. A passionate educator, Dr. Tonk has personally mentored over 30 fellows to become elite refractive surgeons at two of the country’s top institutions. He also serves as an investigator for major clinical trials, ensuring his patients have access to the latest technologies in LASIK, PRK, and advanced lenses before they are widely available.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Tonk specializes in the full spectrum of modern vision correction, offering customized options for patients at every stage of life. His areas of expertise include:
- All-Laser, Custom LASIK
- PRK (Advanced Surface Ablation)
- EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses)
- Custom Lens Replacement (Refractive Lens Exchange)
Dr. Tonk is fluent in English, Spanish, and Hindi.
