From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing

by Ming Wang MD PhD

From Darkness to Sight chronicles the remarkable life journey of Dr. Ming Wang, a world-renowned laser eye surgeon and philanthropist. As a teenager, Ming fought valiantly to escape one of history’s darkest eras - China’s Cultural Revolution - during which millions of innocent youth were deported to remote areas to face a life sentence of poverty and hard labor. Through his own tenacity and his parents’ tireless efforts to provide a chance of freedom for their son, Ming eventually made his way to America with $50 in his pocket and an American dream in his heart, where against all odds he would earn a PhD in laser physics and graduate magna cum laude with the highest honors from Harvard Medical School and MIT. He embraced his Christian faith and tackled one of the most important questions of our time - are faith and science friends or foes? - which led to his invention of a breakthrough biotechnology to restore sight.

To date, Dr. Wang has performed more than 55,000 eye procedures and has treated patients from nearly every state in the US and from more than 55 countries worldwide. He is considered the “doctor’s doctor”, as he has operated on more than 4,000 physicians. Dr. Wang has published eight textbooks including a paper in the world-renowned journal Nature, holds several US patents and performed the world’s first laser artificial cornea implantation. He is the recipient of the Honor Award from American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Chinese Physician Association. Dr. Wang is currently the only surgeon in the state who performs 3D LASIK (18+), 3D Forever Young Lens Surgery (45+), 3D Laser KAMRA (45+), and 3D Laser Cataract Surgery (60+). Dr. Wang established a non-profit foundation which provides sight restoration surgeries for indigent patients who otherwise would never have the opportunity to receive them free-of-charge.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Christian, Audiobook, Christianity, China

Audible Audio

First published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it is an autobiography, From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing is so full of cliffhangers and dramatic pauses that one cannot offer too many specifics without unveiling spoilers. So, let me offer some data as to why Ming Wang-xu is worthy of having his autobiography read and then, ask some questions that are not only answered in the book but fascinated me as I was reading it. So, why would you read this book? You would read it to find out about someone who overcame not one but several potential dead ends in his life, a laser physicist (Ph.D. from University of Maryland) who participated in a groundbreaking experiment to form dimers from sodium atoms, developed (with Dr. George Church) a new method for studying DNA-protein interaction in human cells, earned a patent for putting the amniotic membrane in contact lenses to allow for healing without scarring after surgery, and was a pioneer in laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation surgery.

So, how did a person become this accomplished when forced to quit school when he was 14 years-old by the mandate of the Cultural Revolution in China?

How did someone who didn’t graduate high school attend medical school?

How did a non-high school graduate get into college in China when they were only allowing four students per city to be accepted into college?

Why (and how) does one get one’s high school diploma after completing a Ph.D. in a U.S. university and receiving one’s M.D. from Harvard and M.I.T.?

How did the limited artistic expression of the Cultural Revolution era in China lead to an eye surgeon who could not only compete in national ballroom dance competitions but record the erhu (traditional Chinese violin) on an album with Dolly Parton?

How does someone initially rejected by Johns-Hopkings University Medical School end up getting accepted to a joint program with Harvard and M.I.T.?

What kind of prejudice did Chinese students experience in the U.S., even as late as the 1990s?

How does a surgeon cope with all-or-nothing challenges where the surgery restores a great deal of sight if successful, but even wipes out minimal light perception if it fails?

From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing is not a rags-to-riches story, but it is a story of overcoming horrendous hindrances, demonstrating phenomenal intellectual curiosity, and accomplishing several things that most of us would call “miracles.”

[Tyler Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible testimony of a man who came from nothingness to becoming one of the most influencing doctors in the world. Dr. Wang is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and faith. This book moved me to the point of tears, and seeing how God moved through him throughout the years, despite the struggles and hardships, is encouraging for me. Sometimes I wonder if God has abandoned me, but this book shows that God is with us, even when we don't know it. This is an incredible story, and I encourage everyone to read it.

The only problem I had with this book was that he repeated himself at some points. I can't tell you how many times he said "from darkness to sight" because he said it so much. Other that nitpick, this is a phenomenal book, and I want to read it again and again.

[JSL · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has been married four times! And all of the marriages were while he was a professing Christian, if I remember correctly. He has only one child, a grown son, Dennis, whom he had with his first wife.

His story is compelling, and I enjoyed reading about his overcoming spirit and dedication to excellence in the field of ophthalmology. He is in Nashville, TN. No pictures are included in this library Kindle edition, although he does state at the end that there are pictures. Dolly Parton has good things to say about him.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing story. Ming Wang has accomplished so many things against staggering odds. He is obviously a genius and also has an unstoppable drive and dedication. As an autobiography, it comes off a bit self aggrandizing, but if anyone has the right to brag a little it is Mind Wang.

[Liyan Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eloquently written memoir about a Chinese man overcoming cultural hurdles and racism against Chinese to have achieved tremendous success. What he documented in this book resonates with all of us Chinese Americans, although most of us is not as overarching as Dr. Ming Wang is. He is brilliant, hardworking, and benevolent. I’m so happy to see he is so well rounded and humble. His philanthropy work of performing eye surgery free to the underprivileged is inspiring, inspirational and instructive. He is truly a shining example of overseas Chinese. Also a beacon to our next generation of immigrants. His experience will give our offsprings hope, direction, and confidence. I also like his way of cherishing Chinese heritage while embracing western culture and values. China is forever our biological mother; and US, our mother-in-law. We love both countries and we wish both countries well. Reading his memoir I found myself in tears from time to time. I hope his book will shed some light on immigrants’ life and struggles. And will help westerners to better understand us new comers. Most of the time racism comes from ignorance, from not knowing the other people. We are all the same, despite of the difference in appearance. We all need love and we all love other people. Dr. Wang shows this. He has come a long way. I’m very grateful for his sharing of his arduous life journey. Highly recommend this book to westerners and immigrants

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first half of the book of his life in China during the Cultural Revolution. I learned a lot. Got a bit bogged down in the middle during all the schooling and a lot of scientific lingo I was not interested in becoming an expert in. It picked up toward the end with the telling of those he helped save their eyesight. I'm sad for his personal life (4th wife). Though my Chinese friend who loaned me her signed copy and knows Ming says 5 wives....I also thought it got a bit self-congratulatory although you can't fault his credentials.

[Chelsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an eye opening account of a remarkable life. Dr. Wang had overcome amazing odds to be where he is now, helping others also overcome unspeakable odds. His faith is truly wonderful and I am happy to have read about the miracles God performs through Dr. Wang. I would definitely recommend, although I had to give three stars only because I think some editing and excision of some redundant material would be beneficial. Despite that, the story is true and worth the time to read.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ming Wang grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution which denied him of schooling and threatened to send him to hard labor. He worked hard and when schooling opportunity opened again, he gained a coveted college placement. He was able to come to the US to study and completed a PhD and then medical degree. He went on to be a world-renown laser eye surgeon giving back to the community and also to China.
I believe this was a Goodreads recommendation based on my enjoyment of _Second Sons_ which tells of cataract surgeries among the poor of Nepal. I struggled with large sections of this one. Yes, Wang endured great hardships in China. But I felt as if much of the book is "See all the wonderful things I've been able to do by working hard to overcome the hardships."

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d actually give this a 3.5 rating. A friend told me she watched the movie based on this book three tines, and suggested I should check it out, since I do have vision issues. Wang’s history is incredible and inspiring. I felt a tendency toward possible vindictiveness when he discusses a Dean at a college who treated him disdainfully, and am assigned mentor who also did that, even as Wang proclaims his admiration for the American way of life and openness. Some of the scientific jargon did leave me somewhat confused.

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Born in China, Wang's family survived the cultural revolution. He was forced to leave his education, since Mao declared higher learning to be bourgeois, and work to help support his family and avoid being deported to a slave labor camp. He finally made his way to America and went on to become a world renowned laser eye surgeon. Good book about his struggles to become successful through tenacity and hard work.

[June E. Perkins]

Fascinating insights into the Chinese cultural revo!ution and the advent of laser she surgery

I liked this book because it blew my mind to realize someone my age suffered so much growing up in
China during the cultural revolution. I understand that whole unfortunate experiment much better now. I also learned about racism and the advent of laser. He is a good writer and the story moved along well. I loved the testimony of his coming to faith.

[Siobhan O'M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely awe-inspiring journey this man has gone through, from tremendous hardships growing up in China being deprived of basic education to impacting the lives of so many blind patients in America. His life, especially his work ethic, determination and his commitment to trusting in the Lord's plan is truly an inspiration to me. I hope to emulate these aspects of his character in my own journey.

[A.N.G. Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent autobiography and a wonderfully faith-filled read for Christians. Dr. Wang's journey from spiritual darkness to sight is a testament to God's will and work in the lives of those He loves (even before they love Him).

Also, if you have seen Angel Studio's "Sight (2016)", please consider reading this book. The movie watered down Dr. Wang's faith journey and adjusted his story to a ridiculous degree.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the opportunity to see the new movie, Sight, one afternoon. It prompted me to read Ming Wang’s autobiography. There is so much more in this read than a movie can possibly present. I enjoyed both, but learning even more about Dr. Wang’s life from China to America and his faith journey to Christianity is truly a fascinating story!

[Yvonne Kneeshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed biography very much. I appreciate the ways God restored his spiritual sight. His immense love for freedom in the U.S. and sharing of God given talents to invent methods to return physical sight, equals hope for many. His ultimate devotion to science & faith combined however did affect his relationships. Ming Wang is an overcomer with Gods’ enabling.

[David Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book

I saw the movie sight before reading the book. I needed to read the book. I am glad I did. The history of what Dr Wang went through in China and accomplished is inspiring. I am moved by his praying before each surgery, putting the outcome in God's hand.

I would recommend this book as a must read.

[William Howle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a friend and was a very moving story of overwhelming hardships and over coming these hardships to become a renowned doctor that has helped so many people. It is a testament to his faith and his desire to help others. I highly recommend this book.

[Shirley Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a remarkable journey from darkness to sight! Dr. Wang is a true inspiration!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would strongly recommend to the others who will also benefit from his insights and spirit.

[Gael McKeever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraordinary story of determination and persistence. China tried to squash him during the cultural revolution, but windows of opportunity allowed him to overcome. Brilliant and driven, his personal life suffered. However, his dedication to providing sight to the blind remains his driving force.

[John Brackbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book version.

The remarkable story of how Ming Wang survived the cultural revolution and somehow overcame academic hurdles to make it to the US. He has had a successful career in helping those with sight problems see. It is autobiographical.

[Peggy Hess Greenawalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing true story about a brilliant Chinese immigrant who found his faith admist adversity, racism, hard work, suffering, and a will to succeed. His contributions to science and medicine are incredible. A great read!!!

[Pat Thatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is truly informative and inspirational!

[Xiaoman Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not literature worth, but the way Dr. Wang articulates his medical journey in restoration of sight is easy to understand and fascination.

[Kim Schellin-Rog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. A story of overcoming hardship and perseverance. I don’t know. I was disappointed

[MICHELE BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

This book was uplifting and very emotional. It let see a part of Chinese culture not usually talked about. I thank god for people like Dr. Wang.

[Melissa]

Sight movie

[Ruth Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read!

Any success is possible in life if we never give up, persevere and always rely on God to lead everything!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about the Chinese cultural revolution and was so inspired by Dr. Wang’s life and what he has accomplished and the ways he is giving back.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While we may not all be this gifted, the audiobook offers inspiration that we all can learn from. I highly recommend it.

The narrator did a great job

[Barbara Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No fictional story could ever compare to the true story of Dr. Wang. This book, his story - is proof that the human spirit is invincible if we choose to be so. It also puts a glaring spotlight on how incredibly easy it is to overlook our own blessings.