Dr. Rahul Tonk is a board-certified, internationally recognized ophthalmologist specializing in advanced cataract surgery, cornea, and refractive surgery (LASIK). His arrival at Princeton Eye Group is a homecoming, a deliberate choice to bring his world-class expertise back to the Central New Jersey community where his journey in medicine began. He is dedicated to providing his patients with the same level of innovative, compassionate, and world-class care that he delivered at the nation’s top-ranked eye hospital.
A Foundation Forged in New Jersey
Born and raised in Central New Jersey, Dr. Tonk is a proud graduate of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School. It was here that he met his wife and developed the community ties that would eventually call him home. He began his medical education close to home, earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he also co-founded the Medical Student Section of the Medical Society of New Jersey, an early sign of his commitment to leadership and service.
Training at the Pinnacle of Ophthalmology
Dr. Tonk’s pursuit of excellence led him to an Ivy League education at Cornell University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Albany Medical College, where he was selected by his peers and faculty to serve as Chief Resident, a testament to his clinical skill and leadership. He then undertook a prestigious fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida—the undisputed leader in vision care, ranked the #1 Eye Hospital in the United States for over two decades.
A Leader Among the World’s Best
After his fellowship, Dr. Tonk was invited to join the faculty at Bascom Palmer, where he built a remarkable career as a surgeon, educator, and leader. He rose to the rank of Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, where he was entrusted to train the next generation of the world’s top cornea and cataract surgeons as the Co-Director of the Cornea & Refractive Surgery Fellowship. In addition to his academic and clinical duties, he served as the Medical Director for a Bascom Palmer satellite facility, demonstrating his expertise in managing a clinical practice to ensure the highest standards of patient care and operational excellence.
An Internationally Recognized Innovator and Educator
Dr. Tonk is a leading voice in ophthalmology, sought after for his expertise both nationally and internationally. His peers around the globe have recognized him with the field’s most prestigious honors for young leaders, including being named to The Ophthalmologist’s 2023 “Power List: Rising Star,” a selection of the 10 most influential young ophthalmologists in the world. He was also named to the inaugural “40 under 40” list by Ophthalmology Management and selected as “One to Watch” by MillennialEYE.
A passionate educator, Dr. Tonk is a “surgeon’s surgeon.” He is chosen by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) to direct instructional courses at their national meetings, teaching advanced surgical techniques to thousands of his fellow ophthalmologists. He has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters and is a committed researcher, having served as an investigator for clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
Your Vision, Our Community
Dr. Tonk is thrilled to be back in his home state, providing personalized and cutting-edge eye care to the Princeton community. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Hindi.
Dr. Tonk is accepting new patients in our Princeton, Monroe, and Somerset locations. You can read more about Dr. Tonk here.