Dr. Srinivas Iyengar

Dr. Iyengar is a board-certified, fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon recognized internationally for his expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery.

Meet Dr. Srinivas Iyengar

As the founder of San Diego Eyelid Specialists, Dr. Iyengar has dedicated his career to delivering exceptional care in both cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. With nearly two decades of experience, he has operated across the globe, earned recognition as a Top Doctor in San Diego for almost a decade, and is trusted by physicians, athletes, and public figures for his precision and natural-looking results.

Background and Education

A San Diego native, Dr. Iyengar graduated at the top of his class from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he also served as Class President. He went on to complete his surgical internship at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado, and his ophthalmology residency at the University of Kansas, where he achieved the highest in-training exam scores and was named a Paul Kayser International Scholar by the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology. Deeply focused on perfecting his surgical technique, Dr. Iyengar had the change to work alongside the top eyelid surgeons in the world when he was selected to join ORBIS International's Flying Eye Hospital—the world’s only DC-10 aircraft with a fully equipped operating room—where he spent a year teaching and performing eyelid surgery across multiple countries.

Fellowship and Professional Achievements

Dr. Iyengar completed his fellowship in oculoplastic surgery through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) in Los Angeles. He went on to serve as Chief of Ophthalmology at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Central Florida before returning home to San Diego to establish San Diego Eyelid Specialists. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of ASOPRS, as well as the San Diego County Medical Society. In addition to leading his private practice, Dr. Iyengar serves as a board examiner for oculoplastic surgeons completing their training and frequently hosts visiting surgeons at his practice for advanced instruction.

Awards and Recognition

Since 2016, Dr. Iyengar has consistently been named a Top Doctor as selected by physician peers in San Diego Magazine in both Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery—a rare dual honor. He has also received the Outstanding Volunteer Faculty Award from the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute for his dedication to resident education and mentorship.

His academic contributions include authoring numerous articles and book chapters in the field of oculoplastic surgery. In 2020, he co-authored a landmark publication describing a newly identified hereditary eyelid syndrome in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Specialties and Philosophy

Dr. Iyengar’s practice is dedicated exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, including complex trauma repair, revision surgeries, skin cancer reconstruction, and advanced cosmetic procedures. He is known for his meticulous surgical technique and commitment to natural-appearing outcomes that enhance both function and aesthetics. His philosophy centers on safety, precision, and bestoke personalized care. Whether working with physicians, athletes, entertainers, or local families, Dr. Iyengar ensures every patient receives the same high standard of expertise and compassion.

Leadership and Service

Dr. Iyengar is deeply involved in the San Diego medical community, serving as Chief of Ophthalmology at Scripps Encinitas Hospital and providing consultation for complex eyelid and orbital trauma cases. He has also served as a physician for professional sports teams, including the San Diego Chargers, San Diego State Aztecs, San Diego Legion, and Detroit Tigers. His global commitment to reducing preventable blindness continues through his role as Volunteer Faculty with ORBIS International, where he teaches eyelid surgery to physicians worldwide.

Outside the Practice

Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr. Iyengar is passionate about giving back through international volunteerism and has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Society, serving on both their International Subcommittees for Global Work.

International Contributions

Focused on sustainable improvements in surgical techniques for eyelid surgery in low-middle income countries, Dr. Iyengar has performed surgery and taught eyelid surgery in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Ethiopia, Peru, India, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Laos, Argentina, China, Syria, and most recently Palestine. He continues to partner with organizations like ORBIS International, Lōkana, and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund to bring advanced oculoplastic care to communities in need. ORBIS International only selects globally-recognized surgeons who have excellent surgical and teaching skills to serve as faculty to handle some of the most challenging cases in the world, often in less than optimal conditions. Dr. Iyengar has been honored to serve as Volunteer Faculty with ORBIS in the field of Oculoplastic Surgery.

Around the World and Back Home

Dr. Iyengar feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time working with top eyelid surgeons around the world, as such he funds a scholarship award for surgeons in low-middle income countries committed to making global health part of their career called the Cherwek Award in Global Ophthalmology. At home in San Diego, he serves as voluntary faculty at the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute and mentors residents and medical students at local free clinics and voluntarily cares for patients at Scripps Encinitas Hospital with complex eyelid injuries. Known for his approachable style, dry humor, and generosity with his time, Dr. Iyengar finds purpose not only in treating patients but also in teaching and inspiring the next generation of surgeons.