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Saras Ramanathan
4.9 out of 5 (332)
Saras Ramanathan

Saras Ramanathan, MD

Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Division Chief, Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic
490 Illinois St.,
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 353-2020
4.9 out of 5 (332)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (332)
Virtual visits available
Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Optometry Clinic
490 Illinois St.,
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 353-2020

Dr. Saras Ramanathan is an ophthalmologist who provides comprehensive ocular care. She specializes in surgery for cataracts, particularly complex cases. She is passionate about her goal of restoring and preserving sight in each and every patient.

Ramanathan is equally passionate about teaching what she knows to other physicians. She is a nationally recognized medical educator. Her publications on methods of teaching cataract surgery as well as on training with surgical simulation have influenced the way surgical ophthalmology is taught in the U.S. today. She directs UCSF's residency program in ophthalmology, and she continually strives for excellence in resident education. She has received numerous teaching awards and feels further rewarded by her former students' success and achievements.

Ramanathan earned her medical degree from the University of Washington. She then completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Chicago.

Ramanathan is a fellow of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology

  • Residencies

    University of Chicago Hospital, Ophthalmology

  • Internship

    Evanston Northwestern Healthcare-Evanston Hospital, Internal Medicine

  • Degree

    MD, University of Washington

Caring for patients and mentoring young physicians make it a pleasure to come to work every day.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    332 Ratings
    About our process
    Nov 12, 2025
    I love Dr. Saraswathy Ramanathan
    Nov 03, 2025
    Nobody was listed at the beginning of the survey. I was first seen by Shreya Shah, a resident and then by Sara Ramanathan. I was very impressed by Dr. Shah's exam, the most thorough I've ever received. Dr. Ramanathan's follow-up exam was her usual excellent exam.
    Oct 14, 2025
    Dr Saraswathy Ramanathan is an excellent doctor! This is my first visit with her and I found her to be very willing to share the findings on my tests. She also described choices and did further observations others had not done to come to an unobtrusive recommendation regarding my vision decline at this point. She too me seriously and answered my questions openly. She also took into consideration other iissues regarding my heart as it was a concern for me with any kind of possible surgery. She is kind, funny, personal, caring, respectful and extremely knowledgeable in her field. She's willing to go the extra mile and do the work in knowing me to make a decision together about current and future decisions regarding my eye health. When I decide to have my surgery it will be with her. You're lucky to have her at UCSF! So am I!!!
    Sep 20, 2025
    Wonderful provider.
    Sep 13, 2025
    She is the best!
    Sep 06, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is amazing. Clone her!
    Aug 27, 2025
    It is immediately apparent that Dr. Ramanathan is a leader among her peers, on account of her competence and experience. What is remarkable is that as much does not encumber her ability to speak to the needs and concerns of her patients.
    Aug 04, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is awesome!!!! She's a 10!
    Jul 09, 2025
    Good
    Jul 09, 2025
    Dr. Ramananthan is so kind, competent and comforting. I'm extremely pleased with my surgical experience.
    Jul 07, 2025
    Excellent
    Jun 28, 2025
    I love Dr R. So good. She diagnosed my problem that 3 previous ophthalmologists missed.
    Jun 25, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is just wonderful. Her medical student, Albert, is knowledgeable and great personality
    Jun 21, 2025
    I feel confident my doctor will provide the best care available for my situation.
    Jun 14, 2025
    Excellent
    May 31, 2025
    Dr Ramanathan is amazing!!!
    May 30, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is so great in all directions
    May 28, 2025
    Dr Ramanathan and her team are excellent. All aspects of care from the technical to the personal attention to the patient are superior. Thank you.
    May 24, 2025
    This Department runs like a Swiss Watch. Very impressed.
    May 05, 2025
    Excellent communication
    Apr 19, 2025
    Excellent
    Apr 19, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is excellent in every way. She is thorough, takes the time to listen and evaluate my questions, explains the condition, sets reasonable expectations, and provides great care instructions.
    Apr 18, 2025
    Extremely thorough practitioner, answers all questions, exceptionally skilled surgeon. Follow up outstanding.
    Apr 16, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is fantastic!!!!
    Apr 16, 2025
    Through every step of catarac surgery, leisure surgery, was explained thoroughly.allowing me to relax and be open to my questions, as well.
    Apr 15, 2025
    Dr Ramanathan is great
    Apr 14, 2025
    Dr. R Outstanding in every way! And I am happy that you have given me this easy way to let the world know - knowledge, bedside, surgical talent. She is the best of the best!
    Mar 24, 2025
    Dr Ramanathan is wonderful. Her positive attitude is contagious and reassuring. Her team in the OR were also great, very pleasant. During what could potentially be a stressful situation, I never felt afraid or nervous.
    Feb 21, 2025
    Good
    Feb 19, 2025
    We love Dr. Ramanathan
    Feb 19, 2025
    She is the best
    Feb 15, 2025
    Dr Ramanathan is an amazing doctor. Her expertise, knowledge, patient manner, friendliness, how well she explains things - to patients and students alike, are top notch. All around an outstanding doctor. So fortunate to be under her care.
    Feb 08, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is FABULOUS!!! So kind, so knowledgeable, so wonderful!
    Jan 27, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is OUTSTANDING! Excellent personal skills, professional skills, friendly. GIVE HER A RAISE! Put patient and parent as ease. Good instruction to her residents.
    Jan 25, 2025
    Dr. Ramanathan is the best. So grateful for her care.
    Jan 17, 2025
    Dr R. Is remarkable. Her energy level and enthusiasm at 5:00PM are commendable. She was very positive and optimistic and went over the various lense options carefully and clearly, ditto for the explanation of the surgery.
    Dec 27, 2024
    My care provider was exceedingly patient, understanding, and communicative.
    Dec 18, 2024
    She is awesome
    Dec 18, 2024
    My care provider is excellent in all respects. She clearly explains my situation and options for care and listens carefully and responds clearly to all my questions.
    Dec 14, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is an amazing doctor, I wish all doctors were as caring, smart and friendly.
    Nov 22, 2024
    Dr.Ramanathan is a very caring physician. She is very Sincere, and doesn't mind my questions and she is also a good teacher. I learn a lot more about my condition when she had a discussion about how to Choose a replacement lens in front of of me. I appreciated very much hearing there conversation. I like her teaching style as well.
    Nov 22, 2024
    Love Fr Sara. She is extraordinary
    Nov 02, 2024
    Doctor RAMANATHAN Is The BEST
    Nov 02, 2024
    Actually, all excellent/supurb
    Nov 02, 2024
    Good service
    Oct 16, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is top flight. She's good, smart, enthusiastic and cares for her patients. She was very helpful in my decision regarding my future treatment she gave me options and was just fantastic.
    Oct 02, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is a warm, caring, attentive precise and respectful provider.
    Oct 02, 2024
    I love Dr. Ramanathan!
    Oct 01, 2024
    I have recommended my doctor to two other people.
    Sep 21, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is exceptional Doctor
    Sep 09, 2024
    Excellent work, very good people, friendly and always with a smile and they made me feel very good
    Aug 25, 2024
    Dr. R. Is one of the best doctors I have ever seen. She is kind and a great listener, very thorough and caring.
    Aug 21, 2024
    Dr Ramanathan is great! Kind, clear, compassionate, straightforward.
    Aug 03, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is a very caring, kind person. Its refreshing in these days to have a doctor with these qualities. We need more doctors like her.
    Jul 26, 2024
    Dr. Ramanathan is great! -- obviously very skilled and experienced, and an excellent communicator. I feel like I am in good hands with her.
    Jul 20, 2024
    Dr Ramanathan is more than very good! And her young intern was also great!
    Jul 17, 2024
    Great visit with the doctor
    Jul 07, 2024
    Dr Ramathan & team are worthy of my trust & time.
    Jul 06, 2024
    One of the best health providers I've ever had.
    Jun 05, 2024
    Very compassionate and helpful
    May 15, 2024
    I appreciated the compassion shown to me as I struggled with my vision.
    May 08, 2024
    The team are very helpful and caring.
    Apr 24, 2024
    Good from beginning to endthank you
    Apr 22, 2024
    Excellent physician
    Apr 17, 2024
    I am so impressed and grateful for the outstanding care l received from everyone involved. Not only was I treated exceptionally but they also kept my son informed throughout the procedure. Extremely appreciative of your excellent care.
    Apr 17, 2024
    She was excellent, well worth waiting for 5 months to get the appointment, but of course this is too long.
    Apr 11, 2024
    Dr Ramanathan is OUTSTANDING, very compassionate
    Apr 03, 2024
    I have been seeing Dr.Ramanathan for more than 3 years , she is not only an excellent doctor but also , a very nice person .I also , had the pleasure of meeting Dr.Jacob Lifton , who was very polite and most helpful.
    Mar 18, 2024
    Good
    Mar 13, 2024
    Dr Ramanathan is such an expert in her field. I know I am receiving the best care .
    Mar 07, 2024
    Before the consultation, I found myself navigating through a haze of uncertainty regarding my eyes condition, feeling quite disheartened by the lack of clear solutions.Dr. Ramanathan's expertise and reassuring demeanor offered a beacon of hope in what felt like an insurmountable journey. The insight, guidance and support provided not only clarified the path forward but also instilled a newfound sense of optimism in me. It's rare to find a physician who combines such personal touches and care for a patient with outstanding quality of medical care.
    Mar 07, 2024
    This is an EXCELLENT Clinic!

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